If there’s one silver lining to come out of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s the ability to work from pretty much anywhere. And if you’re a digital nomad, the world is literally your oyster. If you’re looking for a new adventure in 2021, here are 10 countries to live out your digital nomad dreams:
THE AMERICAS
Cayman Islands
Morning strolls on the beach and snorkelling trips with stingrays await in the Cayman Islands, which offers a Global Citizen Certificate that lets you relocate there for up to two years. The catch? You’ve got to earn over US$100,000 a year. The visa costs US$1,469 per individual or couple and requires a notarised bank reference letter, proof of health insurance coverage and a clean background check.
Learn more at visitcaymanislands.com
Mexico
In the mood for tacos and tequila on the daily? Mexico offers foreigners a temporary resident visa, which is available for one year, with the ability to renew for another three. All you need is proof that you have a monthly income over US$1,620 or a bank account balance of more than US$27,000.
Learn more at consulmex.sre.gob.mx
Costa Rica
Go south and become a ‘rentista’ in Costa Rica, where a freelance visa costs just US$250 a month and gets you residency for up to two years. Note: You must have a minimum income of US$2,500 per month or make a deposit of US$60,000 into a Costa Rican bank. Perfect for thrill seekers, off-work adventures include river-rafting, zip lining and cave tubing.
Learn more at costa-rica-guide.com
THE CARIBBEAN
Anguilla
With plenty of sun, sea and sand, Anguilla is known as one of the friendliest islands in the Caribbean, and those wishing to work remotely in the British overseas territory need only complete one online application with supporting documents such as proof of identity and employment. The application fee costs US$2,000 for individuals or US$3,000 for families, and is decided upon within two speedy weeks from submission.
Learn more at ivisitanguilla.com
Barbados
Rihanna’s hometown of Barbados offers a 12-month visa for digital nomads earning a minimum of US$50,000 per annum. At the same cost as Anguilla’s visa, Barbados typically grants visas within 48 hours of submission, but you’ll need your own health coverage in addition to providing ample proof of identity. Beachfront bungalow, anyone?
Learn more at barbadoswelcomestamp.bb
EUROPE
Spain
Get your fill of sangria and siesta in Spain, which offers foreigners ‘non-lucrative’ visas for up to one-year stays with the option to renew. You’ll need to be able to financially support yourself though, either through an income of EUR2,151 per month or through EUR25,816 in savings. They also ask that you have proof of Spanish health insurance and undergo an FBI background check. Ola!
Learn more at immigrationspain.es
Germany
Spend some time in Germany with their “Freiberufler”visa, which costs EUR100 and can be extended for up to three years, though it can take up to four months to get. The local tax office will need to deem your freelance job as “liberal” in order to qualify, which will entail paying taxes to the German government.
Learn more at germany-visa.org
Croatia
A brand new option for digital nomads, Croatia now offers temporary residency for freelancers as of January 2021 – as long as you earn a minimum of EUR320 per month and can provide proof of income. The visa requires you to undergo a background check, provide a valid rental contract and pay an application fee of EUR60. Easy, peasy.
Learn more at expatincroatia.com
THE NORDICS
Norway
Got the Northern Lights on your bucket list? Head to Norway, where digital nomads are granted the opportunity to live and work for up to two years, as long as you’ve been contracted to work on a local business project. With a visa fee of roughly EUR600, you’ll need to provide proof of accommodation as well as a yearly income of at least EUR35,000 before tax.
Learn more at etiasvisa.com
Iceland
Always dreamed of visiting Iceland? To be a digital nomad there, you’ll need to earn US$88,000 per year to be eligible. Freelancers need not apply, as only those who are permanently employed by a pre-existing company and have their own health insurance will be able to reside out of Iceland for up to six months.
Learn more at schengenvisainfo.com
