We live in a post-pandemic world— a 60-hour work week in office is no longer the norm. Remote work has brought more flexibility and freedom to people’s lives, along with the option to work from the most scenic destinations. In 2020, Estonia became the first country in the world to introduce the digital nomad visa for remote workers. Several countries have since followed suit. For Indian passport holders, visa applications can often be a complex process involving mountains of paperwork. There are, however, countries that offer Indian passport holders visas to work remotely.
Who is a digital nomad and what is the visa type that applies to them?
Imagine writing your next novel with a view of the pristine blue waters in Greece or sending that marketing pitch deck while experiencing the cafe culture of Portugal. Simply put, a digital nomad is someone whose job is location-independent and can work from anywhere in the world. There are specific visas that give them the legal right to work remotely in a country that’s not their home country for a specified period of time. These visas may be known by different names in each country – a remote work visa, a freelance visa, a digital nomad visa. And they’ll have specific conditions attached to them, like what kinds of work you can do, how long you can stay and work in that country, and what your minimum earnings need to be. All of these visas essentially give you the right to work remotely for a certain amount of time in that country.
Here are nine countries that give Indian passport holders a digital nomad or remote work visa:
Germany
Although Germany does not offer a digital nomad visa for remote workers, it does have an alternative called the Freelance Visa. For the freelance visa, individuals must be in one of the liberal professions (creative, medical, advisory, teaching, technical) and should have proof of financial sufficiency for one year (a minimal monthly income of approximately €9000 or about Rs8,00,000), proof of freelance work, proof of qualification (University degree or higher education degree from a state or state-recognised institution), health insurance, and residency, among other documents. Once you have put together the required documents, fill the application form and schedule an appointment at the German embassy. Keep in mind that all documents and forms should be translated in German and we’d recommend keeping two sets of copies with you.
Cost of the visa: €75 (about Rs16,300)
Length of permitted stay: one year (can be extended up to three years)
Minimum stay requirement: six months
Processing time for application: 3-4 months.
Greece
The digital nomad visa offered by Greece is open to all non-EU residents. To apply for the visa, you will require a proof of employment contract with a company outside of Greece or proof of independent work, proof of income (minimum monthly salary of €3500 or about Rs3,17,000), proof of accommodation in Greece, health insurance, a cover letter, medical certificate, a Police Clearance Certificate attested by the Ministry of External Affairs (New Delhi), and a confirmed return flight ticket. Once you have gathered your documents, you can fill in the visa form digitally or in person at the embassy, and submit your documents.
Cost of the visa: Rs9,450
Length of permitted stay: one year
Processing time for application: Two weeks to a month.
Indonesia
While Indonesia does not officially call this a digital nomad visa, remote workers of Indian nationality can work in the country with the E33G visa for a period of one year. For the visa, you will need proof of funds and a minimum bank balance of $2,000 (about Rs1,66,000) and a statement of accounts showing an income of $60,000 (about Rs50,02,000) per year, and proof of employment in an organisation outside the Indonesian territory.
Cost of the visa: $150 (about Rs12,000) + Rp2,700,000 (about Rs14,000)
Length of permitted stay: one year
Processing time: 7-14 days.
Mauritius
Known officially as the Mauritius Premium Travel Visa, this multi-entry visa allows digital nomads to stay and work from the country for a period of six months—extending to one year—and comes with the option of renewal. Apart from a valid passport, individuals must have proof of income and a minimum monthly income of $1,500 (about Rs1,25,000) if travelling alone and minimum $500 (Rs 41,700) per month for each dependent child, proof of employment outside of Mauritius, and proof of accommodation, travel and health insurance.
Cost of visa: Free
Length of permitted stay: six months.
Portugal
All non-EU/EEA residents are eligible to apply for the digital nomad visa offered by Portugal. Remote workers can apply for the temporary visa, which allows the holder to stay in Portugal for one year with multiple entries permitted. However, this permit cannot be extended or used to apply for a residency. Individuals can also opt for the long-term visa, which is valid for 4 months and allows two entries into the country. Upon arrival, holders can apply for a two-year residence permit. The temporary visa requires the individual to be over 18, proof of remote work and employment or incase of independent work, a society contract or document attesting the services provided, as well as a clean criminal record, permanent residence in the home country, proof of accommodation in Portugal and proof of monthly income of €3,280 (about Rs2,95,000).
Cost of visa: €90 (Rs 9,000)
Length of visa: 1 year
Bahamas
The digital nomad visa or Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) allows remote workers to live and work in this tropical paradise for up to a year with multiple entries. Individuals are not required to pay any additional income or other taxes during their stay. For the BEATS visa, a valid passport, proof of employment outside the country, proof of financial sufficiency, medical insurance and a clean criminal record are the primary requirements. Indian passport holders are also required to apply for a visitor visa here.
Cost of visa: $25 (about Rs2,000). Once the visa is approved, holders will have to pay a permit fee of $1,000 (about Rs83,200) and an extra $500 (about Rs41,700) for every dependent. If they are also remote workers, then the fee would be $1000 (about Rs83,200).
Length of visa: one year (Can be renewed twice and extended for three years)
Processing time for visa: five days.
Spain
Spain offers a digital nomad visa to all professionals who are self-employed or working remotely for an organisation outside of Spain. Digital nomads will also be allowed to work locally provided that this work does not account for more than 20% of their total activity. Applicants must have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a university or proof of three years of work experience. For the visa, they will also require a valid passport, clean criminal record, proof of employment outside of Spain, proof of contractual work (if self-employed), proof of permanent residence in their home country, and health insurance.
Cost of visa: Rs18,600
Length of visa: one year
Processing time for visa: 10 days.
Seychelles
Officially called the Workcation Retreat Program, this visa offered by the Seychelles for remote workers is valid for one year for all freelancers, entrepreneurs and professionals employed outside of the country. For the visa, you will require proof of employment (for self-employed individuals, you can submit your bank statement as proof), proof of income, proof of accommodation (such as a hotel, or rented apartment), return ticket, and health insurance. Apart from the required documents, you will also have to apply for the Visitors Permit 60 days before you enter the country and a Travel Authorisation (both can be done digitally).
Cost of visa: €10 (Rs 900)
Length of Visa: 1 year
Visa processing time: A few weeks.
Costa Rica
The land of Pura Vida offers a digital nomad visa to people of all nationalities, provided they are employed outside of Costa Rica, and earn a minimum monthly income of $3,000 (about Rs2,50,000), or $4,000 (about Rs3,32,000) if they are applying with a dependent. Besides a valid passport, they will also require bank statements along with the online application form. Keep in mind, all documents and forms should be translated into Spanish.
Cost of visa: $100 (about Rs 8,300)
Length of visa: one year (can be renewed and extended for an additional year)
Processing time for visa: 15 days.