A Digital Nomad Visa was introduced by Japan on April 1, allowing eligible foreign nationals to work remotely and spend up to six months in Japan. Recently, government of Malta has revised the eligibility requirements for Nomad Residence Permit from April 1 2024.

New applicants for the Malta Nomad Residence Permit will have to show proof of a minimum annual gross income of €42,000 (instead of the existing €32,400). However, existing holders will not be impacted. With effect from April 1, 2024, it will also be possible for beneficiaries to apply for a renewal for a third time, for a maximum stay of 4 years (instead of the current 3).

So, what is Digital Nomad Visa, which countries offer them and what are the requirements to avail them?

Who wouldn’t be intrigued by the possibility of a lifestyle that allows you to travel to various countries across the world while earning a living from anywhere? A digital nomad visa allows one to explore different global destinations while supporting yourself through remote employment.

Holders of the Nomad residence permit or visa are allowed to continue living in a certain country while still keeping their existing job, which is located in another country. The Permit is available to everyone who can use telecommunications technologies to work remotely and from anywhere.

For example, if you are a citizen of Brazil or any other country, you can stay in Spain with a digital nomad visa issued by Spanish immigration and work for a company outside Spain. However, if you work for a company registered in Spain, you cannot apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain.

A digital nomad uses technology to work remotely from locations other than their home country. The governmental permit allowing for remote work is known as the digital nomad visa. Numerous nations provide such visas to students and professionals, each with its own set of requirements and costs.

The clear advantage of these programs is that you can take a long vacation without jeopardizing your profession because you’ll still have a reliable source of income. However, having a flexible and remote profession is essential for becoming a digital nomad. Therefore, when it comes to working in times when there is a time difference, it could be stressing at times.

Presently, nearly 49 countries offers programs for temporary remote workers through digital nomad visa. Some of them include Spain, Greece, Romania, Hungary, Cyprus, Latvia, Albania, St. Lucia, Grenada, Panama, Belize, Brazil, Ecuador, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Namibia, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Indonesia-Bali, Italy, Columbia, and South Africa.

The requirements to get a digital nomad visa may vary but mostly all countries will have the following mandate:

You are able to work independently of location.

You can perform your work duties remotely using telecommunications technology.

You can provide evidence that your income met the minimum threshold during the six months preceding the application as set by the country.