Digital Nomad Visas That Lead to Citizenship
Digital nomads are individuals who leverage technology to earn a living and conduct their life in a nomadic manner. They typically work remotely, utilizing the internet and a laptop to perform their jobs from anywhere in the world. Digital nomads are not tied to a specific location, allowing them to travel extensively while maintaining their professional responsibilities. This lifestyle offers flexibility and freedom, enabling individuals to explore different cultures and environments while still pursuing their careers. Recently more and more employers too are offering their employees the option to work from anywhere.
In the post pandemic world a lot of countries have started offering digital nomad visas in order to attract remote workers who can contribute to the local economy without taking up traditional employment opportunities. These visas allow individuals to live and work in a country for an extended period, boosting tourism, local businesses, and real estate markets. Additionally, digital nomads often bring valuable skills, knowledge, and cross-cultural experiences to the communities they temporarily reside in. By catering to this growing demographic, countries hope to benefit from their spending and enrich their cultural landscape. While there are plenty of countries globally offering the digital nomad visa there are only a few countries that allow you to turn your visa into permanent residency, eventually leading to citizenship.
Greece
(Citizenship after 5 years)
To qualify for the Greece digital nomad visa, applicants must provide proof of employment from a company outside Greece or proof of self-employment with clients outside Greece. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate sufficient income to support themselves while residing in Greece without accessing the local labor market. The visa application requires proof of health insurance coverage valid in Greece and a clean criminal record. Successful applicants are typically granted a visa valid for one year, with the possibility of renewal.
Requirements
Eligibility: Be a non-EU national passport holder
Application Form: Completion of the official application form along with other necessary documents.
Proof of Income: Income of more than €3,500 per month for a single person and an additional 15% approximately for each dependent. This can be shown using bank statements.
Proof of Remote Work: This can be a letter from your employer stating that you are permitted to work remotely or an employment contract that shows you’re allowed to work remotely
Criminal Record Certificate: This needs to be a legalized by the competent authority of the country of the applicant’s nationality or of the country where the applicant has resided for over a year
Health Insurance: You need to provide an insurance coverage in Greece for the duration of your visa
Medical Certificate: You need provide a medical certificate that shows you are in good health
Proof of accommodation: You need to provide a rental agreement that will be your address proof in Greece
Latvia
(Citizenship after 5 years)
The Latvia digital nomad visa requirements include having health insurance coverage during the stay, providing proof of sufficient income to support oneself, showing a clear intention to engage in remote work or freelance activities, and demonstrating accommodation arrangements while in Latvia. Applicants must also have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining and a clean criminal record. Additional documents may be required based on individual circumstances and the specific visa application type.
Requirements
Eligibility: Be a non-EU national passport holder
A letter from your employer stating that you are permitted to work remotely or an employment contract that shows you’re allowed to work remotely
Additionally you must be employed by a company that is registered in an OECD country or self-employed with a business registered in an OECD country
Proof of Income: Income that’s 2.5 times more than the national average salary which is €1,425. Bank Statements need to be provided
Application Form: Completion of the official application form along with other necessary documents.
Criminal record certificate: This needs to be a legalized by the competent authority of the country of the applicant’s nationality or of the country where the applicant has resided for over a year
Health Insurance: You need to provide an insurance coverage in Greece for the duration of your visa
Proof of accommodation: You need to provide a rental agreement that will be your address proof in Latvia
Mexico
(Citizenship after 5 years)
To qualify as a digital nomad in Mexico, you must obtain a Temporary Resident Visa for Employment Purposes. This visa allows you to work remotely for foreign employers while residing in Mexico. Applicants need to demonstrate a monthly income that meets certain thresholds or prove they have savings to support themselves during their stay. Additionally, you must provide documentation showing your remote work arrangements and pass a background check. It is advisable to consult the official website of the Mexican consulate or embassy in your home country for the most up-to-date and specific requirements before applying for the visa.
Requirements
Valid passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 more months to apply.
Application Form: Completion of the official application form along with other necessary documents.
Proof of Income: Any one proof from the the below is required
You must have maintained a bank balance of $54,600 USD in the bank for the past year.
You have earned a stable monthly income of $3,275 or higher in the last 6 months and an additional $861 for each family member
Lastly you can qualify for this visa if you own a property in Mexico that is valued at $457,500 minim
Spain
(Citizenship after 10 years)
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa allows individuals to live and work remotely in Spain for up to one year. Applicants must demonstrate a consistent source of income and health insurance coverage. This visa provides an attractive opportunity for remote workers to experience Spain's culture and lifestyle while continuing their professional activities.
Requirements
Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate that they have a remote job with a company based outside of Spain or are self-employed, offering services to clients outside of Spain.
Income Proof: Proof of a regular monthly income that is at least €2,221 per month for the main applicant, with an additional €532 per month for each dependent.
Health Insurance: Applicants must have private health insurance coverage in Spain.
Clean Criminal Record: The applicant should not have a criminal record in Spain or any other country.
Housing: Documentation of accommodation in Spain for the duration of the visa.
Application Form: Completion of the official application form along with other necessary documents.
Biometric Data: Submission of biometric data at the time of application.
These criteria are subject to change, and applicants are advised to check the latest requirements before applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Portugal
(Citizenship after 5 years)
The Portugal digital nomad visa allows remote workers to reside in Portugal for up to two years. Applicants must prove income from independent activities or remote work with a minimum monthly amount. Other requirements include health insurance and a clean criminal record. The visa is ideal for those seeking a European base while working remotely.
Requirements
Eligibility: Applicants must provide evidence of a stable and regular income from remote work or freelance activities. This can include employment contracts, invoices, bank statements, or other financial documents.
Minimum Income Requirement: Applicants must have a minimum monthly income of €3,040 (or the equivalent in their local currency) for the past 3 months prior to the application.
Health Insurance: Applicants must have valid health insurance coverage that is valid in Portugal for the duration of their stay.
Application Form: Completion of the official application form along with other necessary documents.
Criminal Record Check: Applicants must provide a clean criminal record check from their country of origin.
Proof of Accommodation: Applicants must have a valid rental agreement or proof of accommodation in Portugal for the duration of their stay.
Application Submission: Applicants must submit their application and supporting documents to the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) either in person or by mail.
The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is valid for 2 years and can be renewed for an additional 3 years. After 5 years of continuous residence in Portugal, digital nomads may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
It's important to note that the requirements and application process may be subject to change, so it's recommended to check the official SEF website or consult with an immigration lawyer for the most up-to-date information. There is a considerable delay in securing the appointments and visa processing for those applying through VFS centres.
Italy
(Citizenship after 10 years)
Newest on the list, Italy offers a digital nomad visa allowing individuals to reside in the country for up to one year while working remotely. Applicants must prove sufficient income and eligibility requirements to qualify for this visa.
Requirements
Eligibility: Must be a self-employed remote worker or a freelancer for at least the past 6 months
Income: Must prove a stable income from clients outside Italy. Monthly income of €2,700 or an annual income of €32,400
Health Insurance: Must have health insurance valid in Italy.
Accommodation: Must provide proof of accommodation in Italy. This can be owned or rented property.
Application: Complete the online application and pay the required fee.
Education: Higher education and confirmed professional experience
Duration: Visa allows stay up to 1 year, with possibility of renewal.
These criteria are subject to change, and applicants are advised to check the official website of the consulate or embassy in your home country for the most up-to-date and specific requirements before applying for the visas
