Throughout the last couple of decades, we have probably all heard someone say that during our lifetimes we will see job titles emerge that we could never have dreamed of in the past, and I think it is safe to say that digital nomad fits this criterion. First of all, let us investigate further what a digital nomad is, it is a person who works remotely either in their home country or abroad, often the location in which they work changes regularly, making the dynamic lifestyle appealing to many in the modern era. Technological advances coupled with a desire for post-pandemic relocation and profession change has fuelled an increase in numbers of digital nomads, and this is evident in the governments across the world who are now taking notice of this. In this article we will outline some of the countries with specialist digital nomad visas, and hopefully help you decide if the digital nomad pathway is the one for you.
Czech Republic
The first EU member nation on this list that offers one of the most competitive digital nomad visas is the Czech Republic, situated in Central Europe and therefore landlocked by a plethora of other European nations. The level of connectivity exhibited by the nation immediately places it as a location of interest for many nomads down to the potential for adventure while being able to establish a stable headquarters. So, how exactly do you apply for this visa? Here are the steps:
1. Find the embassy of the Czech Republic in your home country and make an appointment for an immigration interview. This is the only way to apply as it cannot be done from within the country once you have already arrived on a standard visa.
2. Pass the immigration interview. This stage is to establish the purpose of your trip and to gain an understanding of details such as where you will be staying.
3. Wait. Between 90-120 can pass between interview and approval, which in the short term really is not that long. Once approved, you go back to the embassy to collect the document and you are good to go!
Some other important things to note include the existence of a varying application fee that you are to find out from the embassy of the Czech Republic in your country of current permanent residence, a valid passport and additional photos, proof of funds no less than roughly USD$5,700 once converted, criminal records and proof of the purpose of your stay.
The list of requirements really is not too extensive, making the process all the more appealing, however, as a digital nomad, I am sure there are more things than simply the process that you are hoping will attract you to a place, some other benefits of living in Prague, the capital city, include:
1. The level of safety in the city is one of the best in Europe
2. There is a large community of English-speaking expats who can make you feel welcome before you learn a single word of Czech
3. Locus Workspace, similar to the likes of WeWork, provides workspaces for people, including digital nomads, making the networking scene extremely beneficial as well
Estonia
Another long-time member of the European Union is Estonia, and within its borders, there has been extensive work done to make the country accommodating to the new normality within people’s working habits, especially those who have become remote workers, and in essence, digital nomads. The rise in popularity of this lifestyle has meant that the most innovative nations are able to capitalise and set themselves apart in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, attracting global digital nomads, and Estonia is certainly one of them. The scheme was introduced at the start of August last year and is a yearlong visa allowing travellers to work during their stay. These are the steps to follow during the application process:
1. Fill in the application e-form and sign once printed
2. Pay the €80 or €100 fee depending on whether you are applying for the short or long stay visa
3. Make an appointment at the Estonian embassy in your home country for an interview. This is where the application will begin, so you will need the correct accompanying documents
4. Wait 30 days and receive confirmation (hopefully) of acceptance of your application
Much the same as with the visa for the Czech Republic, we will outline the documents you will need for the appointment as well: proof of digital nomad status (job description essentially), contract or other work status proof, income records and proof of educational and professional history.
With the specific details out of the way, here are some of the social and professional benefits to be gained through a temporary move to Estonia on a digital nomad visa:
1. You would be living on one of the world’s most digital environments, both in terms of connectivity and also advancement. Estonia has technological development the likes of which are only seen in a few countries across the globe
2. There is lots of green space to unwind and explore
3. Rent is not too pricey compared with other European countries
Iceland
For the final option we will be outlining today we will remain in the EU. Iceland is another country which has taken full advantage of embracing digital remote workers, and their version of the digital nomad visa is designed for citizens from outside of the European Union. Situated in one of the most geographically intriguing locations on the planet, from volcanoes and thermal springs, to bustling city life in Reykjavik, there is certainly plenty to keep you entertained during your stay. The digital nomad visa for Iceland is valid for 6 months and these are the steps to follow in order to gain the visa:
1. Pay the application fee and fill out the application form (you will have to pay an additional fee and complete an additional form for each extra person who will be travelling with you)
2. Applications are to be submitted as paper copies to the Director of Immigration
3. Wait for a response and upon arrival in Iceland, if approved beforehand, the visa will be issued to you
Again, here are the documents that will be required of you to submit alongside the relevant number of application forms you will be sending: Payment receipt, passport photos, passport photocopies, health insurance, purpose of your stay in Iceland, income and also your criminal record.
It is evident that the majority of these visas have the same required documentation, and none of them are too hard to find, making the process a bit more relaxing for you. Some of the reasons that make this visa all the more worthwhile applying to include:
1. Iceland is an extremely welcoming country where you will settle in fast
2. There is so much to explore, benefitting the digital nomad community as there will never be a dull place where you can choose to do your work
3. Utilities costs are low compared with mainland Europe, making the country more affordable in this sense than other alternatives
So, if you are a digital nomad or remote worker looking to make a move abroad in the wake of the pandemic, get in touch with us today. Our experienced team at Creimerman deal with helping our clients move themselves and their business abroad in order to enhance their personal and professional lives, and we would love to make you the next.