Focus on the Digital Nomad Visa
What are the new destinations in 2024?
The development of digital technologies along with the COVID-19 pandemic had a profund impact on our lifestyles and approaches to work. Because of those transformations, new concepts, such as that of digital nomads, emerged and compelled various stakeholders to adapt to the growing demand for better flexibility between personal and professional life.
By definition, digital nomads are not tied to a physical workplace but rely on remote work and digital tools to conduct their professional activities from home or anywhere in the world.
Some countries are taking the initiative to position themselves as accessible destinations for digital nomads. Here’s a look at these targeted immigration procedures.
South Korea
Since January 1st 2024, the South Korean government has introduced the "Workcation Visa", which corresponds to the digital nomad visa.
This visa is available to people wishing to work remotely from South Korea for their foreign company for a maximum period of 2 years. Beneficiaries of this visa are prohibited from working for a local company.
To be eligible, applicants must have sufficient means and demonstrate one year's professional experience in their field of activity.
This visa also authorizes the principal worker's family to travel with him.
Japan
Since March 29, 2024, the Ministry of Justice has introduced a digital nomad visa for a maximum period of 6 months. This visa allows you to reside in Japan while working remotely for an employer outside Japan.
To be eligible, applicants must work in the IT and technology sector; be a citizen of a country with a visa exemption for Japan and a bilateral tax agreement; have a minimum annual income of 68,300 US dollars; and have international health insurance.
Visa applications are made at the consular post in the country of residence.
Indonesia
The Indonesian government introduced the teleworker visa on April 1st 2024, allowing employees to telework for their foreign employer from Indonesia for a renewable period of one year.
To obtain this visa, a minimum of USD 2,000 and a minimum annual income of USD 60,000 are required.
After obtaining an e-visa, the principal worker must obtain a limited stay permit and then a residence permit.
Italy
Since April 4th 2024, it is possible to obtain a digital nomad visa to live in Italy and work as a freelancer or as an employee of a company located outside the country.
To be eligible, the worker must meet the following conditions:
- Have an income that is 3 times higher than the minimum level required for exemption from healthcare participation fees,
- Have health insurance covering the entire duration of their stay,
- Proof of accommodation in Italy,
- Proof of more than 6 months' professional experience in remote work or as a digital nomad.
The principal worker's family will be able to obtain a residence permit and the spouse will be authorized to work for an Italian company.
This digital nomad visa is valid for an initial period of 12 months, with the possibility of renewal.
South Africa
A Digital Nomad Visa has been introduced by the South African government on May 20, 2024. It allows eligible foreign nationals to work as a freelancer or for a foreign company remotely from South Africa.
Eligibility criteria are based on a sufficient minimum income in line with government regulations. Holders of this visa who have worked for more than 6 months within a 36-month period must register with the South African tax authorities and pay taxes in South Africa on their income. If the visa is issued for less than 6 months, an application for exemption from tax registration can be made.
No information on validity, local work, application procedures or processing times has yet been released. These points will certainly be clarified when the official gazette is published in the coming months.
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