The visa for digital nomads is a permit that officially certifies that the holder is authorized to work in the chosen country, as long as the job is carried out independently and remotely. In other words, this permit allows to officially reside in a country and to work from home in another.

The fundamental requirement to obtain this visa is to have a job that can be done remotely, because the visa for digital nomads does not allows for the search of employment in the chosen country, which means that the applicant must demonstrate having sufficient previous income to live.

Who are the digital nomads?

These are professionals who can perform their duties with a computer and an internet connection. Most of them work in the technology field and have been doing remote work for a long time.

The visa for digital nomads allows for a longer stay and does not require a permanent employment contract as a requirement. However, they currently have legal gaps regarding the appropriate work visa for their condition.

Digital nomads, or remote workers, cannot apply for a regular work visa as, in most cases, the applicant would need a contract with a local company. In addition, it is highly likely that the worker wants to stay in the chosen country for longer than a tourist visa allows.

To improve the conditions of these professionals, several countries of the European Union are adapting, and for this purpose the visa for digital nomads has been created, in order to attract new professionals and attract diverse talents.

Who can apply for a visa as a digital nomads?

Although most of the remote workers are part of the technology area, or specific disciplines, every day more people can perform their tasks remotely.

To obtain a digital nomad visa, the applicant must demonstrate having a source of income that makes the daily life needs affordable to carry out his work in the chosen country. But not everyone can apply for this permit.

Eligibility also depends on other factors such as the applicant’s nationality, the applicant’s travel, and visa history, and whether the country of destination does not consider it a threat to national security.

How to obtain the digital nomad visa?

In each of the countries where the digital nomad or remote worker visa is issued, the rules differ. Some allow the application to be made online, but others require it to be done in person at the corresponding consular office, for example.

As for the tourist visa, to obtain the digital nomad visa, the applicant must submit a valid passport, proof of sufficient and stable economic income, and medical insurance as basic requirements.

Although many people consider that digital nomads are all entrepreneurs or freelancers, the truth is that there are different types of hiring and provision of services, also remotely. For example, some may work for big companies in different countries.

That is why at Duguech&Dip we recommend digital nomads to, before submitting a visa application, check their eligibility at the corresponding embassy or consulate and verify its applicability.

If you are a remote worker, you live outside the European Union and you are interested in knowing more about the digital nomad visa, contact us. Schedule an appointment with us, we will give you the legal advice you need.

This information does not constitute under any circumstances legal advice, serving only for informational purposes. In case you need professional services in Global Immigration and Mobility, please contact us.

* It should be taken into account that the regulations of any of the countries analyzed, as well as the established procedures, may change at any time and without prior notice.

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