This is where I’ll have to most up-to-date information on where you can actually move in 2021, which countries are open, and what visas are available!
Teaching abroad
Right now the countries that appear to be open for new applicants are: South Korea, Thailand, UAE, Vietnam, Japan, Cambodia, and Singapore
If you have heard of any new education workers who have arrived in a different country, please let me know and I’ll add it to the list!
Long-term tourist visas
Georgia (1 year)
Georgia is open to a small list of nationalities (including the US, EU, and UK). All you need to do is show a negative PCR test (from the last 72 hours), and you will be issued a year-long tourist visa where you can come and work in Georgia. No showing your income or application needed.
If you have been to the UK in the last 14 days you will have a 2-week quarantine.
For more information, read the Ministry of Georgia official statement here.
Expat Hub is run by a few of my friends here in Tbilisi, and they often have the best up-to-date visa information. They elaborate on all the rules in detail here.
MEXICO (6 MONTHS)
Mexico has a 6-month tourist visa that’s very easy to renew. I know so many people who are living in Mexico right now. No need to show a PCR test, or do a quarantine. You can just show up and get a 6-month tourist visa and then renew by leaving the country and coming back in.
There is no need to provide a negative PCR test or quarantine on arrival, though you may have to fill out a health questionnaire. The land border between Mexico and the United States is closed for nonessential travel, however, air travel is allowed.
Turkey (6 months)
Turkey is similar to Mexico, however, you will need to show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours.
Here’s what things are like on the ground in Turkey as of March 2021.
Digital nomad visas
Here is a quick list of the countries offering Digital Nomad Visas in 2021!
1. Georgia
The Georgian Remotely Visa is marketed as a “digital nomad visa”, but in reality is just the tourist visa for people who don’t qualify for the tourist visa. It’s really more of an entry permit than an actual visa. This “visa” was created during COVID as a way to make sure that everyone entering could support themselves, (and as a way of enforcing the quarantine). However, now some countries can bypass this and go straight to the usual tourist visa with a negative PCR test.
As of right now, this is the best option for those of you who aren’t on the list of countries that qualify. So if you’re from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or anywhere else that’s not on the list, this is the entry permit you’ll need to get that year-long tourist visa.
- You must prove financial ability to pay taxes while staying in Georgia (1% of your income)
- You earn at least $2000 per month
- You must undergo mandatory 14-day quarantine
- Obtain travel insurance valid for six months
How to Apply:
- Fill out the online application form
2. Estonia
In June 2020, Estonia opened up a one-year digital nomad and freelancer visa that allows foreigners to live in the country while working remotely.
- You must earn at least €3504 per month for the last 6-months
How to Apply:
- Fill out the online application form, sign it, and make an appointment at your nearest Estonian Embassy/Consulate to submit it in person.
- There are two types of digital nomad visas: Type C (short stay) costs €80, and Type D (long stay) costs €100.
3. Bermuda
Bermuda’s recently released “Work From Bermuda” digital nomad visa is just an expansion of an older residency program, which allows digital nomads and remote workers to stay in the country for up to a year.
- No minimum income requirement!
- You must undergo mandatory COVID-19 test
- Show proof of travel insurance
How to Apply:
- Fill out the online application form
- Submit any required paperwork and pay the $263 visa fee.
4. costa Rica
Costa Rica’s freelancer visa is called the Rentista, allowing foreigners to stay for up to 2-years, with the ability to extend it. This visa allows self-employed people or entrepreneurs to work in Costa Rica, so you can’t be an employee for another company.
- Must be self-employed
- Show income of $2,500 per month for two years or make a $60,000 deposit in a Costa Rican bank
How to Apply:
- Applying for the Rentista visa on your own through Costa Rica’s Migracion Website is possible, but not recommended. It’s better to hire an immigration lawyer to help you.
- All your documents must be translated into Spanish, as well as authenticated in your home country.
- Pay the visa fee of $250
5. Mauritius
Mauritius now has a one-year-long (and completely FREE) Premium Visa with no income requirement!
- Must have proof of plans to stay in Mauritius – they may ask for details about the purpose of your visit and intended accommodation
- Also need proof of travel/health insurance coverage for your stay in Mauritius
How to Apply:
- Complete the application form
- There is no visa fee, it’s free!
6. Portugal
Portugal offers both a temporary resident visa (D7 passive income visa) and a residence permit for independent workers and entrepreneurs for one year, with the ability to renew for up to 5 years. After 5 years you can apply for permanent residency.
- Must have proof of income from property, proof of business ownership, or proof of financial means.
- You earn at least €600 EURO per month.
- Proof of private travel/health insurance.
- Submit to a criminal background check.
How to Apply:
- Gather the required documents, print out and complete the application form.
- Make an appointment at the nearest Portuguese consulate.
- Pay the €83 EUR visa fee and €72 EUR resident permit fee
7. Mexico
Mexico is a favorite hot-spot for digital nomads, partly due to their long 6-month tourist visa, however, they also offer a Temporary Resident Visa that’s good for one year with the ability to renew for another 3 years.
- You must earn at least $1,620 USD per month OR
- have a bank balance of $27,000
How to Apply:
- Gather required documents and complete the application form.
- Make an appointment at the nearest Mexican consulate.
8. Dubai
The city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates has just launched their own one-year virtual working program in October.
- Proof of Employment from a current employer with a one-year contract, or proof of ownership of a company.
- Minimum of $5,000 USD per month salary, last months’ payslip, and 3 preceding months’ bank statements.
- Health insurance with UAE coverage validity.
How to Apply:
- Fill out the request for application section here.
- Pay the visa fee of $287 USD visa fee
9. Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda has a digital nomad visa called the NDR. The visa is good for 2 years.
- You must earn at least $50,000 per year
- You need to have your own travel/health insurance plan
How to Apply:
- Fill out the online application form
- Provide proof of employment and a police background check.
- Pay the visa fee: $1,500 for one person, $2,000 for a couple, $3000 for a family of 3 or more.
10. Barbados
The “Barbados Welcome Stamp” is a special 12-month visa for remote workers, which can also be renewed for even longer.
- You must earn at least $50,000 per year
- You must undergo a mandatory COVID-19 test and 48-hour quarantine
How To Apply
- Fill out the online application form
- Submit all required paperwork and pay the $2000 visa fee.
11. cayman islands
The Cayman Islands launched a special visa for digital nomads called the Global Citizen Certificate (GCC). It allows travelers to stay in the islands for up to 2 years. Individuals must provide proof of an annual salary of at least $100,000, or $150,000 for couples. Ahhh!!
- You must be employed by an entity outside of the Cayman Islands.
- A notarized bank reference letter.
- Applicants are subject to background checks.
- Show proof of health insurance coverage.
- Proof of $100,000 or $150,000 in income
How to Apply:
- Fill out the online application form
- Submit required paperwork and pay the application fee of $1,469.
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