8 Digital Nomad Visas You Can Apply for While Abroad
If you’ve researched digital nomad visas, you know that each one comes with its own rules and application process. As a digital nomad who is gallivanting around the world and wants to apply for a visa, it may be worth checking out these digital nomad visas you can apply for while abroad.
Most visa application processes involve attending an in-person visa appointment at an embassy or consulate located in your country of residence. This means traveling back to your home country for a few months to schedule and wait for your visa appointment.
Digital nomads who have planned out their travels, booked their digital nomad housing, and have flights to catch understand that going home could delay their plans and cause some problems.
So, if a digital nomad visa is in your future, then you’ll want to consider choosing one of the digital nomad visas you can apply for while abroad.
Whether you are already in the country where you wish to obtain the visa or across the world, these digital nomad visas make it easy to secure a residency while traveling abroad.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
Before diving into the digital nomad visas you can apply for while abroad, we should first answer the question, what is a digital nomad visa?
First introduced in 2020, digital nomad visas allow remote workers to temporarily relocate to a foreign country to live. The visa term can be anywhere from six months to three years, depending on which visa you apply for.
Many digital nomad visas allow family members to join the main applicant, too. So, digital nomad families can continue their adventures and provide a worldly experience for their children.
Some digital nomad visas lead to permanent residency, too. This is a great option for those remote workers who wish to fully relocate to a foreign country and earn specific rights as a resident.
It’s important to acknowledge that a digital nomad visa does not allow applicants or family members to seek local employment when they arrive in the country. The visa holder must work remotely and meet a certain minimum income requirement to support their lifestyle there.
Overview of the Digital Nomad Visa Application Process
As of 2024, there are three different methods to apply for digital nomad visas.
- Visa appointment at embassy or consulate
- Online application
- Directly in the country you wish to relocate to
In Person at an Embassy or Consulate
Most digital nomad visa application processes require applicants to schedule an appointment at an embassy or consulate in their country of residence. In some countries, such as the United States, you may only attend appointments at a consulate serving the state where you reside.
Applicants who live in a country that does not have an embassy or consulate of the country where they wish to relocate, may have to travel to a neighboring country and go to the embassy there.
It can often take months to secure an appointment due to high demand and limited availability. So, if you decide to apply for a digital nomad visa where you are required to attend a visa appointment in person, then you must have a flexible timeline and schedule.
Online Application
There are some digital nomad visas with online applications, which make it super convenient and easy to obtain a visa.
You will complete the online application, upload electronic copies of your documents, pay a visa fee, and wait for approval.
Some of these online application digital nomad visas allow you to apply while already abroad, which we’ll dive into more soon!
Directly in the Country
There are a select few digital nomad visas that allow you to apply for the visa or a residence permit while already in the country as a tourist.
If this is the way you choose to apply for a digital nomad visa, then you must make sure you have all of your documents ready when you arrive to avoid delay or overstaying your tourist visa.
We will also go over which countries allow in-person applications in this article.
What Digital Nomad Visas Can You Apply for While Abroad?
Below are some digital nomad visas you can apply for while abroad, whether you’re traveling outside of your home country or already in the country you plan to relocate.
Spain
Application Process: Directly in the Country
The Spain digital nomad visa launched in 2022 and allows digital nomads to live in the country for one to three years. This visa can lead to permanent residency after five years of residence in Spain.
It is also one of the only digital nomad visas in Europe that allows in-country applications.
For citizens of countries that do not need an entrance visa to visit Spain, you may apply directly for a three-year residence permit if you meet the eligibility requirements of the digital nomad visa.
You will submit your application and required documents to a local immigration office in Spain. While obtaining the residence permit, you must also apply for an NIE or tax payer identification number as well.
Learn more about the Spain digital nomad visa eligibility requirements and application process.
Malta
Application Process: Online
Malta launched its digital nomad visa in 2021 and has accepted thousands of remote workers to live in this trending digital nomad hotspot.
With a simple online application, digital nomads must upload the requested documentation, complete the form, and pay a 300€ fee to apply for the Malta digital nomad visa.
You can apply for the Malta digital nomad visa from anywhere in the world. So, you can be traveling on another continent or apply while already in Malta as a tourist.
Malta’s digital nomad visa allows applicants to live in the country for up to three years with their family members.
Learn more about the Malta digital nomad visa eligibility requirements and application process.
Colombia
Application Process: Online
Colombia launched its digital nomad visa in 2022 in an effort to increase tourism and boost their startup community.
The application process is done entirely online, so you can apply while traveling the world or while already in Colombia.
If applying while already in Colombia, it’s important to note that the immigration office may count your days spent there as part of the visa’s term. So, instead of receiving a valid visa for one year, it could be less, depending on when you entered the country.
With the online portal, you can submit your documents and application and check the status of your application. It usually takes about 30 days to receive an answer if everything is in order.
Learn more about the Colombia digital nomad visa eligibility requirements and application process.
Costa Rica
Application Process: Online
Costa Rica is one of the few digital nomad visas with no tax, which could save you thousands of dollars a year if you relocate there.
To apply for the Costa Rica digital nomad visa, you must complete an online application and upload electronic copies of your documents. It will take about two weeks to receive an answer about your visa.
It’s important to note that you should not apply for the digital nomad visa while in Costa Rica. However, you can apply for it anywhere else in the world.
This is due to the fact that when you enter Costa Rica on the digital nomad visa, you will have three months to apply for your residence permit. So, to avoid confusion, it’s best to apply for the Costa Rica digital nomad visa outside of the country.
Learn more about the Costa Rica digital nomad visa eligibility requirements and application process.
Croatia
Application Process: Directly in the Country / Online
Croatia has two application methods where you can apply for the digital nomad visa while abroad.
If you do not require an entry visa to Croatia, you may apply directly for the temporary residence permit as a tourist in the country. You’ll go to the local police station where you wish to reside in Croatia and submit your documents.
There is also an online application you may use. You can apply online while already in Croatia or while abroad. This process is easiest if you do not require an entry visa to the Schengen Area.
Croatia’s digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live in the country for one year with their family members. The visa is not renewable and you must leave the country for at least three months after the visa expires.
Learn more about the Croatia digital nomad visa eligibility requirements and application process.
Malaysia
Application Process: Online
Malaysia launched its digital nomad visa specifically for remote workers in the digital domain in October 2022. The visa allows digital nomads to live in the country for up to two years with their family members.
There is an online application form through the organization, MDEC. You’ll register a profile, complete the form, and upload the requested documentation. It takes about four weeks to receive an answer if everything is in order.
Since the application process is done entirely online, you may apply for the Malaysia digital nomad visa while abroad or already in the country. However, if you apply while in Malaysia, you must leave and re-enter the country when the visa is issued.
Learn more about the Malaysia digital nomad visa eligibility requirements and application process.
Latvia
Application Process: Online
Latvia launched its digital nomad visa in 2023 and allows remote workers employed by or own an OECD-registered company to live in the country for up to two years.
There are two methods to apply for the Latvia digital nomad visa: in-person at an embassy or consulate or online.
Depending on your home country, your Latvian embassy or consulate may offer online applications. Usually, this will be for citizens who do not require an entrance visa to the Schengen Area.
Before going to Latvia or leaving your home country, make sure you can submit your application online and gather the necessary documents.
Learn more about the Latvia digital nomad visa eligibility requirements and application process.
Uruguay
Application Process: Online and Directly in the Country
Uruguay launched one of the easiest digital nomad visas to apply for in 2023. With no minimum income requirement and an online application, you can get your Uruguay digital nomad visa in just a matter of days.
While the application process is done online, you actually have to be in Uruguay to pay the visa fee and receive your visa. So, you may submit the application while outside of the country, but must be in the country to obtain it.
Super easy and flexible, the Uruguay digital nomad visa is great for digital nomads who want to dabble in the safest country in South America and experience working remotely while abroad.
Learn more about the Uruguay digital nomad visa eligibility requirements and application process.
Simplify Your Digital Nomad Visa Application with Nomads Embassy
Whether you’re choosing a digital nomad visa with an online application or applying directly in the country, it always benefits to have help from a legal professional.
Nomads Embassy: The World’s First Embassy for Digital Nomads has partnered with hand-selected local immigration lawyers to assist digital nomads with their visa applications.
From navigating the fine details of bureaucracy to communicating on your behalf with immigration authorities, our immigration lawyer partners are here to help create a smoother process for you to relocate abroad.
See how Nomads Embassy can help you apply for your favorite digital nomad visa with our free digital nomad visa eligibility assessment.
In less than 24 hours, receive your results for which digital nomad visas you’re eligible for and get dedicated assistance with your application.
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