A digital nomad visa can vary significantly in cost, ranging from $200 to $2,000, with some Caribbean nations such as Barbados, Antigua, and Barbuda having application fees that can reach up to $3,000 for families. In contrast, countries like Georgia offer their digital nomad visas at no cost to attract more applicants.
When applying for a digital nomad visa with family members, you generally can include your spouse or registered partner and children. However, extended family members might not be permitted.
There are several reasons why a digital nomad visa application might be denied. Common issues include having a serious criminal conviction, lacking a remote job, providing false information on the application, or failing to meet the annual income requirements.
Comparing a digital nomad visa to a tourist visa reveals several differences. A digital nomad visa typically takes several months to process and is valid for more than 90 days, allowing for both travel and work. In contrast, a tourist visa usually takes only a few weeks to process and is valid for 30 days, permitting only travel without the ability to work. Additionally, you must be employed to qualify for a digital nomad visa, whereas a tourist visa does not require employment.
Regarding taxes, while you generally need to file a tax return in your home country while on a digital nomad visa, this requirement can vary based on your host country. For instance, staying in Estonia for more than 183 days makes you a taxable resident. However, some countries offer a one-year tax exemption for digital nomads, so it’s essential to verify the specific regulations of your host country.
With a digital nomad visa, you can typically engage in any work that can be done remotely over the internet. Popular occupations for digital nomads include content creators, website developers, social media marketers, and digital entrepreneurs.