These 9 countries are offering special visas for remote workers!

Can’t go on your dream holiday due to closed borders, quarantine measures or a lack of annual leave days?

But every cloud has a silver lining, and the unusual circumstances of 2020 have created some interesting new opportunities!

Several countries both in and outside of Europe are now offering visas specifically for travelers hoping to work remotely. These longer-term visas allow visitors to “work from home” in places like Thailand and Barbados.

As working from home becomes the “new normal” for many business, it feels more and more possible to explore new destinations over a longer period and take a break from your routine. And with any luck, these new remote worker visas may become a more permanent fixture.

So which countries are offering visas for remote workers? Check out our list below!

• Dubai

Dubai is offering a visa of a full year (with several conditions) to visitors. What’s more, this visa allows not only entry for long-term residents, but also the possibility of opening a bank account or even enrolling children in local schools.

• Antigua & Barbuda

A residency program for digital nomads would allow travelers to live and work in the country for up to 2 years. Conditions include a minimum salary of $ 50,000 per year, employment in a company based outside the Caribbean, and proof of health insurance..

• Barbados

Barbados is also launching a program allowing travelers to work locally for up to 1 year with their new visa – and you can register online!

• Maldives

The Maldives is also a potential destination for working remotely, as some hotels have “home office” offers available.

• Estonia

Although this northern European country is not closed to Europeans, it is implementing a one-year digital nomad visa. Registration costs between €80 and €100, depending on the duration of your stay.

• Georgia

Nestled between Europe and Asia, Georgia also offers a long-term visa that allows you to live there for 6 months or more. You must complete a quarantine of 12 days on arrival and also do a test for COVID-19.

Since Thailand is normally a big tourist destination, they decided to set up a special tourist visa (STV) lasting 90 days, which can be renewed twice. The conditions include a quarantine of 14 days upon arrival. Only 1200 tourists are allowed per month.

• Mexico

A visa is available for temporary residency in Mexico with the option of staying in the country for 1 year and the possibility of renewing for up to 3 years. You must earn a certain minimum amount during the previous 6 months to qualify.

• Bermuda

The island will allow remote workers as well as students to reside in Bermuda for up to 1 year with the launch of their new residency program.