Visas for digital nomads are the answer for those who, after the Covid pandemic, need to continue doing their jobs remotely, preferably from and especially from Europe.
Across the continent, from those with old systems like Croatia and Estonia to newcomers like Spain and Portugal, countries are spotting the prospect of potential new citizens as a way to offset their declining tourism industries. for applicants to obtain transitional residency while applying for a foreign company or as freelancers.
“This not only fills the gaps in the off-season in tourism-dependent destinations, but also gives non-EU citizens the opportunity to legally paint remotely,” Euronews reports. drainage to aging populations.
“Virtual nomad visas fill a legal loophole for remote staff who wish to spend short or long periods operating independently,” Etiasvisa said. “These professionals can take their paintings wherever they go. web connection. ) »
Among the benefits of the European Digital Nomadic Permit is the fact that beneficiaries can travel visa-free to all 26 Schengen countries.
Croatia is a hub for virtual nomads with a well-established program since 2021.
Some systems have been designed in particular for remote staff, while others have been adapted from previous painting visas, with some diversifications between them but following the same idea: granting a transitional apartment permit that allows foreigners to stay from six months to two years.
Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Latvia, Malta, Norway, Hungary, Iceland and Greece are on the list of European countries that already offer full or partial versions, with income source needs ranging from €2000 to €3000 per month.
Several others, in addition to Spain and Italy, are in the process of implementing virtual visa programs for nomads.
Portugal recently published the requirements for its long-awaited virtual nomad visa and, starting Oct. 30, will allow remote staff to apply for a transitional visa of up to one year or a permit that can be renewed for up to five years.
To be eligible, applicants must earn at least €2,800 per month, 4 times the Portuguese minimum wage.
“You can apply at a Portuguese consulate in your home country or at the Portuguese immigration agency, Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras,” according to Business Insider. “In addition to evidence of the source of income for the last 3 months, applicants will need to provide tax residency documents and an employment contract (or evidence of self-employment). “
Long before the official launch of the virtual nomad visa, Portugal was incredibly popular with virtual nomads and, according to Euronews, “frequently appears in online listings in ideal remote workplaces and with clever reason. Major cities are full of coworking spaces and the country has the 17th fastest Wi-Fi network in the world.
Lisbon and Porto are among the most popular destinations for virtual staff, while the island of Madeira has a committed virtual nomad village in the city of Ponta Do Sol.
Portugal’s popularity among the remote is due, among other things, to the low living load, the mild climate, many coworking spaces, connections with major European cities and fluency in English.
The virtual nomad visa, officially an “apartment visa for the exercise of a professional activity provided remotely outside the national territory”, is an option to the existing D7 visa, a popular apartment permit intended basically for retirees and “passive income”.
“Portugal has noticed an influx of foreign nationals since the beginning of the pandemic, many of whom have used the D7 visa to settle in the country,” Business Insider says. “One of the maximum systems of this type, the D7 visa calls for applicants to earn only €7,200, or about $7,011, according to the year to qualify. “
However, this source of income will have to come from a “passive” source of income streams, such as rents or investments, and not from a monthly salary.
Portugal launches its long-awaited virtual nomad visa from October 30.
Spain and Italy are the countries in Europe that are launching their own virtual visa programs for nomads.
“Under the startup law recently introduced in the Spanish Parliament, other people who run remotely for foreign corporations will be able to live in the country without the need for a full work visa,” writes Spainvisa.
The proposed new visa will be open to foreigners hired through non-Spanish companies and is expected to enter into force in 2023 after the enactment of the legislative procedure authorizing it.
The long-awaited resolution since Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona, among other Spanish cities, are already highly sought after places by virtual nomads and other remote and autonomous workers.
The new virtual nomad visa will apply to applicants hired through non-Spanish corporations operating remotely and to freelancers or marketers with clients.
It has been reported that the country will establish a minimum monthly income source of between €2,000 and €2,500. As an added incentive, virtual nomads will pay a tax of 15% of the popular base rate of 25% for the first 4 years. .
Spain’s speed is among the fastest in Europe, allowing virtual nomads to move to rural spaces where rents are low. Many small towns and municipalities offer original systems to test and harness as a lifeline for their declining populations.
Italy is also a favorite for virtual nomads and, so far, the country has not established a legal framework. Earlier this year, it announced that a new visa for remote staff had been signed into Italian law.
Unlike other countries with existing schemes, Italy’s is aimed at “highly professional workers,” the meaning of which is still unclear, but which suggests a master’s degree will be required.
Among the conditions were: physical fitness insurance, blank criminal record and tax compliance in Italy before submitting the application.
The visa will have a duration of one year with the option of renewal and may be extended to close the circle of family members. The required source of income can range between € 2,500 and € 3,000 according to the month.