by Charlie
Thailand
Sandy beaches and waves, jungle mountains, pleasant climate and affordable cost of living make Thai cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok one of the ideal destinations for digital nomads.
However, there is currently no real visa for digital nomads in Thailand, and wealthy digital nomads choose to apply for the Thai Elite Visa.
The program is issued by Thai state-owned Thai Privilege Card Company Limited (TPC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. With a Thai elite visa, you can enjoy free VIP services and government assistance, Thailand settlement, retirement, business start-up, study and so on.
You can choose 5 years, 10 years, 20 years multiple-entry visas at a price of about 10W-40W RMB membership fee.
Currently, Thailand has attracted many Web3 entrepreneurs/practitioners to settle in Thailand due to its low cost of living and colorful nightlife.
Malaysia
Due to its tropical climate and low cost of living, Malaysia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads.
Known as the Professional Visit Pass, Malaysia’s Digital Nomad Visa is issued by DE Rantau Nomad Pass and is valid for 3-12 months and renewable for a second year. The application process is completed entirely online, making it one of the easiest digital nomad visas to apply for, and there are currently no nationality restrictions on the visa.
Applicants must work remotely as an employee, business owner or freelancer for a company or client located outside of Malaysia for at least three months and must be working in the IT digital space, digital content creation, digital marketing and other digital fields. An annual income of $24,000 is required to be able to bring spouses and immediate family members on the visa.
Indonesia
Indonesia, especially Bali, has been one of the favorite destinations for digital nomads. The digital nomad visa for Indonesia is limited to five years and applicants must work remotely for a company outside of Indonesia, own their own business or freelance for clients.
Income earned outside of Indonesia by visa holders will be tax-free, and digital nomads who live in Indonesia for 183 days will be required to pay the country taxes on their global income.
As with most digital nomad visas, there may be income requirements and whether or not the visa is renewable, more information is awaited.
Dubai
Dubai, one of the richest cities in the world, has a digital nomad visa that is valid for one year and can be extended for longer stays, but the visa must be reapplied for. It is possible to travel outside the UAE, but cannot leave the country for more than six months at a time during the validity period. Visa holders will have access to many of the services offered to other residents, including enrolling their children in school, opening a bank account, and even applying for a bank loan with no income tax.
The application fee is $287 and applicants must work for, own a business or freelance for a company located outside the UAE and provide proof of employment or business ownership for at least one year, as well as proof of a monthly income of €3,500 for the past three months.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is often touted as one of the best destinations in the world for digital nomads, and while it technically doesn’t have a digital nomad visa, the island has a tourist visa with tremendous validity. Applications cost $150 for 90-180 days and $200 for 180-270 days, with extensions of up to 270 days, and 30-90 day extensions are available online in some countries.
Taiwan area
Taiwan’s Employment Gold Card, similar to the Digital Nomad Visa, is a four-in-one document for foreign nationals that combines a work permit, a residence visa, an alien’s residence permit, and a re-entry permit, with visa application fees ranging from US$100 to US$310, and acceptance of an assessment of the applicant’s professional skills.
Japan (under development)
It is reported that the Japanese government will plan to introduce a “digital nomad visa” policy within the year, with the aim of creating an environment that facilitates the long-term working and living of highly skilled personnel in Japan.
