Top 5 most popular countries among digital nomads: What they offer
The phenomenon of digital nomads has gained momentum since the pandemic, and there are now an estimated 35 million travellers contributing more than $800 billion (£632 billion) to the global economy.
Spain is by far the most popular destination, and many are taking advantage of the country's digital nomadic visa, which was launched last year. But there are other, less obvious options. Here are five countries worth considering if you work remotely and can live anywhere in the world, according to Inews.co.uk.
Portugal
Spain's neighbour is consistently popular with nomadic workers due to its combination of abundant sunshine (over 300 sunny days per year on average) and low cost of living. The Portuguese government has also recently improved its visa package for remote workers, with a choice of two visas: a temporary visa that lasts 12 months or a residence visa that is valid for up to five years. The caveat for both comes in the fact that your income must be €3,280 (£2,805) per month, although this is quite low compared to other visa salary requirements around the world.
Japan
While still finalizing its new Digital Nomad Visa, Japan is relatively late to the game in trying to attract foreign workers. It has also set the bar extremely high for those who want to acquire it: applicants must demonstrate an annual income of at least 10 million yen (about £52,000). But at the same time, Japan has a rich and diverse culture, from the frenetic energy of Tokyo to the history of Kyoto. And life there is much cheaper than in the UK. The country also offers a strong and reliable Wi-Fi network.
Mauritius
Thanks to its white beaches and tropical climate, Mauritius is becoming an increasingly popular destination for remote workers. The sun, sand and sea are obviously the biggest driving factor behind this recent influx, but the launch of the Mauritius Premium Visa in 2021 has undoubtedly helped attract more and more workers to the island.
Australia
Australia's Working Holiday Visa has been popular with British travellers since its introduction in 1975, and in recent years the number of visas has increased by 30 percent and the age limit has been raised from 30 to 35 years.
The initial visa is valid for 12 months and gives visitors the right to work anywhere in Australia. It can be extended two times up to a total limit of three years if you have met certain requirements for the number of months of work in certain sectors (often agriculture or hospitality, depending on the region you are in).
Estonia
Estonia, the northernmost of the three and one of the most dynamic startup centres in the world, was the first European country to offer the Digital Nomad Visa, and the programme is still evolving.
This visa entitles you to stay in the country for one year. You must work for a company registered outside the country or, if you are a freelancer, for clients who are mostly located outside Estonia, and provide proof of income of 150 euros (£130) per day.
As TravelWise reported, smart destinations are adapting not only to the work-related needs of digital nomads but also to their travel, social, financial, and basic living needs.
