Governments worldwide are launching digital nomad visa programs to boost local economies, attract global talent, and adapt to the rise of remote work. According to CNBC, more than 40 countries and jurisdictions now offer these programs, which allow remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads to live and work in a host country for an extended period while being employed by companies based elsewhere.
In Asia, Thailand, Japan and Turkey have recently launched their own digital nomad visa schemes, targeting individuals who use technology to work from anywhere, commonly in fields like software development, marketing, writing, and consulting. Additionally, Malaysia has released upgrades to its digital nomad scheme, making it accessible to a broader range of applicants.
Thailand announces new digital nomad visa
On May 30, 2024, Thailand unveiled the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), a five-year multiple-entry visa program. The scheme is not only for digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers but also for individuals interested in long-term cultural immersion.
The multiple-entry visa is valid for five years and can be used for stays of up to 180 days, with the possibility to extend for a further 180 days. It allows visa holders to live and legally work remotely while in Thailand without needing to pay any taxes on income derived from foreign sources.
Applicants must be at least 20 years old and either be self-employed or work for a business outside Thailand. Approved applicants can also bring their spouse and children without the need for additional visas.
The official announcement indicated that the program would become effective once final legal procedures are completed. It is expected to be available from late June or early July. The application fee for the visa has been set at THB 10,000 (US$272), according to Thai Embassy.
There is currently no specified minimum income for the DTV, a common requirement for remote worker visas. However, applicants must prove that they can financially support themselves in Thailand for six months, and hold at least THB 500,000 (US$13,665) in their bank account, according to Nomads Embassy.
This is a significant change from Thailand’s previous Long-Term Residence Visa, which had a fee of US$1,600 and required proof of an annual income of at least US$80,000.
The DTV is part of Thailand’s strategy to boost tourism. It complements other initiatives, such as the expansion of the visa extension scheme to 93 countries and territories, up from the previous 57. This scheme now permits stays of up to 60 days for tourism and short-term business, doubling the previous 30-day limit. Additionally, foreign students will now be allowed to stay in Thailand for one year after graduation to search for jobs, instead of having to leave immediately.
Turkey launches new digital nomad visa
In April 2024, the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry announced the launch of a new digital nomad visa, inviting eligible applicants aged between 21 and 55 to apply. This visa is available exclusively to citizens from select countries, including the US, Canada, and various European nations, with Russia being the only Asian country on the list.
Applicants must meet several criteria to quality for the visa. First, they must have a university degree, be employed or self-employed, or have a business contract for a company outside of Turkey. Those interested must also prove they make US$3,000 USD monthly or US$36,000 annually.
Applicants will also need a passport or a travel document that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Turkey.
After submitting all of that information and if the documents are sufficient, a digital nomad identification certificate will be assigned to the applicant. Then, the applicant will have to visit a Turkish visa center or consulate with that identification certificate to receive the actual visa stamp.
Turkey is also one of the most visited countries in the world, according to Euromonitor International. Last year, two of its cities, Istanbul and Antalya, ranked among the most visited cities globally.
Japan introduces new visa for digital nomads
In April, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a new digital nomad visa aimed at remote workers with an annual income of at least JPY 10 million (US$62,700). This visa allows individuals to work remotely in Japan for up to six months, and provides them with the opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese culture while continuing their professional activities.
The Digital Nomad visa is valid for six months with no extension allowed. It is available to digital nomads and remote workers, as well as to their accompanying spouses or children for the same duration. It costs JPY 3,000 (US$20) for a single-entry visa or JPY 6,000 (US$40) for a multiple-entry visa, according to Nomads Embassy.
Applicants must be nationals or citizens of countries or regions that have visa exemption arrangements with Japan and are subject to Japan’s Tax Conventions. Professional activities permitted include using information and communication technology to conduct business for a foreign organization based on an employment contract or providing services or selling goods to individuals in a foreign country using information and communication technology. Activities requiring physical presence in Japan for provision or sale are excluded and employment with Japanese organizations is not permitted.
The application for the visa must include several documents, including a visa application form with a photo, a passport, and a Certificate of Eligibility, if available. If a Certificate of Eligibility is provided, additional documents such as an explanation of the planned activities and period of stay, and proof of an annual income, can be omitted. Additionally, applicants must hold private medical travel insurance covering death, injury, or illness with a minimum compensation of JPY 10 million.
For spouses or children of visa holders, permitted activities include daily activities as a supported spouse or child of a Digital Nomad. Generally, they are not allowed to engage in employment or activities other than those permitted under their designated residence status. The visa for spouses or children is also valid for six months with no extension allowed. They too must hold private medical travel insurance covering death, injury, or illness with a minimum compensation of JPY 10 million.
Malaysia expands availability of digital nomad visa scheme
The Malaysian government announced this month major updates to the DE Rantau program, an initiative launched in 2022 to make Malaysia a top destination for digital nomads.
Digital News Asia reported on June 07, 2024 that the government had expanded the DE Rantau Nomad Pass to include professionals beyond IT and digital fields. This includes founders, CEOs, COOs, tax accountants, legal counsels, technical writers, business development managers, public relations professionals, and other related positions. Whether digital freelancers or remote workers, these professionals are now eligible to apply.
The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) added that the minimum income requirement for these non-IT/digital talents has been set at US$60,000 (MYR 281,000) per year or US$5,000 (MYR 23,000) per month. Additionally, parents of the main applicant can now be dependents.
According to MDEC, as of May 31, 2024, the DE Rantau Nomad Pass had received 3,096 applications, with 1,443 approved, including 189 renewals. These applicants come from 78 countries, with the top five being Russia, Pakistan, Britain, Japan, and Australia. The average annual income of these approved digital nomads is US$69,000 with the majority possessing skills in software development, digital marketing, and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML).
The Malaysian government began accepting applications for the DE Rantau Nomad Pass on October 01, 2022. The visa scheme allows holders to work remotely from within Malaysia for up to two years and sponsor qualifying dependents.
The DE Rantau Nomad Pass is available to tech and non-tech professionals in various domains such as software engineering, UX/UI, cloud computing, cybersecurity and blockchain, as well as marketing managers, finance managers, sales managers, HR managers and consultants. The visa is valid for a stay of three to 12 months and can be renewed for an additional 12 months, allowing for a total stay of up to 24 months. It is open to citizens of all nationalities, although Israeli citizens require approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Malaysia.
To be eligible, applicants must meet certain requirements, including having a valid passport for at least 14 months at the time of application, working remotely for companies or clients outside of Malaysia for at least three months, having a clean criminal record, and possessing health or travel insurance for the duration of their stay in Malaysia. Digital nomads working in IT must earn at least US$24,000 per year, according to Nomads Embassy.
Featured image credit: edited from freepik
