For those who enjoy the privilege of working remotely, the list of welcoming countries continues to expand with special visa offers. Five more popular destinations will be added in 2024.
New doors are opening for digital nomads: five destinations known for their holiday atmosphere will make working remotely easier from 2024 by introducing new visas. South Africa, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and Andorra are among the countries taking this step. However, anyone who would like to make use of this option must meet certain criteria. Here is an overview.
South Africa
South Africa recently announced in mid-February that it would be expanding its immigration policies to include a new visa category. This innovation is aimed at people who work for a company abroad and have a minimum annual income of one million rand (approximately 47,780 euros). This visa gives you the opportunity to work in South Africa for up to three years. However, for stays of more than six months, registration with the South African Tax Office is required.
Japan
Japan plans to launch a special digital nomad visa at the end of March, allowing applicants from 49 different countries to work in the bustling Asian nation for up to six months. The prerequisite for those interested is a proven annual income of at least 10 million yen (around 61,280 euros) and the possession of private health insurance. The offer is aimed at both the self-employed and employees and also welcomes spouses and children.
However, digital nomads are forced to leave the country after the six-month period has expired as visa extension is not possible. Applying for the same visa again requires that the person leaves the country first.
South Korea
Since January 1, 2024, South Korea has been offering digital nomads the opportunity to spend up to two years in the country with a new visa. Similar to Japan, however, the income limit for applying for this visa is quite high: an annual salary of at least 84.96 million won (around 58,900 euros) is expected.
Family members of the applicants also have the chance to receive a work visa, although this does not apply to children older than 18 years. In addition, each person is required to purchase personal health and evacuation insurance, the coverage amount of which must be over 100 million won.
Philippines
Idyllic beaches and year-round summer conditions make the Philippines a paradise for digital nomads, who will have the opportunity to apply for a special visa later this year. A specific date for the introduction is still pending, but it is expected in the first half of the year.
Once the visa becomes available, eligible individuals will be allowed to live and work in the Philippines for an initial one year, with the option to extend their stay for an additional year. To apply, proof of a stable annual salary of around 24,000 US dollars (around 22,120 euros), continuous health insurance for the duration of the visa and a police clearance certificate without entries are required.
Andorra
The small European nation of Andorra has also announced plans to launch a visa specifically for digital nomads in 2024, a decision that became law at the end of 2023. The exact start dates from which foreigners will be allowed to work remotely there, as well as the income limits required to qualify for the visa, are currently still open.
The preliminary drafts stipulate that no more than 50 digital nomads will be allowed to reside in Andorra, which lies between France and Spain, at the same time. In addition, the work activity must first be approved by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Once the visa has been issued, it is valid for two years and can be extended if necessary.