Explainer: What is a digital nomad visa and where can Nigerians apply?

South Africa, Saturday, announced its plan to begin issuance of digital nomad visas, a move that will make it part of the 48 other countries that offer the permit to foreign skilled workers, including Nigerians.

What is a digital nomad visa?

A digital nomad visa is a temporary residence permit that allows remote workers to live in a foreign country for one to two years.

Unlike other visas, it does not grant the right to search for a job within the country.

Instead, applicants must work for a company or own a business established outside the country where they wish to apply for the digital nomad visa.

These visas are ideal for remote workers who want to settle down abroad for a couple of years or families seeking a change of scenery.

In some countries, digital nomad visas are given other names such as the Global Citizen Concierge Program in the Cayman Islands, and sometimes referred to as a residence permit.

Estonia was the first country in the world to offer digital nomad visas. In June 2020, the country began approving official freelance and digital nomad visas that allowed remote workers to live and work in Tallinn, the nation’s capital for a year.

Applicants were charged €80 for short stays and €100 for long stays.

Where can Nigerians apply for a digital nomad visa and what is required?

There are currently 49 countries offering an option to work abroad through this route with peculiar requirements exclusive by country. Although Nigeria is not eligible to apply to all countries offering a digital nomad visa, these are 5 affordable countries where Nigerians can apply for a digital nomad visa.

Estonia

With an Estonia digital nomad visa, Nigeria citizens can stay for a duration of 12 months. Willing applications will need to secure employment with a company that is not registered in Estonia and have proof of income of $54,000 per year.

They would also need to pay the state fee of €80 for a Type C short stay or €100 for a Type D long stay visa.

Nigerian applicants need to show proof of independent business or self employment including having a valid travel document and health insurance.

Applications must be submitted in person at the nearest Estonian Embassy or Consulate, and the processing time is typically 15 to 30 days.

Cabo Verde

With the Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) digital nomad visa, also known as Cabo Verde Work, Nigeria citizens can stay in the country for 6 months.

They will need proof of income of $22,000 per year and need to show a proof of independent business or self employment.

A minimum bank account balance of €1,500 for individuals and €2,700 for families for at least the last six months will also be accepted.

Applicants will submit five documents with the application, including a passport and health insurance, and provide 10 documents to border authorities in person after arriving at one of the 10 islands.

The visa is valid for six months and can be renewed for another 12 months. ,11arocessing time could take up to two weeks.

Croatia

Nigerian citizens can apply to work remotely from Croatia for 12 months through its temporary residence program that mirrors the digital nomad visa.

Interested applicants will need a $32,000 per year proof of income, which increases by 10 percent for every family member.

They will also present proof of independent business or self-employment outside Croatia.

Nigerian applicants must submit several documents with their application, including Form 1a when filing in person and are charged a $200 fee, which is dependent on the method of application.

Bermuda

Bermuda digital nomad visa is also known as Bermuda Work From Bermuda which is a certificate that permits digital nomads to work remotely for 12 months.

Nigerians don’t need a proof income to apply for this visa, but must have enough income to support themselves for the full year alongside a $263 application fee.

Necessary documents include health insurance and proof of independent business or self employment.

Applicants cannot have a criminal record, and all applications must be submitted on the same day.

Processing os applications takes approximately five business days.

Portugal

Portugal digital nomad visa is the Portugal D7.

For the first two years of acquiring the D7 visa, applicants are expected to spend at least 12 to 16 months in Portugal and at least 28 months in every three years in the country.

Applicants will present proof of income of about €7,oo0 per year, and pay a total application fee of $155 which consists of the visa and residence permit.

In addition to the application form, applicants must provide a valid passport, two passport-size photos, valid travel insurance, proof of residence if applicable, and proof of sufficient income or a term of responsibility signed by a Portuguese resident.

Additionally, applicants will submit proof of owning a business entity or a contract for providing services, and a declaration by an authority that the applicant is qualified to be employed in their sector

There is also a separate residence permit for families

Are there other options for Nigerians?

These 6 countries offer some of the best choices for Nigerians seeking to get a digital nomad visa. However, other regions across Europe, Africa, Asia, North America and South America offer similar permits to Nigerians including Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia, Belize, Costa Rica, Thailand, Panama, Ecuador, Bahamas, Colombia, Curacao, Anguilla, Montserrat, and Antigua and Barbuda.

Others are Dominica, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Iceland, Finland, Norway, Seychelles, UAE, Germany, Czechia, Romania, Hungary, Cyprus, Spain, Greece, and Malta.