The COVID-19 pandemic and other events undermined most global economies. Countries around the world have tried to find ways to attract tourists and other short-term visitors to make up for their losses.
The country of Namibia along the Atlantic Ocean near Botswana and South Africa has decided that one of the best ways to attract people is with a better visa system. In October 2022, it began offering a visa designed specifically for digital nomads (Digital Nomad Programme) who earn at least R37,000 (approximately $2,000 USD) and can prove that they don’t have any sort of police record.
Trending: TikTok Digital Nomad Star Reveals Her Hack For Free Accommodation In Mansions
Whether they want to travel, study or work, digital nomads can enjoy life in the country with costs lower than many major South African cities for up to six months. They can bring a spouse for R18,000 ($1,000 USD) and children R9,000 ($500 USD per child) per month.
Digital nomads only pay R1,000 ($62 USD) to submit an online application. They must include proof of income and insurance.
Namibia hopes that this scheme will inject the economy with much-needed money because digital nomads will need to pay for housing and car rentals, groceries and eating out. Many digital nomads will also need to invest in a phone that works in the region, which helps the telecommunications industry receive a boost as well.
As compared to North America and Europe, the cost of living in Namibia is cheap. The visa costs are also much cheaper than in many non-Western countries, such as Thailand.