Italy, Turkey and South Africa have embraced the digital nomad trend, offering visas tailored to this demographic.
According to these governments, digital nomads will bring entrepreneurial ideas to their countries, which will be valuable to technology and similar sectors.
Let’s review the specifics and requirements to get a digital nomad visa in these countries.
Italy
Italy’s long-awaited digital nomad visa is finally available for non-EU citizens who carry out “a highly qualified work activity with the use of technological tools capable of allowing them to work remotely, both as a worker self-employed or as a collaborator or employee of a company even if not resident in Italy,” reads the decree.
Requirements:
- Eligible candidates must earn €28,000 annually or more.
- Robust health insurance that covers you for your entire stay.
- Proof of accommodation for the time the visa is valid.
- Proof that you have been a digital nomad or remote worker for longer than six months.
- Criminal records.
The visa is valid for one year and it can be renewed if the applicant has the same conditions.
Digital nomads must be tax-compliant in Italy before applying for this visa. The Italian government will contact the taxation office in the applicant’s country of origin regarding taxes.
If interested, visit an Italian diplomatic-consular office to start the process.
Turkey
The Republic of Türkiye is now offering a digital nomad visa for international remote workers.
The Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry gazetted the requirements for those who are interested.
Requirements:
- Candidates must be aged 21 to 55 years old.
- A university degree.
- Digital nomads must be employed, self-employed, or hold a business contract with an overseas company.
- Eligible candidates must earn $36,000 or more per year.
- A valid passport.
Successful applicants will obtain a Digital Nomad Identification Certificate. Then, they have to submit this certificate and the rest of the documents to a Turkey visa center or consulate to get the actual visa.
The following are the nationalities that can apply:
“France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Ireland, Denmark, Greece, Croatia, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Bulgaria, Romania, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, United Kingdom, Switzerland, USA, Canada, Russian Federation, Ukraine, Belarus.”
South Africa
South Africa is the latest African country to offer a visa for “highly skilled workers” in the technology sector (some exceptions apply). Nomads will be allowed to live and work in this country for a set period.
Requirements:
- Proof that you earn ZAR 1 million per year (around $53,000).
- The foreign company you work for, may need to register and comply with South Africa’s PAYE tax system.
- Proof of a rental contract, a lease or a hotel booking for the time you’ll be in the country.
- Health insurance tailored for digital nomads working abroad.
- An employment contract or any other document that proves you are self-employed.
- A valid passport.
According to a decree released in February, visas may be issued for up to three years.
Applicants who will only stay in South Africa for less than six months won’t be subjected to income tax.