The captivating land of The Lord of the Rings is considering offering visas for digital nomads in the future.
New Zealand is going through a significant review of its immigration laws, including its Accredited Employer Work Visa. This may be an opportunity to include a new digital nomad visa scheme, said Immigration Minister Erica Stanford.
Creating this visa for foreign workers is not a priority though, said the minister.
According to what is inferred from an extensive report by a local media outlet, The Post, one side aspect that New Zealand would be considering is taxes.
Countries like Indonesia are planning to offer a 5-year 0% tax for digital nomads. For its part, Thailand only taxes the money remote workers spend in the country but doesn’t touch nomads’ savings overseas, says PwC Consultant.
Deloitte tax partner Robyn Walker, says New Zealanders might not support the idea of offering nomads financial concessions.
“They [digital nomads] are driving on New Zealand roads and using other New Zealand resources so there’s a feeling they probably should contribute something,” Walker said. “People would probably need to come to New Zealand for more than tax reasons because they liked dolphins or mountains or Lord of the Rings or whatever,” she added.
Walker considers that even enforcing the highest tax rate of 39%, it would still be competitive.
“Obviously, we’re in a global war for talent but we still want people who will be happy to pay their fair share,” she says.
Revenue Minister Simon Watts didn’t exactly confirm if reduced taxes would be part of the digital nomad visa scheme. He just said that he was “currently considering a range of tax policy options to increase productivity in our economy.”
But that’s an issue that he’ll need to address sooner or later. According to The Economist, it’s expected that digital nomads will reach a billion by 2035.
Which Countries Have the Best Digital Nomad Visas?
More than 40 countries are offering visas for digital nomads. Most of them entice this demographic with a high quality of life, diverse cultures and stunning landscapes.
Spain, Argentina, and Romania have also stood out for offering tax incentives or even tax-free periods, high speed internet, and outstanding healthcare, according to the World Digital Nomad Index. Let’s delve into each of them.
Spain
With an impressive score of 4.50 points, Spain has been designated as the most sought-after destination for digital nomads in 2024.
Environmental, social, and technological factors like Mediterranean weather, quality of life, high-speed internet and low crime rates have picked up the attention of digital workers around the world.
In return, the government provides them with straightforward access to digital nomad visas and the possibility to create new start-ups in a matter of hours. How to apply.
- You can either apply through the Spanish consulate back in your country or do it once in the territory. In the first case, you’ll obtain a 1-year visa that can be changed for a 3-year residence card. In the second, apply while in the country and receive a 3-year residence permit.
- Income required: €2,646.
- Application fee: around US $110.
- Processing time: 15–45 days.
- Tax-Free Period: 6 months.
- Taxes: 15% for the first 4 years and then 24%.
Argentina
Argentina’s capital, the beloved Buenos Aires, is a melting pot that lures digital nomads from around the world.
With world-class cuisine, traditional tango music, endless accommodations to choose from, high-speed internet, zero income taxes, and a score of 3,78, Argentina’s become the second-best option for remote workers. How to apply for Argentina’s digital nomad visa.
- From your home country, submit the following documents: a valid passport, a 4×4 photo, a request indicating your work activities and proof of at least one of them, educational level, and the visa processing receipt.
- Income required: around US $2,750.
- Application fee: $ 200.
- Length of the visa: 180 days, which can be extended to another 180 days.
- Processing time: it varies depending on multiple factors. Check it out with your consulate.
Romania
In third place, we find Romania with 3.74 points. Bucharest, Cluj, and Timisoara are increasingly recognized as international digital nomad hotspots.
This country not only offers an outstanding quality of life but also 0% income tax. How to apply for Romania’s digital nomad visa.
- Applying for this visa is possible from your home country’s embassy or online at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Application fee: $ 165.
- Processing time: 10–14 days.
- Length of the visa: 1 year, which can be extended to 2 years.
- Income required: US $3,630.