The digital nomad lifestyle involves remote work from various locations and requires careful financial planning due to unpredictable income.

Digital nomads must balance work and life while ensuring healthcare access, understanding visa requirements, and achieving financial stability.

There are approximately 35 million digital nomads worldwide, expected to reach one billion by 2035, with many countries offering digital nomad visas.

Several countries, including Malaysia, Estonia, and Japan, offer digital nomad visas with varying income requirements and tax exemptions.

Digital nomads can apply for visas like Malaysia's DE Rantau Nomad Pass, which requires a $24,000 annual income, or Japan's digital nomad visa, which requires private health insurance and an annual income over 10 million yen.

Digital nomads must research a country's healthcare and insurance requirements before visiting or working there, and consider international health insurance to cover healthcare expenses.

The digital nomad lifestyle offers advantages like flexibility and cultural experiences, but also challenges like language barriers and visa requirements.

Russian digital nomads can find job opportunities in areas like sales, programming, and development, particularly where Russian language skills are valued, and countries like Indonesia, Serbia, Mexico, and Kazakhstan offer many job opportunities for Russians, particularly in IT.

Popular destinations for digital nomads include Chiang Mai, Bali, and Lisbon, due to their low costs and good internet connectivity, and countries like Portugal and Spain offer digital nomad visas with benefits like low cost of living and tax benefits.

Russian digital nomads must understand the tax implications and legal requirements of each country they visit.

Overall, the digital nomad lifestyle has both advantages and challenges that individuals must consider before adopting it.

The digital nomad lifestyle involves remote work from various locations and requires careful financial planning due to unpredictable income.

Title:

Content: 24 year old girl working in 20 countries in 5 years sharing 4 financial management tips for being a “digital nomad ”
Personal Value Added 21: 30 2023 / 06 / 10
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Remote work during the pandemic made home-based work or digital nomad popular, and Canadian schoolgirl Daniella Pashuk became a digital nomad five years ago.
At that time, the new crown had not yet broken out, and only at the age of 19, she entered an online university and began working full-time while traveling.
The term “digital nomads ” refers to people who travel freely while working remotely on the Internet.
They usually have the least material possessions. They work online using computers or smartphones in temporary homes, hotels, cafes, public libraries, shared offices or motorhomes. They often move between different countries and regions, and work as programmers, designers, writers, translators, etc.
“I can go where I want to go and do what I want in different countries.
It changed the trajectory of my life, "she told CNBC.
Pashuk, 24, has traveled to more than 20 countries in five years and is a freelance writer whose monthly income fluctuates.
“My monthly income ranges from $2,500 to $3,500 … Some months I travel as a family nanny, so I don ’ t have to pay any accommodation fees. ”
It also means that she has to plan her finances with extra care, although she can travel and work whenever she wants.
“You have to accept a little bit of unpredictability … each month looks different because you ’ re often in different regions, in different currencies, with different spending, so forecasting is a challenge, ” she says.
Extremes like “spending 600 euros last month and 3,000 euros the next month, ” Pashuk recalls.
To be a digital nomad, she says, it ’ s important to keep your finances in good shape because you have to fund the lifestyle you really want.
She shared four financial tips for being a digital hobbyist with CNBC.
Decide what kind of digital nomad you want to be
Pashuk says that what type of digital nomad you want to be will determine your situation.
The first type is people who change places frequently, going to a new place every one to two weeks.
She was in this state for almost two years at one time, but then stopped doing it because she found it was too stressful for her.
This can quickly become expensive, she said, as there is a big chance of problems with each move, such as high ticket prices, train cancellations and other extra costs.
Now she ’ s a “Slow Digital Nomad ” who stays in one place for at least a month or as long as her visa allows.
Pashuk says this helps the budget because the budget is fixed for months, and you stay in the same place and still spend the same things.
In addition, building an affordable “base camp ” can go a long way, providing some stability.
Currently, Pashuk has a “headquarters ” in Montenegro, but also works in different places:“ I still travel every month, but I have a place to come back. ”
She has to spend at least a certain amount each month, such as paying rent in Montenegro, but it has little impact on the total expenditure.
2. Use the correct debit card
When Pashuk started out as a digital nomad, having a stable and reliable cash flow was a huge challenge.
Her Canadian bank account has been locked because she is constantly changing locations, which the bank thinks is a bit suspicious.
So she was forced to call the bank all the time.
In addition, when you use a Canadian card to withdraw money from a local ATM, the offshore transaction fee is also considerable.
“Sometimes I lose $30 to $40 every time I withdraw cash, and if you have to withdraw it multiple times, you lose a lot of money. ”
Two years ago, she switched to a multi-currency debit card, which allowed her to top up and withdraw cash in the currency she wanted. Pashuk said she saved her freelance earnings into the card and took it to more than 20 countries without any problems.
29-year-old nurse earns 1.5 million a year travelling the world: seizing the opportunity of high pay and working only nine months a year
3.
Do full research.
She said that as a digital traveller, in the process of moving to a workplace, it is really important to do adequate research.
To figure out the average local prices, determine if they fit your budget, and find the average prices for Airbnb apartments, food, and other essentials.
Before going somewhere, Pashuk always makes a small table of the items needed for life.
“You never know what unknowns might creep up and steal your money. ”
For example, public transport can be prohibitively expensive in some countries. People often don ’ t think of this, Pashuk shares, because public transport is always cheap where you ’ re staying. “But I went to London and it cost a lot more than I thought, up to $20 a day. ”
Pay close attention to tax requirements
Pashuk also regularly keeps an eye on the latest tax requirements of different countries to ensure that a stay in one country is not long enough to be considered a tax resident.
"I just don't want to deal with it," she said. "Canada's taxes are enough for me."
If you ’ re considering becoming a “slow-moving digital traveller, ” Pashuk suggests studying digital traveller visas, as they typically offer tax relief — and some even complete exemption.
The more you travel, the more accurate you can predict how much you will spend, she says.
“Where you can cut costs, you have to be a little smart.
Being financially proficient is definitely a good thing in the long run and can keep you moving forward. ”
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What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Digital nomads must balance work and life while ensuring healthcare access, understanding visa requirements, and achieving financial stability.

Title:

Content:   • Your one stop for college news and resources!
Featured, Features, Study Abroad

A Guide for College Students Embracing the Digital Nomad Lifestyle

A digital nomad is someone who works remotely and travels often. Their work doesn’t require them to report to an office or adhere to a strict schedule. Instead, they can work anywhere in the world, doing the job they love.

It’s no wonder this lifestyle is appealing more to college students. They can travel the world while studying and working abroad. That said, being a college student and a digital nomad is a challenge. It’s not like a vacation where all you have to worry about is enjoying yourself.

You have to learn how to balance the fun of traveling with work and school commitments. The following tips will help you do just that.

Understand What the Digital Nomad Lifestyle Will Be Like

You have to understand what the digital nomad lifestyle will be like if you want it to work out. You can assess whether this life is for you, and better prepare for it if you decide that it is.

Here are some critical points to consider about the digital nomad lifestyle:

  • A work-life balance is a must
  • Traveling often can be exhausting
  • You must ensure access to healthcare
  • You need a plan for financial stability
  • You’ll have to adapt to new cultures and languages
  • Knowing visa requirements and other legal requirements is essential
  • You might experience homesickness, especially if you go international
  • Balancing school with work and life in a new place is a big commitment

Dig into these factors and research all you’ll have to do and give up to be a digital nomad. Then, you can make an informed decision about moving forward.

Master Time Management

You’ll have to take your time management up a few notches if you want to be a digital nomad.

It’s one thing to balance life and school. It’s another to balance life, school, traveling, and potentially, work. You must learn how to divide your days so that you pay each of these things the attention they need. In addition, time management will ensure you don’t burn out.

Start with a routine to build some consistency into your days. Wake up at the same time regardless of your schedule and get ready for your days the same way.

You can establish priority tasks the night before, like your classes, if you’re working, and when you’ll study. Set aside time for breaks, meals, and leisure time as well. Building these activities into your schedule will ensure you actually do them.

Attach times to each task and activity. For example, you have classes from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Next, you’ll have lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. After that, you have work from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Then, you’ll study from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and the rest of the night is yours.

Manage your time wisely and you can achieve everything you set out for each day.

Learn How to Stay Productive

One of the biggest challenges digital nomads run into is staying productive. All of the fun activities you can do when you travel to a new place can be distracting. It might be hard to stay motivated when you’re homesick. Technical and logistical issues can impact your productivity as well.

So, learning how to maintain peak productivity while studying and working on the road is essential.

Adhering to the routine we mentioned above will help keep you focused. Eliminate distractions while working by turning your phone on Do Not Disturb and muting social media apps. Create a designated workspace. You could also incentivize productivity by promising yourself a fun activity after you complete your work.

Secure your tech setup as well to maintain optimal productivity. Make sure you have the basics, like a good laptop set up with the proper work and school software and noise-canceling headphones.

Another crucial tool to have is a mobile hotspot. A hotspot ensures you can connect to the internet wirelessly on your mobile devices from virtually anywhere. This will come in handy when you travel internationally or to places with spotty internet connections. No matter where you are, you can still access your studies and any work you’re doing online.

Equip yourself with the right tools and techniques to stay productive as a digital nomad.

Choose Work That Aligns With Your Studies and Interests

Digital nomads are known to take many different directions with their work. You have options and can easily make a living while studying and traveling abroad. The key is ensuring the work you do doesn’t distract from your education and pull you away from who you are.

You’ll have a much better experience as a digital nomad if you choose work that aligns with your studies and interests. Rather than taking the barista job at the local cafe, work with your school to see if there are any work-study opportunities where you’re traveling.

You can also take the job search into your own hands. Search for job openings before you head to your destination through online job boards. Ask for referrals from fellow students.

Consider fully remote positions as well. There are many work-from-home jobs available that can accommodate a college student’s digital nomad lifestyle, such as being a tutor or a content writer for subjects related to your major.

Whatever work you decide to do, make sure it doesn’t take away from your studies and aligns with who you are and what you want to be.

Conclusion

Many college students are attracted to the digital nomad lifestyle because it allows them to travel freely while studying and working where they want to. As enticing as this life is, being a digital nomad isn’t void of challenges.

Make sure you understand what you’re getting into, master time management, learn to stay productive, and choose work that aligns with your studies and interests to give yourself a real chance at a successful digital nomad life.

SEE ALSO: How to Choose the Right Student Housing in the U.S.

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What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Knowledge of visa and other legal requirements

There are approximately 35 million digital nomads worldwide, expected to reach one billion by 2035, with many countries offering digital nomad visas.

Title:

Content: Drop everything and sail around the world
In recent years, the global media began to vigorously promote "travel living", translated from English - travel-life.
Its supporters are called digital nomads, or digital nomads.
They are not attached to the place of residence and work and are ready to trade comfort, stability and career prospects for life in continuous motion.
In the US alone, this philosophy is shared by 22 million people, or one in 15 Americans, in the world – 35 million, and by 2030, the number of digital nomads on the planet is projected to grow to one billion people.
Experts believe that this is the way to form a “seamless ” world with a“ connected person ” without roots.
Photo: Parliamentary GazetteParliamentary Newspaper
Down with office stress
Video of the day
The first digital nomad was an American writer and programmer.
In 1983, he set off on a computerized bike and completed it on a yacht in 2021.
The revival of the ancient nomadic way of life in the 21st century has become possible thanks to the Internet and IT technologies, and the pandemic of the covid with a remote format of work has spurred it.
By 2030, the number of digital nomads could reach a billion people.
What kind of people are these?
The first group is digital.
Programmers, project managers, graphic designers, journalists, writers, lawyers, translators, analysts, testers, copywriters, video editors, product managers.
Six months in the Maldives, three months in Barbados or the United Arab Emirates, where the world ’ s fastest mobile Internet.
The second is adventurers and wanderers.
The third is mortgages, for which loan payments are more expensive than permanent tourism and being in cheap areas of the world.
The philosophy of digital nomads is to untie themselves from their place of birth and one job.
Choose countries where the best climate, cheaper food, where there are no toxic offices, civil duties, but only the right to live in pleasure.
Digital nomads consider themselves the chosen ones of fate, because, in their opinion, they make the free choice of a free person.
Life in motion, they argue, is not bliss, but the norm.
Their favorite slogan is “The values of minimalism make us happy. ”
Nature, freedom, unprocessed food, physical activity...
A lot is said about this on their profile sites.
Anxiety and desire to change places
Hunting for a change of places is a problem of motives, and they are different, correspondent member, philosopher, chief researcher of the Institute of Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences Jean Toshchenko told the “Parliamentary newspaper ”.
Someone just has the opportunity to choose the best conditions of life and work.
Others have the pressure of economic circumstances.
This is facilitated by the growing class of precariat (people working in low-paid and unstable jobs without social guarantees - sick leave, vacation, with a reduced salary).
The transition from permanent to part-time, temporary, part-time employment makes it easier for such people to get out of place and go wherever they look.
Another category is those who, in principle, do not care about the content of the work, says the scientist.
They expect to find something to do everywhere.
From here the ease of lifting.
Finally, there are those who choose a way of life where civil obligations do not prevail over them.
An expert from the United States John Peters in a sensational article “Exile, Nomadism and the Diaspora ” called the opposition of nomad and state as the key idea of the movement.
Many travelers begin with the term “climate emigration ”, but constant mobility erases the boundaries of cultural and national identity.
As a result, the concept of homeland is also being rethought, and this is already marginality, he concludes.
A typical portrait of a digital nomad, according to the Nomad List survey, is a minimalist with a laptop, a backpack, a bachelor ’ s degree, a passport and a cup of coffee.
Lives in one place for an average of 70 days.
At the heart of the mentality is anti-materialism and contentment with small things.
The most attractive side of travel is cheapness, according to one of the profile sites.
Nomadism saves a lot of money because the costs of maintaining the property, maintaining the car, parking, winter clothes disappear.
It is fascinating and good for health.
The main cost item is renting a roof over your head and food.
Geo-arbitrage helps to live better and cheaper – the use of price differences between countries.
Peace in your pocket and nothing of your own
Some researchers call traveling a new socio-economic model.
It echoes the program slogans of the “great reset ” of the world proclaimed at the Davos Economic Forum.
According to it, the preservation of the planet in the interests of future generations requires tightening the belts of the living, limiting economic growth and reducing consumption.
The projected image of the future assumes that a person will be available to the whole world, a lot of services, but at the same time he will not have anything of his own.
Globalizers argue that property and binding to a permanent place of residence burden and encroach on the personal freedoms of citizens.
Why buy a house when you can rent it?
Why a personal car when there is carsharing?
Why save money when you can have a basic guaranteed income?
Why spend money on heating an apartment, if you can go to the warm lands for the winter?
When a person has no stake or yard, it is especially easy.
Modern nomads often call themselves citizens of the world.
The nomad is always online, and it is more convenient for him to communicate even with friends online, rather than offline.
Therefore, some experts have given it the definition of “connected person ”.
The unwritten motto of digital nomads: movement is everything, goal is nothing.
There are 300 people in the world who have visited all 196 countries of the world (including unrecognized territories).
Among them are Australian Rach and Slovak Marty.
The women described the adventures of the 15-year-old circumnavigation in the blog “Very Hungry Nomads ”.
They set out to inspire the women of the world to live without office stress, work on the beach, expand horizons and embrace new thinking.
Travelers sold out all the property and lived with luggage from two backpacks of hand luggage.
The focus of their project was food.
Odyssey cost 274 thousand dollars.
Her conclusion: the most delicious food is in Ethiopia, Afghanistan and Uzbek farmers.
The number of nomadism activists in Russia is also increasing.
For example, ethnologist Mikhail Zarubin traveled to 193 countries for 10 years and wrote a book for children “Tales of Young Travelers ”.
Four years more spent on the circumnavigation of his friend, the photographer.
150 hotels annually - the norm for Lisa and Vitalik, whose journey lasts 12 years.
Many other travel bloggers share their impressions on the website travcave.ru.
Traffic infrastructure
The digital nomad relies on infrastructure.
A digital nomad visa allows individuals who earn an income of at least $2,000 from a foreign jurisdiction to legally stay in the country longer than tourists.
Its price in Brazil is 72 dollars, in Greece - 75, Costa Rica - 100, Argentina - from 120 to 240, in Bermuda - 260, in the Bahamas and in the UAE - a thousand dollars.
Validity from 180 days to 10 years.
In countries where there is no such visa, nomads often live on tourist and even student, and the authorities turn a blind eye to this.
The elements of infrastructure are also coworking and coliving (common spaces where you can live and work with like-minded people).
The number of the first, according to forecasts, by 2025 will reach 26 thousand, and the second annually grows by a third.
In Russia, too, there is a coliving - "Station Smena".
It provides, according to the presentation, a unique opportunity to combine work and party.
Remotely you can work from home, public libraries, cafes - if only there was an Internet and a laptop.
The wealthier ones move around in offices on wheels.
However, the vans at home with a table, a lot of sockets, chargers and a background for conferences are like a luxury German crossover.
The system of hubs for nomads is characterized by a favorable climate, high-speed Internet, an easy visa regime and a low cost of living.
The most attractive locations are Chiang Mai (Thailand) and Bali (Indonesia), in Europe - Lisbon, Gran Canaria and the island of Madeira, in America - Medellin, Mexico City and Buenos Aires.
If the money runs out, nomads can spend the night in churches for free, in extreme cases - in a tent, especially since they do not tend to cold lands.
Someone on occasion earns remote trade, hand-made, bartenders, guides, DJs and VJs, nurses, teachers and what God will send.
As befits a philosopher, Jean Toshchenko is not surprised:
“The world is entering an era of great migration of peoples, similar to the one that took place 15 centuries ago.
The process of global migration is driven by economic, political and climatic factors.
And this general mobility affects all of humanity, making it dynamic. ”
The philosophy of individualism
And if everyone wants to live on an eternal journey, who will remain in their native country and will improve it?
Is there a balance between personal freedom and civic responsibility?
Is not the sense of patriotism atrophied, for example, among the digital class, part of which has amicably rushed outside Russia?
The balance between freedom and responsibility was sought by Voltaire and Belinsky.
They are looking for it and will be looking for it at all times, ” the chairman of the Council for the Development of the Digital Economy evasively replied to the Parliamentary Newspaper.
First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Tourism and Tourism Development Nikolai Valuev did not hide skepticism from our publication:
“No matter what you dream and want, people will always be tied by a bunch of circumstances to the place of residence.
Work, habit, property, kinship and social ties, so these cosmopolitans will always be in the region of statistical error. ”
Comparing digital nomads, immigrants and relocants is incorrect, said the development director of VTsIOM Consulting.
The concept of “digital-nomadism ” develops a philosophy of individualism, he told“ Parlamentskaya Gazeta ”.
Its values: freedom to choose life goals, ways and places of work, the desire for openness of information, intolerance of discrimination and the conditional “seamless ” of the world.
At the same time, nomads, earning in their country, spend money in a foreign country.
How should this state be treated?
Why in the US with a population of 330 million people, Trump in his election program promises to introduce maternity capital for a new baby boom?
"Any government wants its citizens to work at home and develop the domestic economy," Yermolaev said. - The generation of the first baby boom is close to retirement age, which increases the burden on social infrastructure and reduces the number of able-bodied people.
And the digital nomad community in the US is growing.
According to MBO Partners, there are 16.9 million, and according to Nomand List, 22 million.
If the trend continues, the country ’ s economy will face a serious challenge in the coming years. ”
In Russia, according to Nomad List, digital nomads are still relatively few - 2.3 million.
And yet they should be taken seriously, urges the dean of the Faculty of Economics.
As a rule, nomads do not seek to part with the country, they can continue to work for domestic companies, benefiting the state.
And in order to preserve this human capital, to prevent its possible leakage, an income tax of 13 percent should be saved for this category, the economist believes.
According to the current rules, tax non-residents - people who have been in Russia for less than 183 calendar days for twelve consecutive months - must pay income tax not 13 percent, but 30 percent, besides they are not entitled to tax deductions.
As the head of the State Duma Committee on Labor, Social Policy and Veterans Affairs Yaroslav Nilov told our publication, all the necessary regulation in the field of remote employment was developed and fixed in Chapter 49.1 of the Labor Code even during the coronavirus pandemic.
Thanks to this, many workers today work remotely, most of them within the country.
Any changes to the law will also affect them, he explained.
This is usually used in a situation where there is an imbalance of interests of employers and employees.
“If people continue to perform their duties in accordance with labor contracts, taxes and payments are deducted from their income, then why invent something? ” the deputy concluded.

Title:

Content: Thousands of digital nomads staying in Croatia, longer stay problematic

NEWS 12.02.2023 15:31

Croatia, a country with a dwindling population, has become a hot destination for digital nomads - mostly young, highly educated and rich foreigners. Thousands of them are staying in the country, but the small number of those wishing to stay longer have to be resourceful as the law does not allow a stay of more than one year.

The global number of digital nomads is estimated at around 35 million. According to some estimates, that number is expected to reach one billion by 2035.

Croatia ranks high on the list of digital nomads’ favourite destinations. Even though data vary, depending on the source of information, a survey conducted by the Nomad List platform shows Croatia is globally the most attractive destination for digital nomads.

Croatia is a small country but what it offers is diverse so it attracts different groups of digital nomads, says Jan de Jong, founder of the Digital Nomads Croatia association.

The Dutch, who lives in Croatia, in 2020 launched amendment of the relevant laws owing to which Croatia introduced, as one of the first European countries to do so, a visa for digital nomads, enabling citizens of third countries to stay in the country for up to one year.

10,000 digital nomads staying in Croatia on a monthly basis

De Jong notes that one of the main reasons why digital nomads come to Croatia, besides infrastructure, which mostly includes the need for a good internet connection and an established community of digital nomads, is the lifestyle Croatia offers, which, in an addition to everything else, is very affordable.

That lifestyle seems to be very affordable to digital nomads, as an average digital nomad makes around €6,500 a month, according to Nomad List.

At the end of January 2023, there were 595 valid visas for digital nomads in Croatia, according to data from the Ministry of the Interior, however, that figure is much below the actual number of digital nomads staying in Croatia because it refers only to third-country citizens staying here for more than three months.

To get a complete picture of the situation, one should take into account EU citizens, who move freely throughout EU territory, including Croatia, without time limitations, as well as the large number of digital nomads from third countries staying in Croatia for less than a month.

The Ministry of the Interior says that it does not keep a record of the latter two categories of digital nomads, so their number can only be estimated.

Judging by trends for individual cities, including Zadar, Split and Zagreb, on the Nomad List platform, de Jong concludes that roughly 5,000 digital nomads arrive in Croatia a month. If every digital nomad is estimated to stay in Croatia for two months, one can say that around 10,000 digital nomads are staying in Croatia every month.

Meanwhile, after Croatia was one of the first European countries to introduce visas for digital nomads, other European countries have followed suit.

In addition to the basic requirements, such as remote work or self-employment and a certain minimum monthly income, which in Croatia amounts to €2,300, while in Iceland it is more than €6,000 – the visa for digital nomads also regulates the longest allowed stay in the country.

Croatia is one of the countries with more restrictive rules because if a digital nomad likes the country and wants to stay for more than a year, they must leave the country for at least six months in order to be able to apply for a visa again.

On the other hand, in other European countries the visa can mostly be extended, depending on the country, for example, in the Czech Republic a digital nomad visa can be extended for a period of three years in total.

Purpose of visa country’s tourist promotion

Even though de Jong says that the purpose of the visa for digital nomads was never to allow permanent stays, he notes that a certain number of digital nomads contact his association looking for advice on what to do if they want to stay in the country.

Asked if there is a legal way to extend the visa, the Ministry of the Interior says that that option does not exist and that it cannot even be extended with a permit for extended tourist stay.

The ministry explains this with the fact that the sole purpose of visas for digital nomads was “Croatia’s tourism promotion.”

One of those who got caught in that legal limbo is Steve Tsentserensky, a copywriter from Ohio, USA, who was among the first digital nomads to get a visa in Croatia.

During his six-month stay in Zagreb, he fell so much in love with the city that he decided to return for a longer period of time.

Asked how he would do that, because the law restricts his stay, unless he marries a Croat, establishes a company or finds employment, he says that he will do what is feasible to regulate his stay and probably again apply for a visa for digital nomads.

He stresses, however, that it would be good if the visa could be extended for a longer period of time, without applicants having to leave the country because they all have the possibility to reapply after the expiry of the six-month period, and the conditions are completely the same.

Another digital nomad, a woman from the USA, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that after the expiry of her visa she did not want to leave the country and that, even though she kept the same job for which she receives a US salary, she found the solution in a fictitious employment contract.

Somebody offered me a work permit, she says cautiously. She considered other ways as well, such as starting a business, and was also advised to marry, but she believes that with the work permit she has also found a way to contribute to the community she lives in by paying taxes, because as a digital nomad she does not have to do it.

Both Americans like the relaxed lifestyle of Zagreb residents, which is why they want to stay for some time.

They did not say how long, but the woman said that she is actively learning Croatian and not thinking about leaving the country.

When they stay longer, they become immigrants

Caroline Hornstein-Tomic, a researcher at the Ivo Pilar Institute of Social Sciences, says that digital nomads are usually highly educated people, mostly in their 30s, who are also excellent consumers.

“If they decide to stay longer, they become a kind of immigrants,” she says and adds that there is still no research in Croatia on how digital nomads impact local communities, but that that impact certainly exists.

They boost tourism as well as other sectors of the economy, they have encouraged the development of infrastructure and the establishment of numerous hubs, as well as services that meet their need to get along in the new country, she says.

Hornstein-Tomic says that she has interviewed some of the nomads who have been staying on Dalmatian islands, and that she has heard about their positive experiences with the local community.

“Those who have decided to stay longer are interested in local jobs or business development, and they also do volunteer work, so apart from financial resources, they also have knowledge that they like to share,” says Hornstein-Tomic.

Commenting on the demographic potential of that group, de Jong says that digital nomads follow new trends and no longer go to countries where they have better-paying jobs but rather those where they like the lifestyle, bringing their well-paid jobs with them.

He thinks that the current remote work revolution will continue and that a reversal of the trend is not likely.

That trend can be the biggest opportunity for Croatia, from where around half a million people have emigrated over the past ten years looking for better-paying jobs, says de Jong, who has lived in Croatia for the past 16 years.

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Title:

Content: WFH to Japan? Government proposes digital nomad visa to attract remote office workers
Author: United Morning Post
Published: Updated:
The Japanese government is considering issuing digital nomad visas to attract “digital nomads ” who travel around the world while working remotely to Japan.
As more and more countries introduce digital nomad visas, the Japanese government also hopes to boost spending by foreign visitors by creating a convenient environment for highly skilled digital workers.
The visa programme is expected to be completed this month.
According to the data, there are an estimated 35 million digital nomads worldwide, who spend about US $787 billion (about HK $6.16 billion) annually.
According to an overseas survey, about 66% of digital nomads stay in the same place for three to six months.
In order to attract this group of highly skilled, high-income digital nomads to stay in Japan for more than 90 days, the Japanese government is considering issuing long-term visas.
According to the current regulations, individuals must work in Japan for more than 90 days to apply for a work visa.
However, individuals who receive salaries from overseas companies are not eligible to apply for this visa; applicants must receive salaries from companies with branches in Japan in order to obtain the visa.
Pictured is a collection of traditional Japanese bungalow buildings in front of the Hilton Hotel Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan, on January 28, 2021. (Getty)
Countries such as Europe, Central and South America, in order to attract more digital travelers, in addition to providing long-term work visas, some countries even offer tax concessions.
According to the data, 15 European countries have introduced similar digital nomadic visas, but the application criteria vary, such as Croatia requires applicants to earn no less than 2,300 euros (about HK $19,000) a month, Iceland requires 7,100 euros (about HK $59,000), Portugal requires no less than 700 euros (about HK $5,860), and Spain sets the income threshold at around 2,000 euros (about HK $17,000).
This article is authorized by the United Morning Post.

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Knowledge of visa and other legal requirements

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Knowledge of visa and other legal requirements

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Knowledge of visa and other legal requirements

Several countries, including Malaysia, Estonia, and Japan, offer digital nomad visas with varying income requirements and tax exemptions.

Title:

Content: Malaysia hops on to digital-nomad visa bandwagon

At lakefront of the Malaysia's administrative center, Putrajaya. (File photo: Reuters)
MUMBAI: Want to chill out on Malaysian beaches without taking leave from work? Well, this country is the latest to jump on to the bandwagon with its offering of a digital-nomad pass.
It joins countries as varied as Estonia, Malta, Bahamas, Cyprus, Thailand and many others, which following the pandemic have opened up their doors to digital nomads – people who work remotely but from another country. However, tax and other regulatory issues, both for the employer and the individual need to be borne in mind, before moving to these exotic locations.
From October 1, the Malaysian government has begun to accept online applications for the newly introduced digital nomad pass, termed as the ‘DE Rantau Nomad Pass Program’. Eligible foreign nationals whose annual income is over $ 24,000 can apply and can stay in Malaysia with their dependents for up to three to 12 months initially, with an option to extend for another year. This is a multiple-entry programme, unlike tourist visa, which is a single entry scheme with a validity of just three months. The applicant has to submit proof of work or employment and pay the requisite fees.
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Content: -- -- -- / -- -- --
Site Management
The self-contractor.
Immigration to Algeria!
Starting this Saturday, January 20, 2024, Freelancers Algeria will be able to obtain a self-contractor card to carry out their activities legally.
Interestingly, this possibility also applies to foreign residents.
In November 2022, MPs approved the draft organic law for the self-contractor.
After the inclusion of seven amendments to the text of the project, perhaps the most prominent of which is to allow foreigners to own the card of the self-contractor in Algeria.
This means that any foreign national residing here, “in accordance with the legislation and regulation in force, ” will be able to carry out a profitable activity individually, without having to get a job or open a private company inside the country.
This could also mean, later on, that foreign freelancers would be legally able to move to Algeria to become their business base.
Most of them are “digital nomads ” who can work anywhere in the world.
Many countries, such as Spain, Germany and Lithuania, are paying special attention to attracting these foreign travelers.
By issuing a digital nomad visa, they can move in to do business that they can do digitally from anywhere on Earth, in exchange for taxes they pay for the finances of these countries, of course.
As digital services exporters in Algeria can now earn full returns on their services with hard work.
This would be an incentive for digital nomads to come to Algeria, given the low cost of living in Algeria compared to the countries mentioned above, and the sunshine throughout the year.
although, of course, this is not enough.
There are other conditions that would encourage foreigners to emigrate for self-employment and self-employment in Algeria.
These are the same conditions that make it easier for Algerian independents to carry out their activities first.
They are usually listed by experts in the development of the banking system in general, providing more options for electronic payment, while improving the quality of Internet connectivity.
Fortunately, that seems to be the case.
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Content:
Japan's 'Digital Nomad Visa' Up For Grabs In March From Who Can Apply To Eligibility, Here's All You Need To Know

(MENAFN- Live Mint) "Japan is set to launch a digital nomad visa in March that will allow citizens of 49 countries to stay in the nation for up to six months serves as the best place to combine work and travel considering its metropolitan cities, diverse natural landscapes and world-renowned pop culture. In a move to boost the tourism industry and its economy and international competitiveness, the island country is increasingly opening up to foreigners read: 'With current service, visas can be issued in very short time to Indian citizens': German envoyFind out who can apply for Japan's digital nomad visaJapan's digital nomad visa will be available to citizens of 49 countries and territories. These eligible nations are those that have signed a tax treaty with the country or are visa-exempt when visiting Japan. The list of eligible nations includes all EU countries, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Monaco, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom, reported Euronews. However, as of now, India is not on the list read: Visa, Mastercard to stop card-based B2B payments via third party fintech platforms: SourcesOne must work for an employer or corporation outside of the host nation or own a business that can be managed from anywhere in the world to be eligible for this visa. The visa mainly targets IT professionals as well as highly skilled professionals. This visa is expected to apply to YouTubers as well who make revenue from overseas advertisers read: US visa news: H-1B, L-1 and EB-5 visa fees hiked; to come into effect from 1 April. Check details hereThis East Asian country is threatened by its ageing population and hence faced with a high dependency ratio. According to Japan's labour ministry, over two million foreign nationals work in the country currently, which is the highest number ever recorded much does one need to earn to be eligible?To qualify for Japan's digital nomad visa, applicants must earn at least 10 million Japanese Yen (€62,672) annually and have private health insurance coverage, reported Euronews read: VFS Global expects visa processing time to ease this yearMoreover, family members including children and spouses will be allowed to accompany digital nomads during their stay in Japan but they also have to be covered by private medical insurance read: Schengen visa fee hike: Here's how costly your trip to Europe can getDigital nomads are 45 per cent more productive than their office-based counterparts, according to a US study. It was also found that these digital nomads are happier, with 91 per cent reporting job satisfaction and flexibility as the primary benefits countries including Portugal, Canada, and Germany, have introduced digital nomad visas and modified laws to promote working tourism. Dedicated remote working centres have emerged over the years that offer individuals the freedom to choose their workplace including beachside locations.

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Content: This content is not available in your region

Digital nomads promised lush forests, natural spas and a new co-working space in this German town

Baden-Baden has a 100-acre forest and a car-free city centre.   -   Copyright  Baden-Baden Kur & Tourismus GmbH
By Hayley Rogue Ashworth

If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that a lot of jobs do not need to conform to the standard Monday-Friday, 9-5.

There has been a shift in the way we view our working lives. We are no longer satisfied with spending our days confined to office cubicles, counting down the days to our next holiday.

Instead, we are looking for that ideal work-life balance - for more control over our time and more enriching experiences. Add to that the current cost-of-living crisis sweeping across Europe, Brexit and the rising price of weekend travel, and it’s easy to see the appeal of the digital nomad lifestyle.

But with the whole world to choose from, and several countries like Costa Rica and Bali offering digital nomad visas, where to start?

As travel companies weigh in on the best places to start your expat life, an unassuming spa town in southwestern Germany is throwing its hat in the ring.

Is Baden-Baden poised to be the next big digital nomad destination?

Baden-Baden is preparing for the opening of its first dedicated coworking space, Opera Coworking. There are many ways this UNESCO World heritage town would make a great digital nomad destination.

Once known as the ‘summer capital of Europe’, Baden-Baden was the playground of 19th-century Monaco socialites. Located close to the French border in Germany’s Black Forest, it was a favourite escape when the South of France got too hot.

With a population of around 55,000, it’s quiet yet cosmopolitan, green, accessible and has a lot to offer in terms of work-life balance. It has its own airport serviced by most major European airlines, as well as train lines that connect you to the rest of Germany, Europe and beyond.

Calm your mind in green forests and natural spas

Baden-Baden proclaims to be the ‘city of the good-good life’, and it isn’t difficult to see why.

The region is 61 per cent forest, with the Lichtentaler Allee spanning almost 100 acres. This green oasis is home to over 300 species of trees and shrubs, and part of it runs through the car-free city centre. Here, outdoor enthusiasts can wind down with hiking, cycling, running, roller-blading and walking.

As well as shaking off any work frustrations, all those extra activities will help improve your mental and physical health.

For more wellness activities, there are several natural spas - in particular, the Friedrichsbad. At €32 for three hours, it has 17 coordinated bathing stations to follow, from warm air baths to thermal whirlpools.

Now, we’re not saying to spend all your time in the spa. But having time and freedom to properly unwind is one of the many benefits of becoming a digital nomad.

There are also six championship golf courses, various sporting and music events throughout the year, and a variety of museums and galleries.

Excellent train routes to the rest of Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and France make weekend getaways, fun day-excursions and work trips easy.

How to become a digital nomad in Germany

There are several visa options for digital nomads in Germany, which vary depending on how long you plan to stay there.

Those with an EU, EEA or Swiss passport can enter Germany for 90 days as a tourist. While you don’t need a visa or permit to work in Germany, you must register stays that are longer than three months with the local authorities.

Those in Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, the UK and the USA can apply for a residency permit without an entry visa.

Most other nationalities will need to apply for a visa from a German Embassy and a residence permit for self-employment. This requires proof of self-sustainability and a business plan.

In Germany, freelancers and self-employed are considered to be two different statuses. For tax purposes, it is best to be a freelancer, though freelance roles must fall under certain liberal professions specified by the government, such as art, engineering, legal, medical, science and teaching, among others.

Once in Germany, all digital nomads have two weeks to submit their German addresses and book an appointment with the Immigration Office to begin the residency process.

See you in Baden-Baden?

If your goal is to make as much money as possible for early retirement, then Baden-Baden may not be for you, as you will have to register as a resident and pay tax.

But if your digital nomad goal is more about creating a life full of balance, this German town could be your dream destination.

The clean air and greenery will soothe your soul, there are lots of activities to fill your downtime - and restaurants to fill your stomach.

Add to that easy access to other destinations and an excellent healthcare and social system, and Baden-Baden is well worth considering as the place to start your digital nomad journey.

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Knowledge of visa and other legal requirements

What are the criteria of the top 20 digital nomad locations?

A digital nomad visa program or the equivalent

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Knowledge of visa and other legal requirements

What are the criteria of the top 20 digital nomad locations?

A digital nomad visa program or the equivalent

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Knowledge of visa and other legal requirements

What are the criteria of the top 20 digital nomad locations?

A digital nomad visa program or the equivalent

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Knowledge of visa and other legal requirements

What are the criteria of the top 20 digital nomad locations?

A digital nomad visa program or the equivalent

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Knowledge of visa and other legal requirements

What are the criteria of the top 20 digital nomad locations?

A digital nomad visa program or the equivalent

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Knowledge of visa and other legal requirements

What are the criteria of the top 20 digital nomad locations?

A digital nomad visa program or the equivalent

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Knowledge of visa and other legal requirements

What are the criteria of the top 20 digital nomad locations?

A digital nomad visa program or the equivalent

Digital nomads can apply for visas like Malaysia's DE Rantau Nomad Pass, which requires a $24,000 annual income, or Japan's digital nomad visa, which requires private health insurance and an annual income over 10 million yen.

Title:

Content: Japan introduces new visa for ‘ digital nomads ’
International Center Hsu Hsiao-ching / General Report
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a global wave of teleworking, which has led to an increase in the number of “digital nomads ”.
Japan ’ s Immigration Department said on the 2nd that it will set up a new type of visa for foreign high-level technicians, technology engineers, etc. who work remotely to stay in Japan for up to six months, aiming to promote domestic consumption and attract talents.
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According to the Nikkei News and other Japanese media reports, Japan's entry and exit country residence management agency said on the 2nd that it is currently planning a new visa category that will allow high-level technicians to stay in Japan by working remotely for up to six months, during which they can travel around Japan for sightseeing.
The Immigration Department began soliciting public comments on the 3rd, and hopes to launch a new plan by the end of March.
Japanese Minister of Justice Ryuji Koizumi pointed out that because "digital nomads" can bring new creativity to Japan and help economic growth, and after the epidemic, survey data shows that the number of digital nomads worldwide is increasing, so the Japanese government hopes to attract relevant workers to Japan to settle, live temporarily or travel.
With this new visa category, Japan hopes to accommodate “digital nomads ” who can work anywhere, hoping to attract workers such as overseas consulting firm bosses and foreign YouTubers who earn advertising revenue from overseas companies.
A similar visa is currently available to tourists as a tourist visa, but work is not allowed, with a maximum stay of 90 days.
However, in order to apply for this visa, the applicant must have an annual income of more than 10 million yen (about NT $2.11 million) and must be a citizen of one of the 50 countries and regions with which Japan has a visa-free agreement, as well as private health insurance.
The spouses and children of the main applicant who meet the above conditions can also apply for entry together if they have private medical insurance.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, this new type of work model, remote working, has become more and more common around the world.
“Digital nomads ” refer to people who can work remotely through the Internet, maintain a certain amount of living expenses, and travel freely in the local area, regardless of where and when they work.
According to travel information website A Brother Abroad, there are currently around 35 million nomads worldwide and they are growing.
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What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Knowledge of visa and other legal requirements

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Knowledge of visa and other legal requirements

Digital nomads must research a country's healthcare and insurance requirements before visiting or working there, and consider international health insurance to cover healthcare expenses.

Title:

Content: Women's Healthcare

Women’s healthcare in Russia

You can access women’s healthcare services in Russia through both the public and private sectors. Find out what’s available and how to use it.

By Gary Buswell

Updated 12-12-2023

In Russia, women’s healthcare consists of state healthcare covered through health insurance, supplemented by private provision that is primarily aimed at expats and high earners. Services include gynecologists, maternity care, contraception, and more. State medical services are free but patchy in terms of quality and availability.

Read on to find out how to access services and pay for them. Sections include:

Women’s health in Russia

The state healthcare system in Russia provides access to free women’s health services such as gynecologists, maternity care, and sexual health screenings. All residents can access this through health insurance. However, due to the variable standards, expat women in Russia often take out private insurance to access private sector services. These are generally of a higher quality and cover more treatments.

The general quality of Russian healthcare is below that of countries such as the US, UK, France, and Germany. This is reflected in its position of 89th for healthcare in the 2021 Legatum Prosperity Index. However, health doesn’t feature among the main gender inequalities in Russia. Although it ranks only 81st out of 156 nations on the 2021 Global Gender Gap Index, Russia features in the top group of 29 countries in terms of health outcomes for women.

Accessing women’s healthcare services in Russia

State healthcare services in Russia are available for all residents free of charge. A national health insurance program covers the costs for this. Those unable to contribute to health insurance, for example, elderly, disabled, or unemployed residents, can still access most services. Children also have access to free state healthcare.

All residents in Russia also have access to private medical services. However, you will need to pay upfront or take out private health insurance to cover costs. This means that private services tend to be used by the wealthier sections of the Russian population.

To access women’s healthcare in Russia, you will need to show your state healthcare card (for public services), proof of insurance policy (for private services), or pay fees upfront.

Insurance for women’s healthcare in Russia

There are three types of health insurance in Russia. The first is compulsory health insurance (OMI), which all employees pay towards state-funded services. Many employers also offer voluntary health insurance (VHI), supplementary schemes that cover additional services not available through OMI. Finally, private health insurance allows individuals to access a full range of private healthcare in Russia.

Some women’s healthcare services in Russia are available to all residents, covered through employee OMI payments. These include:

  • Access to state-funded gynecologists
  • Maternity care
  • Some family planning services and sexual healthcare
  • Screenings for some cancers and STIs

However, the availability of free public health services can vary considerably across Russia. For example, the level of provision is far greater in Moscow than in smaller towns and rural areas. Because of this, many women in Russia use VHI and private insurance to access a better level of care.

Some foreign nationals in Russia can access healthcare through reciprocal agreements with their home country. For example, citizens of some EU/EFTA countries can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for treatment. However, eligibility may only be for limited periods. Therefore, check the situation with your home country before traveling.

Gynecologists in Russia

Gynecologists and obstetricians provide pregnancy-related services, family planning, sexual health screenings, and advice and support on sexual and reproductive health. You can find these services in health centers, polyclinics, perinatal centers, and maternity hospitals.

According to the latest global statistics, Russia has 25.19 gynecologists per 100,000 people, higher than the European average of 17.82. Figures from 2021 show that 78% of women in Russia aged 18–45 visit a gynecologist at least once a year.

Russian health insurance covers standard gynecological services. However, you can take out private insurance to access private specialists, a more comprehensive range of treatments, and more choice about who you see. Many English-speaking expat medical centers have gynecologists and women’s healthcare specialists.

If you don’t have health insurance coverage, you’ll have to pay for any treatment you receive in Russia. This can range from around 2,000 p. for a consultation to 160,000 p. for a hysterectomy.

You can find obstetrics and gynecology clinics on WhatClinic, along with reviews and price information. You can also check the Department of Health websites for services in Moscow and Saint Petersburg (links in Russian) or contact the Russian Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists for support.

Women’s contraception in Russia

Russia scores just 42.8% on the 2020 European Contraception Policy Atlas, an indicator for government policies on access to contraceptives, family planning, and online information. Only Poland scores lower among European countries. Public health insurance no longer covers this for any groups.

Many couples in Russia rely on birth control. The country also has a high abortion rate with 351 per 1000 live births in 2019. However, condoms and the birth control pill are readily available at pharmacies and family planning clinics. Emergency contraception officially requires a prescription, although it’s possible to obtain it without. The cost is around 465–665 p.

The three most common forms of regular contraception in Russia are condoms (used by 27% of couples), IUD (14.2%), and the pill (13.2%).

Maternity care services in Russia

Health insurance covers most costs associated with childbirth in Russia, including checkups, scans, childbirth classes, and maternity care at a state maternity hospital. However, there have been reports of women being denied childbirth rights amid COVID-19 restrictions. Many expats choose private insurance to access private maternity care through a private international medical center.

If you opt for state maternity care, this will be provided by your doctor and a Russian midwife. Gynecologists are sometimes also involved in early checkups. Services are usually in Russian, although some state facilities have English-speaking staff.

Breastfeeding in Russia

Breastfeeding is fairly common in Russia. According to a 2018 UNICEF report, 92% of Russian babies are breastfed, slightly below the global average of 95%.

Mothers of newborns can take breastfeeding breaks or request flexible work hours to fit in with their breastfeeding schedule. There is no big taboo around breastfeeding in public, but you might find that public opinion varies.

You can get breastfeeding support in Russia through organizations such as La Leche League Russia (website in Russian).

Fertility treatments in Russia

Fertility treatments are available in Russia for both residents and non-residents. For residents, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is now covered through public health insurance for single women who want to conceive and couples who have been unable to conceive through natural methods for 12 months.

To access treatment through state health insurance, you will need a referral from a Russian doctor or specialist. You can choose a provider, but there may be a waiting list. Insurance covers the costs for two treatments per year. The Moscow Department of Health website has information on accessing IVF through OMI health insurance (in Russian). The St Petersburg Family Planning website (in Russian) also has information on treatment availability and costs.

Many private clinics offer treatments for both residents and non-residents. You will need to pay or have private health insurance, although not all private insurance companies cover fertility treatments. IVF costs in Russia vary from around 113,000 p. to 300,000 p.

You can also access other treatments on the private market, such as artificial insemination. This can be sperm from the male partner or a donor aged 20–40. Russia also permits surrogate motherhood. In these cases, the birth mother must be aged 20–35 and have already given birth.

You can find fertility clinics in Russia on WhatClinic.

Abortion in Russia

Abortion laws in Russia

Russia was part of the first country to legalize abortions as the Soviet Union in 1920. Abortion laws have become more restrictive in recent years. You can currently get an abortion up to 12 weeks into pregnancy. However, in cases such as rape, this goes up to 22 weeks. If there is a risk to the mother’s life, the procedure can happen at any time.

Anyone requesting an abortion in Russia needs to undergo a 48–hour consideration period, extended to seven days if the initial 12–week period has passed. In addition, those under the age of 16 need parental consent for abortion in Russia.

Only licensed medical professionals can perform abortions in Russia. If you get an unlicensed abortion or a termination outside the legal time frame, you can receive a fine or even a jail sentence.

Getting an abortion in Russia

Abortion costs in Russia are covered by state health insurance (OMI). However, you will need a referral from a doctor or gynecologist. The abortion will take place in a public hospital or specialist clinic. Procedures at private institutions are generally lower risk, and the patient has more say over treatment.

If you don’t have Russian health insurance to cover abortion, you can still have one, but you need to pay for the procedure. Costs are around 8,000–10,000 p. at a state facility and can be as much as 150,000 p. at a private clinic. In addition, all women in Russia are entitled to three days’ sick leave following a termination procedure.

There have been reports of women in Russia being denied access to state abortion services during the COVID-19 period when certain public health services were scaled back.

Menopause in Russia

Menopause can affect women aged between 45 and 65. However, according to studies, the most likely age among Russian women is around 50.

Menopausal treatment as part of women’s healthcare is still relatively rare in Russia. Only around 3% of menopausal women in Russia receive hormone replacement therapy (HRT). If you experience menopausal symptoms, you should talk to your GP. They may prescribe you HRT medication or refer you to a specialist such as a urologist or an endocrinologist. They may also discuss lifestyle changes with you.

However, basic state health insurance doesn’t cover HRT costs. You can purchase private insurance to cover expenses associated with menopause in Russia. You can also access specialist treatments at many of the private medical centers in the country.

Cancer screenings in Russia

Russia has relatively high rates of cancer among women. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, it has the equal 13th highest rate of ovarian cancer globally, with 11.1 cases per 100,000. Although the country’s breast cancer rates don’t feature among the world’s highest, it’s still the second most common form of cancer in Russia overall, accounting for 12.7% of new cases in 2020 (24.4% of new cases in women).

However, there are currently no national cancer screening programs for women in Russia. That said, some bigger cities offer screenings, with costs covered by state health insurance. For example, Moscow invites women aged 40–75 for a mammography every two years and women aged 18–64 for a cervical smear every three years.

If you have any cancer concerns in Russia, you should immediately consult your GP or gynecologist. They will assess the situation and will refer you for tests if necessary.

Sexual health in Russia

You can access sexual health services in Russia through doctors, gynecologists, state family planning clinics, and private medical centers. If you are worried about a sexually transmitted infection (STI), consult your GP or visit your local clinic. You can access treatment through private services if you have private insurance.

Russia has experienced an increase in STI cases in recent years. In particular, HIV/AIDS prevalence has skyrocketed: according to 2021 data from the European Center for Disease Control, Russia has the highest new diagnosis rate in Europe at 40.2 per 100,000 residents. This has been put down to factors including poor sexual health education in schools. You can find HIV testing facilities at state health centers and private providers such as the European Medical Center and InVitro. For Moscow, you can find information on HIV prevention and therapy services through the regional Department of Health (in Russian).

Since 2021, foreigners moving to Russia have had to undergo regular health checks for diseases, including HIV/AIDS, as part of a drive to limit the spread of the disease.

Availability and cost of feminine hygiene products

You can buy feminine hygiene products such as sanitary pads and tampons in Russian supermarkets and pharmacies. Some places also sell pantyliners and menstrual cups. Alternatively, you can shop online.

Russia has no reduced VAT rate on feminine hygiene products, applying the standard 20% tax rate. This makes it among the countries with the highest VAT rates on such products.

A recent study of sanitary pads in Russia, both national and imported brands, found that one-third of products didn’t meet the required quality and safety standards.

Women’s clinics and health centers in Russia

You can find state-funded health centers (поликлиники, polikliniki) in every region of Russia. This is where many doctors and gynecologists work. In addition, there are also family planning and reproduction centers that provide a range of services and advice on sexual and reproductive health. Most services are covered by health insurance. See the websites for centers in the Moscow and St Petersburg regions (both in Russian).

In addition, many private-sector clinics and medical centers offer women’s healthcare services and employ specialists, including gynecologists, urologists, and mammologists.

Women’s mental health services in Russia

State mental health services in Russia include psychological counseling for issues such as postpartum depression, abortion, and domestic abuse. For more critical problems, there exists psychiatric inpatient and outpatient care. However, the availability and quality of state-funded mental health services for both women and men is limited, especially outside Moscow and St Petersburg.

There is also a lack of mental health provision in Russia aimed specifically at women. Many expats pay for private health insurance to access treatments such as psychotherapy at private international clinics. If you feel you need mental health support in Russia, you should first contact your GP, who will be able to tell you what specialist care – both public and private – is available. Alternatively, you can search for private mental health specialists on websites such as the European Medical Center.

You can also find free forms of mental health support in Russia. For example, MIGSOVET provides free online psychological support and advice. In the absence of service provision, many women in Russia have taken to social media platforms such as Instagram to set up accounts dealing with depression, suicide prevention, domestic violence, and dismantling stigma around mental illness.

Services dealing with eating disorders in Russia

The Russian healthcare system doesn’t yet provide specialist services dealing with eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, or overeating. Furthermore, there are no official statistics available to assess the true extent of these issues. More support is available in the private sector, but this comes at a cost.

To access support or advice, you can visit your doctor, who may be able to refer you to support from specialists such as nutritionists or psychologists. There are also a handful of support groups you can contact. These are:

Services dealing with abuse and violence against women in Russia

Russia has come under international criticism for its failure to tackle violent crimes against women, with negligence regarding domestic violence singled out in particular. Around 5,000 women were killed in domestic violence attacks in Russia in 2018. According to another study, about 70% of Russian women experienced violence of some sort in the home.

Russia also features among the world’s worst countries for human trafficking, including the sex trafficking of young women.

Despite the Russian government reporting low official rates of sexual violence, researchers estimate that the problem is actually much more severe. Organizations dealing specifically with violence and abuse towards women in Russia include:

  • Anna Center – resource center working across Russia with local organizations to support female victims of violence and abuse. Can put you in touch with local and regional support services (website in Russian).
  • Willow Branch – provides advice, support, and counseling to victims of violence, including domestic and sexual violence in Russia (in Russian).
  • Crisis Center – provides emergency accommodation and other assistance to women and children experiencing violence in Russia.

You can also call these crisis lines. Support offered will likely be in Russian, although there may be staff available that speak other languages:

  • Domestic Violence Hotline for Women: 8-800-7000-600 (open Monday to Friday)
  • Sexual Assault Hotline: 327-30-00

Check out She Will Survive for a list of services in Russia, both national and local (information in Russian).

Useful resources

Title:

Content: Work while playing! Taiwan ranked in the top 10 countries of the world 's digital nomads "1 point" was praised
2024 / 07 / 05 09: 40
According to William Russell, a human resources company, 10 countries are suitable for digital nomadic work, with Taiwan ranked third.
Kao Chia-ching / Authentication Editor
[Financial Channel / Comprehensive Report] Job types have become more popular in recent years, and William Russell, a human resources company, points out that 10 countries are suitable for digital nomadic work, including Taiwan, which is also ranked third, and Taiwan ’ s “health care system ” is highly praised.
Spain and Albania ranked first in the ranking of digital nomads, with a maximum five-year extension for digital nomads, according to the Daily Mail.
However, in Spain, applicants for a digital nomad visa must have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a well-known university or business school, or have at least three years of work experience in the current field.
Mexico and El Salvador are tied for second place, with digital nomadic visas that can be extended for up to four years but require some proof of income to qualify.
Germany, Malta, Taiwan and Cyprus are ranked third, and remote workers can obtain visas for up to three years.
Norway and Portugal are ranked fourth, offering visas for up to two years.
William Cooper, marketing director at William Russell, said: “There are a lot of things to consider before moving to another country and officially becoming a digital nomad.
For example, in most countries or regions, it is necessary to have international health insurance to ensure that expenses such as doctor visits and hospitalization are covered while you live abroad.
""
Countries such as Malta and Taiwan offer well-established health care systems for their residents, including expatriates and digital nomads, so they are unlikely to incur too much medical costs, Cooper said.
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What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

The digital nomad lifestyle offers advantages like flexibility and cultural experiences, but also challenges like language barriers and visa requirements.

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Knowledge of visa and other legal requirements

Adaptablity to new cultures and language

Russian digital nomads can find job opportunities in areas like sales, programming, and development, particularly where Russian language skills are valued, and countries like Indonesia, Serbia, Mexico, and Kazakhstan offer many job opportunities for Russians, particularly in IT.

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Russians are 1.5 times more likely to be invited to work in other countries
HeadHunter: Russians have received 57% more invitations to work abroad since the beginning of the year
Workers from Russia are on average one and a half times more likely to be called to work in other countries, HeadHunter found out.
In the year since the start of the special operation, the number of invitations to Turkey and the UAE has quadrupled, and to Indonesia - 40 times.
Photo by Sean Gallup / Getty Images
From January to March 2023, Russian workers received 57% more invitations to interview for work in other countries than in the same period a year earlier.
Such figures were provided by the recruiting portal HeadHunter (hh.ru), analyzing the responses of employers to the resume (the study has RBC).
In just three months of this year, almost 96 thousand applicants received offers to work abroad.
We are talking about the location of the vacancy, while the company itself can be both foreign and Russian.
Interest in Russian workers has grown in almost all friendly countries.
The Russians received many more invitations from Indonesia, Serbia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Kyrgyzstan, although China and India became exceptions.
However, of the many states that have joined the sanctions, Russians have also become more likely to call to work.
For example, they received three times more invitations from the United States than a year ago.
Interest in Russian applicants is formed mainly by companies that worked in Russia and changed jurisdiction after the introduction of tough sanctions, experts explain.
From a cross-section of countries, it can be seen that Russians are called more often to places where there are more comfortable conditions for doing business and obtaining visas and residence permits for foreign workers.
What countries do Russians call to work in?
The absolute leader in the growth of employer activity towards Russians was Indonesia, where interest in them grew more than 40 times compared to the first quarter of 2022.
However, the low base effect played a role here: last year only four invitations came, and this year already 170.
The number of job interview invitations to work in Serbia has increased eightfold in a year (from 51 to 428).
Five times more applicants received responses from employers for vacancies in Mexico (an increase from 11 to 63).
As for the relatively massive attraction of workers from Russia, the most applicants are called to Kazakhstan (29.5 thousand people) and Belarus (20.5 thousand people).
At the same time, in the first case, proposals for moving increased by 67%, and in the second case, they decreased by 15%.
Several thousand people are expected in the UAE, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia: here Russians began to be invited two to four times more often.
At the same time, over the year, the list of countries where in principle it began to really settle was replenished.
If earlier applicants from Russia were not invited to Greece, Morocco, Egypt, Luxembourg, Vietnam, or these were isolated cases, then in 2023 invitations from there increased to several dozen.
In the same list Portugal, Hungary and Slovenia: last year there were only three or even one person, and now employers from there are ready to interview 20-30 Russians.
At the same time, from some countries (mostly European), Russians have almost or completely stopped inviting them to work.
Among them Iceland, Norway, Great Britain, Slovakia, Poland, although last year for vacancies in these countries came several hundred proposals.
And countries that have joined the sanctions, such as Cyprus, Estonia, Montenegro, Germany, on the contrary, are more willing to look for Russian workers: they began to invite them about twice as often.
However, in China and India, two key partners of Russia, employers call Russians to work less often: the number of responses to resumes fell by a quarter and half, respectively.
What specialists are looking for abroad
In the context of specialties, the most invitations to work are received by sales and customer managers, as well as programmers and developers.
They became one and a half times more willing to call for vacancies in other countries - more than 10 thousand of their resumes received such responses.
Also, designers and artists, contact center operators are more willing to wait abroad, although their services were in demand before.
Among those who last year have never been invited to work in another country, and now are invited en masse – secretaries and assistants to the head, copywriters and editors, cashiers and sales consultants.
For three months, such applicants were offered about 3 thousand vacancies abroad.
But testers and translators have not received any invitations to work in another country, although last year about 2 thousand of them received invitations for vacancies abroad.
In times of economic crises, there is always a high demand for sales managers, because businesses are looking for opportunities to sell their goods, explains Alexander Safonov, a professor at the Financial University under the government.
“Often, ‘ foreign ’ jobs actually involve cross-border employment.
With the help of employees working for the two countries, companies are also trying to find ways to circumvent sanctions restrictions in trade, ” he says.
Reasons for the relocation of employees from Russia
Mostly Russians are invited to countries associated with Russia ’ s production and trade, Safonov said.
“Now this connection is largely provided by companies that worked in Russia, but after the introduction of sanctions, they were relocated.
Basically, these companies form the demand for Russian workers, ” he said.
Businesses move to jurisdictions that suit them according to the conditions of doing business, and these can be countries from the list of unfriendly.
For example, Hungary, despite being in the EU, allowed companies working with Russia to make payments and purchases, the expert specifies.
Countries that demonstrate an interest in Russian workers are usually characterized by comfortable conditions for doing business and living for foreigners.
For example, the UAE is now a real boom in business development - both local and international - due to the relative stability of the political and economic situation and tax breaks, says BGP Litigation Advisor Denis Shushin.
“The level of remuneration in the UAE for some specialties will be an order of magnitude higher than in Moscow, even taking into account the high cost of living.
From the conveniences for individuals and employers, there is no social tax, no income tax, ” he said.
Since the beginning of the special operation, many foreign IT companies present in Russia organized their employees abroad, including to the CIS countries.
For example, the Belarusian-founded IT company EPAM Systems in April last year transported up to a thousand employees from Russia and Belarus to Uzbekistan, Forbes wrote.
Chinese electronics manufacturer Huawei relocated some of its employees from Russia to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and reoriented them to work in the CIS countries.
In autumn, employees of the Russian office of TikTok (owned by the Chinese conglomerate ByteDance) were offered to relocate Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan.
Russian IT companies also opened or expanded their offices in the post-Soviet space.
For them, this was a way to keep valuable specialists who wanted to leave Russia after the start of the special operation or even more massively after the announcement of partial mobilization.
For example, Yandex organized several international hubs in Kazakhstan, Armenia, Serbia and Turkey.
From 2020 until March 2023, employees of the group were allowed to work remotely from anywhere, but recently the company switched to a mode where employees have to choose one of the hubs and combine it with remote work.
Scope of Relocation
Igor Efremov, a researcher at the International Laboratory of Demography and Human Capital of the Gaidar Institute, estimated for RBC that from February 24, 2022, 500-700 thousand people left Russia in general.
Sociologist Lyubov Borusyak, speaking at the April conference session of the HSE on April 5, suggested that 600,000 to 700,000 people had left.
Rosstat data on international migration are not suitable for such estimates, since they mainly reflect the departure of foreign citizens from Russia, and the departure “on paper ” (the end of temporary registration), and not the actual crossing of the border.
Data from host countries are more reliable, but so far these published statistics are not enough.
According to Mikhail Denisenko, director of the A.G. Vishnevsky Institute of Demography (HSE), emigration in 2022 consisted of “individual ” emigration and relocations related to the relocation of businesses and their employees.
Borusyak said, referring to her ongoing study of the “educated emigration ” that, unlike the episodes of emigration before 2022, now most people went not to the country they wanted, but to the one where they had the opportunity.
Up to three-quarters of her sample (small, she stressed) managed to change the country of residence, and some changed three or four countries, someone returned to Russia and then left again.
“The share of those who still work for Russia is very high, especially visa-free countries, ” she said.
In the autumn, according to her observations, less politicized citizens left, more eager to return to Russia.
According to Borusyak, in the spring of 2022, her sample included respondents who moved to 15 countries (mainly Armenia, Georgia, Turkey, and partly Israel), and in the fall of 2022, during the “second wave ”, the number of countries increased to 26.
That is, now, at least as a temporary shelter, “the whole world is being considered ” – there are respondents from India, Brazil, the share of Serbia and Montenegro has increased, she said.
Almost no one had any arrangements for study or work, except for IT professionals and those who had the opportunity to continue working online in Russia.
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Popular destinations for digital nomads include Chiang Mai, Bali, and Lisbon, due to their low costs and good internet connectivity, and countries like Portugal and Spain offer digital nomad visas with benefits like low cost of living and tax benefits.

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Considering a move abroad in 2024? These are the best countries for expats

By Blane Bachelor, CNN

(CNN) — A new year is a fitting time to commit to big-picture goals — and for some, that can mean a dream of living abroad.

And thanks to the rise of remote work, new visa programs and tax incentives that entice digital nomads, investors and families, people considering an international move have more paths to explore.

Of course, the ability to move abroad is a privilege that extends only to people lucky enough to be in possession of the right passport, with doors remaining closed to many nationalities.

For those who have the option, the decision about which country to make your new home is a big one that requires extensive research and planning. Beyond the “I could live here!” daydreaming that might bubble up during vacation, moving abroad means a deep dive into tax implications, work visas, health care and quality-of-life comparisons, just to name a few.

One especially helpful resource is the annual Expat Insider survey by InterNations, an expat community with more than 5.1 million members. The survey, which has been running for a decade, reflects input from nearly 12,000 expats representing 177 nationalities in 181 countries or territories. It conveys their satisfaction level with various aspects of expat life on the basis of factors such as quality of life, ease of settling in, working abroad, personal finance, housing and language.

In addition, retirees can take advantage of resources including Live and Invest Overseas, whose annual index ranks its top 10 overseas retirement destinations. The 2024 index was released in early January, with Valencia, Spain, topping the list, followed by Braga, Portugal, and Mazatlán, Mexico.

It’s also important to consider the impact of your move on a new host country, especially in destinations that are seeing big upticks in immigration from the United States and other wealthy nations, says Megan Frye, a relocation consultant and writer who has lived in Mexico City for the past eight years.

Frye advises clients considering a move from the United States to Mexico — which has ranked among the top five countries in InterNations’ annual survey since 2014 — to be aware of the inequities in migration policies between the two countries.

“My focus with my clients is to be very clear about the gentrification problem that Mexico faces, and to give them an opportunity to think about what our role is in that situation,” says Frye, who is originally from Michigan. “I believe all people should be able to move freely wherever they want, but there’s a clear injustice considering how easy it is for US citizens to relocate to Mexico in comparison with the other way around.”

While there are dozens of destinations to consider for a move abroad to a new country, the following list prioritizes a range of expat-centric topics, including quality of life, affordability, safety and access to culture and outdoor activities. We’ve also included some of the downsides to consider, as well as info on how to make the move.

This list has general advice for people making the move from anywhere in the world, but focuses chiefly on US citizens.

Mexico

A longtime retirement destination for Americans, Mexico also has attracted more families and the digital nomad set over the past few years.

Mexico City — the largest in North America, with about 22 million people in the metro area — has been especially popular, and the capital’s population grew between 2019 and 2023 by 3%, about 600,000 people, according to The World Population Review. And from 2019 to 2022, the number of Americans who applied for or renewed residency visas spiked from about 17,800 to more than 30,000.

Elsewhere, cities including Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende and Playa del Carmen are also havens for US expats, many of whom point to Mexico’s lower cost of living and relaxed lifestyle as strong draws.

Pros: Mexico ranked first in InterNations’ 2023 Expat Insider survey and has ranked among the top five countries since 2014. According to the latest results, expats appreciate factors such as the ease of settling in, a fulfilling social life and strong support networks. Mexico’s affordability and laid-back lifestyle also score high.

Cons: As with other global destinations that have received an influx of Americans as of late, some Mexican cities with large expat communities are experiencing pushback against foreigners.

Mexico also has a high crime rate. Homicide rates are nearly four times as those in the US, according to Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography. And those numbers may be even higher, since data from the Human Rights Watch suggests that an estimated 90% of crimes in Mexico are never reported.

How to make the move: Moving to Mexico isn’t as simple as packing a bag, hopping a flight and toasting to your new life over a margarita on the beach. Traditionally, valid passport holders from countries that don’t require a visa (including the United States) who are coming to Mexico for leisure or business have been allowed to remain in the country for up to 180 days. (They still must complete a visitor’s permit, or Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM, at their port of entry.)

However, that amount of time is no longer the default, and the exact number of days allowed is at the discretion of the immigration official processing entry.

Mexico does not offer a digital nomad visa, but those considering a permanent move can look into a Temporary Resident Visa, which allows up to four years in Mexico. Meanwhile, official retirees can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa.

Portugal

Portugal’s popularity among expats has exploded since the country introduced its Golden Visa program in 2012. It has become the most successful of its kind, inspiring other countries to launch their own plans to attract foreign investment.

However, in the spring of 2023, Portugal made significant changes to the program, effectively ending the real estate investment aspect. It also changed its nonhabitual resident regime, says Alex Ingrim, a licensed financial advisor and president of global wealth management firm Chase Buchanan USA.

“Portugal’s a little bit harder of a place to immigrate to [now] if you want the flexibility of a Golden Visa,” Ingrim tells CNN Travel. “It’s not as attractive from a tax jurisdiction standpoint. And we’ve seen a lot of people kind of lose interest in Portugal frankly, and start planning for other jurisdictions in Europe.”

Pros: Portugal is tough to beat for its affordability, quality of life, year-round mild weather and high-quality health-care system. The cost of living is generally more affordable than most countries in Europe, and, according to Numbeo, the world’s largest crowd-sourced quality of life database, it’s 35.5% lower than in the United States. In addition, Portugal is the seventh-safest country in the world.

Cons: As is the case in Mexico and other countries with large expat communities, there’s growing backlash against the influx of foreigners, especially Americans, and especially in Lisbon. Critics say the resulting spike in rents and real estate prices has forced out longtime residents and changed the fabric of certain neighborhoods.

How to make the move: The Golden Visa program is still in place, although the country has now eliminated the real estate investment option. As Ingrim notes, Americans still interested in pursuing residency via that route “need to be really cognizant of how it affects their financial planning, how it affects their US tax obligations and whether it’s still kind of the best option for them moving forward.”

Spain

A gorgeous climate, one of the lowest costs of living in Western Europe, and vibrant, culture-rich cities and towns from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic: No wonder more Americans are eagerly proclaiming “Viva España!” for their next life chapter.

Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Bilbao all boast large English-speaking expat communities, while the coastal city of Valencia is quickly gaining traction as a coveted spot, too: It ranked first in InterNations’ 2022 Quality of Life Index, and also topped the annual index by Live and Invest Overseas for 2024.

Pros: There’s mucho to love about Spain: modern cities and quaint small towns, high-quality universal health care and a world-renowned dining and nightlife scene, just to name a few.

According to the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, Spain also is one of the most culturally liberal and welcoming countries for LGBTQ+ travelers. In 2005, it became one of the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage, and it hosts one of the world’s largest Pride celebrations, which draws some 1.5 million people every year.

Cons: English is generally not widely spoken outside of larger cities (and in the northeastern region of Catalonia, Catalan is the official – and often preferred by locals – language). The distinctly Spanish way of life also can take some getting used to for foreigners, as schedules for working, dining and socializing are later than American standards. The workday generally runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a long lunch break during the afternoon siesta (during which time many businesses are closed), and Spaniards usually eat dinner no earlier than around 8:30 p.m.

Politics in Spain is also becoming increasingly more divisive (and occasionally violent), especially as the northeastern region of Catalonia continues its push for independence.

How to make the move: Several options exist for expats looking to relocate to Spain. Anyone with sufficient funds to support themselves and any dependents can consider the non-lucrative visa (or NLV), which is ideal for retirees and those who have other forms of passive income that originates in the United States. (However, you can’t earn income while in Spain with this visa.)

Spain also offers a digital nomad visa and an entrepreneur visa.

The Netherlands

This bicycling-obsessed nation ranked fifth in Gallup’s 2023 World Happiness Report, which assesses various indicators across life satisfaction and social and economic well being. It also topped Numbeo’s 2023 survey for quality of life.

More than 31,000 US citizens currently call the Netherlands home sweet home. The capital of Amsterdam is an especially popular spot, with its picturesque canals, historic architecture and relaxed vibe drawing a large international crowd.

Pros: For active types, it’s hard to beat the Netherlands’ world-class cycling infrastructure and culture – in fact, the country is said to have more bikes (fietsen) than people. The Netherlands also is known for its strong education system, with most education at all levels funded at least in part by the government.

One major tax advantage for expats: Highly skilled workers can apply for what’s known as the 30% ruling, a tax advantage in which they’re granted a tax-free 30% allowance of their gross salary for five years. However, the Dutch government recently implemented a cap on the amount of wages eligible for the ruling.

Cons: Compared with some other European countries, the Netherlands is pricey: Rents for unfurnished apartments hit an all-time high in November 2023, according to data from Statista. Outside main hubs, smaller cities and towns including Haarlem, Delft, Leiden and Maastricht are considerably less expensive.

In addition, income taxes are high, with a tax rate of 49.5% on salaries exceeding €73,031 (roughly US $81,135). That can come as quite a shock following five years of being taxed at 30% — which leads many expats to start considering their next move after their eligibility ends.

Finally, the weather — which is dark and rainy in the winter (conditions that make biking a lot less enjoyable) and constantly windy (there’s a reason for all those windmills) — can be difficult for some to adapt to.

How to make the move: The Netherlands does not offer a digital nomad visa, but you can apply for a long-stay visa, also known as an authorization for temporary stay (in Dutch, it’s MVV for short). In the United States, you can apply at the Netherlands embassy in Washington or at the consulates-general in Miami, New York or San Francisco.

Germany

Germany is the European Union’s biggest economy, and its strong job market and robust welfare system — not to mention heritage-rich cities and towns — are appealing for auslanders, especially Americans. According to the latest national figures, more than 121,000 Americans currently call Germany home. Berlin has an especially large international community of English-speaking internationals, but other hubs such as Munich, Frankfurt and Stuttgart also have strong expat communities.

Pros: Germany is a great fit for families, thanks to universal health care and social benefits such as a monthly kindergeld (“children money”) stipend, heavily subsidized childcare and generous parental leave.

In addition, compared with some other European countries, Germany’s freelancer visa is fairly easy to get, Arielle Tucker, a Switzerland-based certified financial planner, tells CNN Travel. She also notes that “one benefit that US citizens have over some non-EU countries is that they can apply for a Freelance Visa in Germany, as US citizens do not need an entry visa.”

Cons: Germany doesn’t have some of the same conveniences to which many Americans are accustomed, such as 24-hour grocery stores or drive-through pharmacies. On Sundays, most stores are closed (with the general exception of restaurants and bakeries). And the country’s bureaucracy can be maddening, with many government processes relying on official paperwork that’s delivered through the mail.

That popularity among auslanders has contributed to a housing pinch in major cities, especially Berlin, where finding accommodation is one of the most stressful aspects of a move. And beyond major cities, English is not widely spoken.

How to make the move: Germany’s skilled worker visa allows certain individuals with a qualifying degree or certificate a six-month window to search for employment in their area of qualification. Its self-employment visa is also fairly straightforward.

Singapore

Plenty of foreign nationals are singing Singapore’s praises: In 2022, this sophisticated city-state ranked third on InterNations’ Expat Essentials Index. It’s viewed as one of the top countries in which to live and work, thanks to a thriving job market, excellent education and health care, and one of the world’s best transportation systems.

Pros: Singapore is a top financial and investment hub in Asia, with excellent job prospects and economic stability. Foodies, meanwhile, will love its dazzling dining scene, from lively night markets to Michelin-starred restaurants. And travel enthusiasts can take advantage of easy access to one of the world’s most awarded aviation hubs, Changi Airport.

Cons: Singapore is very expensive, and some people may have trouble adjusting to its humid, tropical climate. It’s also a long way away from the United States — which can be tricky for visits home.

How to make the move: Singapore doesn’t offer a digital nomad visa, but those who have worked lined up can apply for an Employment Pass. Entrepreneurs interested in starting a business in Singapore can apply for an Entre Pass.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s abundant natural beauty, tropical climate and affordable cost of living have long appealed to expats looking for their own slice of pura vida, which literally translates to “pure life” and is both the national slogan and lifestyle. The Central American country has long been a popular destination for Americans.

Pros: Costa Rica has an excellent health-care system that consistently ranks high. It’s also one of the most sustainable countries in the world. Locals tend to lead healthy lifestyles, whether that’s surfing year-round or doing daily yoga postures on the beach.

In addition, Costa Rica offers some tax incentives that appeal to foreign  nationals. “Costa Rica only taxes income earned in the country, which means that non-Costa Rican pensions, investments, or employment income do not incur an additional Costa Rican tax burden,” David Lesperance, founder and principal of Lesperance & Associates, a tax and immigration advisement firm, tells CNN Travel.

Cons: Costa Rica’s laid-back lifestyle also can affect how business is done, and the tendency to show up late is often referred to as “Tico Time.”

In addition, some creature comforts may be lacking compared with what Americans are used to. In older buildings, for example, it’s not uncommon to throw toilet paper in bins instead of flushing it down the toilet. And thanks to its geography and location along the infamous Ring of Fire, Costa Rica experiences earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic activity — it’s home to six active volcanoes.

One important note on the tax front: There is no tax treaty between Costa Rica and the United States, so claims on US tax returns for foreign tax credits or foreign earned income are more complicated for expats.

How to make the move: With the country’s new digital nomad visa, remote workers can stay in Costa Rica for up to a year with an option to extend for another year.

Panama

Often described as the Miami of Central America, Panama is a prominent financial and business hub linking North and South America. In recent years, it’s been drawing more Americans beyond just the retirement set.

Lesperance says he’s seen a notable bump in moves among high-net-worth clients with Hispanic heritage, as well as workers in the financial sector, who are moving there “en masse,” especially as Miami has become more crowded and expensive.

Pros: Year-round warm weather, a mix of cosmopolitan hubs such as Panama City and relaxed beach towns, and easy access to both North and South America make Panama an excellent option for frequent travelers. And one of the biggest advantages for Panama’s Golden Visa scheme is that it provides perpetual residency without requiring investors to reside there. Maintaining permanent resident status requires a visit to Panama at least every two years.

Cons: In 2023, the cost of establishing residence in Panama increased substantially, from $300,000 to $500,000.

In addition, because Panama also does not have a tax treaty with the United States, claims on US tax returns for foreign tax credits or foreign earned income are complicated, Lesperance notes.

How to do it:  Panama offers several types of investment opportunities that offer permanent residency and a path to Panamanian citizenship after five years.

The Panama Qualified Investment Immigration (or PQII) program, often known as the Panama Golden Visa, is a residency-by-investment procedure. The minimum investment is $500,000 (which increased from $300,000 in October 2022), which must be held for at least five years. Investors can qualify via real estate purchases, bank deposits or investing in funds.

Panama also has a retirement visa program. However, Lesperance notes that although the retirement route technically comes with Panamanian citizenship after five years, “in practice it is not straightforward. Therefore advantages of the PQII pathway versus the cost of a retirement visa are questionable.”

Italy

It’s hard to imagine a country that boasts a more universally romantic notion of living abroad, and thanks in part to the popularity of investment schemes such as the one euro homes that many small towns have launched, expats now have more options of fulfilling their dreams of la dolce vita.

Pros: Access to some of the world’s most popular tourist cities, picturesque countrysides and immersion in a culture that values family, food and wine — what’s not to love about Italian life? Italy’s health-care system is also good, and many expats give a big thumbs-up to the overall friendliness of Italians.

Cons: Prospects for employment in Italy aren’t as abundant as they are in other European countries. Beyond major cities, English generally isn’t widely spoken, and you’ll likely need to hire an attorney to help navigate legal processes such as purchasing a home. And be prepared for Italy’s infamously glacial government bureaucracy.

How to make the move: Americans who are planning to stay more than three months must get an entrance visa at an Italian consulate before arriving. Italy’s visa options include a long or short-term self-employment visa, or lavorno autonomo, and a start-up visa.

France

While the reality of living in France is drastically different from what’s portrayed on screen à la “Emily in Paris,” there’s still plenty to say oui! to: universal health care, highly valued work-life balance (remember all those protests in response to the French government raising the retirement age?) and some of the world’s most coveted food and fashion scenes.

Although it can be pricey, France also offers extensive social programs and benefits for residents: universal health care, for one, as well as numerous public holidays. The country scores well on InterNations’ indexes for quality of life.

Pros: Residents can take advantage of numerous social benefits, including universal health care, economic stability and numerous public holidays — not to mention a 35-hour work week. In addition to the excellent quality of life, from a tax standpoint “because they have some good treaties with the US,” Tucker says. “For example, they are one of the few countries where Roth IRAs are considered qualified retirement accounts and their tax-free nature is preserved. So even though the tax rates are higher, if you can do some pre-immigration planning, it can still be an attractive country for US expats.”

Cons: As Tucker notes, income and social taxes in France are high: up to 45% (and high-income individuals also may need to pay a surcharge of 3% on part of their income).

Outside of major cities such as Paris, Lyon and Strasbourg, the language barrier can be problematic if you don’t have a solid grasp of French.

How to make the move: Anyone looking to stay in France for more than three months will need to apply for a long-term visa. France does not offer a visa for digital nomads; instead, you’ll need a long-stay visa if you plan to work or study. There are several categories under France’s Carte de Séjour Residence Permit, each with various conditions and restrictions.

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Title:

Content: Spain plans to reduce taxes on e-nomads to attract remote workers
Global Social Hotspots 14: 41 2022 / 09 / 26
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The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the lifestyle of many people. More people are choosing to work remotely, and many countries are actively introducing measures to attract relevant people.
The Spanish government plans to introduce an “e-nomad ” visa for people who can work remotely, so that they can live in Spain at the same time, work remotely in an overseas company, and provide tax concessions.
Details of the plan are still being worked out. Visa holders are expected to stay for an initial period of one year and be renewed as appropriate, with spouses and children joining.
Cheuk Wai Si to relax visa restrictions, boost workforce, stimulate UK economy [Next]
Applicants for the Spanish digital nomad visa must be from outside the European Union and must show proof that they can work remotely for at least one year, such as an employment contract.
If the applicant is self-employed, he / she must prove that he / she is regularly employed by a company outside Spain.
Spanish authorities also require applicants to prove that they are self-sufficient in income and have a residential address in Spain. It is not clear whether they are subject to criminal record checks.
The relevant legislation has not yet been formally adopted, and the Spanish authorities are still working on some details.
It is expected that the visa will initially be valid for one year, but can be renewed for up to five years depending on the applicant ’ s situation. Close relatives such as spouses and children can also apply.
Australian government considers lowering pay limit to increase temporary skilled migrant workforce
The Spanish authorities offer tax relief for visa holders, with an annual income tax rate of 15% for the first four years of stay instead of the standard 25%.
Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona are very popular with the current “e-nomad ” visas for citizens of EU member states.
Since almost all parts of Spain have 4G network coverage, some visa holders choose to live in rural areas with very low rents.
Spain is not the first country to introduce a similar visa, and a total of 15 other European countries have similar plans.
For example, Iceland requires a monthly income of 7,100 euros (about HK $54,000), while Portugal only requires 700 euros (about HK $5,292), and Spain is reported to require a monthly income of about 2,000 euros (about HK $15,000).
Some countries may require a certain amount of cash to be deposited in a bank account, such as the Czech Republic, which requires a deposit of 5,500 euros (about HK $41,000), and some countries may require that applicants have medical insurance.
According to a report published this year, the average monthly salary in Spain is 1,751 euros (about HK $13,000), which is 20% lower than the EU average of 2,194 euros (about HK $16,000).
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What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Knowledge of visa and other legal requirements

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Knowledge of visa and other legal requirements

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Knowledge of visa and other legal requirements

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Knowledge of visa and other legal requirements

Russian digital nomads must understand the tax implications and legal requirements of each country they visit.

Title:

Content: Supplement
WikiProject
FEATURE
Know more: "Herdsmen" may have to pay taxes in both places
[Ming Pao News] Chen Lok Hsi, founder and chairman of China Master Global Group, said that the emerging lifestyle of digital nomads has many gray areas in tax. The group ’ s chief tax partner, Po-Chi Wong, said that the tax requirements and types of taxes are different in each place. It is also clear that there is no tax liability in the nomadic areas.
She suggested that it be possible to check whether there is a Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement with Hong Kong. "There are some indicators of the number of days (stay), such as how many days in a foreign country, it is not regarded as a local tax resident, but a Hong Kong tax resident, and it is necessary to pay tax to Hong Kong".
Digital Nomad Visa Can Work Legally
In response to this emerging lifestyle, more than 40 countries around the world, such as Spain and Portugal, have introduced “digital nomad visas ” to deal with tax and visa conditions. Tax exemption for a period of time to attract talent.
Kristie added that digital nomads who enter the country on a tourist visa can generally stay for a shorter period of time. After the visa expires, they may need a visa run, that is, after leaving the country, and the visa period is recalculated; while digital nomads usually provide a longer stay, some can stay for up to 5 years.
However, she said that digital nomad visas generally require applicants to meet certain income requirements and provide proof of income, proof of employment, etc., which is not easy for freelancers like her to apply.
Previous / Next News

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Knowledge of visa and other legal requirements

Overall, the digital nomad lifestyle has both advantages and challenges that individuals must consider before adopting it.

Title:

Content: This Digital Nomad Couple Sold Everything to Travel the World in a Sailboat—Here’s What They’ve Learned About Life, Goal Setting and Relationships

Her name is Polar Seal. She’s 40 feet long, bright white with a thin blue stripe down each side and a monochromatic logo of a seal at the helm.

To the sailing community, she’s a 2007 Beneteau Oceanis 40 with a two-cabin layout. To Ryan Ellison and Sophie Darsy (@ryan_and_sophie_sailing), she’s a vehicle to carry them across the Atlantic (for the third time); she’s an office for their respective careers; but most importantly, she’s been home for nearly four years. They are what’s known as “liveaboards,” a breed of digital nomad on the water, with Sophie managing their digital brand, Ryan & Sophie Sailing, while Ryan works as a business development consultant.

Before officially shoving off in 2018, Ellison and Darsy led what some might call typical lives. They met on Tinder in 2015 while living in Sweden as expats: Ellison, an aviation sales director from Des Moines, Iowa, and Darsy, a human resources systems specialist from Paris. They quickly connected over a shared love of adventure and endurance sports.

Three months later, while on his last long training run before the ASICS Stockholm Marathon, Ellison had a run-in with a Canadian goose trying to protect her ducklings. The geese were unharmed, but Ellison was left with a dislocated shoulder and several broken bones. Stuck inside, he did what most do in that situation: get lost in the depths of the internet. He stumbled on a story about Matt and Jessica Johnson, an American couple who sold everything to buy a sailboat and travel the world with their cat.

The story lit a spark for the couple, though they had no experience sailing. After several months of research, they attended a two-week sailing course in Gibraltar before selling Darsy’s apartment and buying Polar Seal in March 2016.

“On my second date with Sophie, I told her I wanted to own a yacht someday,” Ellison says. “But my view of a yacht was a rich person’s motorboat, and I did not ever imagine I would own a small sailboat that we would live on together and go around the world.”

Now, nearly four years, 14 countries and a global pandemic later, they have no plans to quit.

Ellison and Darsy learned that the most challenging (and rewarding) parts of being liveaboards in a relationship had little to do with the logistics of sailing and a lot more to do with life, interpersonal dynamics and developing self-awareness in roughly 350 square feet of space. These are five of those lessons.

Your speed is the right speed

Ellison and Darsy purchased Polar Seal in March 2016, but they didn’t hit the waters full time until June 2018. They spent two admittedly short Swedish sailing seasons preparing for the inevitable roadblocks and learning how to co-captain on their own.

“There is no instructor, and the sail needs to go up and it’s stuck, and you’re in the middle of a channel, and the helm gets stuck, so you’re stuck in a spinning motion in the middle of a channel,” Darsy says. “There’s always going to be moments when you don’t have the knowledge or experience you need to handle a situation, and you have to figure it out. There are no shortcuts for that.”

Methodically, they took each step with time to allow dust to settle and not get caught up in the excitement and newness of the adventure.

“The first two years we owned our boat, we kept it in Stockholm,” Ellison says. “We were still working our jobs and that gave us time to figure out our boat and figure out what we were doing… because we really didn’t know. I’m glad we did that.”

Your relationship will be tested.

Among the many challenges of life aboard a 40-foot sailing boat is the idea that you are never more than a few steps from your significant other. That person is not only your co-captain, but your confidante, your significant other, your only friend for thousands of miles at times. They prepared for that, too.

“Pretty quickly in our relationship, we started seeing [a couple’s counselor],” Darsy says. “There are those moments that you want external help. There should not be any taboo or stigma about going to see a couple’s counselor when you feel stuck on a particular topic.”

The challenge, Ryan says, is not always about the small space, but about sleep deprivation and the other stressors that can wreak havoc on your ability to stay calm. In those moments of frustration, there isn’t anywhere to escape.

“We call it having emotional flexibility,” Darsy says. “Be kind to yourself, and be like OK, I messed up, but also don’t define your relationship by those moments. Those moments happen out of a context that is a little bit bigger than you.”

You will never be fully prepared.

In a video posted on May 22, 2018, Darsy holds up two fistfuls of sticky notes, 15 wooden cooking spoons and a smashed pirate hat. It’s a relatable moment for anyone who’s packed for a multi-week international trip only to remember they probably don’t need five pairs of strappy sandals. But it’s the vulnerability of the video that strikes a chord. With four weeks until their launch date, the couple details the building emotional strain and fear.

“For the first time in my life, I don’t know where I’ll be in one year’s time,” Darsy says in the video. “I’m doing something I’m passionate about, but I don’t know where it’s going to lead me.”

The couple shared a fear of failure. “I’m afraid we’re going to crash the boat,” Ellison says in the video. “I’m afraid that I’m not going to be able to get stuff done for work. I’m afraid we’ll fight and yell and I’ll fail there.”

It’s this kind of behind-the-scenes footage that allows aspiring liveaboards to see what life is really like, but also feel the sense of connection that comes from seeing people go through similar struggles and feelings of self-doubt. Preparedness is important, but its powers are limited.

Whether launching a new business, leaving a toxic job for your mental health or, say, selling everything to live on a boat, the final moments are those most riddled with self-doubt. But the story is told time and time again: After the first step, you often learn that fear outsizes reality.

Ellison and Darsy spent two years imagining and preparing for every worst-case scenario they could imagine. She remembers sitting at her office desk running through scenarios and playing out the possible responses. And there have been scares, like the time they sailed through gale force winds in the Bay of Biscay or a difficult period sailing across the Bermuda Triangle. To Darsy, the video footage from that time serves as a reminder of her growth.

“As you start to understand that the boat can take more than you think, you start to be a lot more confident in both the boat and your ability to deal with whatever it is you encounter,” she says. “That’s the thing, you start gradually getting out of your comfort zone, and going into stronger and stronger seas, and at the end of the day you’re like, It’s not comfortable, but it works.”

Her biggest regret, she says, is not leaving sooner.

Flexibility is everything.

When your life is full of firsts, even the most basic tasks can feel overwhelming. These things, like the cultural norms of grocery store shopping, for example, or navigating the public transportation system can be learned fairly quickly. But when you’re stressed and sleep-deprived, these obstacles can feel insurmountable.

“Every time we go somewhere, it’s somewhere we’ve never been, where we have to learn procedures, where we have to learn grocery shopping, where we have to learn the area,” Darsy says. “Something is going to break on the boat and it will be the first time that thing breaks on the boat, and we have to deal with that. ‘First times’ is our life.”

For many digital nomads, this kind of relentless discomfort quickly leads to burnout and a craving for the familiarity of home. For Ellison and Darsy, the key is extreme flexibility. Sometimes that looks like compromising on how long to stay in one place. Other times, it looks like booking a flight home to spend time apart so both can come back refreshed. In all times, it looks like relieving pressure where you have the means to do so.

“In a normal relationship, you go to work, and you maybe see each other for a little bit in the morning or a couple of hours at night,” Ellison says. “Sophie and I see each other 24/7 and pretty much live on top of each other, so having the ability to take some of the personal space to make your own stories so you can come back refreshed and have new adventures to talk about with your partner is important.”

Community remains crucial.

According to a report funded by MBO Partners, nearly 11 million people identified themselves as digital nomads in 2020. Tracking on this kind of lifestyle is still in the nascent stages, so it’s hard to say how many of those digital nomads live on the water, but for Ellison and Darsy, the sailing community has become the most rewarding part of their lifestyle. For Darsy, having the opportunity to pay it forward to aspiring liveaboards is part of her value system.

“We take the time to answer emails or meet people who want to do what we’re doing, to give information, help, advise or support in some way,” she says. “I think if we all do this, it just becomes a little bit of a better world.”

* * *

With every decision comes the forfeiture of another opportunity. For digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and all those who trade routine and comfort for adventure and flexibility and the excitement of the unknown, the decision is neither easy nor one you make once. Ellison and Darsy thrived in active lifestyles on land, clocking dozens of miles running each week. Now they’re lucky to see that number within a year.

“It is a lifestyle that comes with a high price, and I’m not really talking in terms of the money, because at the end of the day it’s just like living in a house or in an apartment; you’re going to have expenses,” Darsy says. “But it is tiring, exhausting and uncertain. The boat is a fragile piece of equipment, you can lose it from one day to the other if weather comes or you have a fire. But we have seen more of the world than most people will ever see in their lifetime, and we get to explore that world from a new angle.”

In the cabin of Polar Seal are written the couple’s values: adventure, health, faith and cool people. This guidepost for difficult days is simple and specific. In a more traditional lifestyle, the idea of five- and 10-year goals are common. It might be to upgrade the house, have a baby, reach a certain level in your career. Ellison and Darsy have goals, but they’re fluid and don’t really fall into a set time frame. Darsy wants to sail to Japan and maybe upgrade the boat. A permanent place on land for breaks sounds nice, too. They’ll just have to see where the wind takes them.

“I’ve used this line and it may sound cheesy, but we set out to explore the world and I ended up discovering myself as a person,” Ellison says. “Over the past 18 months, that has been more of a journey for me than moving the boat from point A to point B.”

This article originally appeared in the January/February 2022 Issue of SUCCESS magazine. Photos courtesy of Ryan Ellison and Sophie Darsy

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