The digital nomad lifestyle is defined by the ability to work remotely while traveling, leveraging technology to maintain productivity across various locations and cultures.

This lifestyle has surged in popularity, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, which normalized remote work for many professionals and enabled a new generation of workers to explore the world while maintaining their careers .

Digital nomads are typically individuals who use laptops and internet connectivity to perform their jobs from anywhere, often moving between countries or cities for both work and leisure .

The global digital nomad population is estimated at around 35 million, with projections suggesting this number could reach one billion by 2035, reflecting the rapid growth and mainstream acceptance of this lifestyle .

Countries worldwide have recognized the economic and cultural potential of attracting digital nomads and have introduced specialized visa programs to facilitate legal remote work stays.

These digital nomad visas typically allow remote workers to reside in a country for extended periods, provided they meet certain income and employment criteria .

For example, Croatia offers a digital nomad visa permitting third-country citizens to stay for up to one year, with a minimum monthly income requirement of €2,300 and a stipulation that applicants must leave for six months before reapplying .

Japan’s digital nomad visa, launched in April 2024, allows citizens from 50 countries to stay for up to six months, provided they earn at least ¥10 million (approximately $68,300) annually and have private health insurance .

Thailand’s Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) enables stays of up to five years with multiple entries, requiring applicants to be at least 20 years old, maintain a bank balance of 500,000 THB, and pay a 10,000 THB fee, while exempting foreign income from Thai taxation but prohibiting employment with Thai companies .

Malaysia’s DE Rantau Nomad Pass Program allows eligible foreign nationals with an annual income over $24,000 to stay for 12 months, extendable, with proof of employment and financial stability required .

Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa requires proof of income at least four times the national minimum wage (about €2,750 per month) and offers both short-term and renewable long-term residency options .

Other countries with digital nomad visa programs include Spain, Italy, Costa Rica, Norway (Svalbard), Malta, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Estonia, the Bahamas, and Dubai, each with unique requirements and benefits .

The digital nomad lifestyle offers several notable advantages.

Flexibility is a core benefit, as nomads can choose their work environments and schedules, often leading to improved work-life balance and job satisfaction .

The opportunity for cultural immersion is another major draw, with many nomads living in diverse countries and engaging with new cultures, which fosters both personal and professional growth .

Financially, some nomads benefit from lower living costs in their host countries compared to their home countries, enabling them to save money while enjoying a higher quality of life .

The lifestyle also supports networking opportunities, as digital nomads often connect with like-minded individuals in coworking spaces, at local events, or through online platforms, facilitating professional collaborations and friendships .

Many digital nomads report improved mental health and a sense of freedom from traditional work constraints, as well as the ability to align work with personal passions .

However, the lifestyle is not without significant challenges.

Maintaining work-life balance and productivity can be difficult due to distractions from new environments, lack of consistent workspaces, and unreliable internet access .

Frequent travel can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, reducing work efficiency .

Access to healthcare is a critical concern, as many countries require proof of health insurance for visa applications, and navigating foreign healthcare systems can be daunting .

Financial stability is another challenge, with fluctuating income from freelance or remote work, varying living costs, and complex tax obligations, including risks of double taxation for U.S.

citizens or those working across different jurisdictions .

Visa and legal requirements can be stringent, with high income thresholds, limited durations of stay, and restrictions on local employment, all of which can complicate long-term planning .

Cultural adaptation and language barriers are common, with many nomads experiencing homesickness and difficulties integrating into local communities .

The transient nature of the lifestyle can also lead to feelings of isolation and challenges in forming lasting relationships .

Housing and accommodation can be problematic, as increased demand in popular destinations often drives up costs and makes it harder for locals to afford housing .

The types of work best suited to the digital nomad lifestyle are those that can be performed entirely online.

Common professions include technology-related roles such as software development, IT consulting, and digital marketing .

Creative fields like content creation, graphic design, and freelance writing are also prevalent, as are consulting and coaching services that can be delivered remotely .

The rise of the gig economy has expanded opportunities for freelancers in writing, design, programming, and content creation, with over 40% of freelancers in the Philippines, for example, working as content creators .

Many digital nomads leverage their skills in design, writing, and programming to sustain their travels, and the diversity of work available supports a wide range of professional backgrounds .

To maintain productivity and connectivity while traveling, digital nomads rely on a suite of specialized tools and technologies.

Lightweight laptops, such as the Microsoft Surface, are essential for portability and functionality .

Mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, like the GlocalMe U3, provide reliable internet access across multiple countries, which is crucial for remote work .

Project management and collaboration software, including Trello, Asana, Slack, and Zoom, help nomads manage tasks, communicate with teams, and collaborate with clients across time zones .

Portable charging stations and noise-canceling headphones enhance focus and work efficiency, especially in shared or noisy environments .

Co-working spaces, such as Selina, not only offer a productive work environment but also foster networking and social interaction among nomads and local entrepreneurs .

Time management apps like Toggl and RescueTime assist in balancing work and travel commitments .

Social media platforms and professional networks like LinkedIn are widely used for online networking, enabling digital nomads to connect with peers and local professionals worldwide .

The social dynamics between digital nomads and local communities are complex.

While nomads contribute economically by spending on housing, food, and services—often supporting local businesses and stimulating economic activity—they can also drive up living costs and housing prices, leading to affordability concerns and occasional resentment among residents .

Integration into local communities varies; some nomads form "nomad bubbles," interacting mainly with each other, while others seek authentic cultural experiences and contribute to local initiatives through volunteering or teaching skills .

Co-working spaces and community hubs play a crucial role in bridging gaps between nomads and locals, facilitating collaborations and friendships .

However, legal frameworks in some countries, such as Croatia, limit the duration of stays, which can hinder the formation of lasting relationships and a sense of permanence [524

The digital nomad lifestyle is defined by the ability to work remotely while traveling, leveraging technology to maintain productivity across various locations and cultures.

The digital nomad lifestyle is defined by the ability to work remotely while traveling, leveraging technology to maintain productivity across various locations and cultures.

This lifestyle has surged in popularity, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, which normalized remote work for many professionals and enabled a new generation of workers to explore the world while maintaining their careers .

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Content: Spain: Number one for remote-working Brits

Digital nomad on the beach. Credit: simona pilolla 2/Shutterstock.com

According to Nebeus’ 2023 study on remote work trends, Spain emerges as the top dream destination for UK professionals seeking a better quality of life.

With 46 per cent of British professionals considering relocating for remote work, the survey sheds light on this trend.

Remote work growing in UK

In 2023, 44 per cent of British people embraced remote work, a trend echoed globally. Not only does it trim down commuting expenses, but it also opens doors to work from new countries.

Nebeus conducted a survey of 400 UK professionals, exploring their attitudes towards remote work abroad, with a focus on financial aspects.

Spain leads the way

For UK nationals seeking relocation for a better quality of life, one country stands out as the preferred destination for remote work, with 22 per cent choosing Spain as their first option

The United States received 19 per cent of the votes and France in third place with 13 per cent. The report revealed the other placings: Portugal, 6 per cent; Southeast Asia 5 per cent and Latin America, 3 per cent.

Spain’s allure lies in its blend of tradition and modernity, warm ambiance, and relaxed lifestyle. According to the survey’s findings, the most popular Spanish regions among UK remote workers are Barcelona, 14 per cent; Valencia, 7 per cent and Madrid, 5 per cent.

Unveiling the Digital Nomad Visa

Surprisingly, 89 per cent of respondents are unaware of Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, designed to enable remote work without changing jobs.

This lack of awareness highlights the need for better promotion of this visa, offering flexibility while enjoying Spain’s benefits and retaining UK employment.

Concerns and considerations

When contemplating a move to Spain, respondents expressed their concerns about healthcare costs, language difficulties, and the cost of living and leaving loved ones behind.

Fifty-three per cent of those who participated stated language difficulties to be their primary concern. This was a particular worry for those in Scotland and the East of England both at 62 per cent and Yorkshire, 58 per cent.

Regarding finances, 51 per cent believe their spending power would match or exceed that in the UK. Londoners, in particular, expect a higher spending power in Spain, with the cost of living in mind.

Interestingly, higher-income individuals are less inclined to move abroad, possibly due to tax considerations or job seniority. Those with mid-range salaries are the most willing to relocate for remote work.

Parents are more hesitant to work remotely abroad, concerned about their children’s wellbeing, schooling, and leaving friends behind. Non-parents are more open to the idea.

Nebeus’ survey reflects a growing interest in remote work abroad among UK professionals, emphasising the need for accurate information about digital work visas and addressing linguistic, financial, and cultural challenges.

As the working landscape evolves, remote work is becoming an increasingly viable option, reshaping careers and lifestyles.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Do remember to come back and check The Euro Weekly News website for all your up-to-date local and international news stories and remember, you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Content: Close to half of PHL freelancers are content creators, study says

Filipino freelancers are enjoying a healthy influx of overseas clients, according to a recent joint white paper by US-based financial services company Payoneer and Philippine mobile payments provider GCash.

The Philippines Freelance Market 2022 report, which included a survey of 5,560 GCash users across the country, noted that the country’s gig economy continues to thrive despite – and even because of – the COVID-19 pandemic.

Well before the onset of the global health crisis, the 2019 edition of the report noted that the Philippines was the sixth fastest-growing freelance market in the world, with a 35% boost in earnings. This growth was further cemented by the pandemic, which saw many local freelancers taking their businesses online and thereby facilitating cross-border business.

The shift to online transactions has also led to the emergence of a new breed of freelancer, the content creator: the report defines this segment as “individuals who create content and use social media or personal websites to distribute their work. They commonly produce and publish their work before clients are secured.” This contrasts with traditional freelancers who secure clients either by direct bidding or through representation by a company or agency.

Over 40% of freelancers are either exclusively content creators or doing a mix of traditional freelance work and content creation, according to the report. Most Philippine content creators are on Facebook and Instagram, with TikTok in third place ahead of traditional online content sites YouTube and Twitter.

“Social media has caused the evolution of freelancing work from a traditional working model with its pre-determined contract and less flexible arrangements to content creators, online influencers and digital nomads. These freelancers tend to gravitate towards design, photography, blogging and vlogging as a path to landing new projects. And they are using online marketplaces and messaging apps to sell their offerings,” the report explained. Moreover, Filipino freelancers are gaining in demand overseas, particularly in including the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates. Citing Creative Economy Council of the Philippines President Paolo Mercado, the report noted that as many as 1.5 million Filipinos are currently signed up with international online freelancing platforms. The full white paper can be found here.

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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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Digital nomads are typically individuals who use laptops and internet connectivity to perform their jobs from anywhere, often moving between countries or cities for both work and leisure .

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Content: Close to half of PHL freelancers are content creators, study says

Filipino freelancers are enjoying a healthy influx of overseas clients, according to a recent joint white paper by US-based financial services company Payoneer and Philippine mobile payments provider GCash.

The Philippines Freelance Market 2022 report, which included a survey of 5,560 GCash users across the country, noted that the country’s gig economy continues to thrive despite – and even because of – the COVID-19 pandemic.

Well before the onset of the global health crisis, the 2019 edition of the report noted that the Philippines was the sixth fastest-growing freelance market in the world, with a 35% boost in earnings. This growth was further cemented by the pandemic, which saw many local freelancers taking their businesses online and thereby facilitating cross-border business.

The shift to online transactions has also led to the emergence of a new breed of freelancer, the content creator: the report defines this segment as “individuals who create content and use social media or personal websites to distribute their work. They commonly produce and publish their work before clients are secured.” This contrasts with traditional freelancers who secure clients either by direct bidding or through representation by a company or agency.

Over 40% of freelancers are either exclusively content creators or doing a mix of traditional freelance work and content creation, according to the report. Most Philippine content creators are on Facebook and Instagram, with TikTok in third place ahead of traditional online content sites YouTube and Twitter.

“Social media has caused the evolution of freelancing work from a traditional working model with its pre-determined contract and less flexible arrangements to content creators, online influencers and digital nomads. These freelancers tend to gravitate towards design, photography, blogging and vlogging as a path to landing new projects. And they are using online marketplaces and messaging apps to sell their offerings,” the report explained. Moreover, Filipino freelancers are gaining in demand overseas, particularly in including the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates. Citing Creative Economy Council of the Philippines President Paolo Mercado, the report noted that as many as 1.5 million Filipinos are currently signed up with international online freelancing platforms. The full white paper can be found here.

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The global digital nomad population is estimated at around 35 million, with projections suggesting this number could reach one billion by 2035, reflecting the rapid growth and mainstream acceptance of this lifestyle .

Title:

Content: TRAVERSE CITY — Kyle Anderson seems to meander through his 40-foot blue school bus still in awe of what he’s created. With a large, callused hand he gives his shaggy Irish wolfhound a pat on the head as she snoozes away on the couch.

Yes, the couch is inside the school bus — among many other things like a sink, stove, toilet, and a queen-sized bed. It’s the culmination of work stretched nearly two years.

Anderson was back in Traverse City, his hometown, just for a while before setting out on his next adventure. His bus has become somewhat of a spectacle in the area, he says. When it drives down Front Street the trees and mountains painted on its side stand taller than most cars.

The bus wears its name above its front and rear windows, “Makwaden” — aka “The Bear Den.” It’s the combination of English and Anderson’s native language which is used by the bear clan of Grand Traverse band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

Anderson said he has had the idea to live in a bus since his school years.

“It just made sense,” he said. “Having a school bus being one of the safest vehicles on the road, transporting children, that why not build [a home] inside of that bus? These engines are made to be robust and travel long distances.”

He bought the retired bus from Anchor Bay School District for $1,800 with the goal of renovating the whole thing for under $10,000.

Of course, Anderson isn’t the first to convert a school bus to a mobile home. He said much of his vision came from following other projects on social media, mainly Instagram.

When a bus turns into a home, it’s called a “skoolie,” and, according to Anderson, there are hundreds of skoolie enthusiasts occupying American roads.

Anderson said his most memorable pilgrimage was to a Skoolie-Palooza in Arizona where more than 200 buses congregated in the dessert.

One of these meetups was held for the first time in the Upper Peninsula last month, organized by fellow nomad who lived on the road with her family for more than six years.

As the nomadic lifestyle becomes popular, the skoolie community grows. she said.

“When we first started out in the nomadic life we had to almost hide it because people didn’t understand it,” Walenski said. “Now it has come into the spotlight thanks to the pandemic and the internet has absolutely opened up a world that you can’t even imagine.”

Research from MBO Partners, a Virginia-based consulting agency, suggests “digital nomads” are increasingly populating campgrounds and public lands. A digital nomad is someone who can take their work anywhere, anytime — if they have an internet connection.

7.3 million Americans described themselves as digital nomads in 2019, which is 2.5 million more people than the previous year, according to MBO Partners. That number is expected to hike as the COVID-19 pandemic normalizes remote work.

Anderson is one such digital nomad. He’s a tech entrepreneur and IT professional for his own consulting company called Makwa USA. After working in Los Angeles during his early 30s, he moved back to Michigan and began working closely with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians — his father’s tribe.

He sat on the Grand Traverse Band LLC board, the non-gaming side of the tribe, then worked to start Arrowhead Incubator, a Traverse City-based nonprofit.

During this time, Anderson said minimalism became one of the most important aspects of his life, in addition to environmental protection.

“We’re driven in this time right now to buy, buy, buy, and consume, consume, consume,” Anderson said. “I think we need to take a step back and ask, ‘what are we doing with this planet right now in our time? Are we making decisions right now for the next seven generations?’”

In the two years since Anderson first bought Makwaden in August 2019 and designed it to be a bachelor pad, he has taken on new responsibilities. He now takes care of a family, putting their safety and happiness at the forefront.

That does not mean giving up the bus life, he said. More people means another Makwaden.

“The first bus was my proof of concept,” Anderson said. “It was really just a bus to give me an idea of what I wanted to do for the next one before I dropped a lot of money into it. I’m really excited to get it done and see where we go with this bus.”

Anderson has been documenting the Makwaden v2 build along with all his camping adventures on his Instagram page.

His travels and lifestyle, he said, has taught him things about himself and the world around him. While he understands the nomadic lifestyle isn’t feasible for everyone, he hopes to inspire people to take a leap of faith.

“Most of us base our lives off the experiences that we gain,” Anderson said. “You have to dare to cut that rope and be free.”

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Content: Southeast Asia tops as short vacation choice for Indian: Check top Places

Dubai has launched a five-year multiple-entry visa to increase ease of travel between India and the Gulf region

Image: iSTOCK

Ayush Mishra New Delhi

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Southeast Asian countries are preferred by Indian travellers planning vacations of 5-7 days abroad, according to a recent survey.

Bali emerged as the top destination, with 38 per cent of respondents voting in its favour in the survey conducted by OYO Global Summer Vacations Travelopedia 2024. It was followed by Pattaya, Bangkok, and Dubai. Southeast Asian destinations such as Indonesia and Malaysia emerged as preferred countries following relaxed visa norms, OYO said.

The survey of 4,000 respondents analysed the overseas travel behaviour of Indian tourists. It found that Europe and the United States of America emerged as the top choice for long-haul destinations where Indian tourists tend to stay for 10-15 days (about 2 weeks) or even more.

“With improved air connectivity, visa facilitation, and a wide range of travel options, it has become more convenient than ever for Indian travellers to explore the beauty of Southeast Asia. Our ongoing programme to increase the number of premium properties in the region will help Indian tourists with a range of stay options at all the popular holiday destinations,” said Ritesh Agarwal, OYO’s founder and chief executive officer.

The survey highlighted the rise of remote work among Indian travellers, with Indonesia and Malaysia attracting “digital nomads” looking to combine work and travel in summer. “The affordable cost of living, reliable internet connectivity, and picturesque locales in these countries make them attractive destinations for digital nomads,”  it said.

The relaxed visa norms for Indian tourists in several Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia, have also contributed to the region's popularity. Additionally, Dubai has rolled out a five-year multiple-entry visa to enhance the ease of travel between India and the Gulf region.

Summer holiday-perfect countries offering visa-on-arrival

Maldives: Maldives provides tourist visa-on-arrival to Indian citizens that is valid for 30 days.

Indonesia: Indonesia is known for its beaches, diverse culture, and history. Visitors can explore ancient temples, hike through lush rainforests, and relax on beautiful beaches in this diverse country.

Thailand: Thailand is an essential part of travellers’ itinerary. The country’s attractions include monasteries, temples, beaches, flea markets, and shopping arcades.

Sri Lanka: Situated on the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka presents a tropical buffet with its cuisine, beaches, tea plantations and much more. The country provides  visa-on-arrival to Indians.

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First Published: Jun 11 2024 | 12:53 PM IST

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Countries worldwide have recognized the economic and cultural potential of attracting digital nomads and have introduced specialized visa programs to facilitate legal remote work stays.

Countries worldwide have recognized the economic and cultural potential of attracting digital nomads and have introduced specialized visa programs to facilitate legal remote work stays.

Countries worldwide have recognized the economic and cultural potential of attracting digital nomads and have introduced specialized visa programs to facilitate legal remote work stays.

These digital nomad visas typically allow remote workers to reside in a country for extended periods, provided they meet certain income and employment criteria .

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By David Shortell and Alejandro Cegarra | The New York Times

Karina Franco’s ornate Art Deco building in the historic center of Mexico City has long been the heart of a downtown lifestyle, housing families of artists and activists and supporting an ecosystem of street vendors.

But as the pandemic upended office norms, a wave of remote workers from around the world descended on Mexico City, the country’s capital. The flow of foreigners has yet to slow down, causing housing costs to rise, displacing residents and upending the fabric of neighborhoods.

In August, Franco and the other tenants in her building were told by their landlord that their leases would not be renewed. Some units soon appeared on Airbnb — at rates more than four times the monthly rent — and new neighbors, mostly speaking English, now fill the hallways.

“It was very shocking at first,’ said Franco, 47, a migrant rights worker who found a new apartment in a different part of the city. “Then I felt angry.’

Since the pandemic, Mexico City has become a leading global hub for foreigners unshackled from their offices by work-from-home policies and drawn to the kind of comfort a salary paid in dollars or euros can afford.

Between January and October, more than 9,500 permits were issued to Americans allowing them to temporarily reside in Mexico City, according to federal immigration statistics, nearly double the 5,400 issued in the same period in 2019. Many more entered on tourist visas, which allow them to work from Mexico for up to six months as long as they are paid abroad.

The influx has been a boon for business owners in areas popular with foreigners and landlords taking advantage of record demand for long-term stays on platforms like Airbnb. It has also helped Mexicans with spare rooms to earn extra income amid soaring inflation.

But the surge has jolted the already tightening housing market, threatening to make large swaths of the city, where the average monthly salary is $220, unaffordable to many locals.

Mexico City’s leftist mayor, Claudia Sheinbaum, has sought to navigate the changing market by embracing the transplants and partnering with Airbnb on a campaign that promotes the city as a “capital for creative tourism” that encourages foreigners to spend money in less well-off neighborhoods.

But as the jump in American and European visitors fuels a rapid expansion of Airbnb, the mayor’s alliance with the rental giant has ignited an argument that’s enveloped the platform in other major cities, from London to New York to San Francisco, where critics have accused it of driving up housing costs.

Housing activists, wary of gentrification and a shortage of rental housing in the sprawling capital, have accused city leaders of spurring a modern day “colonization” that is pricing out many Mexicans.

Sergio González, a housing activist, said there would be a “big problem” if the city government did not regulate the housing market at a time when remote workers are leading to the “forced displacement of families.”

Amid the backlash, the mayor has acknowledged that American and European remote workers may be putting pressure on housing prices and has directed the city’s housing authority to study the effect of Airbnb.

“The digital nomads are arriving,” Sheinbaum told reporters in November. “Obviously, we don’t want this to mean gentrification or price increases.”

According to Airbnb, between April and June of this year, the number of stays booked in Mexico City on the platform for longer than a month increased by 30% compared with the same period in 2019, making the city one of the more popular destinations worldwide among long-term renters.

In the Condesa and Roma neighborhoods, whose lush streetscapes and dynamic food scenes have long made them attractive to wealthier residents, co-working spaces offering free coffee and cubicles have proliferated.

English speakers pour out of cafes and, on Sundays, cantinas are packed with young people in sports jerseys, the televisions switched from soccer to American football.

The city’s campaign with Airbnb, which is scheduled to fully roll out on the platform’s website early next year, is meant to spread out the crowds. It will promote guided activities, designed with the help of UNESCO, the United Nations’ cultural organization, in neighborhoods that do not typically receive a high number of visitors, according to the company and city officials. Airbnb will also provide information on moving to Mexico, including visa requirements.

Miroslava Miyarath Lazcano Cruz, who has offered tours through Airbnb since 2019, started a new tour on Airbnb in October of Xochimilco, the working-class neighborhood where she lives, that is serving as a model for the program.

The tour includes preparing tamales from handpicked ingredients and floating along the neighborhood’s famous network of ancient canals.

The experience has seen high demand, introducing tourists to the markets and customs of a part of the capital that’s not widely explored by outsiders. Lazcano Cruz said the visitors who have come through Airbnb have “a vision and a thirst to get to know the space in a different way.”

Suvi Haering, a Finnish creative director who arrived in Mexico City in November after two months working remotely in France, said working and living in Mexico “pushes you to challenge your own thinking.”

“It’s the polar opposite of where I come from, hence it’s the most inspiring place I can go to,” said Haering, as she ate at a restaurant in the Roma neighborhood with a friend, a project manager from Denmark, who was staying with her in a nearby Airbnb.

The increase in the number of foreigners living in Mexico City has coincided with a rise in rents. Average monthly rents citywide have jumped from $880 in January 2020 to $1,080 in November, according to data from Propiedades.com, a real estate website.

The uptick has been higher in more upscale neighborhoods. In a slice of Condesa that borders Chapultepec Park, one of the city’s larger green spaces, monthly rents rose from $1,610 in January 2020 to $2,250 in November, driven mostly by the arrival of remote workers, said Leonardo González, an analyst at Propiedades.com.

Many are finding homes on a short-term basis on Airbnb, which is squeezing the available stock of long-term rentals, housing experts said.

Cities around the world, including Barcelona, London and New York, where housing costs have increased sharply, have targeted Airbnb by imposing stricter rules for short-term rentals.

In Mexico, a spokesperson for Airbnb said the company was working with government officials “to be part of the solution to the challenges faced by communities in Mexico City.”

The company also stressed the financial benefits for people who rent out rooms on the platform: More than half of Airbnb hosts recently surveyed by the company in Mexico City said the extra earnings helped cover an increase in food costs driven by inflation.

For Leonor González, the income from an Airbnb she began renting in 2020 in a state that borders Mexico City allowed her to keep paying her employees during the pandemic when her business setting up convention spaces ground to a halt.

Later that year, she also listed a new apartment, a stylish loft in Mexico City, for $71 a night on Airbnb. It’s been booked almost nonstop, González said, usually by Americans working remotely for longer than a week.

“The truth is that there aren’t any locals renting here now,” she said of her Condesa neighborhood. “It’s just foreigners.”

Mexico City officials argue that high housing costs in parts of the capital are the result of years of gentrification that started in the 1980s, when a wave of new construction following a devastating earthquake ushered in younger, deeper-pocketed residents.

Still, Diana Alarcón, a top mayoral adviser, acknowledged that remote workers are also contributing to rising housing rates.

“Certainly the fact that a large number of people with higher incomes are arriving in a single area can result in an increase in prices,” she said. “That’s precisely the reason it’s important to show visitors that there are many other areas to discover in Mexico.”

Ximena Gómez Gutiérrez, a 24-year-old who commutes an hour from her family home in a neighboring state to her job at a reproductive rights organization in Mexico City, took part in a recent protest over the new Airbnb program and the city’s lack of affordable housing.

Living near her job and being able to enjoy a vibrant urban lifestyle has long been a dream, Gutiérrez said.

“But my salary isn’t enough to be able to even think about living” in the capital, she said.This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

Title:

Content:     The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

    Thailand's 5-year visa for digital nomads: Everything you need to know

    Synopsis

    Thailand introduces the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) targeting remote workers and digital nomads with a five-year multiple-entry option. Costing 10,000 THB, applicants need to meet age, financial, employment criteria, and maintain a 500,000 THB balance. The DTV allows legal remote work, spouse and children under 20, and exempts foreign income tax.

    Thailand has introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), aimed at boosting tourism by attracting remote workers and digital nomads. The DTV offers a five-year multiple-entry visa, allowing holders to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days each year, with an option to extend for an additional 180 days.

    This visa is designed to provide an attractive alternative to standard tourist visas, eliminating many immigration and tax concerns for long-term visitors.

    While the application process details are still pending, these basic eligibility requirements provide a preliminary guide for those interested in applying for the DTV. Further information and updates on the application process are expected to be released in July.

    How much does a Thailand DTV cost?

    The Destination Thailand Visa costs 10,000 THB. Applicants must be at least 20 years old, have sufficient funds to cover the visa fee, and demonstrate a minimum balance in their bank account.

    (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)

    To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet the following requirements, though these criteria are subject to change:
    • Applicants must be at least 20 years old.
    • They must have sufficient funds to cover the visa fee, which is 10,000 THB.
    • Applicants need to show proof of at least 500,000 THB in their bank account to support their stay in Thailand.
    • Proof of employment with a registered company is also required.
    The DTV is ideal for remote workers and digital nomads who wish to experience Thailand's culture while maintaining their professional commitments.
    « Back to recommendation stories
    I don't want to see these stories because
    SUBMIT

    Why a DTV is a good option

    The visa requires lower income requirements and fees compared to similar visas in Southeast Asia. It permits legal remote work for international clients and allows holders to bring their spouse and children under 20. Additionally, there is no tax on income derived from foreign sources during the stay in Thailand.

    However, the DTV does not permit employment with Thai companies, and changing visa types will terminate the DTV.

    (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2024 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)

    Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online.

    ...more

    Stories you might be interested in

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

For example, Croatia offers a digital nomad visa permitting third-country citizens to stay for up to one year, with a minimum monthly income requirement of €2,300 and a stipulation that applicants must leave for six months before reapplying .

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

Japan’s digital nomad visa, launched in April 2024, allows citizens from 50 countries to stay for up to six months, provided they earn at least ¥10 million (approximately $68,300) annually and have private health insurance .

Title:

Content: How to setup a mobile office and live the life of a nomad

The first step towards becoming a digital nomad!
Mobile office essentials

Amazon

The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic all but accelerated the transition to the remote work lifestyle, and now that the pandemic has just about subsided, most of us have become used to the work-from-home routine. As a matter of fact, many full-time work-from-home professionals have grown to love this way of life since it affords them more time with family members and an opportunity to travel while they work.

The prospect of being a digital nomad is a pretty enthralling one. Exploring different destinations while also managing your work routine is a luxury only afforded to a few. However, a nomadic work lifestyle isn't all about merry-making and enjoying destinations. There needs to be a proper setup that allows you to ensure your travel lifestyle doesn't affect your work and productivity.

That's precisely why having a mobile office with the right gadgets in your kit is a necessity that cannot be overlooked. Here's taking a peek at some of the most essential gadgets that need to make it to your working kit if you aspire to be a digital nomad.

1. A lightweight laptop

Microsoft Surface 4 Pro

The Microsoft Surface 4 Pro checks all the boxes as the perfect travel laptop. It's a lightweight, compact tablet that offers you the powers of a laptop. You can also use a stylus pen for more comfortable and convenient navigation.

The device in which all things start and come to an end; you simply can't set up without one. If you're looking for a laptop that suits a nomadic lifestyle, the weight and compactness of the device carry as much importance as your configurational choices.

For this specific purpose, we'd recommend going with the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4. It weighs only 2.79 lbs - the ideal weight to go for if you're a frequent traveler. Also, the screen size is perfect, as it contributes massively to the overall size of the laptop. Also, you can use this as a tablet with a stylus pen for even more convenience.

2. A WiFi hotspot

GlocalMe U3 WiFi Hotspot

The GlocalMe Wifi Hotspot boasts a 3000mAh battery life along with 13 hours of use. It can be used in over 140 countries and provides and adds tremendous stability to your work by providing a stable internet connection during travel. Also, you need not pay any roaming fees to use this hotspot.

The internet is the next most important thing to consider after a laptop. A WiFi hotspot goes a long way in delivering internet at impressive speed so you can focus on work without any hassle. Now, the best solution would be to use the hotspot from your phone. Why spend on a device when you can do it from a phone that you already have?

Well, a wireless WiFi hotspot adds more convenience to your travel. You don't need a SIM card for it, and the device can also deliver fast internet by smartly selecting a fast network. Secondly, you're not paying for any roaming charges; it's a pay-as-you-go WiFi facility. Also, wireless WiFi hotspots have advanced security features, so rest assured your data is in safe hands! We recommend going for the GlocalMe U3 Mobile Wireless Hotspot if you decide on getting one.

3. A USB charging station

Baseus PowerCombo USB-C Charger

The Baseus PowerCombo can charge up to 6 devices simultaneously. It's also compatible with a host of laptops, phones, and tablets, so you can have all the charging requirements in one place. Also, it offers overpower protection.

A power station is a basic need for any digital nomad who wishes to save desk space. It's a one-size-fits-all solution that can power up multiple tech devices all at once. Be it a tablet, laptop, or phone — a multiport charging station will leave you in awe in terms of the convenience it brings to your life.

The Baseus PowerCombo USB-C charging station is a great choice at a reasonable price tag that can charge all your devices simultaneously. It'll ensure you don't need to clean up the clutter of tangled wires around your desk — say goodbye to tangled wires affecting your productivity when you have this device at your aid!

4. A work desk

Worky Home Office

The Home Office desk is an innovative solution to clearing clutter on a desk and embracing an organized approach to work. Apart from holding your stationery items and laptop, it also offers desk storage for some more. There are many other exciting features that make it a must-have for any nomad or a frequent traveler.

What if we tell you it's possible to carry your entire office setup in a bag? When we say 'work desk,' the usual laptop elevator lap desk comes to our mind. But that'd be too bulky to carry when you're traveling. After all, convenient travel is all about carrying stuff that doesn't take up a lot of space, and hence, traditional lap desks don't make the cut here.

Instead, this innovative Home Office portable workstation by Worky is all you need to have with you when setting out for your next workstation. It can hold a laptop and stationery items and also comes with built-in charging ports. There's also a video conferencing light that is useful for illuminating your workspace during meetings.

The most striking feature here is you can store all of these in the briefcase and set out for your next destination without having to worry about packing each item separately. It's lightweight and portable enough, so you can easily carry it during travel.

5. Noise-cancelling headphones

Beats Studio Earbuds

The Beats Studio buds offer a powerful and balanced sound output. They're a great choice to go for if you're looking for earbuds that'll last for a long time and provide quality output. The lightweight and compact design of the earbuds means you won't need to compromise on your backpack storage space. Also, they are available in five different colors.

Work-from-home, as much as it does allow you to explore new places, you simply cannot cut off contact with your colleagues. Collaborations are important, and a pair of the correct noise-canceling headphones can help you have smooth and seamless communication with them. You can also get a pair of headphones in this case, but we'd specifically recommend earbuds to align more with the objective of using products that take up minimal space in your luggage.

The Beats Studio earbuds deliver a powerful and well-balanced sound and also come with two distinct listening modes: Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode. In terms of performance, these earbuds offer up to 8 hours of use. They come with a charging case, so your earbuds will keep on charging when you store them.

What's more, the Beats Studio earbuds are also IPX4 sweat and water-resistant. You can connect them to your laptop via Bluetooth. All in all, they're a great choice if you're looking for quality earbuds that ooze quality and can last for a long time.

6. A Portable wireless mouse

FENIFOX Flat Wireless Mouse

An ultra-thin and slim wireless mouse that's easy to carry anywhere. It also takes up very little safe in contrast to the traditional mouse and is very easy to operate. . Also, it comes with a low-decibel button that is suitable for coffee shops, libraries, and other occasions.

A portable wireless mouse can allow you to navigate easily if you're uncomfortable using the laptop mousepad. In this case, we would recommend going for the FENIFOX slim and portable wireless mouse.

It's a pretty compact and lightweight mouse that looks so thin you'd feel as if it's very much aligned with the surface. It boasts compatibility with a wide array of devices and is an environment-friendly and energy-saving device.

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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

Thailand’s Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) enables stays of up to five years with multiple entries, requiring applicants to be at least 20 years old, maintain a bank balance of 500,000 THB, and pay a 10,000 THB fee, while exempting foreign income from Thai taxation but prohibiting employment with Thai companies .

Title:

Content: Advertisement

Working in Norway For Members

Is Norway's independent contractor visa a good fit for digital nomads?

Robin-Ivan Capar - [email protected]

Digital nomads have been showing an increased interest in Norway in recent years. But what are the visa options best suited to working remotely from Norway, and is the independent contractor visa an option?

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The digital nomad lifestyle offers modern professionals the opportunity to visit different countries while maintaining a steady line of income.

With its pristine nature, fascinating fjords, and rugged wilderness, Norway has started attracting more and more interest among the digital nomad community in recent years.

But what are the best visa options for digital nomads in a country that is known for making remote work difficult?

Most international professionals often point to two visas: the Svalbard digital nomad visa and the independent contractor visa.

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The digital nomad visa – limited to Svalbard

You should know that Norway does have a digital nomad visa in place. Unfortunately, the program is limited to the Svalbard archipelago – situated in the Arctic Ocean, between mainland Norway and the North Pole.

The current digital nomad scheme allows foreign citizens who meet set criteria to establish themselves on Svalbard Island and carry out their business from there.

However, as legal experts at LawyersNorway.eu point out, if you successfully establish yourself there, you will be able to move to other parts of Norway later on.

If moving to Svalbard is not a deal-breaker for you, keep in mind that you'll also need to fulfil the following requirements:

  • You'll need to have a valid passport;
  • You'll need to submit the digital nomad visa application form.
  • Authorities will ask you to provide documentation that proves that you're self-employed or working for a non-Norwegian company, as well as documentation related to your education and vocational qualifications;
  • You will also be required to prove that you can sustain yourself in Norway and have a minimum gross income of around 360,000 kroner annually (expect the authorities to request bank statements);
  • You'll need to have valid health insurance;
  • You'll also need to provide Norwegian authorities with a contract with at least one Norwegian client, which must explicate that your minimum salary as a skilled employee is at least 189,39 kroner per hour;
  • You'll need to show proof of having accommodation in Svalbard.

Note that there is also a processing fee for the digital nomad visa, which is set at around 6,000 kroner.

If, on the other hand, you're not that keen to move to Svalbard, the independent contractor visa might be a better fit.

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The independent contractor visa

Norway's independent contractor visa is intended for non-European Union citizens, and it's somewhat similar to the Svalbard visa for digital nomads.

Some people tend to recommend it to self-employed professionals who plan to stay in Norway for at least a couple of years.

To be exact, the independent contractor visa is a residence permit issued to eligible remote workers, giving them the right to work remotely in Norway for two years.

You can be granted this permit for two years at a time, and you can have this permit for up to six years. The idea behind this visa was to attract international professionals to move to Norway.

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Digital nomads looking to take advantage of this opportunity need to meet multiple requirements. The trickiest one is that they need to have at least one corporate client based in Norway to apply (as is the case with the Svalbard digital nomad visa - notice the pattern?).

In order to qualify for the Norwegian independent contractor visa, you'll need to meet the following requirements:

  • Required education/qualification level: The full list of requirements relating to education or special qualifications can be found on the website of the Norwegian Immigration Directorate (UDI) here.
  • At least one Norwegian client: You will need at least one Norwegian corporate client to be eligible for this type of visa. Expect the authorities to require a contract with the client as proof.
  • A valid passport and an address in Norway: First off, you need to have a valid passport. You also need to have your accommodation in Norway taken care of, as you'll be asked to provide an address. You'll likely need to provide a tenancy contract as proof.
  • Proof of self-employment and proof of income: You will be asked to provide proof of business establishment and activity outside of Norway, and the authorities will also verify whether your income allows you to move to and live in Norway.

Note that the minimum annual income you'll need is around 360,000 kroner, and you'll be required to provide bank slips or statements to prove you earn that income each year.

You can apply for the independent contractor visa through the UDI's wizard here. The visa processing fees are listed here.

In conclusion, is the independent contractor visa a good fit for digital nomads? If you plan to stay in Norway for at least two years, then the answer is likely yes.

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Digital nomads, pay attention! If you plan to carry out work assignments different than those described in the contract you presented to the authorities, or if you plan to work for another company, you will need to apply for a new residence permit.

To get more information on the rights and obligations related to the independent contractor visa, consult the UDI's website here.

More

See Also

Malaysia’s DE Rantau Nomad Pass Program allows eligible foreign nationals with an annual income over $24,000 to stay for 12 months, extendable, with proof of employment and financial stability required .

Title:

Content: Here’s How You Can Do Good As A Digital Nomad

by Femina Travel | Sep 29, 2023, 20:38 IST

Being a digital nomad can be great for the remote worker but, with the right attitude, you can do good for others too

Not everyone loves digital nomads. Although so many countries across the world now offer special visas for digital nomads (Dubai, Colombia,  Estonia, Bermuda, Portugal, Spain, Croatia and Cayman Islands, to name just a few), they often get a bad rap from local residents. They believe that digital nomads push housing costs higher and out of reach of the locals, and strain the community by just ‘dropping’ into places rather than trying to fit into the fabric of society at their new temporary homes. It is an undeniable fact, however, that foreign workers can infuse a financial boost into the arm of the host country, and it works out well for them because living costs are usually lower than in their home country.

How can digital nomads do good rather than spark suspicion in their new home areas? Here are simple ways to consider if you want your impact to be positive, and your being there actually being good for the local community:

  • Spend Money To Benefit Local Businesses

Prioritise shopping in smaller local shops rather than at big supermarkets, eat in non-touristy restaurants alongside locals, and tip delivery and cleaning people generously.

  • Engage In An Intellectual Exchange

If you have transferable skills as part of your job description, it would be great to help locals in whatever capacity you can. A healthy exchange of ideas can spur local entrepreneurship and potentially improve the lives of the people amid whom you live.

  • Volunteer In Your Free Time

There’s no better way to get under the skin of a new destination – here, your new home for a period of time – than by offering the help you can. Perhaps you could offer to help local kids with spoken English, or give some time to a nearby soup kitchen.

  • Be Social

Don’t spend all your time working in your home. The point of working away from home is that you live in another place. Go out and immerse yourself in life outside; once your neighbours and people in the locality realise that you’re friendly, they, too, will get more used to you and less resentful of your presence in their midst. Keeping to yourself is an invitation to be isolated. Don’t let your reticence be misinterpreted as arrogance. Embrace your new temporary home country and, in time,  you will go a long way in overturning suspicions against digital nomads.

Images: Shutterstock

Also Read: The Definitive Guide To Choosing A Hostel For Your Next Trip

Next Story

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Knowledge of visa and other legal requirements

what non-EU countries have started issuing digital nomad visas?

Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa requires proof of income at least four times the national minimum wage (about €2,750 per month) and offers both short-term and renewable long-term residency options .

Title:

Content:     The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

    Thailand's 5-year visa for digital nomads: Everything you need to know

    Synopsis

    Thailand introduces the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) targeting remote workers and digital nomads with a five-year multiple-entry option. Costing 10,000 THB, applicants need to meet age, financial, employment criteria, and maintain a 500,000 THB balance. The DTV allows legal remote work, spouse and children under 20, and exempts foreign income tax.

    Thailand has introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), aimed at boosting tourism by attracting remote workers and digital nomads. The DTV offers a five-year multiple-entry visa, allowing holders to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days each year, with an option to extend for an additional 180 days.

    This visa is designed to provide an attractive alternative to standard tourist visas, eliminating many immigration and tax concerns for long-term visitors.

    While the application process details are still pending, these basic eligibility requirements provide a preliminary guide for those interested in applying for the DTV. Further information and updates on the application process are expected to be released in July.

    How much does a Thailand DTV cost?

    The Destination Thailand Visa costs 10,000 THB. Applicants must be at least 20 years old, have sufficient funds to cover the visa fee, and demonstrate a minimum balance in their bank account.

    (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)

    To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet the following requirements, though these criteria are subject to change:
    • Applicants must be at least 20 years old.
    • They must have sufficient funds to cover the visa fee, which is 10,000 THB.
    • Applicants need to show proof of at least 500,000 THB in their bank account to support their stay in Thailand.
    • Proof of employment with a registered company is also required.
    The DTV is ideal for remote workers and digital nomads who wish to experience Thailand's culture while maintaining their professional commitments.
    « Back to recommendation stories
    I don't want to see these stories because
    SUBMIT

    Why a DTV is a good option

    The visa requires lower income requirements and fees compared to similar visas in Southeast Asia. It permits legal remote work for international clients and allows holders to bring their spouse and children under 20. Additionally, there is no tax on income derived from foreign sources during the stay in Thailand.

    However, the DTV does not permit employment with Thai companies, and changing visa types will terminate the DTV.

    (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2024 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)

    Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online.

    ...more

    Stories you might be interested in

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Knowledge of visa and other legal requirements

Other countries with digital nomad visa programs include Spain, Italy, Costa Rica, Norway (Svalbard), Malta, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Estonia, the Bahamas, and Dubai, each with unique requirements and benefits .

Title:

Content: Skip to Content

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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Content: Advertisement

Americans in Italy For Members

How much money do Americans need to become residents in Italy in 2024?

The Local Italy - [email protected]

If you're a US citizen who's looking to move to Italy on a retirement or digital nomad visa, here’s how much money you need to be allowed to live in the country.

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From Edith Wharton to Gore Vidal, a number of famous Americans down the decades have fallen in love with the Italian lifestyle and made Italy their second home.

Though Italian immigration policies are stricter than they once were, US citizens can still obtain residency in Italy, even if you don't have family ties or a job offer.

As of 2024, Italy has more than one visa available to self-employed or remote workers from outside the EU, and others for retired people and investors.

What you will need for each of these is a minimum annual income sufficient to reassure the Italian authorities that you can support yourself financially without the assistance of the Italian state.

Here's what those thresholds are in 2024.

Elective residency visa

Often known as Italy's retirement visa, the elective residency visa, or ERV, is for people who don't need to work (you're not allowed to work on this visa), and can support themselves on a passive income.

The government's official minimum threshold is €31,000 per person or €38,000 per married couple plus five percent per dependent minor.

However, as Italian immigration experts have told us in the past, individual consulates have the power to raise this limit much higher than this.

READ ALSO: Five expert tips for getting your Italian elective residency visa approved

Giuditta Petreni at Mazzeschi Legal Counsels says that in her experience it's "typical" for consulates to require three to four times the official threshold.

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Digital nomad visa

As of April 2024, Italy finally has a digital nomad visa along the lines of those offered by countries like Spain and Portugal.

The decree doesn't provide a number, but says that an applicant's annual income must be no less than three times the minimum amount that would exempt them from paying for healthcare.

According to multiple immigration experts, that amounts to just under €28,000

Nick Metta from Studio Legale Metta notes that the decree doesn't specify that this income has to be from work, meaning that in theory it could come "from any source, for example, rental income, corporate dividends, etc."

READ ALSO: Q&A: Your questions answered about Italy's digital nomad visa

As with the ERV, he cautions that "each Italian Consulate might apply its own interpretation about qualifying sources of income and might require a higher amount as well."

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Investor visa

As you might expect from the name, an investor visa requires the largest outlay of any of these permits.

The scheme allows Americans and other non-EU citizens the right to live in Italy if they meet the key requirements, namely a minimum investment of €250,000 to €2 million in certain start ups, companies, charities or government bonds.

Unlike other Italian visas, the investor visa doesn't require the holder to make Italy their primary place of residence.

You also don't need to spend the money at the outset; according to Giancarlo Ostetto from the Italian office of Lexidy Law Boutique, “the Italian investor visa is considered a safe option as you pay the investment three months after you get your visa rather than beforehand."

Self-employment visa

According to the Italian consulate in London, Italy's self-employment visa requires an annual income "higher than the minimum level provided by the law for exemption from participation in medical and health public assistance" - that is, €8,500.

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You might be wondering why anyone would choose to apply for the new digital nomad visa over the self-employment visa given how much lower the income threshold is for the latter.

The answer is that unlike the digital nomad visa, Italy's self-employment visa is subject to annual quotas that hover around 500 per year.

This, combined with the fact that consulates tend to be very hesitant to approve the visa without proof of a stable and substantial income, makes the self-employment visa notoriously difficult to obtain in practice.

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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: Digital Nomad Visa Programs: An APAC Update

K
Klasko

Contributor

Klasko Immigration Law Partners is dedicated to providing industry-leading employment-based, investment-based, and litigation immigration services to our clients. We help our clients achieve their goals by providing comprehensive immigration legal services. We have a reputation for creative solutions to difficult immigration problems through cutting-edge strategies. Our clients value our extreme responsiveness and our innovative, practical, and effective immigration strategies.
Digital nomad visa programs have grown increasingly popular. Seen as a means of attracting top-tier, global talent and tax revenue, this trend is especially prevalent in the Asian Pacific region.
United States Employment and HR
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Digital nomad visa programs have grown increasingly popular. Seen as a means of attracting top-tier, global talent and tax revenue, this trend is especially prevalent in the Asian Pacific region. Indeed, Japan recently announced it joined the digital nomad visa party – its policy to be officially rolled out in early April 2024. Below, we discuss this new development and provide a summary of the current state of digital nomad programs in the APAC region.

Japan's new digital nomad visa program: a sumo-sized development

Japan's Ministry of Justice announced that Japan created a digital nomad visa. Situated as the 4th largest economy in the world, Japan began issuing digital nomad visas at the beginning of April 2024 to the citizens of 50 countries and territories.

The short-list of eligible countries includes at least the United States, Australia, and Singapore. The visas are valid for up to six months and available to those earning more than ¥10 million (app. $68,300) per year. Nomads may work from anywhere in the country and bring their spouses and children with them. Their work must be tied to "a sales contract or non-provision contract...with a public or private company in a foreign country". Carrying private health insurance will be obligatory to participate in the program.

Behind only China and Thailand, Japan is consistently ranked as one of the largest recipients of international visitors in APAC. In 2024 alone, it is forecasted that Japan will receive a total of 33.1 million visitors. With the aperture of this new program, coupled with sustained global interest in Japan's rich cultural heritage, the country is projected to receive thousands of digital nomads for years to come.

Thai-tanic-sized companies are welcomed in the Kingdom

Visa options for digital nomads in Thailand remain limited. Whereas the B visa program allows visitors to enter the Kingdom for up to 90 days to engage in a short list of activities, the government has gone to greater lengths to attract international corporate investment.

Indeed, under its "Remote Workers for Well-Established Overseas Companies" program, employees of publicly traded companies (or private companies with combined revenue of over $150 million in the last three years) will be able to apply for a 10-year long resident permit. The employee must (i) make an annual salary of at least $80,000.00 USD per year for two consecutive years or (ii) if holding a master's degree, make no less than $40,000 USD for the last two years. Alternatively, the individual may be self-employed provided they own productive intellectual property or have received Series A funding of no less than $1 million USD. Like Japan, visa applicants must carry personal health insurance.

With some of the lowest corporate tax rates in all of APAC, Thailand is situating itself as one of the region's premier hotbeds for foreign investment and, consequently, international talent.

Malaysia welcomes entrepreneurs from backgrounds as diverse as their landscapes

Maylasia arguably presents one of the most agile digital nomad visa programs in APAC. Offering temporary residence through the "De Rantau Nomad" program, employees of local or foreign employers, freelancers, and independent contractors are welcome. The nomad must be coming to work in an IT or digital space and earn at least $24,000 USD per year.

Pursuing a K-drama storyline in South Korea remains tricky

Early this year, South Korea made a splash on the global stage by launching its own version of a digital nomad visa: the "Workcation" visa. Whereas the visa program does offer a two-year period of validity, it is available only under a niche set of circumstances. For example, the minimum income threshold is KRW 85,000,000, or approximately $63,683.53. Digital nomads availing themselves must not only refrain from assuming gainful employment in South Korea, but must also refrain from earning money in South Korea associated with the South Korean economy (e.g., entering contracts with local businesses). In addition to having at least one year of work experience, nomads must also carry health insurance coverage valued at KRW 100 million, or about $75,000 USD. Given these restrictions, we anticipate S. Korea's digital nomad visa program to be leveraged only by the truest of K-POP fans.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

Digital Nomad Visa Programs: An APAC Update

United States Employment and HR

Contributor

Klasko Immigration Law Partners is dedicated to providing industry-leading employment-based, investment-based, and litigation immigration services to our clients. We help our clients achieve their goals by providing comprehensive immigration legal services. We have a reputation for creative solutions to difficult immigration problems through cutting-edge strategies. Our clients value our extreme responsiveness and our innovative, practical, and effective immigration strategies.
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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

The digital nomad lifestyle offers several notable advantages.

The digital nomad lifestyle offers several notable advantages.

Flexibility is a core benefit, as nomads can choose their work environments and schedules, often leading to improved work-life balance and job satisfaction .

Title:

Content: Close to half of PHL freelancers are content creators, study says

Filipino freelancers are enjoying a healthy influx of overseas clients, according to a recent joint white paper by US-based financial services company Payoneer and Philippine mobile payments provider GCash.

The Philippines Freelance Market 2022 report, which included a survey of 5,560 GCash users across the country, noted that the country’s gig economy continues to thrive despite – and even because of – the COVID-19 pandemic.

Well before the onset of the global health crisis, the 2019 edition of the report noted that the Philippines was the sixth fastest-growing freelance market in the world, with a 35% boost in earnings. This growth was further cemented by the pandemic, which saw many local freelancers taking their businesses online and thereby facilitating cross-border business.

The shift to online transactions has also led to the emergence of a new breed of freelancer, the content creator: the report defines this segment as “individuals who create content and use social media or personal websites to distribute their work. They commonly produce and publish their work before clients are secured.” This contrasts with traditional freelancers who secure clients either by direct bidding or through representation by a company or agency.

Over 40% of freelancers are either exclusively content creators or doing a mix of traditional freelance work and content creation, according to the report. Most Philippine content creators are on Facebook and Instagram, with TikTok in third place ahead of traditional online content sites YouTube and Twitter.

“Social media has caused the evolution of freelancing work from a traditional working model with its pre-determined contract and less flexible arrangements to content creators, online influencers and digital nomads. These freelancers tend to gravitate towards design, photography, blogging and vlogging as a path to landing new projects. And they are using online marketplaces and messaging apps to sell their offerings,” the report explained. Moreover, Filipino freelancers are gaining in demand overseas, particularly in including the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates. Citing Creative Economy Council of the Philippines President Paolo Mercado, the report noted that as many as 1.5 million Filipinos are currently signed up with international online freelancing platforms. The full white paper can be found here.

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What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

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

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

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

The opportunity for cultural immersion is another major draw, with many nomads living in diverse countries and engaging with new cultures, which fosters both personal and professional growth .

Title:

Content: Cross-state commuters and Americans 'working from anywhere' face DOUBLE taxation risk - will you be caught out?

The rise of remote working after the pandemic has made working from a more exotic or cheaper state a reality for many Americans.

But the 'work from anywhere' or 'digital nomad' culture - which has boomed in recent years - may have unexpected and grim implications as tax season approaches

If you work in a different place to where you live, you may have to file an income tax return in both states - and face being taxed twice on your income.

Incredibly, some states such as New York may require you to pay tax if your employer is based there but you choose to do the work elsewhere, perhaps working from home nearby in Jersey or on the beach in Miami. We explain this strangely titled 'conveniece of the employer' rule further down.

But it is not all bad news - some states offer reciprocity agreements with neighbor states, and others do not have an income tax at all.

But the 'work from anywhere' or 'digital nomad' culture, which has boomed in recent years, may have unexpected implications as tax season approaches

The rules have always been in place but it is only now that working remotely is so common - and Americans use the perk to not just work from home but from other areas - that it is becoming a problem, tax experts say.

Here is everything you need to know to avoid being caught out if you worked over state lines in the 2023 tax year.

No problems with these income tax-free states

There are nine states which have no individual income tax code - which means there is no income tax burden on remote or mobile workers.

It is good news for anyone who may have escaped to the Sunshine State to avoid wintry weather, as Florida is among them.

You will also not have to file a separate return if you worked in Alaska, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wyoming and Washington.

The District of Columbia is also prohibited by its Home Rule Act from taxing nonresidents.

Reciprocal agreements between states

Other states offer reciprocal tax agreements, which mean they do not tax residents who work in a separate state to their home state.

For example, if you live in Virginia but commute over the border to Maryland for work, you will not have to pay taxes or file a return in Maryland.

Likewise, if you live in Wisconsin and travel to Illinois for your job, you only have to pay taxes in Wisconsin, because the two states have a reciprocity agreement.

There are currently reciprocal agreements across 15 states and the District of Columbia, according to nonprofit the National Taxpayers Union Foundation.

Earlier this year, the think tank released its Remote Obligations And Mobility (ROAM) index, which ranks each state's tax codes and regulatory policies on how they affect remote workers.

States without income tax burdens or ones which participate in the most reciprocity agreements rank the highest.

The National Taxpayers Union Foundation (NTUF) ranks each state by how its tax code affects remote and mobile workers in its Remote Obligations And Mobility (ROAM) index

If there is no reciprocity agreement between the two states, some allow you to get a credit for taxes paid in the state where you do not live but you are working.

For example, if you live in California but work in Arizona, you would be required to file an income tax return in both states to get the credit.

That means filing a resident state income tax form for California with all your income sources and a nonresident tax return with only your employment income for Arizona.

According to the NTUF, this results in commuting taxpayers paying the higher of the two states' tax rates.

Filing thresholds

It is also important to check the filing threshold for the state you are working in, according to the NTUF.

Filing thresholds represent how long a taxpayer must work in a state before they must file an income tax return in that state.

Different states have different rules about the requirements taxpayers must fulfill before having to file an individual income tax return.

NTUF's Andrew Wilford said remote-friendly state tax policy can be beneficial for employees and employers

'In a majority of states, nearly all taxpayers must file an individual income tax return in that state from the very first day they earn income in that state, a requirement that most taxpayers are likely not even aware of,' the report reads.

In 2023, Indiana and Montana introduced new rules which state that nonresidents do not have to file a return until they work for more than 30 days in the state.

As a result, Indiana now ranks the highest of any state with an income tax in the NTUF's index.

Andrew Wilford, from NTUF, told DailyMail.com that remote-friendly tax policy can attract employees from other states, and employers whose employees are all over the country.

'Indiana has accomplished both by simplifying its tax treatment of both groups - relieving remote taxpayers and their employers from the obligation to file Indiana tax returns on the basis of a few days worked in the state, and protecting taxpayers from the confusing process of filing returns in two or more states and claiming credits against taxes paid to other states,' he said.

If you work in a different place to where you live, you may have to file an income tax return in more than one state

Convenience of the employer

A handful of states also have a so-called 'convenience of the employer rule'.

This means if you are working in a different state for your convenience - and you could feasibly commute - you will owe tax in the state where your employer is based.

This can put taxpayers at risk of being taxed twice for the same income.

Some states offer a tax credit which may offset some or all of the taxes you have paid to the state where your employer is based.

New Jersey, for example, offers a credit to offset taxes its residents paid to New York due to their employer being based there - despite the fact they were working from home.

Alabama, Delaware, Nebraska, New York, and Pennsylvania impose fully-fledged convenience of the employer rules - with Alabama joining this group in 2023.

New Jersey also introduced its own convenience of the employer rule last year to recoup some of the tax revenues it pays out in credits.

It imposed a so-called 'retaliatory' version of the rule, which applies only to residents of states that impose their own convenience rules. This will particularly impact residents of New York working in New Jersey.

No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Adaptablity to new cultures and language

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Adaptablity to new cultures and language

Financially, some nomads benefit from lower living costs in their host countries compared to their home countries, enabling them to save money while enjoying a higher quality of life .

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Content: Declining Remote Work Trend: Productivity Concerns Drive Companies to Reinforce In-Office Policies

By: BNN Correspondents
Declining Remote Work Trend: Productivity Concerns Drive Companies to Reinforce In-Office Policies

Once a beacon of hope for work-life balance, the surge of remote work during the pandemic is witnessing a reversal. According to a study from Indeed, there has been a decline in remote job postings, especially in metropolitan areas where job roles are conducive to remote work. The increase in the preference for in-office work among companies is attributed to productivity concerns, despite the lack of clear applicability of these studies on the broader workforce.

Remote Work – The Pandemic Era Norm

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, from 2019 to 2021, the number of people working primarily from home tripled, making remote work a widely accepted norm during the pandemic. Stanford University’s professor of economics, Nicholas Bloom, who was initially skeptical about remote work, admitted that it proved to be effective during the pandemic.

The Shift Back to Office

With pandemic restrictions easing, some companies have made a U-turn from their earlier remote work policies. In some cases, companies have even threatened to terminate employees who do not comply with mandated office days. A notable critic of the remote work culture is Elon Musk, who, during an interview with CNBC in May 2023, labeled remote work as ‘morally wrong’. He argued it to be a double standard for workers to assume they shouldn’t have to go into work while others do.

Implications of the Shift

The shift in corporate America’s approach to remote work has far-reaching implications for remote workers and the U.S. job market. New data indicates that remote workers receive fewer advancement opportunities compared to their in-person colleagues, seeing promotions 31% less frequently. The shift to in-office work by companies like Meta and Google has also impacted remote workers, especially regarding mentorship and feedback. A report from Gallup highlighted that 60% of U.S. workers who have been working remotely would prefer to continue this way as much as possible.

The Advent of Tethered Nomads

As companies struggle to restore pre-pandemic operations, a new category of workers, dubbed ‘Tethered Nomads’, has emerged. These are independent workers, freelancers, self-employed individuals, and contractors who have embraced the remote work trend. There has been a 14% increase in their ranks as digital nomads since the previous year. However, the declining labor demand in December, as reported by the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) and Lightcast Labour Market Tracker, may reflect a broader trend influenced by the evolving nature of work and economic conditions.

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What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

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

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

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

The lifestyle also supports networking opportunities, as digital nomads often connect with like-minded individuals in coworking spaces, at local events, or through online platforms, facilitating professional collaborations and friendships .

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6 ways you can market to a zoomer tourist

Generation Z individuals are bringing a new dynamic to the global travel space, including business travel and are using their youth to capitalise on the freedom of remote work culture.

These digital nomads are earning a living as they travel and optimising their time in different countries and cities by threading leisure travel experiences into their professional work structures. This opens huge doors of potential for the tourism industry to attract Gen Zs embarking on bleisure travel - who are spending their money on fully experiencing destinations and their attractions - across both leisure and business travel.

But this sharp and tech-smart generation needs fresh, innovative and engaging marketing tactics to grab their attention, build brand trust, and then convert into profitable business.

Here’s what tourism businesses need to know about the Generation Z bleisure traveller, and how to market to them.

1.Capitalise on the Gen Z tech connection

Gen Zs were born surrounded by smart technology, so they expect tech to be part of their business travel experience. So much so, in fact, that they do their own travel research and often prefer to make their own bookings so that they have full control of their travel experience, and can customise elements according to their preferences.

Online tools such as flight, accommodation and transport search-and-compare engines enable Gen Zers to find airlines, flight times, and unique and interesting hotels that fit their preferences.

Top tip: As a tourism business, ensure that your brand is accessible and easy to engage with on the digital platforms on which this generation spends most of its time. This includes social media channels like Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube - with TikTok currently being the most popular amongst Gen Zers, who enjoy short-form video content.

2.Unconventional accommodation with heart

Gen Zs are all about experiencing new and different things, and that includes where they stay while travelling. Smaller boutique hotels and short-stay accommodation are popular because they offer a different, more intimate experience for working digital nomads.

Top tip: Now is the time for smaller establishments to step up their marketing efforts. But keep it authentic - the “human element” is vital in building rapport and relationships with Gen Zs. Share meaningful experiences that they can enjoy when they’re taking time out of a busy work day - tapping into that emotive “me too” side is powerful when connecting with Gen Zs. And use storytelling! Stories build a taste of what an experience could be like, so they are already “committing” to you and your establishment.

Don’t forget to signpost the workplace-supportive features that your establishment has as well. While this generation plays hard, they work hard too, and need the facilities and amenities to support a streamlined work experience.

3.Give them what they want - for as long or short a time as needed

Gen Zs are like experience sponges - they want to experience as much as possible- and extra initiatives to deliver this for them will earn you a big gold star in their books. They also like to experience the “better things in life” that they may not normally have access to in their own daily lives.

“If you know a Gen Z has booked into your establishment, go the extra mile and bring in extra luxuries for the time they’re staying there,” suggests Jazeign Kesari, national procurement manager at Teljoy.

4.Make a point of making a difference

This generation also has a strong affinity for accommodation spaces that make meaningful efforts to uplift the environment and their communities. They are keenly aware of causes and environmentally conscious, says Tshepo Matlou, head of marketing and communications at Jurni.

“If you haven’t done so yet, implement smart eco-friendly initiatives at your establishment. There are so many brilliant green tourism ideas out there, like installing a water-bottle filling station at reception, using sustainable furnishings in your rooms, sourcing food from nearby suppliers, donating leftover food to charities, composting, and water-wise gardening. As you improve your sustainability practices, get the word out. Share it on social media, using hashtags to appeal to eco-conscious consumers,” he says.

Sandra Kneubuhler, district director for Radisson Hotel Group in South Africa, echoes this sentiment, adding that Gen Zs who are considering hotels will be looking for an establishment that prioritises sustainable business practices such as carbon reduction and ethical business procedures.

5.Leverage local

Gen Zs’ appreciation of authenticity is threaded right through into deeply local elements, including food, the heritage of the local community, cultural experiences, the shopping scene, and even the local nightlife.

Now, more than ever before, Gen Z travellers are finding personal value in engaging with local communities, and there is perhaps no better way to experience and embrace new cultures than through food, which transcends all barriers to understanding between cultural groups, says Matlou.

Top tip: If your establishment has a restaurant or offers an in-room food menu, source your ingredients locally - and share with your Gen Z market that you do so. Also, partner with unique local tourism experiences to give your customers exciting options to include in an experience itinerary. Bringing in a local transport partner is also a great way to include local tourism businesses in a holistic offering - and they can give your customers peace of mind by transporting them to business meetings or events.

6.Capture your slice of the hyperconnected-generation pie

Gen Zs are a unique consumer market - they are tech-sperts, they are decisive in what they want to experience, and they want to experience as much as possible. Add to that that they’re willing to pay more to experience activities, accommodation, and a remote working environment that supports this flexible and experiential lifestyle, and you’ve got a market worth its weight in gold.

Put effort into connecting with them authentically across all touchpoints of communication - from booking to helping them build an itinerary; and plump up their whole experience with little added extras. It’s worth the effort - and remember that going that extra mile could be rewarded with excellent reviews (a solid go-to for Gen Zs researching trustworthy accommodation and activities), and word-of-mouth referrals.

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Many digital nomads report improved mental health and a sense of freedom from traditional work constraints, as well as the ability to align work with personal passions .

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Immigration Central | Digital Nomad Visa to replace Portugal’s Golden Visa programme

It's end of the road for Golden Visa, those interested in the real-estate route to residency will have to buy property in the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira or in the interior territories, Lisbon, Porto, Algarve and more are out of bounds now. The recently launched Digital Nomad Visa will now be the best route for moving to Portugal

November 17, 2022 / 05:21 PM IST

Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo: Vita Marija Murenaite via Unsplash)

After imposing stricter requirements, the Prime Minister of Portugal, António Costa, has hinted at the end of the popular Golden Visa programme. The recently launched Digital Nomad Visa will now be the best route for moving to Portugal.

Following the footsteps of Malta, Cyprus and Bulgaria, Portugal might abolish its much-sought after Golden Visa programme. Though no formal official announcement has been made but Costa recently said, the government is re-evaluating programmes, including the Golden Visa, a fast-track residence visa issued to non-European Union (EU) nationals who have made a significant investment in Portugal, such as purchasing real-estate, making a capital investment, or creating employment opportunities.

“There are programmes that we are currently re-evaluating and one of them is the gold visa which, probably, has already fulfilled the function it had to fulfil and which, at this moment, it is no longer justified to maintain,” the Prime Minister has said.

It may be recalled that recently the Portuguese government had enforced stricter requirements for the Golden Visa by raising the Investment Fund option from €350,000 to €500,000; Capital Transfer from €1 million to €1.5 million and narrowing real-estate purchase options. For real-estate properties to qualify for Golden Visa, schemes to buy in Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve and surrounding areas on the coast are no longer permissible. Those interested in the real-estate route to residency will have to buy property located in the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira or in the interior territories.

Launched in 2012, Portugal’s Golden Visa programme has attracted more than €6.5 billion in investment by foreigners, mainly from China, Brazil, South Africa and the US, and large percentage of the investment by wealthy individuals has been used to buy real-estate. In July this year, investments through Portugal’s Golden Visa programme had increased to more than €78 million, more than double the €36 million recorded in July of 2021, according to Portuguese Immigration and Border Service (SEF).

The hint of abolition of Golden Visa is also being seen as a response to a drive by the European Parliament to shrink and regulate the multi-billion-euro citizenship and visa industries, which the EU has long considered a security risk. In March this year, European Parliament’s Central Liberties Commission had called the schemes “objectionable from an ethical, legal and economic point of view.”

What seems like the end of the road for the Golden Visa programme is the beginning of the Digital Nomad Visa programme that came into effect on October 30, 2022.

From the said date, Portugal has started accepting applications from individuals for the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) that allows individuals to live and work in the country. Officially called the “residence visa for the exercise of professional activity provided remotely outside the national territory”, the new visa is an alternative to the existing "D7" visa, a popular residency permit mostly aimed at retirees and ‘passive income’ earners.

Portugal’s DNV is divided into two categories:

  • Short stay: Aimed at remote workers looking to stay temporarily in Portugal for up to one year

  • Residency permit: For digital nomads who are looking to secure a residency visa in Portugal that can be renewed up to five years

Eligibility: To be eligible, the individual will need to make four times the current national minimum wage to live and work in the country and provide a work contract or proof that they are self-employed. The current minimum monthly income in Portugal is €705 but is increasing to €750 in 2023. The monthly earning requirement is around $2,750 (€2,836).

Where to Apply: Individuals can apply at the Portuguese Consulate in their home country. If the applicant is already in Portgual, apply at SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras), the country’s Immigration and Border Service. Application should include proof of income for the past three months, tax residency documents, and either a contract of employment or proof that you are self-employed.

D7 visa versus DNV: Through the D7 Visa, Portugal has been attracting a lot of foreigners. However, DNV and D7 are not the same, The D7 Visa allows anyone to live and work in the county as long as they can earn the Portuguese minimum wage (€822.50 per month) per month. However, these earnings must come from ‘passive’ income streams like rent or investments. On the other hand, the DNV is aimed at people that are looking to relocate on a temporary basis and offers the opportunity of living and working in Portugal, but without a long-term commitment.

Best places for Digital Nomads:

Lisbon: Has more coworking spaces than any other city in the country; the best option is Liberdade22

Porto: Porto i/o is excellent for coworking and has four locations.

Peniche: Largo is the best option

Braga: Pick from Braga I/O, Factory Braga, and Regus Branch

Sagres: Coworksurf, a global network of workspaces, was cofounded in Sagres

Coimbra: Opt for Nest Collective located in the heart of the city

Madeira: The island of Madeira has a Digital Nomads Madeira project, which is an entire digital nomad village. Located in Ponta do Sol, a small town with a population of 8,200, the project is a joint initiative of Startup Madeira and the government of Madeira. Ponto do Sol offers free working space that is located at the John do Passos Cultural Centre that was founded as a tribute to the renowned Portuguese writer John dos Passos. The Working Space (9 am to 6 pm) includes free Internet, desk and chair, desktop, and a local host.
Preeti Verma Lal is a Goa-based freelance writer/photographer.
first published: Nov 17, 2022 05:20 pm

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Fitting In Is Crucial Both When Leaving For Overseas Assignments And Returning

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In a recent article, I explored the various benefits of living abroad, both for us as human beings and also as employees. Doing so is not without its challenges, however, whether involving language difficulties, culture shocks, administrative obstacles, a lack of social contacts, or general homesickness.

A recent survey conducted by banking giant HSBC in support of its Unforeign Exchange campaign showed that it can take up to 8 months before somewhere can truly begin to feel like home, with around a quarter of respondents saying it took over a year.

Settling in

Given their extensive experience of traveling, it's perhaps not surprising that digital nomads were among those who were able to settle relatively quickly, but even they took around six months or so to feel at home.

"In our facility in Lisbon we have a large number of digital nomads because the Portuguese government has done such a great job of attracting nomads to the city, but while they're obviously experienced with traveling around, we still make an effort to help them to settle in," says Ceinwen Jarvis, Global Head of Marketing at co-working space Second Home. "As part of the onboarding process for each new member, we try to understand who they are and what they're trying to achieve, and the community at each of our facilities is great at helping people to meet new people, learn how the system works, and so on."

HSBC has attempted to tap into the experience of these frequent movers as part of its Unforeign Exchange campaign, with a wide range of people who move frequently for work and pleasure providing tips on how they have managed to make the process a success.

Creating a home

"A core challenge isn’t so much a practical matter as a psychological one – creating a home," says Geoffrey L Cohen, Stanford Professor and author of Belonging – The science of creating connection and bridging divides. "Home is a psychological state as much as a physical place, defined by a sense of belonging – a feeling of being an accepted part of a larger community."

Among the various suggestions Cohen makes, most revolve around the power of community, both to provide people with a support network to help during the transition but also to help to understand and integrate with the local community.

This latter point is worth focusing on, as there have been a number of concerns raised by natives that digital nomads in Portugal haven't really integrated at all. Instead, they form a kind of nomad bubble where they mix well with each other but seldom come into contact with native Lisbon residents.

To overcome this, Cohen highlights the power of volunteering, as this not only ensures that people mix with locals but also gains an understanding of the various issues and challenges locals face. This point was reinforced by Cohen's Stanford colleague Jeffrey Pfeffer, who showed that volunteering not only helps us build bonds with our fellow volunteers but also helps us to align our own purpose and values with that of the area and the cause.

Civic-minded

This has the potential to then become a virtuous cycle, as research from the University of Chicago shows that time spent living abroad helps to make people more civic-minded.

This manifested itself in things like volunteering, where those who had studied abroad would actually volunteer rather than merely state that volunteering was important.

“Those students who go abroad report more often actually taking the actions to participate as opposed to just believing that they should participate,” the researchers explain.

Overseas assignments

For companies sending employees on overseas assignments, however, the time required to successfully integrate is often not an option. For instance, Capgemini's FlexAboard program allows employees to relocate to another country, but only affords employees 45 days each year.

Many other overseas assignments are for specific projects or for training purposes, so can typically last between three and 12 months. While this is long enough to perhaps move beyond the "living out of a suitcase" phase, it might not be long enough to create an indelible connection to one's adopted home.

While shorter assignments may not be sufficient to truly feel at home overseas, it does nonetheless appear to impact those involved, as data from Brookfield Global Relocation Trends shows that nearly 40% of returnees leave their jobs within a year of coming back home.

This discontent is driven in large part by employers often treating people the same way upon their return as they did when they left, despite the overseas assignment having changed them significantly.

Research from Mount Royal University shows that there is a general expectation among returnees that their employer will adjust the work they do to better reflect the new experience they'd gained overseas. For instance, they would be much more interested in strategic involvement and desperately want new ways to deploy the knowledge they picked up.

With data showing there is a rise in the number of employees sent on overseas assignments, it seems increasingly important not only for managers to take an active role in ensuring employees integrate successfully into their adopted community, but also to make concrete steps to ensure a better integration when they return.

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What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

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

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

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

However, the lifestyle is not without significant challenges.

However, the lifestyle is not without significant challenges.

Maintaining work-life balance and productivity can be difficult due to distractions from new environments, lack of consistent workspaces, and unreliable internet access .

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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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Harry Wallop: Trailer for sale or rent — how the king of the road became a digital nomad

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Narrated by James Marriott

I have just come back from a holiday in Italy, which, if you follow me on Instagram, would have appeared to be non-stop negronis and 16th-century frescoes. What social media did not show was the medieval level of swearing as I tried to find the one spot in the villa that had wi-fi and an electricity socket that wasn’t going to kill me. Why does Italy persist with three separate plug systems, rendering most UK-EU adapters useless?

I had to spend one morning indulging in 2023’s hottest trend: digital nomadism. Or, as I still think of it, work. I had forgotten about an article I had promised an editor, but all one needs now to earn money is a laptop, some wi-fi and the freedom

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

What issues could affect working remotely?

What negative feelings arose when companies moved to a completely remote work structure?

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

What issues could affect working remotely?

What negative feelings arose when companies moved to a completely remote work structure?

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

What issues could affect working remotely?

What negative feelings arose when companies moved to a completely remote work structure?

Frequent travel can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, reducing work efficiency .

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

What negative feelings arose when companies moved to a completely remote work structure?

Access to healthcare is a critical concern, as many countries require proof of health insurance for visa applications, and navigating foreign healthcare systems can be daunting .

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

Financial stability is another challenge, with fluctuating income from freelance or remote work, varying living costs, and complex tax obligations, including risks of double taxation for U.S.

Financial stability is another challenge, with fluctuating income from freelance or remote work, varying living costs, and complex tax obligations, including risks of double taxation for U.S.

Financial stability is another challenge, with fluctuating income from freelance or remote work, varying living costs, and complex tax obligations, including risks of double taxation for U.S.

citizens or those working across different jurisdictions .

Title:

Content: Looking Back to Leaving the USA in 2020

Why Leaving to Travel to 7 Continents Ended Up Being the Best Decision

The Thrive Global Community welcomes voices from many spheres on our open platform. We publish pieces as written by outside contributors with a wide range of opinions, which don’t necessarily reflect our own. Community stories are not commissioned by our editorial team and must meet our guidelines prior to being published.

2020 shook us all out of the known, predictable, and stable. For years, if not lifetimes, we held on to certain things, situations, or abilities as guaranteed. 2020 shattered all of those paradigms in more ways than one.

With access to social media and news, we globally became aware of lockdowns, political upheaval, and civil unrest.

Years ago, no one would have ever imagined a global pandemic, rampant social media, and a viral video of death. Yet, it is what we all experienced in various ways.

Like many of us, I thought the isolation of 2020 would be over sooner rather than later. While I stayed strong far beyond my own strength, there came a pivotal point of transformation. I knew I would not, could not, experience the same year into 2021.

Staying no longer made sense. The world changed before my eyes. With prayer and practical considerations, I decided to realize the vision of 7 Continents travel in 2021 and beyond.

Although leaving Atlanta, GA in 2020 to travel to 7 Continents in the midst of a global pandemic, political upheaval, and civil unrest, may not have made sense to many, it forced me o walk in freedom in countless ways

Looking Back to Leaving the USA in 2020, aligning to faith, improving mental health, living the digital nomad life, helping others create what they love, and traveling to 7 Continents ended up being the best decision ever.

Looking Back to Leaving the USA in 2020, it just may be one of the best decision I have ever made.

Leaving USA

You can imagine it felt surreal to decide to leave the USA, give away over 50% of my belongings, get a small storage, resolve items, and pack what would be my life in a suitcase and a backpack for 2+ years.

The decision to go for 2+ years to travel to 7 continents did not come without a lot of prayer and practical considerations. Everything lined up.

To give you an idea, my lease was coming due at the end of January at $1,600 USD, isolation continued, countries began to open up, and I found out I had exactly enough points to travel to Costa Rica one-way on Delta Airlines.

On top of everything, I realized traveling the world will save you money.

Let’s not forget about living out the vision to travel years ago, exploring cultures, experiences, and adventures globally.

Priceless.

Mental Health Improvements

In 2020. I absolutely immersed myself in increasing focus on faith, studies, and online courses. At the same time, the isolation and the time online weighed on me. In June 2020, I experienced two migraines for the first time. It isn’t something I ever want to repeat.

That was when I began to realize many things needed to change, pandemic or no pandemic.

From the moment I landed in Costa Rica, and woke up in La Fortuna, Costa Rica on January 1, 2021, I felt like an incredible weight lifted off of me. During my first two weeks in Costa Rica, I felt refreshed and renewed in every way.

The Pura Vida surrounded me.

Traveling has helped me realize how little we need, how home is where we are, and how much of the world there is.

Digital Nomad Life

For years I followed entrepreneurs and travelers like Alyssa with My Life as a Travel Movie, Ashley with HeyAshleyRenne who came with us to Cuba, Jennifer with The Social Girl Traveler, and others.

If you didn’t know, I have traveled since being in the womb. Quite literally, I am conceived in Bulgaria, born in Poland, a 10 month stay at a refugee camp in Italy, and immigrated to the USA by the age of 2. It is easy to see why adventure and the digital nomad life are in my blood.

From the start, I felt a surge in priorities, productivity, and people. I love playing games with myself of how much work may I get done in the morning so I may play in the afternoon. Alternatively, how much may I get done today all day or this evening, so I am free to explore tomorrow.

I practice a Sacred Morning, Seven Steps to Success, and Create 7, and that I help teach others to create a life and business they love. I share recaps, like my Digital Nomad Monthly from August 2021 in Costa Rica that gives you an insider look at being a digital nomad and traveling globally.

I have continued on creating a life and business I love with FIT Life Creation, our all in one lifestyle brand online and live. This has included blogs, shows, and online courses, as well as helping entrepreneurs and brands with wellness, business, and travel. In Costa Rica in August, I helped three tourism brands with digital marketing, business consulting, and funding opportunities with grants and investors.

Travel to 7 Continents

In 2021, I decided to travel to Central and South America due to closeness, access, and ease of travel.

From January to March 2021, I stayed in Costa Rica visiting La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, and San Jose Every month, I saved on average $700-$900 on my stays. Who doesn’t love to travel the world and save money?

Initially, in March, I planned to go to Nicaragua. However, for several reasons, I changed my plans. From March to May 2021, I visited Antigua, Guatemala, and Lake Atitlan.

After experiencing 8 stays between Costa Rica and Guatemala, I realized I wanted to have a stable stay for several months. I stayed in Tulum, Mexico in a jungle Cabana for 3 months. I explored Bacalar and Valladolid, Mexico for a month. Most recently, I traveled to the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica for the first time.

Best Decision to Leave the USA to Travel

At the time I made the decision, it felt unnatural and surreal. Yet, at the same time, I felt complete peace in the decision and every step I took along the way.

The last 8 months of global travel experiences through central America with Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico have confirmed that I made the best decision to leave the USA to travel.

Maybe you have pondered leaving. Perhaps, this is your wake-up call.

A call to go and create a life, business and community you love online and all around the world limitlessly.

This is your limitlessglobalgirl, Katrina Julia

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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?

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?

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?

Visa and legal requirements can be stringent, with high income thresholds, limited durations of stay, and restrictions on local employment, all of which can complicate long-term planning .

Title:

Content: By Ina Opperman

Business Journalist

Budget 24 preview: tough choices or an election-friendly budget?

Godongwana will have to keep many balls in the air in his budget speech to ensure the country’s budget balances in an election year.

When finance minister Enoch Godongwana delivers his budget speech on 21 February, will he make the tough choices, increase taxes and announce belt-tightening measures, or will it be an election-friendly budget designed to keep voters choosing the ruling party?

In his mid-term budget (MTBPS) Godongwana revealed a significant shortfall in government revenue, projecting a loss of nearly R57 billion for the current tax year and R54 billion for 2024/2025.

Faced with financial strain, he warned South Africans to brace for potential tax hikes and a decrease in government spending in the upcoming 2024/2025 tax year, Yolandi Esterhuizen, a registered tax practitioner and director of global compliance: product management at Sage AME, says.

Bazil Marema, also a registered tax practitioner and senior compliance specialist at Sage AME, says National Treasury is confronted by the formidable challenge of raising tax revenue while keeping the electorate satisfied in an election year.

“The Budget Speech in February is usually a balancing act, but this year, in particular will require an especially delicate touch.”

ALSO READ: Godongwana seeks Budget 2024 suggestions, but economist warns of inflexibility due to high debt

Esterhuizen and Marema and their colleague, Motumi Tsoeute, senior compliance specialist, say they will keep an eye out for these 10 key aspects:

No PAYE increases

South Africans are grappling with inflation and increasing energy and food costs as well as higher interest rates. Although government may be reluctant to directly increase income tax, especially for low and middle-income earners, we can anticipate a minor tax bracket creep to cater for inflation, they say.

Delays for National Health Insurance (NHI)

“We can expect a potential delay in the NHI implementation, coupled with uncertainty about its funding, possibly due to the hesitance to introduce new payroll taxes amid taxpayer struggles and prevent possible cancellations by medical aid members and further burdening an already strained public health system.”

Fuel levy increases

For the past two years, government maintained the fuel levy at a consistent level to support individuals and businesses grappling with higher petrol and diesel prices, but this year, they say, we will likely see an increase in line with inflation.

ALSO READ: Mid-term budget: Godongwana urged to look at bigger picture

Diesel refunds for smaller generators

In the 2023/2024 budget, government extended the Road Accident Fund levy refund for diesel used in manufacturing for food producers, effective from 1 April 2023 for two years to mitigate the impact of power outages on food prices.

Some experts suggest expanding this diesel refund to businesses using generators to produce electricity as this will benefit small and medium businesses, particularly during load shedding. Whether the government will consider such a measure, given the need to increase revenues, remains uncertain.

Solar energy tax credits

The 2023/2024 tax year provided tax incentives for households adopting solar power solutions. Whether government will extend this incentive remains to be seen with ongoing load shedding.

Electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa supports the tax incentive continuation and proposes expanding it to include inverters and batteries. The budget speech will reveal whether his suggestion is embraced.

Catering for remote workers

The Covid-19-induced shift to remote and hybrid work transformed business operations. National Treasury is actively updating tax laws and might adjust the tax treatment of home office and travel expenses in the upcoming tax years to accommodate a digital and global workforce, they say.

ALSO READ: Budget deficit: we are in big trouble with a shortfall of R53 billion

Bringing digital nomads into the tax net

Many South Africans now work remotely for foreign employers, raising concerns for National Treasury and Sars about potential tax evasion. The 2023 Tax Administration Law Amendment Bill proposes that all employers, including those abroad who conduct business through a permanent establishment in South Africa, withhold PAYE for South African employees and remit it to Sars monthly.

To address potential challenges, the minister may provide insights into balancing tax compliance with the need to foster new job opportunities.

Focus on tax collection from South Africans working abroad

The 2023 Taxation Laws Amendment Bill proposes that tax deductions for employer contributions towards retirement funds be disallowed if the employer contribution is not included in the taxable income of the employee.

An example of this is when an employee works abroad and meets certain conditions, whereby the remuneration, including the employer contribution, may be exempt from tax.

“We anticipate similar measures to broaden the tax base for revenue collection to be proposed.”

ALSO READ: Defence budget cuts ‘impact Reserve Force capability’

VAT likely to remain the same

Given the state of our economy and the disproportionate impact of a VAT increase on poorer communities, they think it is unlikely that the VAT rate will change.

Sars has already announced plans to digitise the VAT process and efforts to intensify collection will serve as a more politically accepted alternative to a rate increase.

Corporate income tax likely to be steady

“Although it would be ideal for the minister to consider a further reduction in corporate income tax, we believe he will maintain the corporate income tax rate at its current level for the fiscal year 2024/5.”

ALSO READ: Mixed reactions from SA business sector over Godongwana’s 2023 budget

Bold steps needed on tech and SMB sustainability

In the next budget, they hope to see bold action from government to reignite economic growth and job creation.

“We would welcome ambitious steps to support SMBs in addressing the power crisis and reducing the carbon impact of their operations by using more renewable power.”

Esterhuizen, Marema and Tsoeute say it is also essential for government to recognise the rapid impact of artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and hybrid work on our world.

“We look forward to hearing about policies that position South Africa as a leader in the digital economy and how they plan to enable SMBs to accelerate their digital transformation.”

Bianca Botes, Citadel Global director and treasury partner, says as this is an election year, we are likely to see an election-friendly budget speech rather than the prioritisation of fiscal certainty needed to build investor confidence and implementation plans required to drive economic growth.

“The challenges in South Africa are not only numerous but also complex, ranging from collapsing state-owned enterprises, such as Transnet and Eskom, a pressing debt burden, political and policy uncertainty to South Africa’s geopolitical positioning, which can all contribute to volatile market conditions.”

Jee-A Van der Linde, senior economist at Oxford Economics Africa expects further fiscal slippage as government scrambles to rein in spending amid inadequate revenue growth.

Read more on these topics

budget Enoch Godongwana

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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

Cultural adaptation and language barriers are common, with many nomads experiencing homesickness and difficulties integrating into local communities .

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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end of article

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Adaptablity to new cultures and language

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Adaptablity to new cultures and language

The transient nature of the lifestyle can also lead to feelings of isolation and challenges in forming lasting relationships .

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.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
FacebookTwitterInstagramKOO APPYOUTUBE
Start a Conversation
end of article

Title:

Content: HARRY WALLOP | COMMENT

Harry Wallop: Trailer for sale or rent — how the king of the road became a digital nomad

The Times

Listen to article

Narrated by James Marriott

I have just come back from a holiday in Italy, which, if you follow me on Instagram, would have appeared to be non-stop negronis and 16th-century frescoes. What social media did not show was the medieval level of swearing as I tried to find the one spot in the villa that had wi-fi and an electricity socket that wasn’t going to kill me. Why does Italy persist with three separate plug systems, rendering most UK-EU adapters useless?

I had to spend one morning indulging in 2023’s hottest trend: digital nomadism. Or, as I still think of it, work. I had forgotten about an article I had promised an editor, but all one needs now to earn money is a laptop, some wi-fi and the freedom

What negative feelings arose when companies moved to a completely remote work structure?

What negative feelings arose when companies moved to a completely remote work structure?

What negative feelings arose when companies moved to a completely remote work structure?

Housing and accommodation can be problematic, as increased demand in popular destinations often drives up costs and makes it harder for locals to afford housing .

Title:

Content: Linsay Moran On How We Need To Adjust To The Future Of Work

Flex time in a way that hasn’t been explored before. This will require trust between employees and employers. Working from remote locations and embracing the digital nomads who are contributing to work, but from a different location, and seeing that as a benefit, not a challenge. When it comes to designing the future of work, […]

Thrive invites voices from many spheres to share their perspectives on our Community platform. Community stories are not commissioned by our editorial team, and opinions expressed by Community contributors do not reflect the opinions of Thrive or its employees. More information on our Community guidelines is available here.

Flex time in a way that hasn’t been explored before. This will require trust between employees and employers. Working from remote locations and embracing the digital nomads who are contributing to work, but from a different location, and seeing that as a benefit, not a challenge.

When it comes to designing the future of work, one size fits none. Discovering success isn’t about a hybrid model or offering remote work options. Individuals and organizations are looking for more freedom. The freedom to choose the work model that makes the most sense. The freedom to choose their own values. And the freedom to pursue what matters most. We reached out to successful leaders and thought leaders across all industries to glean their insights and predictions about how to create a future that works.

As a part of our interview series called “How Employers and Employees are Reworking Work Together,” we had the pleasure to interview Linsay Moran.

Linsay Moran is the Co-Founder of Unwrapit, a digital gifting platform on a mission to help companies break free from the conventional thinking that surrounds corporate gift giving. An operational leader, committed to social impact businesses, Linsay had a career as an events director and more recently, played a key leadership role in a rapidly scaling engineering company prior to co-founding Unwrapit. Linsay is passionate about supporting, mentoring and amplifying women, in all stages of their career.

Thank you for making time to visit with us about the topic of our time. Our readers would like to get to know you a bit better. Can you please tell us about one or two life experiences that most shaped who you are today.

Thanks for the opportunity to connect!

It was one decision that defined two of my most significant life experiences.

At the age of 23, a fresh university graduate, I decided to pack my bags and move to London to work and live for a short period of time. My intention was to live in London for 6–8 weeks and spend a few additional weeks travelling throughout Europe.

The decision to embrace this “life experience” taught me a lesson, one that continues to shape who I am today. The lesson was fairly cliché and a variation on “things don’t always work out as you plan and as a result, stay open to opportunities”. Upon arriving in London I secured a short-term role as a PA (personal assistant). They needed someone in the position full-time but the agency placed me temporarily as they worked to secure their candidate.

Within a week the Founder/Owner of the business told the agency to cease the search and asked me to take on the full-time position. I would have never applied for the role, thinking I didn’t have the qualifications (nor did I plan to stay in London long-term). Instead, I demonstrated my ability to learn, leaned into my “roll up the sleeves” approach and realized it was something I could be good at. I went on to work for that company for about a year and learned so much about the corporate events industry in the UK.

During that time I understood the concept that life truly is too short. Just a few days after landing in the UK, I found out that one of my closest friends had been diagnosed with breast cancer at age 24. She fought for her life but in the end she passed away just five short months after diagnosis.

When I came back to Canada I was determined to do something in her honour. It led me to the world of nonprofit organizations and I’m grateful for that experience. I had the opportunity to work with individuals who had careers rooted in giving back. I learned an incredible amount in just a few years with strong leadership who took a chance on me and pushed me to get outside of my comfort zone and take on challenges I may not have initially felt prepared for . I try to do the same for other new team members as I recognize how much this shaped me.

Let’s zoom out. What do you predict will be the same about work, the workforce and the workplace 10–15 years from now? What do you predict will be different?

Work will always play an important role in an individual’s life, by its very nature. But the notion of someone being defined by their work is shifting and changing. Life is full of uncertainties, especially during a global pandemic. And for many, the last two years have proven that nothing is permanent. This has been an awakening for many.

I think (hope) that individuals will still find meaningful relationships at work. With colleagues that they learn from and grow with. And there will of course be challenges that run alongside that. “Office politics” will still play a role in a virtual or in-person world with new challenges to overcome.

Another thing that is the same and evolving further is the idea that “work” isn’t just confined to your job or an office. People are connecting through LInkedIn, networking organizations and events in a way that they might not have before.

Additionally, I was chatting with our newest team member (Awurakua Anim) about this question and she offered some great insights regarding what would be different. Her objective view is interesting, as someone recently graduated from University and new to the workforce. We talked about companies further investing in their team and prioritizing transparent, employee-focused, policies. We saw this recently with the #showusyourleave movement that rocketed around LinkedIn over the last few weeks. She also noted that companies, our own included, need to further invest and prioritize building systems around their internal and external processes. And that this is particularly important when someone first starts a new role.

And of course, the shift to remote work will continue to drive innovation in tech platforms that connect people and teams. The tools available to us, many developed over the last two years, are allowing for efficiencies at work and fostering better remote connections. Something that most of us wouldn’t have thought was possible just a few years ago. I am not afraid to admit that I was guilty of thinking that an office and a company was defined by four walls and in-person presence. I also acknowledge that some companies will choose to be primarily in-person and bound by four walls. They’ll do this for a handful of rational reasons and it will be a reflection of their culture. We’re not sure at Unwrapit where we’ll land on the fully remote/fully in-person spectrum but we are open and flexible in our approach to it.

What advice would you offer to employers who want to future-proof their organizations?

Think bigger about employee attraction, engagement and retention. Gone are the days of providing great perks and calling it a day.

Many people want to do something that matters. And they want to do it for companies that care about them and their professional growth and personal well-being.

Whether companies like it or not, the next decade is going to require a wholesale transformation of how they do business in order to avoid runaway global warming. And the companies that understand that and get behind it with commitments to organizations like 1% for the Planet and BCorp, will attract talent that understand the importance of putting people and the planet first. With the climate crisis becoming more of a priority for consumers and employees, companies can’t afford to give lip service to sustainability.

On the employee side, creating an “open” environment, free of fear is critical. Where innovative conversations are encouraged and growth and learning are the result, without uncertainty for how it will be received. People want to know that their contributions matter. And that even if their ideas are not spot on this time, if they’re well-thought out and astute, they may be right for another moment.

What do you predict will be the biggest gaps between what employers are willing to offer and what employees expect as we move forward? And what strategies would you offer about how to reconcile those gaps?

As we continue to shape and create the new normal of remote work, we’ll continue to shape and create what is considered to be part of that reality. This will mean different things to different people. And it will mean different things to different sectors of the workforce. It will be imperative that employers don’t “paint all with the same brush” and assume that one policy or plan will work for everyone, or even everyone within one part of their team.

In order to minimize any gaps, or frankly, to even see that there are gaps in the first place, a company and its leaders need to operate with empathy towards their employees.

A recent Forbes article stated it like this, “According to the Harvard Business Review, businesses that put empathy and emotional intelligence ahead of everything else out perform other businesses by 20%. When a leader lacks empathy, everyone keeps their guard up and protects their own self-interest. This means employees don’t share ideas, issues or problems and leaders learn of their employee’s unhappiness only when that employee is walking out the door.”

Employers will also need to reconcile with:

Which roles can be fully remote & which ones can’t due to their nature

And, that hybrid work means different things to different people, there’s a risk of delivering the worst of in-person and the worst of virtual by combining the two and trying to please everyone (per a recent NYT article). We’re going to see more adjusting and revising of policies as hybrid and remote work become more common. Ultimately, we may end up going back to in-person events and offices, and instead, adopt a four-day workweek.

More companies are coming on board with the four-day workweek which is picking up popularity. As it does, it means that companies will need to shift the meaning of what a workweek looks like and how to make employees feel comfortable. This also means different things for different industries. There may be a gap in expectations for employees who want the four-day workweek but are drawn to companies that have chosen to stick with the five day work-week (or have to as a result of their sector). What that means is drawing clear boundaries, rules and expectations around a new, proposed work-week. As a result of tighter work schedules, employees will become better at emailing less, fewer meetings, and prioritizing their work and focusing on that work. There are plenty of success stories out there that support the four day work-week and prove that it alleviates a significant amount of stress for employees who now have more time to focus on their hobbies, families, and personal time.

We simultaneously joined a global experiment together last year called “Working From Home.” How will this experience influence the future of work?

This was another one that I talked to my new (younger!) colleague about and we both agreed that it was quite the experiment. The first words that came to her mind when I asked her this question were, “Flexibility and productivity, with a mutual shared experience of resilience.” I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Despite the significant efficiency we’ve found in many areas of this “experiment”, we’ve also proven that it can be tough to replace authentic, face-to-face connections with colleagues, if only for the purpose of getting to know one another better. But the world of work (and therefore the future of work) has changed materially and so have our collective expectations of it. We have experienced a blurring of lines, the convergence of our work and home and the reality that one can affect the other. We see individuals becoming more comfortable with this nuance, talking about it on LinkedIn and unapologetically showcasing kids and pets and partners on screen.

And related to that, I think we’re all worrying less about where a person lives and more about what they can bring to the business. Distributed teams will be the norm, not the anomaly as we go forward. We’ll focus less on time at our desks and more on execution and ideas. .

It must be said that we are talking about a specific subsection of businesses and employees as not all sectors will be affected in the same way. For example, those in manufacturing will still go to their job each day in person. And therefore the “future of work” may not look that different to all.

We’ve all read the headlines about how the pandemic reshaped the workforce. What societal changes do you foresee as necessary to support a future of work that works for everyone?

A mental shift as alluded to earlier. Individuals are less defined by their jobs and more so defined by their place in the world. The pandemic forced a pause for many people and it also shone a light on some or our biggest cracks. Childcare. Healthcare. “Hustle culture”. And more. It will be many years before we fully comprehend the collective impact of all of these things.

What is your greatest source of optimism about the future of work?

That two years into this “experiment” so many companies are thriving in the new paradigm and it’s allowed people additional flexibility and the opportunity to focus on quality over quantity.

Our collective mental health and wellbeing are now considered collateral as we consider the future of work. What innovative strategies do you see employers offering to help improve and optimize their employee’s mental health and wellbeing?

This will be the biggest hurdle to overcome , but I don’t think that it’s entirely on employers. Of course, they have an important role to play. Generally individuals that take better control of their own mental health and if they are also supported by their employers, create a winning strategy.

Perhaps controversially, I might note that the old saying, “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t force it to drink” is applicable in this instance. An employee needs to feel that there are supports in place and feel safe enough in their role to make use of them. But they also need to take responsibility for their own wellbeing (and ensure that they take the drink!).

Through Unwrapit we’ve seen employers embracing some unique strategies including ‘just because’ that includes health and mental wellness gift options. We’ve worked with a vendor who offers remote wellness for teams and she’s used our platform to enhance the experience by adding a fun “lunch on us”. We’ve also seen employers investing in significant mental health support and offering training for things like JEDI if that’s of interest to their teams.

It seems like there’s a new headline every day. ‘The Great Resignation’. ‘The Great Reconfiguration’. And now the ‘Great Reevaluation’. What are the most important messages leaders need to hear from these headlines? How do company cultures need to evolve?

I stated it above and I think it’s worth noting again. For many, the “Great Reevaluation” is about where they are putting their energy, and what they are prioritizing. Many people are asking themselves, is this a company that only cares about the bottom line and keeping their shareholders happy at the end of the fiscal year? Or a company that has a healthy bottom line, happy shareholders, and puts people and planet first.

It isn’t a stretch to understand that the latter is where most people want to work, and as we’re seeing with the Great Resignation, more people have more choices. Employers that don’t see this message in the current shifts taking place will be challenged by high turnover and burned out, unhappy employees.

Let’s get more specific. What are your “Top 5 Trends To Track In the Future of Work?”

  1. Empathetic tech — It’s no longer enough for online tools and services to be functional. Every generation inevitably spends more time on digital. We are now reaching the point where online is the norm, and people are forming their communities and identities within digital environments. This means that the tools we build as technology companies need to adapt to the human aspects of online communities and identities. Just like the progression we’ve seen in architectural design — from the brutalist and modernist mid-20th century buildings to the empathetic and human-centered design of the 21st century –tech companies have to employ empathy to make it comfortable and enjoyable to use tools online.
  2. Putting people and planet first — BLab (the certifying body behind the BCorp Certification) has seen an incredible increase in applicants throughout the pandemic. It seems that the movement has sparked, and companies understand the value of a designation like this. Further, we’ve had job applicants approach us using the 1% for the Planet Membership Database as a “ job search portal”, focusing only on companies who have sought out and completed their certification.
  3. Flex time in a way that hasn’t been explored before. This will require trust between employees and employers. Working from remote locations and embracing the digital nomads who are contributing to work, but from a different location, and seeing that as a benefit, not a challenge.
  4. Parental support. #shareyourleave was a great recent example of this, providing better support to working parents and in particular, women, who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
  5. Recognition (done the right way). This isn’t the old school way of recognizing teams. It’s about meeting people where they are, providing them with choice, making it spontaneous sometimes.

I keep quotes on my desk and on scraps of paper to stay inspired. What’s your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? And how has this quote shaped your perspective?

“Lighten up on yourself. No one is perfect. Gently accept your humanness.” — (Deborah Day)

I am always a work in progress. I’ve made mistakes, I think it’s healthy to accept that. I used to say I was a recovering perfectionist but I think I am now recovered (for the most part). I now embrace “progress over perfection” and recognize that in order to move things forward, sometimes it just has to be good enough. I had someone that really pushed me out of my comfort zone on this, and I’m grateful to him for the mindset shift.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He, she, or they might just see this if we tag them.

I’d love the opportunity to connect with Alexis Ohanian. Right front and centre, first line of his personal site he makes this statement, “I’m a technology entrepreneur and investor. I want to be known for making this world better — much better.” And he means that. It’s clear by his actions. We want to do the same thing! It would be amazing to talk to him. He offers his number on the site — maybe I should just text him!

Our readers often like to continue the conversation with our featured interviewees. How can they best connect with you and stay current on what you’re discovering?

We’d love for people to follow us on LinkedIn! We’re active there and talk about social impact, corporate gifting, leadership and much more!

Thank you for sharing your insights and predictions. We appreciate your time and wish you continued success and good health.

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Why are some local communities resisting digital nomads?

Why are some local communities resisting digital nomads?

The types of work best suited to the digital nomad lifestyle are those that can be performed entirely online.

The types of work best suited to the digital nomad lifestyle are those that can be performed entirely online.

Common professions include technology-related roles such as software development, IT consulting, and digital marketing .

Title:

Content: Close to half of PHL freelancers are content creators, study says

Filipino freelancers are enjoying a healthy influx of overseas clients, according to a recent joint white paper by US-based financial services company Payoneer and Philippine mobile payments provider GCash.

The Philippines Freelance Market 2022 report, which included a survey of 5,560 GCash users across the country, noted that the country’s gig economy continues to thrive despite – and even because of – the COVID-19 pandemic.

Well before the onset of the global health crisis, the 2019 edition of the report noted that the Philippines was the sixth fastest-growing freelance market in the world, with a 35% boost in earnings. This growth was further cemented by the pandemic, which saw many local freelancers taking their businesses online and thereby facilitating cross-border business.

The shift to online transactions has also led to the emergence of a new breed of freelancer, the content creator: the report defines this segment as “individuals who create content and use social media or personal websites to distribute their work. They commonly produce and publish their work before clients are secured.” This contrasts with traditional freelancers who secure clients either by direct bidding or through representation by a company or agency.

Over 40% of freelancers are either exclusively content creators or doing a mix of traditional freelance work and content creation, according to the report. Most Philippine content creators are on Facebook and Instagram, with TikTok in third place ahead of traditional online content sites YouTube and Twitter.

“Social media has caused the evolution of freelancing work from a traditional working model with its pre-determined contract and less flexible arrangements to content creators, online influencers and digital nomads. These freelancers tend to gravitate towards design, photography, blogging and vlogging as a path to landing new projects. And they are using online marketplaces and messaging apps to sell their offerings,” the report explained. Moreover, Filipino freelancers are gaining in demand overseas, particularly in including the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates. Citing Creative Economy Council of the Philippines President Paolo Mercado, the report noted that as many as 1.5 million Filipinos are currently signed up with international online freelancing platforms. The full white paper can be found here.

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Content: OPEN APP
Home / Markets / Cryptocurrency /  Crypto nomads move back to big cities like London, New York in bear market

Crypto nomads move back to big cities like London, New York in bear market

The nomadic life is especially well suited to the crypto crowd, with its 24/7 market and ethos of a digital, borderless monetary future, but pandemic travel restrictions, followed by a crash in cryptocurrency prices have made it less practical and too expensive of a lifestyle to maintain

Listen to this article

Over the years, Oliver Gale’s workplace view has included the palm-lined promenade of Miami Beach, the sandy shores of Barbados and the turquoise waters of Mexico’s Caribbean coast.

Now, the 36-year-old crypto entrepreneur is back in London, working out of hotel lobbies. Gone is the gentle sea breeze, replaced by the humming sounds of air conditioners trying to keep the British capital’s unusually warm summer at bay.

Gale is one of many crypto nomads who have started trickling back into major cities like London and New York, as financial hubs start buzzing back to life post-pandemic.

As a subset of digital nomads, roving crypto workers spent the past several years hopping from country to country, persuaded to leave large financial centers as living costs soared. The nomadic life is especially well suited to the crypto crowd, with its 24/7 market and ethos of a digital, borderless monetary future. But pandemic travel restrictions, followed by a crash in cryptocurrency prices have made it less practical and too expensive of a lifestyle to maintain.

“People want to be where business is happening and opportunities to expand their network are present," said Mary Elizabeth Elkordy, who launched her fully remote company Elkordy Global Strategies during the pandemic. “With crypto integrating into more aspects of traditional businesses and industries -- being in a major city like New York or London is beneficial from a networking standpoint as well."

Gale, who is also the co-founder and CEO of blockchain project Panther Protocol, returned to London in March 2020 to start Elemental.io, a consumer credit platform formerly known as PayMachine.

“London is considered the fintech hub of the world and has great tax benefits and fundraising incentives," said Gale, who boasts British and Barbadian passports.

The population of London rose 4% in July 2022 from the same month two years ago, according to NHS Digital data. Offices are starting to see workers return, although not to pre-pandemic levels just yet. About 60% to 70% of workers in London are back at their desks, according to data compiled in June by Google, which tracks the movements of some of its users.

Migration out of many New York City neighborhoods is also reversing as more households are moving to Manhattan than before the pandemic in 2019, according to Melissa, a global data intelligence and address analytics company.

From Partying in Venice, to fasting

Kenzi Wang, co-founder of Symbolic Capital and former vice president and general manager of crypto exchange Huobi Global, relocated back to New York in April after traveling around Europe and Latin America.

“I’m staying in NYC because the bear market reduced a lot of noise and unnecessary networking in the market," said Wang. “I can stay focused on building and hiring for my company.

The current crypto winter reminds him of the previous crash when cryptocurrency prices plunged 80% and it became “a highly efficient time to build" new products and services. The price of one Bitcoin is down 50% this year from its all time high of nearly $69,000 in November 2021.

Wang’s nomadic life included partying with Hollywood actor Vin Diesel during the 2021 Venice Film Festival and strolls on Barcelona’s Las Ramblas. Now he has been slipping back into a life of socializing, playing basketball and expanding his crypto ventures in the Big Apple.

“I’ve also gotten into 20-hour daily fasting and lost a bunch of weight after losing the nomadic conference lifestyle," Wang said.

Other nomads have hit pause on travel to get their financial bearings.

“This most recent turn of economic events and the consequent bear market has hit my finances a little," said 37 year-old Sukanta Sekhar Das, the chief executive of information site CoinMarketBag. “So I thought it would be prudent for me to recoup some of my losses, regain my composure, and move back to a city I love for a permanent residence."

Das, who spent the better part of the last five years traveling around the world, recently settled down in Seoul, where he says the “crypto scene" is great.

“I’m saving a fortune in travel costs -- not to mention the absolute nightmare that travel has been over the past 12-18 months," he added.

Nomads are growing up

Even as room rents in London rise 15% from last year, according to data compiled by roommate search website SpareRoom, and Manhattan rents climb to new highs, some nomads are returning to big cities for more stability. Many of them are, after all, growing older and finding that the lure of being a nomad is not always easy to reconcile with the demands of starting a family.

“My wife, then girlfriend, was unhappy and wanted me to travel less, and I also found that I wasn’t very productive work-wise when I was constantly on the road," said Lane Rettig, a 39-year-old former Ethereum core developer who spent more than four years on the global road before returning to New York in 2020.

Rettig, now a core developer at crypto project Spacemesh, purchased a condo in the New York neighborhood of Harlem and is “grappling with how to stay plugged into a super global, nomadic community with a newborn and a mortgage."

To be sure, some people will never stop roaming. Burning Man, an annual arts festival held in Nevada’s Black Rock City around the US Labor Day holiday, is on Gale’s agenda.

“Entrepreneurship is a game of balancing your responsibility and what you wish to do," he said. “It is an important part of my life to go on adventures -- work and play -- strike up a lifestyle which is dynamic and creative."

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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Creative fields like content creation, graphic design, and freelance writing are also prevalent, as are consulting and coaching services that can be delivered remotely .

What is driving the digital nomad lifestyle?

What non-IT jobs can digital nomads conduct?

What is driving the digital nomad lifestyle?

What non-IT jobs can digital nomads conduct?

The rise of the gig economy has expanded opportunities for freelancers in writing, design, programming, and content creation, with over 40% of freelancers in the Philippines, for example, working as content creators .

Title:

Content: Skift Take

Human connections are as important as Wi-Fi connections, and each will inspire the output of today’s — and tomorrow’s — digital nomads.

Our Future of Lodging Forum will feature a wide array of future-focused leaders and new research, as Skift editors and analysts uncover the avenues for growth that “The Great Merging” may present for hotels and short-term rentals.

Join us May 11-12, live in New York City or remote around the world.

Learn More

Blurred lines aren’t just what you start seeing after an overnight long-haul.

Nor should they be if you ask Daniel Rudasveski, chief growth officer and co-founder of Selina, the hotel/hostel group that launched in 2014 to create “the world’s first work, stay, and play ecosystem.”

Selina’s 144 properties in 25 countries are rooted in providing immersive cultural experiences in traditionally unexplored neighborhoods, while also offering co-working, recreation and wellness opportunities.

Rudasevski will discuss his vision for “How Shifts in Lifestyle and Work Will Reshape Hospitality” during a Skift Future of Lodging Forum May 11-12, on a panel that will also feature Alex Chatzieleftheriou, CEO and co-founder of global proptech startup Blueground.

Skift: Given the astronomical rise of the digital nomad in recent years, Selina’s model seems downright prescient. How has thinking outside the box benefitted your brand?

Rudasevski: We like to say that we think inside the box, but untraditionally. Selina isn’t the first brand to offer co-working spaces, but we are the first ones to offer them in insane locations. [Laughs.]

If I feel that I’m in a tourist environment, I’m leaving. I want it to feel authentic. That’s what we try to do—bring localism to every place we go. So if you fly to Lima in Peru, you’re in Peru. If you go to Cusco, you’re not selling, you’re not feeling “Miami,” right? Our pre-opening process is about working with locals to bring in local artists to help reimagine each location. It’s very difficult because you need to change and to customize every location. There’s no brand book that says, “If you do this, it’s a Selina.” We’re in the Amazon, we’re in Ecuador, we’re in Chelsea, New York. It’s extreme.

But in every city, we have the infrastructure, like the wifi, for co-working. We have a common kitchen, because we have people that live in Selina and it’s subscription and they go all over and live in Selina for a few months, maybe a year. [Selina CoLive, or Community Living, starts at $450 a month.] We have wellness, and we have this ‘playground.’ We always say that ‘This is where all the happening is going.’”

Skift: Many of your locations have shared-accommodation spaces. Other hotel brands are taking the opposite approach and expanding shared spaces like lobbies. Have you shifted your model and go-forward approach for new developments?

Rudasevski: We’re focusing a lot on these amenities that create the unique Selina environment. We are big believers in, “I don’t know why you need a big lobby. Why can’t the lobby be 100 other things that can make people connect?”

Only people who have a lot of confidence will come to a bar and we start talking with strangers. Our main focus at Selina is building our places in a way that you just have that interaction happen naturally.

Skift: Given new flexibilities in working from anywhere, has your target customer base widened?

Rudasevski: Seventy percent of millennials and Gen Z are lonely, right? What we’re trying to do is to build physical places and stay social without all of the social media. People have less confidence the moment that they go to social media. You do all this “liking,” but it’s not always reality.

Our co-working crowd is just growing and growing. And our main target in the company, our number one KPI is “How many people made friends at Selina?,” and we measure it. How many places do you go in hospitality and you’ve made a friend?

Skift: What’s your perspective on delineating work and play?

Rudasevski: Today, you know every person that is traveling is also kind of working. Thousands of years ago, people needed to move from place to place. And that’s how “hospitality” started, it was a place to put your horses, or your family. It was slow. There was a division. Hotels were a place to sleep, maybe have a small breakfast before you leave. Even 20, 10 years ago, you’d go to a place and you’d already booked the restaurant and the tours. You’re going to where the tourists are going. Where you can be sold more stuff. But today’s traveler is much more sophisticated.

Skift: What excites you most about innovation in hospitality — whether it’s technology, or new ways of thinking?

Rudasevski: Innovation, there’s two ways that I look at it. It can be operationally, how do we find the right location for us. Building that system of opening a Selina in 45 to 90 days. That’s huge.

When we say we think inside the box but differently, we have this [cultural] exchange program [Work x Stay residencies]. If you’re a DJ in Europe and nobody knows you in America, or the other way around, you can travel through Selena for an exchange. And because we’re in 25 countries and will continue to grow, we can bring so much content with exchange.

The exchange is in our rules. You’re never at 100 percent occupancy 365 days a year. So if you use that open space in a smart way, that’s a huge innovation because we believe that good content is always better than good marketing. [Laughs.]

May 11-12, 2022
New York City
Register Now
May 11-12, 2022
New York City
Register Now

Tags: future of lodging, hospitality, remote work, selina, skift live

What is driving the digital nomad lifestyle?

What non-IT jobs can digital nomads conduct?

What is driving the digital nomad lifestyle?

What non-IT jobs can digital nomads conduct?

Many digital nomads leverage their skills in design, writing, and programming to sustain their travels, and the diversity of work available supports a wide range of professional backgrounds .

Title:

Content:
Five Perfect Brazilian Destinations For Digital Nomads

(MENAFN- The Rio Times) Brazil offers special visas for immigrants with no employment relationship in the country, whose work can be done remotely.

In addition to its landscapes with a good Internet connection, the authorities are negotiating agreements with international organizations specialized in setting up service networks for digital nomads to settle in the country.

It is estimated that there are 35 million digital nomads worldwide, i.e., people who combine remote work and travel between countries and continents for various periods.

The Brazilian Agency for International Tourism Promotion, Embratur, announced that it would partner with the Portuguese company NomadX to stimulate the creation of coworking focused on foreigners who want to travel to Brazil and work remotely at the same time (the so-called "digital nomads").

"The new Embratur will focus on innovation and technology to bring more foreigners to our country and improve the experience of those visiting us."

"NomadX is already in Pipa, in Rio Grande do Norte. We want to expand this network to receive more tourists in Brazil", said Embratur's president, Marcelo Freixo.

ITACARÉ

Itacaré in Bahia is one of those places that's somehow more than you expect.

There must be hundreds of gorgeous tropical beaches and fishing villages in the northeast of Brazil; what's so special about this one?

This place is magic and one of Brazil's best-kept secrets.

While most of the beautiful areas near the sea in Brazil are completely built up, Itacaré and its surroundings are full of Mata Atlantica, the Atlantic jungle. Jungle all the way to the sea and a paradise for surfers and party lovers.

If Colombia is the home of magic realism, Itacaré will give it a good run for its money.

Tiny marmoset monkeys run along the telegraph wires, bullfrogs that sound more like meowing cats sit in ponds, capoeira is a way of life, and there's something about the place that makes it hard to leave.

It's relaxed enough to feel like an escape from the world, but don't mistake it for the kind of place where nothing ever happens.

Summer has more than enough bars and beach parties to keep you happy.

That is why whether on saltwater or freshwater beaches, the digital nomad or the remote worker traveling in Brazil must stop in Itacaré , one of the most beautiful destinations on the coast of Bahia, covered by the Atlantic forest and with practically deserted beaches.

There, the hard-working traveler comes into contact with the tranquility offered by the region, where it is possible to visit the attractions on foot.

The climate (warm all year round) is that of a small city with an ideal infrastructure for work.

NOMAD VILLAGE

In the paradisiacal Pipa Beach, in Tibau do Sul (Rio Grande do Norte), an official initiative is building the Nomad Village, the first special city for nomadic workers in South America.

The place - in partnership between the Ministry of Tourism and the Portuguese Nomadx, one of the largest companies in the segment in the world - was chosen for being a destination that combines nature, good internet connection, security, tranquility, and good weather, all year round to enjoy its characteristic beaches and dunes.

FLORIANÓPOLIS

The capital of Santa Catarina is known as the "Magic Island" and lives up to its name for its variety of clubs, good restaurants, a hundred beaches and islands to enjoy, a mild winter, and good connections that facilitate digital work.

With the country's most extensive circuit of urban mountain trails, "Floripa" combines the refinement of a big city with an exuberant natural environment.

GUARAMIRANGA

Another paradise that leaves its mark on the experience of nomadic life is Guaramiranga (Ceará).

With a colonial style reminiscent of Swiss architecture (that is why it is known as the "Switzerland of Ceará"), Guaramiranga arouses curiosity for having that European air, with cold weather and fine rain, in the state of Ceará, known for being a traditional destination of sun and beach.

In Guaramiranga the traveler also finds lush forests.

OURO PRETO

For nomads who enjoy history, nothing is better than installing the "office" in the colonial city of Ouro Preto (Minas Gerais).

The scenario of the Inconfidência Mineira (Mining Conspiracy) and full of monuments, the city breathes history, and the nomad who sits in a cafe or restaurant or walks the streets of Ouro Preto will go back in time and realize the greatness of a historical period during which mining was crucial for the growth of the region.

The largest baroque ensemble in the world and one of the main regions of the gold cycle, the city is an open-air museum and was the first Brazilian destination to be considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

NomadX currently brings together a community of some 20,000 digital nomads who travel the world.

The company has locations in Lisbon, Caparica, Madeira, Cape Verde, and Pipa.

"Today, we have a community of about 50 people using our space in Pipa. A digital nomad spends an average of €1,800 monthly and about 2 months in each location."

"We are talking about young people between 25 and 35 years old who earn between €3,000 and €5,000."

"It has an important impact on the economy of small cities," explained NomadX CEO Gonçalo Hall.

Some of the Brazilian cities that have expressed interest in receiving digital nomads are João Pessoa (PB), São Miguel do Gostoso (RN), Recife (PE), Maceió (AL), Santos (SP), and Florianópolis (SC).

Gonçalo explained that this type of visitor is not just interested in enjoying tourist attractions.

According to the director, they seek to insert themselves and live experiences in the community as if they were locals.

"They consume in the establishments that the residents like to go to, they want to learn the local culture, and some end up teaching foreign languages to the children."

"It's an immersion experience with many spin-offs for small towns," he concluded.

With information from El Mostrador

MENAFN08032024007421016031ID1107954300

Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

What is driving the digital nomad lifestyle?

What non-IT jobs can digital nomads conduct?

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

What is driving the digital nomad lifestyle?

What non-IT jobs can digital nomads conduct?

To maintain productivity and connectivity while traveling, digital nomads rely on a suite of specialized tools and technologies.

To maintain productivity and connectivity while traveling, digital nomads rely on a suite of specialized tools and technologies.

To maintain productivity and connectivity while traveling, digital nomads rely on a suite of specialized tools and technologies.

Lightweight laptops, such as the Microsoft Surface, are essential for portability and functionality .

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

Articles

Mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, like the GlocalMe U3, provide reliable internet access across multiple countries, which is crucial for remote work .

What is driving the digital nomad lifestyle?

What issues could affect working remotely?

Project management and collaboration software, including Trello, Asana, Slack, and Zoom, help nomads manage tasks, communicate with teams, and collaborate with clients across time zones .

Portable charging stations and noise-canceling headphones enhance focus and work efficiency, especially in shared or noisy environments .

Co-working spaces, such as Selina, not only offer a productive work environment but also foster networking and social interaction among nomads and local entrepreneurs .

Time management apps like Toggl and RescueTime assist in balancing work and travel commitments .

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Social media platforms and professional networks like LinkedIn are widely used for online networking, enabling digital nomads to connect with peers and local professionals worldwide .

The social dynamics between digital nomads and local communities are complex.

The social dynamics between digital nomads and local communities are complex.

While nomads contribute economically by spending on housing, food, and services—often supporting local businesses and stimulating economic activity—they can also drive up living costs and housing prices, leading to affordability concerns and occasional resentment among residents .

Why are some local communities resisting digital nomads?

Why are some local communities resisting digital nomads?

Why are some local communities resisting digital nomads?

Integration into local communities varies; some nomads form "nomad bubbles," interacting mainly with each other, while others seek authentic cultural experiences and contribute to local initiatives through volunteering or teaching skills .

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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FacebookTwitterInstagramKOO APPYOUTUBE
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end of article

Title:

Content: Southeast Asia tops as short vacation choice for Indian: Check top Places

Dubai has launched a five-year multiple-entry visa to increase ease of travel between India and the Gulf region

Image: iSTOCK

Ayush Mishra New Delhi

Listen to This Article

Southeast Asian countries are preferred by Indian travellers planning vacations of 5-7 days abroad, according to a recent survey.

Bali emerged as the top destination, with 38 per cent of respondents voting in its favour in the survey conducted by OYO Global Summer Vacations Travelopedia 2024. It was followed by Pattaya, Bangkok, and Dubai. Southeast Asian destinations such as Indonesia and Malaysia emerged as preferred countries following relaxed visa norms, OYO said.

The survey of 4,000 respondents analysed the overseas travel behaviour of Indian tourists. It found that Europe and the United States of America emerged as the top choice for long-haul destinations where Indian tourists tend to stay for 10-15 days (about 2 weeks) or even more.

“With improved air connectivity, visa facilitation, and a wide range of travel options, it has become more convenient than ever for Indian travellers to explore the beauty of Southeast Asia. Our ongoing programme to increase the number of premium properties in the region will help Indian tourists with a range of stay options at all the popular holiday destinations,” said Ritesh Agarwal, OYO’s founder and chief executive officer.

The survey highlighted the rise of remote work among Indian travellers, with Indonesia and Malaysia attracting “digital nomads” looking to combine work and travel in summer. “The affordable cost of living, reliable internet connectivity, and picturesque locales in these countries make them attractive destinations for digital nomads,”  it said.

The relaxed visa norms for Indian tourists in several Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia, have also contributed to the region's popularity. Additionally, Dubai has rolled out a five-year multiple-entry visa to enhance the ease of travel between India and the Gulf region.

Summer holiday-perfect countries offering visa-on-arrival

Maldives: Maldives provides tourist visa-on-arrival to Indian citizens that is valid for 30 days.

Indonesia: Indonesia is known for its beaches, diverse culture, and history. Visitors can explore ancient temples, hike through lush rainforests, and relax on beautiful beaches in this diverse country.

Thailand: Thailand is an essential part of travellers’ itinerary. The country’s attractions include monasteries, temples, beaches, flea markets, and shopping arcades.

Sri Lanka: Situated on the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka presents a tropical buffet with its cuisine, beaches, tea plantations and much more. The country provides  visa-on-arrival to Indians.

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First Published: Jun 11 2024 | 12:53 PM IST

Explore News

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Adaptablity to new cultures and language

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Adaptablity to new cultures and language

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Adaptablity to new cultures and language

Co-working spaces and community hubs play a crucial role in bridging gaps between nomads and locals, facilitating collaborations and friendships .

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.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
FacebookTwitterInstagramKOO APPYOUTUBE
Start a Conversation
end of article

Title:

Content: Southeast Asia tops as short vacation choice for Indian: Check top Places

Dubai has launched a five-year multiple-entry visa to increase ease of travel between India and the Gulf region

Image: iSTOCK

Ayush Mishra New Delhi

Listen to This Article

Southeast Asian countries are preferred by Indian travellers planning vacations of 5-7 days abroad, according to a recent survey.

Bali emerged as the top destination, with 38 per cent of respondents voting in its favour in the survey conducted by OYO Global Summer Vacations Travelopedia 2024. It was followed by Pattaya, Bangkok, and Dubai. Southeast Asian destinations such as Indonesia and Malaysia emerged as preferred countries following relaxed visa norms, OYO said.

The survey of 4,000 respondents analysed the overseas travel behaviour of Indian tourists. It found that Europe and the United States of America emerged as the top choice for long-haul destinations where Indian tourists tend to stay for 10-15 days (about 2 weeks) or even more.

“With improved air connectivity, visa facilitation, and a wide range of travel options, it has become more convenient than ever for Indian travellers to explore the beauty of Southeast Asia. Our ongoing programme to increase the number of premium properties in the region will help Indian tourists with a range of stay options at all the popular holiday destinations,” said Ritesh Agarwal, OYO’s founder and chief executive officer.

The survey highlighted the rise of remote work among Indian travellers, with Indonesia and Malaysia attracting “digital nomads” looking to combine work and travel in summer. “The affordable cost of living, reliable internet connectivity, and picturesque locales in these countries make them attractive destinations for digital nomads,”  it said.

The relaxed visa norms for Indian tourists in several Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia, have also contributed to the region's popularity. Additionally, Dubai has rolled out a five-year multiple-entry visa to enhance the ease of travel between India and the Gulf region.

Summer holiday-perfect countries offering visa-on-arrival

Maldives: Maldives provides tourist visa-on-arrival to Indian citizens that is valid for 30 days.

Indonesia: Indonesia is known for its beaches, diverse culture, and history. Visitors can explore ancient temples, hike through lush rainforests, and relax on beautiful beaches in this diverse country.

Thailand: Thailand is an essential part of travellers’ itinerary. The country’s attractions include monasteries, temples, beaches, flea markets, and shopping arcades.

Sri Lanka: Situated on the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka presents a tropical buffet with its cuisine, beaches, tea plantations and much more. The country provides  visa-on-arrival to Indians.

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: Jun 11 2024 | 12:53 PM IST

Explore News

However, legal frameworks in some countries, such as Croatia, limit the duration of stays, which can hinder the formation of lasting relationships and a sense of permanence [524

However, legal frameworks in some countries, such as Croatia, limit the duration of stays, which can hinder the formation of lasting relationships and a sense of permanence [524

However, legal frameworks in some countries, such as Croatia, limit the duration of stays, which can hinder the formation of lasting relationships and a sense of permanence [524