Digital nomads have a growing number of options before them with new countries getting on board with programs to cater to this emerging market.
January 18, 2021
By: Bobby Casey, Managing Director GWP
Remote work has become a strong trend in white-collar workforces. The pandemic gave employers little choice but to let their employees work from home. It’s doubtful all offices will reopen and go back to the way things were.
Digital nomads are somewhere between tourists and residents, and that is proving to be a lucrative work-around for some industries hurt most by the government response to the pandemic.
But where are they headed? Let’s take a look at the top digital nomad destinations.
Madeira, Portugal
I was talking about this with someone and their first response was to call it a Nomad’s Resort. The starters of this venture call it a Nomad Village. Either way, it sounds great!
I’m talking about the latest in digital nomad programs: Madeira, Portugal.
Madeira is an island of Portugal’s and has been named Europe’s Leading Island Destination at the World Travel Awards for seven out of the past eight years. On the southern coast of Madeira island is Ponta do Sol. This town has an approximate population of 8,200, and is 43.3 sq km.
Key Features of the Madeira Program
This program is rolling out in phases. Phase one launches on February 1st and runs through June 30th in Ponta do Sol. The goal is to establish several of these types of “villages” in different rural areas of Madeira.
It will offer:
- A free workspace with a desk and chair
- Access to a Slack community
- Free internet from 8am to 10pm daily at the John do Passos Cultural Centre in the village center
- Fun events hosted for nomads at the community center
As for accommodation, there is a commission-free service through Startup Madeira that connects interested parties with hotels and home rentals in the area. With a Schengen visa, you can work from a beautiful island with access to the rest of the EU.
Greece
Greece just passed a bill for a new Digital Nomad visa about a month ago. This seems to be the work-around for travel because, while there are restrictions on American tourists, these same restrictions don’t apply to these visas.
Unlike Portugal, Greece is not using the Schengen visa for residency. They are offering 50% off income taxes for the first seven years of digital nomad status.
The Greek government believes gainfully employed individuals staying longer than a tourist will benefit the country more than income taxes. And let’s be honest: nomads have their pick of where to go. Why choose a place with high taxes?
Dubai, UAE
Speaking of taxes: Dubai levies no personal income taxes, and they are offering an extended visa to cater to digital nomads. This is great for people who can work remotely either for their employer or for themselves.
What You’ll Need for Dubai’s Remote Work Visa
- $287 fee
- Proof of $5,000 gross per month income along with bank statements
- If not self-employed, a letter from your employer confirming employment and income
- Proof of health insurance for the year
Dubai is cosmopolitan, rich in culture, and has a fantastic infrastructure with high-speed internet—an essential for digital nomads.
Mexico
Mexico offers 6-month tourist visas and Temporary Resident visas for those staying longer than six months and less than four years. The Temporary Resident visa allows unlimited come-and-go privileges.
Requirements for Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa
- Minimum $1,945 gross monthly income to qualify
- Apply and pre-qualify through the Mexican consulate in your home country
- Visit a local immigration office within 30 days of arrival to exchange your temporary visa for a longer-term one
Internet quality varies across Mexico, so it’s important to check before settling in one location.
US Cities Offering Incentives to Remote Workers
After this last round of political nonsense, some folks are looking to reduce the cost of living while maximizing remote working opportunities. Several US cities are offering incentives to remote workers, including:
- Northwest Arkansas: Offering up to $10,000 and a free mountain bike or museum membership
- Savannah, Georgia: Offering up to $2,000 in relocation costs for remote tech workers
- Tucson, Arizona: Offering up to $1,500 in moving costs, free trial periods at co-working spaces, and one year of free internet
- The Shoals, NW Alabama: Offering $10,000 in installments for staying at least a year
- Tulsa, Oklahoma: Offering $10,000 for remote workers to move there
- Topeka, Kansas: Offering $10,000 toward a house down payment or $5,000 toward an apartment lease
Exploring New Digital Nomad Destinations
No matter which Digital Nomad Destinations you wind up in, you should keep your eyes out for incentives and special visas that will help you meet your life and business goals.
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