Governments around the world are launching digital nomad visa programs to boost local economies, attract talent from around the world, and accommodate the rise of remote work. according to More than 40 countries and territories now offer such programs, allowing remote workers, freelancers and digital nomads to live and work in a host country long-term while being employed by a company based in another country, according to CNBC.
In Asia, Thailand, Japan and Turkey have recently launched their own digital nomad visa schemes, aimed at individuals who use technology to work from anywhere, typically in fields such as software development, marketing, writing and consulting. Additionally, Malaysia has released an upgrade to its digital nomad scheme, making it available to a wider range of applicants.
Thailand unveils new digital nomad visa
May 30, 2024, Thailand It was published The Thailand Destination Visa (DTV) is a five-year multiple entry visa program. It is not It is suitable for digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers, but also individuals interested in a longer cultural experience.
Royal Thai Consulate-General in New York
The multiple entry visa is valid for five years and can be used for a stay of up to 180 days, extendable for a further 180 days, allowing visa holders to legally reside and work remotely without paying tax on their foreign-source income while in Thailand.
Applicants must be over 20 years old and be self-employed or working for a company outside Thailand. Approved applicants can also bring their spouse and children with them without needing additional visas.
Officials have indicated that the program will go into effect after final legal procedures are completed, and is expected to be available from late June or early July. The visa application fee has been set at 10,000 baht (US$272). according to To the Thai Embassy.
There is currently no specified minimum income for the DTV, the general requirement for a remote worker visa, but applicants must prove they can support themselves in Thailand for six months and have at least 500,000 baht (US$13,665) in a bank account. according to To the Nomad Embassy.
This is a big change from Thailand’s previous long-term residence visa, which came with a fee of US$1,600 and required proof of an annual income of at least US$80,000.
The DTV is part of Thailand’s tourism promotion strategy and complements other initiatives such as the expansion of a visa extension scheme to 93 countries from 57. The scheme allows tourism and short-term business stays of up to 60 days, double the previous 30-day limit. It also allows foreign students to stay in Thailand for a year to look for work, rather than leaving immediately after graduation.
Turkey introduces new digital nomad visa
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In April 2024, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism Announced They have announced the launch of a new Digital Nomad Visa, inviting eligible applicants between the ages of 21 and 55. The visa is only open to citizens of certain countries, including the US, Canada and European countries, with Russia being the only Asian country on the list.
To get a visa, applicants must meet several criteria. Firstly, they must have a university degree and be employed, self-employed or have a business contract with a company outside Turkey. Applicants must also prove that they have a monthly salary of 3,000 USD or an annual salary of 36,000 USD.
Applicants will also need a passport or travel document that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Turkey.
If all information is submitted and the documents are sufficient, the applicant will be issued a Digital Nomad ID, which they will then need to take to a Turkish visa center or consulate to receive their physical visa stamp.
Turkey is also one of the most visited countries in the world. according to According to Euromonitor International, Istanbul and Antalya were the two most visited cities in the world last year.
Japan introduces new visa for digital nomads
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In April, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Announced A new digital nomad visa for remote workers earning an annual salary of 10 million yen (US$62,700) or more. The visa allows individuals to work remotely in Japan for up to six months, giving them the opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese culture while continuing their professional activities.
Digital Nomad Visa valid It is valid for six months and cannot be extended. It is available for digital nomads and remote workers, as well as their accompanying spouses and children, for the same period. The fee is 3,000 yen (US$20) for a single-entry visa and 6,000 yen (US$40) for a multiple-entry visa. according to To the Nomad Embassy.
Applicants must be nationals or citizens of a country or region that has a visa waiver agreement with Japan and is covered by a tax treaty with Japan. Permitted professional activities include conducting business for a foreign organization using information and communication technology under an employment contract, or selling services or goods to foreign individuals using information and communication technology. Activities that require physical presence in Japan for the provision or sale are excluded, and employment for a Japanese organization is not permitted.
A visa application must be accompanied by several documents, including a visa application form with a photo, a passport, and a Certificate of Eligibility (if available). If a Certificate of Eligibility is submitted, additional documents such as a description of planned activities and length of stay, and proof of annual income can be omitted. In addition, applicants must have private medical travel insurance of at least 10 million yen covering death, injury, or illness.
For spouses or children of visa holders, permitted activities include their everyday activities as a spouse or child supporting a digital nomad. Generally, they cannot engage in any work or activities other than those permitted by their designated status of residence. Spouse or child visas are also valid for six months and cannot be extended. They too must have private medical travel insurance of at least 10 million yen covering death, injury, or illness.
Malaysia expands access to digital nomad visa scheme
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The Malaysian government this month announced major updates to the DE Rantau program, an initiative launched in 2022 to make Malaysia a top relocation destination for digital nomads.
Digital News Asia report On June 7, 2024, the government announced that it would expand the scope of the DE Rantau Nomad Pass to professionals outside of the IT and digital sector. This includes founders, CEOs, COOs, tax accountants, legal advisors, technical writers, business development managers, public relations officers, and other related roles. Whether they are digital freelancers or remote workers, these professionals will be eligible to apply.
The Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) added that the minimum income requirement for these non-IT/digital talent has been set at US$60,000 (RM281,000) per year or US$5,000 (RM23,000) per month. In addition, the main applicant’s parents can now also be claimed as dependents.
According to MDEC, as of May 31, 2024, there have been 3,096 applications for the DE Rantau Nomad Pass, of which 1,443 have been approved, including 189 renewals. Applicants come from 78 countries, with the top five being Russia, Pakistan, the UK, Japan, and Australia. The average annual salary of approved digital nomads is US$69,000, with the majority of them having skills in software development, digital marketing, and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML).
Malaysian Government Began Applications for the DE Rantau Nomad Pass will be accepted from 1 October 2022. The visa scheme allows holders to work remotely from within Malaysia for up to two years and sponsor eligible dependents.
DE Lantau Nomad Pass teeth It is open to technical and non-technical professionals in various fields such as software engineering, UX/UI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, blockchain, as well as marketing managers, finance managers, sales managers, HR managers, and consultants. The visa is valid for a stay of 3 to 12 months and can be renewed for a further 12 months, making a total stay of up to 24 months. The visa is open to nationals of all nationalities, except Israeli nationals, who require approval from the Malaysian Ministry of Interior.
To be eligible, applicants must meet certain requirements, such as having a passport valid for at least 14 months at the time of application, working remotely for a company or client outside Malaysia for at least three months, having a clean criminal record, and having health or travel insurance for the duration of their stay in Malaysia. Digital nomads working in the IT industry must earn at least US$24,000 per year. according to To the Nomad Embassy.
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