10 Essential Tips for Digital Nomads Moving to England in 2025

10 Essential Tips for Digital Nomads Moving to England in 2025

Are you considering moving to England as a digital nomad in 2025? This vibrant country offers incredible opportunities for remote workers, from its bustling cities to peaceful countryside retreats. Whether you’re drawn by the rich culture, professional opportunities, or the chance to explore iconic landmarks, this guide will provide you with all the essential tips to make your transition seamless and successful. Hopefully you love it here as much as we do!

Digital nomad England 2025

 

Research Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads

Understanding visa requirements is crucial for digital nomads moving to England in 2025. Options like the Skilled Worker Visa and Innovator Visa cater to professionals and entrepreneurs. Research eligibility criteria, prepare the necessary documentation, and start the application process early to avoid delays.

Pro Tip: Consulting an immigration expert can help you navigate the process efficiently.

 

If you’re from the Commonwealth like we are, check if you’re eligible for an Ancestral Visa.

 

Set Up a Local Bank Account

A local bank account is essential for managing finances. Major banks such as Barclays, HSBC, and Lloyds offer accounts for expats, while digital banks like Monzo and Starling provide convenient app-based services. You’ll need identification, proof of address, and valid visa documents to open an account.

Applying for a bank account, you can often get caught up in a cycle of needing a local address or other details to be accepted. Barclays was originally flexible for us when we moved. However, we are now with a combination of NatWest and use Wise for transfers (get a great deal on Wise here).

Learn more: UK Bank Account Guide.

 

Find the Right Accommodation

Finding suitable housing is a priority. Websites like Rightmove and Zoopla are excellent for private rentals, while co-living spaces such as The Collective and Mason & Fifth foster a sense of community. Suburban areas near major cities often offer more affordable options with easy access to public transport.

Pro Tip: Use expat forums and Facebook groups to find housing recommendations.

 

More information: Watch our Moving to the UK budget tips vlog here!

 

Get Familiar with the Healthcare System

England’s National Health Service (NHS) provides affordable healthcare to residents. Register with a General Practitioner (GP) upon arrival for access to NHS services. You need to register when you find a place to live, as you have to attend a GP near to your residential postcode.

Private health insurance is also available for faster access to specialists or additional coverage. Often, private health will come as a benefits package with employment, so ask your employer for more information.

Plan: NHS Registration Guide.

 

Embrace England’s Transportation Network

England boasts an extensive transportation system. Use an Oyster Card for London travel and a Railcard for discounted train fares nationwide. Cities like Cambridge and Oxford are bike-friendly, making cycling a great option for eco-conscious commuters.

Pro tip: you can use your own debit or credit card on the network to tap-on-tap-off too, and it is capped at a daily rate. If you’re travelling around the country a lot, use the Trainline app and add a National Railcard to it – for a nominal fee each year you’ll save on train fares.

 

Build Your Professional Network

Networking is key to success as a digital nomad in England. Attend events at co-working spaces such as WeWork and Huckletree, or join Meetup groups tailored to remote workers. LinkedIn is a valuable tool for connecting with professionals in your industry.

Pro Tip: Many co-working spaces host regular networking events.

 

More information: build your new community and friendship group :)

 

Understand Tax and Legal Obligations

Familiarise yourself with England’s tax system. If you’re earning income while living in England, you may need to pay UK taxes as a self-employed resident. Register with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to ensure compliance. Hiring a tax adviser or accountant can help you navigate the complexities of the tax system.

Learn more: UK Tax Guide for Expats.

 

Choose the Right Work Environment

England offers a variety of co-working spaces and cafes that cater to digital nomads. Top picks include Second Home, Work.Life, and The Office Group. These spaces provide reliable Wi-Fi, ergonomic workstations, and opportunities for networking.

Explore co-working options: Top UK Co-working Spaces; and London’s co-working cafes.

 

Stay Connected with Reliable Internet

Reliable internet is essential for remote work. Most urban areas have high-speed broadband, and co-working spaces provide excellent connectivity. For rural areas, consider portable Wi-Fi devices or data plans from providers like EE and Vodafone.

Pro Tip: Use tools like Speedtest to evaluate Wi-Fi quality before committing to a location. And don’t forget internet security – we’ve been a fan of Nord VPN for years! Get three months free Nord here.

 

Embrace England’s Culture and Lifestyle

Living in England is about more than work. Explore historical landmarks like Stonehenge and Buckingham Palace, savor diverse cuisines, and attend local festivals. Popular destinations like the Lake District and Brighton offer a perfect escape from city life.

Discover more: Visit England – Travel Guides.

 

Tips for Settling in Quickly

  • Learn Local Etiquette: Politeness and queuing are valued in English culture.
  • Explore Europe: England’s proximity to cities like Paris and Amsterdam makes weekend trips easy.
  • Join Communities: Expats groups on Facebook provide support and advice.

 

Moving to England as a digital nomad in 2025 is a rewarding adventure. By following these essential tips, you’ll be well-prepared to settle in and thrive. From professional networking to exploring cultural landmarks, England offers endless opportunities to enrich your personal and professional life.

Check out our comprehensive guide to England’s top co-working spaces.

 

*This post includes affiliate links – if you choose to purchase from them we will make a small commission. Hopefully, at the same time you will enjoy a great service at a reduced price :)

House sitting tips – how to become a PAID house sitter [2025 guide!]

House sitting tips – how to become a PAID house sitter [2025 guide!]

Hey there, fellow travellers and aspiring house sitters! It’s Sarah here, bringing you the freshest insights in our how to become a paid house sitter – 2025 guide.

If you’ve finally decided to turn your passion for house sitting into a thriving business, you’re in the right place. Transitioning from free house sitting to a paid role is a journey filled with learning, growth, and exciting House Sitting Opportunities.

But don’t worry, you’re not alone on this journey. We’ve combined our years of experience with the collective wisdom of our house sitting community on YouTube and Facebook to give you a comprehensive step-by-step guide.

This guide is all about making that pivotal transition with confidence and savvy.

 

How to become a PAID house sitter in 2025: complete guide!

 

Step 1: Gain Experience and Build a Reputation

I get it, you’re eager to start earning as a house sitter. But remember, every seasoned professional began somewhere, and often, that’s with volunteering. Yes, I’m talking about initially house sitting for free.

It’s a tried and tested pathway for many in our community, and it’s a valuable step in creating a legitimate business.

But here’s a little twist: while you might not be getting paid in cash, you’re gaining something priceless – experience and credibility.

Our own journey in London was a springboard for us. We started with two simple desires: to spend time with pets (we missed having our own furry friends) and to explore new neighbourhoods.

 

TrustedHousesitters was our gateway to amazing adventures, connections with wonderful pets and people, and it helped us build the reputation we needed to eventually charge for our services.

By offering your house sitting services in any form, you’re building a solid foundation for your future house sitting business. Whether you’re setting up a pet care business in your locality or planning to travel for house sits, gaining a diverse range of experiences is key.

And here’s a Professional House Sitter Tip: If you’re focusing on pet care in your local area, it’s often easier to start charging right away. Many pro house sitters use a hybrid model: they commit to longer ‘free’ sits through platforms like TrustedHousesitters for the experience, but charge for shorter, local stays.

 

Collect References

No matter where you sit, always ask for references or testimonials after each assignment. This is crucial for validating your services. Capture those special moments (with permission, of course) and build a portfolio that showcases your reliability and love for pets. Whether it’s through a personal website, blog, or digital storytelling tools like Adobe Spark, a well-crafted portfolio is your ticket to standing out in the House Sitting Services Marketing sphere.

 

 

Step 2: Create an Online Presence

In today’s digital age, having an online presence is a game-changer, especially if you’re keen on expanding your house sitting services beyond your local neighbourhood.

Now, I know what you might be thinking – do I really need a website or a blog? While it’s not mandatory, especially if you’re thriving on word-of-mouth in your community, having a digital space of your own can significantly boost your reach and credibility. And trust me, this becomes increasingly important if you plan to travel and house sit in different locations.

Your online presence, whether it’s a blog like ours, a website, or even a digital showcase, should highlight a few key things:

  • Your services: Be clear about what you offer.
  • Your experience: Show off those testimonials and references.
  • Contact information: Make it easy for potential clients to reach you.
  • Fees: This is crucial. As a pet owner myself, I appreciate transparency in pricing.

 

If social media is your thing, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube are incredible for promoting your services. The key here is to be authentic and true to your style.

Remember, you can’t sell a secret, so talking about your services is a must to grow your house sitting business.

Joining house sitting sites, both free and paid, like TrustedHousesitters and Rover, can also significantly enhance your digital footprint. It’s all about getting your name out there in the world of house sitting opportunities.

There is a comprehensive list of sites and services featured in our training – grab it for just $2.50 here!

 

13 things house and pet sitters much know

 

Step 3: Set Your Rates

Let’s talk money – setting your rates is a crucial part of professionalising your house sitting services. Research is key here. Understand what other house sitters in your area are charging and set competitive rates. As of 2025, here’s a little insight into the current house sitting rates 2025:

  • In major UK cities like London, rates by independent providers range from £40 to £65 per night. This will include the routine and walks you’ve agreed upon with the owner based on the pet’s needs.
  • If you are using a third party site like Rover, you may need to charge more to accommodate for the commission they will take; but the upside is that a matching platform can give you exposure to new clients, especially early on in your business. So, you’ll probably need to charge from £50 (more in bigger cities).
  • Don’t forget you can always ‘package’ services to be more attractive to prospective clients. You package might include arriving early, staying late, special care etc.

These rates are just a guideline and can vary based on your location, experience, and the services you offer.

Create a Pricing Structure

Develop a clear pricing structure considering location, duration, and additional services like pet care or gardening. If you’re based in one place, consider offering packages tailored to different needs – basic house sitting, house sitting with pet care, drop-in day visits, dog walking, etc. But remember, don’t overcommit. Balancing your ethics with income is crucial, especially when a living soul (like a pet) is involved.

For those travelling, consider offering daily or nightly rates, long-term discounted rates, and rates for additional services. Your financial goals should dictate your pricing strategy – plan backwards from your desired income to ensure sustainability and profitability in your house sitting business.

Important to note: if you are turning house sitting into a business, manage home owners expectations up front. Share your fees, own your worth.

Great tips and more info here :)

 

 

Step 4: Market Your Services

As you step into the world of professional house sitting, let’s dive into one of the most crucial aspects – House Sitting Services Marketing. I’ve seen some incredible networking by pro house and pet sitters, and here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Networking: The good old-fashioned in-person approach works wonders, especially if you’re focusing locally. Attend community events, join local groups, and spread the word about your services.
  • Word of Mouth: It’s a powerful tool! Encourage satisfied clients to refer you to their friends and family.
  • Online Advertising: If your business is mainly local, consider using online advertising platforms like Facebook ads or Google ads to target potential clients in your area.

Creative marketing doesn’t have to be expensive. Simple tactics like putting up posters at local dog parks or distributing flyers can effectively capture your target market.

For those targeting international house sits, your online presence becomes even more vital. Engage in community groups, especially in the areas you’re interested in, like Los Angeles or other major cities. Be an active participant in house sitting and digital nomad groups. Share valuable insights and tips, and occasionally let others know about your services and availability.

✨Our podcast guests, Kate and Dave, have been house sitting long term for over nine years and they shared some amazing advice for how and where to find sits. Here’s what they said:

 

Step 5: Communicate Clearly with Clients

Clear communication is key in any business, and the house sitting business is no exception. Setting and agreeing on clear expectations upfront is essential.

This includes discussing your services, rates, and any additional charges. Draft a house sitting agreement outlining the terms and conditions, responsibilities, and payment details. This will not only professionalize your services but also protect both you and the homeowner.

Remember, not everyone will be comfortable paying for house sitting services, and that’s okay. Focus on clients who value and are willing to pay for your services. As in any line of work, owning your worth is crucial.

 

 

Step 6: Provide Excellent Service

This step is non-negotiable, whether you’re sitting for free or transitioning to paid services. Treating every assignment with professionalism and respect is paramount. Go the extra mile – leave the house cleaner than you found it, provide regular updates on pets, and show genuine care and attention.

In our own experience as sitters, we’ve seen how going above and beyond sets you apart and leads to repeat invitations, even when you start charging. Remember, successful House Sitting Opportunities rely heavily on trust and reliability. Your dedication to providing top-notch service will reflect in your reputation and client satisfaction.

 

Step 7: Review and Adjust

One of the best practices in running a successful house sitting business is regularly reviewing and adjusting your approach. This is crucial for staying current with the House Sitting Opportunities in 2025. Evaluate your business’s progress periodically and assess whether you’re meeting your income goals. You might find that your rates need adjusting, or perhaps there’s room to expand your services.

This ongoing review process also involves keeping up with the latest trends and demands in the house sitting market. For example, as we move into 2025, staying informed about the evolving needs of homeowners and adapting your services accordingly can make a significant difference.

 

Step 8: Manage Your Finances

Now, onto the nitty-gritty of finances. As your house sitting transitions from a casual arrangement to a more structured business, keeping accurate records of your earnings and expenses becomes vital.

If it’s within your means, consider consulting a financial planner or accountant. They can provide invaluable advice, ensuring your business’s financial health and helping you navigate tax implications.

A crucial part of financial management is setting aside a portion of your earnings for taxes. Since you’re not a traditional employee, this aspect of financial planning is something you’ll need to handle proactively. Remember, investing in your business, whether it’s in marketing, professional development, or other areas, is part of fostering growth and sustainability.

 

 

Step 9: Insurance and Professional Cover

As a professional house sitter, it’s wise to consider getting professional cover and insurance. This aspect is particularly important in the UK, where many house sitters invest in a DBS check (a police background check) and personal indemnity insurance. If you’re offering pet care services, getting pet first aid certifications can also boost your credibility.

The need for professional cover can vary depending on where you’re operating or the types of services you’re offering. But as a rule of thumb, it’s always better to be prepared and covered. This not only provides peace of mind for you but also for your clients, who are entrusting you with their homes and beloved pets.

 

Embracing the Journey Ahead

As you embark on this journey to becoming a professional house sitter, remember that every step, every sit, and every connection you make is a part of your growth. The world of House Sitting Opportunities is dynamic and full of potential. With the right approach and a bit of savvy, you can turn this passion into a profitable and fulfilling career.

Expand Your Horizons

In 2025, the scope for house sitting has widened significantly. We’re seeing more people than ever opening their homes to house sitters, not just for pet care but for the peace of mind that comes with having a trusted person looking after their property. This increase in demand is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to establish themselves in the house sitting business.

 

Stay Informed and Adaptive

The key to success in this industry is staying informed and adaptive. Keep up with the latest trends in house sitting, be it new platforms, changing homeowner preferences, or evolving House Sitting Rates 2025. Being adaptable also means being open to opportunities in different locations, types of homes, and pet care requirements.

 

Building Relationships

Remember, at the heart of house sitting is the relationship you build with homeowners and their pets. Trust, reliability, and communication are the pillars of these relationships. Your ability to connect with homeowners and understand their needs will set you apart in the world of House Sitting Services Marketing.

 

Leverage Technology

In this digital age, leveraging technology can give you a significant advantage. Whether it’s managing bookings, promoting your services, or staying connected with clients, technology can streamline your operations and enhance your efficiency. Don’t shy away from using digital tools and platforms that can elevate your business.

 

Cultivating a Growth Mindset

Lastly, cultivating a growth mindset is crucial. See every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. Whether it’s dealing with an unexpected situation during a sit or learning new ways to market your services, approach these experiences with a positive and growth-oriented mindset.

 

Wrapping It Up

As we wrap up this Paid House Sitting Guide 2025, remember that building a successful house sitting business takes time, patience, and persistence. Keep honing your skills, delivering quality service, and effectively marketing your services. Soon, you’ll find yourself reaping the rewards of your hard work – the freedom to work on your terms, spending time with adorable pets, and exploring new places.

Stay connected with our community for more tips, advice, and shared experiences. We’re all in this exciting journey together!

 

Top links:

  1. Subscribe for more inspiration on YouTube: Travel Live Learn
  2. FREE TRAINING – 4 part email series House Sitting 101 – get yours here!
  3. Get amongst our travel community on Facebook: here

 

Questions or comments? Other advice to share? Let us know – drop us a line below.

 

 

 

 

3 BIG questions house sitters are asking in 2025

3 BIG questions house sitters are asking in 2025

House and pet sitting is an exciting avenue to explore for digital nomads, seasoned travellers, or those seeking novel ways to experience new places, people, and pets. This unique form of travel and accommodation, however, often leads to numerous queries.

We are in touch with a thriving house and pet sitting community here on Facebook and on our mailing list. Within this community, three key concerns have consistently emerged this year! To assist those seeking answers to the questions house sitters are asking most often, we’re providing some valuable insights and tips.

But first, if you’re an aspiring house and pet sitter, we’ve got two actions for you to take right now!

a) watch the video below for some great advice on how to get started.
b) sign up to our House Sitting 101 4-part email series. It’s FREE! Get it here!

 

The top 3 burning questions from from house and pet sitters now…

 

What’s the best way to manage scheduling and timing?

One of the prevalent questions house sitters are asking concerns the management of timing and schedules for house sits. The logistics of planning sits, coordinating travel, and dealing with last-minute changes can be challenging, particularly for those who prefer a detailed plan.

Our solution is embracing flexibility.

Despite meticulous planning or early bookings, unexpected events will inevitably occur. It’s crucial to budget for contingencies such as additional accommodation expenses between sits. Furthermore, we’ve found that refraining from scheduling back-to-back house sits can provide a much-needed respite, ensuring we arrive at the next house sit relaxed and punctual, a characteristic homeowners highly value.

 

 

How do I find long-term house sits?

The search for long-term house sitting assignments is another question frequently asked by house sitters. These longer sits are especially desirable for those aiming to deeply immerse themselves in a new culture or for digital nomads seeking balance and a consistent base.

Many of our podcast guests talk about this way of travel and house sitting. Take a look at episodes here.

Securing such opportunities often requires a mixture of strategy and luck, similar to a job hunt. Building solid relationships with homeowners can lead to return invitations for extended stays. Staying active on house sitting platforms like TrustedHousesitters and being prepared with a ready-to-go application letter for potential opportunities can also prove beneficial. We would love to hear your experiences and tips on this topic!

 

Should I get paid as a house sitter?

One of the most debated questions house sitters are asking is whether to ask for payment for house sitting. Some sitters are happy to exchange their pet and home care services for accommodation and the enriching experiences it offers. Others, recognising the growing global demand, are turning house sitting into a paid enterprise.

Read our updated guide on how to start getting paid as a house sitter

We advocate for a balanced approach, acknowledging the validity of both methods, each catering to different types of homeowners and sitters. For those inclined towards paid house sitting, platforms like Rover can be a great starting point. Alternatively, establishing a local business and setting your rates based on the value you offer is also a viable option.

However, it’s essential to discuss payment expectations upfront to ensure fairness for all parties involved. If house sitting is your business, treat it as such: value your time, set your rates, and find the right clients who respect your terms.

While house and pet sitting can offer enriching and unique experiences, it comes with its own set of questions and challenges. Each sitter’s approach and preferences can vary, and finding what works best for you is key.

Whether you’re an experienced house sitter or new to this world, we invite you to share your thoughts and experiences. Join our ongoing conversations on social media and our Facebook Group, a community of learners and sharers.

For those new to house sitting or seeking further guidance, make sure you sign up for our FREE House Sitting 101 email series or grab our must-have quick-start guide to house and pet sitting available for just $5. Happy house sitting!

You might also like the latest episode of the Freedom and Four Paws Podcast, Travel FAQ – 6 Questions Nomads and House Sitters Want Answers To Now! Listen here

 

Amazon Prime Day 2024 Travel Best Of!

Amazon Prime Day 2024 Travel Best Of!

We rarely post about shopping here, but once a year we celebrate – Amazon Prime Day 2024 Travel Best Of!

Shopping + nomadic travel don’t always go hand in hand. Most of us aim to shed ‘stuff’ in favour of experiences. But Amazon Prime Day is around the corner on July 16 and 17, and there are a few awesome goodies we wanted to bring to your attention that may just make your travel life better.

View our Prime Day Travel Wish List

 

Our Amazon Prime Day 2024 Travel Best Of Wish List

This year we plan to upgrade a few of our travel essentials including:

Prime Day Travel Live Learn 2024 Wish List

 

Portable power bank: to reliably keep our devices charged on the go. Something that’s perfect for long flights or days exploring off the grid.

Noise-cancelling headphones: we’re fans of Bose and Anker to block out distractions and find focus, especially when in a busy co-working café.

Travel backpack: finding a versatile, spacious, sturdy yet stylish backpack is sometimes harder than you’d think, but essential for all of us with wanderlust.

Kindle E-Reader: I had to give up a physical library long ago when moving to live and work abroad. Now my Kindle needs upgrading – 2024 may be the year!

Portable WiFi hotspot: it’s nice to never have to worry about spotty internet and online security regardless of where we roam.

Camera, lights, action, smile: you bet we are dazzled by compact cameras, bright portable lights and smooth sound! :)

 

Pro Amazon Prime Day Tip

If you’ve never shopped Prime Day before, you’re missing out! My top tip is to go browse Amazon now, before the Prime Day sale.

Add whatever it is you love to a wish list (here’s how to do that if you’re unsure). Then, as soon as Prime Day kicks off, go straight to your wish list to see what’s on sale and purchase if the price looks good! 

View our Prime Day Travel Wish List

 

What will you purchase on Prime Day?

What are your must-have travel essentials? Maybe they’re tech gadgets, sustainable products, or even items for your pets (which are also included on our wish list!)? Leave a comment and let us know what you’ll be looking out for on Amazon Prime Day this year.

Disclaimer: Some of the links here are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

What does ‘freedom’ look like to you? | Featured in Freelancer Mag

What does ‘freedom’ look like to you? | Featured in Freelancer Mag

Right in time for my birthday, I received a lovely email! Turns out Cooper and I have inspired the fab team at Freelancer Magazine with our podcast, Freedom and Four Paws 

This means the world to us, because recording each episode was so motivating – our guests, all sourced from this community, had such powerful, wild and wise stories to tell about how they’ve made travel and remote work a full-time reality.

It’s something we’re passionate about sharing and discussing too, and we are excited that it resonates with so many people.

social post freelancer mag freedom and four paws

Freedom and Four Paws is named in honour of the freedom we in this travel-curious community seek, and the collective love of animals we share – many of us being house + pet sitters and/or pet parents. If you’re not in the Facebook Group yet but would like to join the conversation, you can do so here.

So far on the podcast, we’ve published two series covering topics like:

  • How to get paid for house sitting
  • Off-grid travel
  • Solo travel and house sitting
  • Budget travel
  • Long term travel
  • How to make the most of your digital nomad community
  • Remote work productivity tips and tricks.

If this piques your interest, you can listen and subscribe to Freedom and Four Paws on YouTubeSpotifyApple, and all your favourite podcast providers.

We’re planning future episodes too, so if there’s a burning question you have that you think would make a great topic, or you feel called to share your own story, please reach out, we’d love to hear from you. You can get in touch by completing the contact form on this site :)

Forge Your Path: The Ultimate Guide to Digital Nomad Visas

Forge Your Path: The Ultimate Guide to Digital Nomad Visas

You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t think travelling the world, setting your own schedule, and working wherever, whenever you fancy, isn’t ‘dreamland’ material. And yet, for the roughly thirty-five million digital nomads living and working across the globe, that dream is very much a reality. It’s easy to see the never-ending roll of Instagram influencers and glammed-up travel bloggers and assume that this new way of working is nothing more than a ‘fad’ – after all, how are you expected to keep pace with all the red tape of border entries, passport control, and visa requirements these days? Well, in our latest post here at Travel Live Learn, we’re lifting the lid on one of the world’s best travel hacks: the digital nomad visa.

https://www.travellivelearn.com

 

What Is A Digital Nomad Visa?

Digital nomad visas are specifically aimed at individuals who want to live and work in foreign countries. From social media bloggers, writers, and programmers, to online English teachers, there are so many jobs available these days that allow people to work anywhere from their parent’s basement to a shared house in Brazil. If you can do it from a laptop, you can probably qualify for a digital nomad visa. It’s a country’s way of recognising that you are working while staying within their borders, without technically working for that country.

One of the biggest pros of a digital nomad visa is that it allows travellers to continue working on their journeys without the need for a working visa, which can be costly and complex to obtain.

 

Benefits Of Digital Nomad Visas

Let’s delve a little deeper into the benefits of a digital nomad visa. Firstly, and apologies for reminding everyone of it, the COVID-19 pandemic naturally had a profound impact on global tourism, with plenty of countries’ economies being rocked by the effective disappearance of one of their major income streams.

Airlines, accommodation, local attractions, and public transport were all hit as borders were shut, and even as the travel industry continues to recover, the overall numbers for most countries continue to languish behind those in 2019. 

The benefit of digital nomad visas for countries is, therefore, a way of appealing to travellers to visit their shores again and lay down their roots for extended periods. These travellers will be working, meaning that the money they earn will be spent inside this host nation. Slow travel and sustainable tourism have also emerged as one of the hot new travel trends in the wake of the pandemic, and digital nomad visas help on this front too, with longer-term stays leaving less of an imprint on the environment.

For the nomads, the benefits of these visas should be fairly apparent. Whether you’re able to bounce from project to project or negotiate a remote work structure with a full-time employer, a digital nomad visa allows workers to fully immerse themselves in another culture and experience living in another country without the hassle of emigration visas.

 

 

How To Obtain A Digital Nomad Visa

Naturally, different countries have different requirements for digital nomad visas depending on the passport of their applicants. Depending on the country, nomads can stay in a country for a set amount of time, and the names and qualifications for these visas can vary. Not every country has a digital nomad visa in place; however, it is becoming more prevalent as the benefits are being demonstrated by the early adopters. At the time of writing, 58 countries currently offer digital nomad visas, with Japan set to follow soon.

Some countries offer this visa for free, while others charge applicants for the pleasure. The length of stay can also vary between three months to up to a whopping five years!

As with any trip, it’s always worth doing some solid research into your preferred country to make sure you’re fully clued up on the requirements of their digital nomad programs.

 

Best Countries With Digital Nomad Visas

Now that you know what a digital nomad visa is, where in the world are the top destinations? From vibrant cultural hubs, stunning natural landscapes, and idyllic holiday havens to low costs of living, here are some of the best countries offering digital nomad visas:

Spain

We love Spain, it offers so many attributes even for our four-legged friends. Spain’s Startup Act now means that digital nomads working for non-Spanish companies now can live and work in the country for up to six months without a working visa. This includes nomads working for multiple clients i.e. English teachers online. A degree isn’t a necessity either anymore, provided you can show at least three years’ worth of work experience.

Requirements:

  • Cannot have lived in Spain for five years before applying.
  • Proof of income of €2,300 per month.
  • Proof that the company you are working for has been operational for a year and that you have been working for them for at least three months.

 

Barbados

As a remote worker in the paradise setting of Barbados, you are exempt from paying taxes. The Barbados Welcome Stamp costs $2,000 and allows nomads to live and work in the country for twelve months. Applications are fairly straightforward, even allowing for families to relocate with you.

Requirements:

  • Can only work for individuals or companies outside of Barbados.
  • Proof of income of over $50,000 for the duration of the 12-month stay.

Indonesia

As of 2023, Indonesia has launched a bold five-year digital nomad visa. Including islands like Bali, this visa allows nomads to work in the country tax-free, provided their income comes from outside Indonesia. Now for the downside: the Second Home Visa costs around $140,000, which certainly makes it seem like one for the semi-retirees.

With that being said, the B211a Business Visa is a viable alternative for nomads. This visa allows remote workers to work in Indonesia for up to six months.

Requirements:

  • Evidence of savings of up to $2,000.

Malta

Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit is available for $328, is valid for 12 months, and can be renewed twice for a total stay of three years. The country’s 400+ public WiFi spots, 5G nationwide coverage, and abundance of coworking spaces make it a stellar destination for remote workers.

Requirements:

  • Foreign job contract, proof of foreign freelance contracts or owner/part-owner of a registered company.
  • Health insurance and proof of temporary accommodation e.g. AirBnB.
  • Proof of income of over $2,956.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers a digital nomad visa that allows remote workers to live and work in the country for up to a year. Whilst working for foreign contracts in Costa Rica, you will be exempt from tax. Nomad visas in Costa Rica cost $100.

Requirements:

Health insurance for the duration of your stay.

Proof of income of $3,000 for solo travellers and $5,000 for families per month.

 

Flex Your Freedom

The prospect of embracing a truly nomadic lifestyle can be both exhilarating and daunting. The prospect of packing up all your things and hiking off for an extended period is no small feat and, from lost luggage to culture shock, there are a myriad of obstacles you’re likely to encounter along the way. Nevertheless, with a bit of time, you’ll soon find yourself forging memories that will last a lifetime. Digital nomad visas are the ultimate way of blending work and travel. With more and more countries hopping on board, there has never been a better time to start checking out destinations and preparing your application!