Dubai, like many countries, has joined the wagon of digital nomad visas. Dubai’s digital nomad visa is called “Work Remotely from Dubai.” Through its Work Remotely from Dubai program, Dubai has been welcoming remote workers and digital nomads since March 2021.

This article will show in more detail what Dubai’s digital nomad visa scheme offers.

Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Dubai

Working as a digital nomad in Dubai under the Work Remotely from Dubai program has the following benefits:

• Tax-free. As a digital nomad in Dubai, you are not imposed to pay income tax, capital gain tax, withholding tax, and local taxes. However, you are expected to pay taxes back home, but you do not need to prove it.
• High healthcare system. Dubai offers a top-notch healthcare system with state-of-the-art facilities and a high standard of medical care. Health services in Dubai are administered by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), which oversees both public and private services. Many foreigners choose the private healthcare system. There are more than 130 facilities you can choose from in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) alone, a modern medical complex offering advanced private health care across 150 specialties.
• Access to facilities. The Emirates ID will be given to applicant holders when they receive their visas and arrive in the UAE. The Emirates ID is a document that can be used for many things in their daily lives. By having the ID, you will have access to many services, such as banking, phone lines, housing rentals, and, if you have children, the ability to enroll them in local schools.
• Fast internet connection. The internet speed fixed is 189.27 Mbps, and the mobile connection is 273.87 Mbps. There will likely be no issues with your wifi in the UAE since the majority of accommodations for foreigners have speeds of over 100 Mbps. It will be enough for browsing and Zoom calls on a daily basis, as well as heavy streaming. Furthermore, the 4G network is excellent.

Requirements for Dubai Digital Nomad Visa

The documents required to apply for a digital nomad visa in Dubai are:

• Online filled visa application form. You can fill out the application form from the official website of Work Remotely from Dubai.
• Valid passport. Your passport needs to be valid at least for six months.
• Digital passport photo. Your passport photo needs to be with dimensions 45mm/35mm and white background.
• Accommodation reservation. You will need either a hotel booking, a lease, or a rental agreement to confirm your accommodation.
• Medical insurance. You need medical insurance designed for digital nomads and remote workers who are living abroad to travel to Dubai. Health insurance must have UAE coverage validity.
• Documents for business owners:
  • Proof of ownership of the company for one year or more
  • Minimum of $5.000 monthly income
  • Bank statements for the last three months
• Documents for employees:
  • Proof of employment with one year contract
  • Last month’s payslip
  • Minimum of $5.000 salary per month
  • Bank statements for the last three months

How to Apply for a Dubai Digital Nomad Visa?

You must apply for a Dubai digital nomad visa online through the official Work Remotely from Dubai website. The application process is as follows:

1. Prepare the necessary documents. The list of the documents is under “Requirements for Dubai Digital Nomad Visa” above. The documents need to be in English and digitized.
2. Proceed to the official website. On the official website of Work Remotely from Dubai, you can apply for the program. There you have to complete a short application form with information about yourself, such as your name, email address, country, and telephone number. A member of their team will be in touch with you to take the application forward.
3. Wait for the response. An email will be sent to you after submission. There will be further instructions therefore read them carefully.
4. Send the documents. After the email, you will have to send the required documents to workvirtual@dubaitourism.ae. The documents are in the section “Requirements for Dubai Digital Nomad Visa”. The documents and the application will be reviewed by Dubai Tourism and commercial marketing travel partner Al Rais Travel Agencies LLC.
5. Wait for a reply. You will be given an email stating the payment instructions and the amount.
6. Pay the fees. The cost of the Dubai digital nomad visa is $611. This amount includes the application fee of $287 and other processing charges, medical insurance premium, and Emirates ID. Once you fill out your credit card information, you will receive an email welcoming you to Dubai.
7. Arrange a medical visit. This step can be done after traveling to Dubai, but it may be helpful to do it before flying to Dubai.
8. Travel to Dubai. After your visa is granted, you can travel to Dubai.
9. Go to the medical appointment. You have about a month to go to the medical appointment. Your results will be out in two weeks’ time.
10. Go to the biometrics office. After getting the medical results, you will be given a list of offices to do biometrics and complete an application form. Then print the medical results and the application form and go to one of the biometrics offices.
11. Get a passport stamp. You will get a call stating that your passport needs to be taken to be stamped. This process will take a day.
12. Get the residency card. An SMS should be sent to you by the government informing you that your residence card is waiting at a post office. Go get the residency card and live in Dubai for a year.

Additionally, depending on your nationality, you might need a visa to enter Dubai.

Note: You can enter Dubai with a tourist visa and then apply for a digital nomad visa, but the fees may differ.

How Much Does the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa Cost?

The cost of the Dubai digital nomad visa is $611. This amount includes the application fee of $287 and other processing charges, medical insurance premium, and Emirates ID.

Note: There is no guarantee that the visa will be approved just because you paid the processing fee. It is possible to incur additional charges depending on your country of citizenship country, the nature of the services requested, and other factors.

Processing Time For A Digital Nomad Visa in Dubai

The processing time for a digital nomad visa in Dubai is from thirty days up to sixty days.

How Long Can I Work in Dubai as a Digital Nomad?

The validity of the Dubai digital nomad visa is one year, renewable upon re-application.

Paying Taxes as a Digital Nomad in Dubai

Individuals in the UAE are not subject to income tax. Oil companies and foreign banks, however, are subject to corporate taxes. In addition, specific goods that are harmful to human health or the environment are taxed under excise taxes. Finally, a majority of goods and services are subject to Value Added Tax.

As a digital nomad in Dubai, you are not imposed to pay income tax, capital gain tax, withholding tax, and local taxes. However, you are expected to pay taxes back home, but you do not need to prove it.

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As one of Central America’s most popular tourist destinations, Panama is renowned for its financial sector, beaches, mountains, colonial and contemporary architecture, and booming economy.

Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Panama

Working as a digital nomad in Panama has the following benefits:

• Affordable visa application. In comparison with other countries that offer digital nomad visas, Panama has fairly affordable fees. The visa fees include $250 for the National Immigration Agency and $50 for the Visa Card.
• Extended stay. The Panama digital nomad visa is issued for nine months and can be renewed for another nine months.
• Tax-free. The Panamanian tax system has territorial taxation, under which digital nomads are not taxed on income from outside Panama. Upon staying in Panama for more than six months, you can apply for tax residency. As a result, you may be able to avoid paying taxes in your home country.
• Great internet connection. The Internet infrastructure in Panama is excellent. The country is connected to the rest of the world by several undersea fiber optic cables. Average Internet speeds across Panama are 20.44 Mbps for mobile Internet and 137.38 Mbps for fixed Internet.
• Tasty food. The cuisine of Panama is rich and diverse, just like its natural environment. Food in Panama reflects the country’s history: indigenous mixed with Spanish, influenced by the conquistadors’ arrival in 1501, topped off with Afro-Caribbean flavors. Some of the most popular foods include Guacho, Carimañola, Sancocho, Ceviche, Ropa Vieja, Tamal de Olla, and many more.
• Low living costs. In Panama, you will be living well for less. For a family of four, the estimated monthly costs are $2,399.70 without rent, and for a single person, the estimated monthly costs are $663.89 without rent. Some other costs include the following:
• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant – $6.50
• Meal for two people (mid-range restaurant, three-course) – $50
• Meal at McDonald’s – $7
• One-way ticket (local transport) – $0.35
• Monthly pass (regular price) – $30
• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment (per month) – $86.19
• Internet (per month) – $43.93
• Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center – $730.15
• Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of Center – $428.33
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center – $1,291.94
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of center – $825.79

How to Apply for a Panama Digital Nomad Visa?

To apply for a Panama digital nomad visa, you need to fulfill these steps:

1. Make an appointment with a Panama embassy or consulate. Applicants must make an appointment with the Panamanian embassy or consulate beforehand. You may have to apply at an embassy in a neighboring country, depending on your residence.
2. Prepare the required documents. The list of the required documents is in the section “Requirements for Panama Digital Nomad Visa”.
3. Go to the appointment. At the appointment, you need to fill out the application form physically and submit the required documents.
4. Pay the fees. The visa fees include $250 for the National Immigration Agency and $50 for the Visa Card.
5. Wait for approval. You have to wait for the approval. The whole process takes about thirty days.  

In addition to these steps, depending on your nationality, you might need to have a visa to enter Panama.

For more detailed information on how to apply for a Panama digital nomad visa, you should contact an embassy or consulate.

Note: The Panamanian immigration office is currently working to enable an online platform to process digital nomad visa applications. 

Requirements for Panama Digital Nomad Visa

The list of the documents required to apply for a Panama digital nomad visa are:

• A completed application form. You can get the application form at the nearest Panamian embassy or consulate.
• Valid passport. Panama requires a three-month passport validity from your arrival date in the country.
• Certified passport copies.
• Three passport-size photos. The dimensions of the photos must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). The head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
• Funds. You need to have enough funds to support yourself to return home after the expiration of the visa.
• Certificate of a clean criminal record. You can get your clean criminal record at the local police department.
• A copy of valid medical insurance. You need health insurance for digital nomads and remote workers who are living abroad to travel to Panama. The medical insurance needs to have coverage in Panama.
• Certificate of good health.  A certificate of good health is issued at the nearest hospital facility in your country.
• Affidavit of non-acceptance of any jobs within Panama. You can get an affidavit of non-acceptance of any jobs in Panama at your local courthouse. This affidavit means that your work needs to relate to operations outside the Panama territory.
• Proof of annual income. The annual income must be $36,000. In order to demonstrate sufficient income, bank certifications and bank statements are required.
• Applicants working for a foreign company need to submit:
• A letter signed by the company’s legal representative explaining:
• The role and function the applicant has in the company
• The applicant’s monthly income
• Work modality (how the work is done)
• Self-employed applicants must provide:
• Proof of the existence of the company outside Panama
• A sworn declaration that includes the following:
• The business activities they are engaged in
• The services they offer
• The nature of their clients
• Past revenue and projected revenue

Note: All documents issued abroad must be notarized and apostilled. 

How Long Can I Work in Panama as a Digital Nomad?

The validity of the Panama digital nomad visa is nine months and can be renewed for another nine months.

Processing Time For A Digital Nomad Visa in Panama

The whole process of application for a Panama digital nomad visa takes about thirty days. It may take longer if you are asked to submit additional documents or information.

How Much Does the Panama Digital Nomad Visa Cost?

The visa fees include the following:

• $250 for the National Immigration Agency
• $50 for the Visa Card

Paying Taxes as a Digital Nomad in Panama

Digital nomads do not have an income from the Panama territory, therefore, they are free from income taxes. Upon staying in Panama for more than six months, you can apply for tax residency. As a result, you may be able to avoid paying taxes in your home country.

The tax system in Panama is territorial. Residents are required to pay taxes on the income that comes from Panama. The personal income tax rate in Panama is:

• Annual income of up to $11,000 – 0%
• Over $11,000 up to $50,000 – 15%
• Over $50,000 – 25% (on the first $50,000 it is 15%, on the remainder 25%

The social security tax is assessed at a rate of 9.75% for employees and 12.25% for employers. The educational insurance tax is assessed at the rate of 1.25% for employees and 1.50% for employers.

Finally, there is no net worth, inheritance, estate, or gift tax in Panama.

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Technically, Mexico’s digital nomad visa is called a temporary residence visa, and many remote workers are eligible.

Throughout the article, the temporary residence visa will be used interchangeably as the digital nomad visa to avoid confusion.

Criteria for the Mexico Digital Nomad Visa

The Mexico digital nomad visa is open to nationals from all over the world. However, you must meet a few income requirements such as:

• Bank balance of $43,000 for the last twelve months.
• Income of $2,595/month for the last six months (when bringing a dependent, this increases by $861 for each dependent).
• Be the owner of a Mexican property worth at least $346,000.

Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Mexico

There are many benefits to working as a digital nomad in Mexico:

• Internet. The Internet is essential for working remotely. Mexico has several good wifi providers, the best being Telmex. The usual internet speed is 35 Mbps.
• Tax matters. The tax system is simple; you could pay from 0% to 30%, but it mostly depends on your situation, what kind of job you do, and how much money you make.
• Accommodating visa requirements. As a digital nomad in Mexico, you have many visa options, such as the tourist visa, which allows you to stay for six months; the temporary residence visa (up to four years); and the permanent residence visa, with which there is no time limit on how long you have to stay in Mexico.
• The warm climate. With an average of 24℃, you can go to Mexico whenever you want. With this, you can relax and enjoy sunny skies all the time.
• Low cost of living. Mexico has a low cost of living. The cost of living also depends on your lifestyle, but if you want a budget-friendly life, you can have it in Mexico.
• Accommodation. Rent prices vary depending on location, but they are generally reasonable. A one-bedroom apartment in Mexico City may cost $500 per month, with rent typically ranging from $350 to $700.
• Mexican culture. Mexico is well-known for its culture as a result of its history. Everywhere you turn, you will find something new, from ancient Mayan ruins to colonial Spanish architecture. There is always something new to learn and explore.
• Friendly people. The Mexican people are known for their warmth, and if you ask them for help, they will be happy to help you, and you will feel at home.
• Delicious food. The food in Mexico is excellent. It varies by ingredients, flavors, and regions. It was influenced by the Aztec, Mayan, Spanish, Dutch, and Caribbean people. There is so much more to Mexican food than the usual you find at your local restaurant.
• Transportation. Mexico has a large network of high-quality intercity roads connecting all of its major cities, and more roads are being constructed every year to connect previously isolated areas. The most common vehicles used are small, green micros that cost 5 or 6 pesos ($0,24 or $0,29), depending on how far you are traveling.

Requirements for Mexico Digital Nomad Visa

The documents required to apply for a Mexico digital nomad visa are:

• A valid passport. Your passport needs to be valid at least for the next six months when you apply.
• A completed visa application. The visa application is in English or Spanish, printed double-sided and on one page only. You can find the application form on the Embassy’s website.
• A recent photo You must submit a recent passport-size picture, with these dimensions: 3.9 cm X 3.1cm
• Proof of income. You must prove you have a monthly income of about $2,600.
• Proof of medical insurance. You need health insurance designed for digital nomads and remote workers who are living abroad.
• Criminal background check. The proof of a clean criminal record you can get at the police department in your country of residence.
• Proof of relationship to dependents.  If you have dependents, you have to submit proof of relationships, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
• Payment of fees. You must provide proof you paid the necessary fees, such as the visa receipts.

Note: The Mexican embassy may ask you to provide additional documents, depending on the specific situation.

How to Apply for a Mexico Digital Nomad Visa?

These are the steps you have to follow in order to apply for a Mexico digital nomad visa:

1. Schedule visa appointment. Request a visa appointment at a Mexican embassy or consulate in your country. It might take a few weeks to get the appointment because of the location and the time of the year. On the embassy’s website, through their online booking system, you can make the appointment.
2. Gather the required documents. The list of the documents is in the section above. You should have your documents in English or Spanish. It is suggested that you bring the originals and the copies as well.
3. Complete application. After gathering the documents, you have to fill in the application. The application form can be found on the embassy’s website and needs to be filled in English or Spanish. Make sure to print it double-sided and on one page only.
4. Attend the visa appointment. Make sure you have double-checked everything. Before entering the appointment, you have to pay $40. It is suggested to be paid in cash. During the appointment, you might get the visa, or you might have to wait for a few weeks.
5. Travel to Mexico. After finishing the previous steps, you are ready to travel to Mexico. You have six months to enter Mexico and register for temporary residence.
6. Pay the fees. Before getting the temporary residence permit, you have to pay $150 to 350$. This has to be paid before you go to the National Migration Institute.
7. Go to the National Migration Institute. You have 30 days to go and get the card for the temporary residence permit. You do not have to make an appointment, and you should complete the online form. You can find the application form here. You have to bring along the same documents you needed for the visa application, as well as two additional photos.
8. Wait for another appointment to get the card. Oftentimes, you have to wait for another appointment. This is needed if an immigration officer asks for more documents in order to avoid deportation.

Processing Time For A Digital Nomad Visa in Mexico

The processing time for a digital nomad visa in Mexico depends on whether you have the right documents and passed the interview at the visa appointment. You might get the visa on the same day, or you may have to wait for weeks. Then, after going to Mexico, you might have to wait up to two months, depending on the National Migration Institute, in order to get the temporary residence card.

How Much Does the Mexico Digital Nomad Visa Cost?

Firstly, you have to pay the interview fee to get ($40) the visa at the Mexico Consulate. This should be paid when the visa is issued. Then to get the Mexico digital visa, you have to pay between $150 and $350. This has to be paid before you go to the National Migration Institute.

How Long Can I Work in Mexico as a Digital Nomad?

The validity of the Mexico digital nomad visa is six months to 4 years. After the validity has passed, you can apply for a permanent residence visa if you want to stay longer.

Paying Taxes as a Digital Nomad in Mexico

The tax system is simple; any resident has to pay from 0% to 30%, but it also depends on your situation and how much money you make. You have to pay taxes on every purchase you make, but it will be pre-taxed.

In addition, if you earn more than 51% of your income outside Mexico, you do not have to pay taxes in order to prevent double taxation. Whereas, if you make 50% of your income in Mexico, you’ll need a tax accountant to determine which tax bracket you belong to and if there are any options available to you.

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Anyone who is at least 18 years old and wants to work remotely can apply for the Dominica digital visa. Besides, employees or business owners are welcome and can bring their families too.

Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Dominica

Working as a digital nomad in Dominica has the following benefits:

• Ease of obtaining a digital nomad visa. Dominica’s government has enabled remote workers to obtain their digital nomad visa within seven working days. Moreover, applying is done online, and it takes only a few minutes to complete.
• Tax exclusion. You will not be subject to income tax, capital gains tax, or dividend tax as a digital nomad in Dominica.
• Low cost of living. The prices in Dominica are relatively low compared to those in the rest of the Caribbean, America, and the United Kingdom. Approximately $800 is the estimated monthly cost of living for a single person without rent, while $3,000 is expected for a family of four.
• Flavorful and delicious food. The Dominican cuisine is primarily Creole, but British and French elements have also influenced it. Restaurants on the island use domestic and imported ingredients to prepare flavorful dishes using fresh fish and locally cultivated fruits and vegetables. Some of the best dishes you can enjoy are mountain chicken, manicou, agouti, sancocho, codfish sandwich, and many more.
• Leisure activities. All around the island, there are a variety of land, water activities, and tours to enjoy. In addition, Dominica offers a wide range of hiking opportunities for beginners and experienced hikers. Finally, visitors can take boat, diving, and snorkeling tours. You can also enjoy cricket because it is the most popular sport there.

In addition: Among the four English-speaking Windward Islands, Dominica is the most northern. With an area of 751km², it is located between Martinique and Guadeloupe in the Caribbean Sea. It is known as “Nature Island” because the country has many natural wonders. It has around 200 beaches; some are explored, and some are not. Furthermore, Dominica is quite famous because of the film Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. The movie was filmed there and introduced this wonderful place to the entire world.

Requirements for Dominica Digital Nomad Visa

The documents you need to apply for a Dominica digital nomad visa are:

• Biodata page of your valid passport. The validity of your passport needs to be at least six months.
• Photos passport-sized. The dimensions of the photos must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). The head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
• Evidence of your relationship to dependents. To prove your relationship, you need to have a marriage certificate (if you are married), birth certificate, or adoption certificate (if you have children).
• Police records. You can get your and your dependents’ police records from your local police department, proving that you are clear of criminal records.
• Letter of employment or self-employment. If you are employed, you need to have a letter from your employer. If you are self-employed, you can have your recent bank statement and certificate of good standing.
• Proof of income. The income requirements are $50,000 per year.
• A reference letter from your bank.
• Health insurance. You need health insurance designed for digital nomads and remote workers living abroad. Your insurance has to have coverage in Dominica.
• Visa. This applies to those countries where visas are required to enter Dominica.

Note: All your documents should be in English; if you do not have them, you can use translated and certified copies. 

How to Apply for a Dominica Digital Nomad Visa?

To apply for a Dominica digital nomad visa, you need to complete the following steps:

1. Collect the documents. Make sure to have them in English and digitized. You can find the necessary documents in the section “Requirements for Dominica Digital Nomad Visa”.
2. Apply for the visa. The application is done online on the e-platform developed by the government of Dominica. You have to fill in all the personal information and upload the required documents. Make sure to double-check everything.
3. Pay the application fee.  After filling out the application, you must pay the application fee. It is $100 and is non-refundable.
4. Submit the application and wait for approval. Now you only have to click submit and wait. You must wait seven working days to get an answer about whether your application was approved.
5. Pay the visa fee. When your application is approved, you must pay the visa fee. The visa fees for individuals are $800 and $1200 for a family.
6. Travel to Dominica. After completing the previous steps, you only have to get ready and travel to Dominica. First, however, make sure to be in Dominica within 90 days after your visa is approved.

Additionally, except for the mentioned steps, some countries need a visa to enter Dominica.    

How Much Does the Dominica Digital Nomad Visa Cost?

For a Dominica digital nomad visa, you must initially pay an application fee, which is $100 and is non-refundable. After your application is approved, you have 30 days to pay the following fees:

• Individual visa fee – $800
• Family visa fee – $1200
• One business with multiple applicants – $800, plus $500 for each additional employee for a business applying for four or more employees.

Processing Time For A Digital Nomad Visa in Dominica

You will know whether your application was approved or denied within seven working days after applying online and paying the application fee. If it is approved, you have 30 days to pay the visa fee.

How Long Can I Work in Dominica as a Digital Nomad?

The validity of the Dominica digital nomad visa is 18 months, and it is issued upon your arrival.

Paying Taxes as a Digital Nomad in Dominica

The taxation of individuals depends on whether they are residents or non-residents. Non-residents have to pay taxes when their income comes from Dominica. In comparison, residents pay income taxes on all the income received from Dominica and abroad. The income tax rate in Dominica is 15% to 35%. Residents pay 15% on the first $7,400 of income, 25% on the next $11,100 of income, and 35% on the rest of the income.

As a digital nomad in Dominica, you will not have to pay income taxes, capital gains, or dividend taxes. However, for citizens of certain countries, such as the US and the UK, filing an annual tax return is still required.

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This article explains the requirements for obtaining a Costa Rica rentista visa, also known as a digital nomad visa. It also explains how to get the visa and the costs involved.

What Is a Costa Rica Rentista Visa?

A Costa Rica rentista visa is issued to freelancers, self-employed people, or anyone who can prove they have a fixed income of $2,500/month. A rentista visa allows you to open a business or freelance in Costa Rica, but does not allow you to work as an employee. If you would like to work as a salaried employee for a business or company, you will need a Costa Rican work visa instead.

The residence permit issued through the Costa Rican rentista visa is valid for two years and can be renewed provided you continue to meet the requirements. Once you have been living in Costa Rica with the residence permit for at least three years, you may apply for permanent residency in Costa Rica.

Do I Qualify for a Costa Rican Digital Nomad Visa?

In order to qualify for a Costa Rica rentista visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Demonstrate you will be receiving a fixed income of $2,500/month. To meet this requirement, you have to set up a bank account, where you will deposit $60,000 and obtain a letter of commitment that you will be receiving $2,500/month for the next two years.
• Contribute to La Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (C.C.S.S. – Social Security Fund). You will be issued seguro voluntario (or voluntary insurance) which will cost you approximately 10% of your monthly income.

Costa Rica Rentista Visa Requirements

The documents you need to submit for the rentista visa application are

• Rentista Visa Application Form. The application form is available at either the Migration and Foreign Affairs Office or the Costa Rican Embassy.
• Records of your fingerprints. Head to the Police Department to collect your fingerprints.
• Proof of paid fees. You can find the payment requirements listed below under “Price for Rentista Visa”.
• Copy of your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
• Passport-sized photos of yourself. The number of photos required is six.
• Police Clearance Certificate. You can obtain this certificate from the police or court authorities in your country.
• Income Certificate. The certificate must state you have a stable monthly income of $2,500 a month as required for the rentista visa.
• Registration at the Consular Office. You are required to register with the consular office in your country.
• Cover Letter. You will be asked to provide additional personal information by writing a cover letter.
• If your family members are joining you, you must also submit proof of your relationship with them by providing either a:
  • Birth Certificate. Applicable if you want your child(ren) to join you.
  • Marriage Certificate. Applicable if you want your spouse to join you.

All required documents must be either written in or translated into Spanish as well as contain the Apostille Stamp.

How To Apply for a Costa Rica Rentista Visa?

A step-by-step guide for acquiring a Costa Rica rentista visa is as follows:

1. Locate the Costa Rican Directorate of Migration. You must make an appointment with the Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (or the General Directorate of Migration and Foreign Affairs) in Costa Rica where you will also be asked to submit your application for the rentista visa.
2. Collect the Documents. Make sure you collect all the documents that are listed above.
3. Submit the Application at the Directorate of Migration. All applications for the rentista visa must be submitted physically to the Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria in Costa Rica.
4. Wait for an Answer. The rentista visa application can take from twelve to fifteen months to process. The DGME (Costa Rica Immigration Department) will take around nine months to thoroughly check your application and will give you an answer once they have made a decision.

Costa Rica Rentista Visa Fees

The fees for the Costa Rica rentista visa include:

Once you pay the required fees for your rentista visa application, you will be given a document that states your payment status. This document is required for your visa application and must be attached to the other required documents.

Health Insurance For Costa Rica Rentista Visa

Health insurance is not free in Costa Rica and you are therefore required to acquire private medical insurance beforehand. There are many companies that offer:

• Private insurance specifically for Costa Rica.
• Private insurance specifically for either European or US citizens.
• Global coverage private insurance.

You can check what private insurance service fulfills your needs and requirements and can then freely visit Costa Rica with no hesitation.

What Country Should I Pay Taxes For With A Rentista Visa?

If you reside in Costa Rican territory for longer than six months, you automatically register for the Costa Rican taxing system and must therefore pay taxes in Costa Rica. Acquiring a temporary residence permit makes you a legal resident in Costa Rica and you will be taxed 10-25% of your $2,500 monthly income as required by the rentista visa.

How Long After Rentista Visa Can I Get Costa Rica Permanent Residence Permit?

You will be eligible for Costa Rican permanent residence if you reside in the country’s territory with a rentista visa for at least three years. A permanent residence permit comes with additional benefits such as enabling the road to obtain Costa Rican citizenship amongst others.

Can My Family Come With Me With A Rentista Visa?

Yes, a Costa Rica rentista visa is family-friendly. In fact, it encourages you to take your spouse and children with you to Costa Rica. Additional charges may apply during the visa application procedure but no additional investment is required besides the $60,000 initial investment. You will also be asked to submit a marriage and birth certificate accordingly to prove the relationship with your family member.

Costa Rica Rentista Visa Benefits

Some benefits of living in Costa Rica thanks to the rentista visa are

• Warm weather. Say goodbye to seasonal sadness as Costa Rica offers warm and sunny weather all year long to let you enjoy its

Some benefits of obtaining a Costa Rican rentista visa are

• Being your own boss, anywhere and anytime. No need to stress over working hours, as being your own boss lets you choose not only your working hours but also where you would like to work from.
• Lower tax payment tax system. Usually, anyone providing income for the Costa Rican government pays around 30% in taxes, whereas as a digital nomad, you will only be required to tax 10-15% of your income.
• Chance to apply for permanent residency. With a rentista visa, after meeting some additional requirements, you will be eligible for permanent residency. This is an important benefit as the permanent residence permit then enables you to apply for Costa Rican citizenship.

Is Costa Rica A Safe Country for Digital Nomads?

Located in Central America, Costa Rica is considered the safest country in the area. The government of Costa Rica also ensures additional safety measures for tourists. You are, however, advised to take some additional safety measures if you would like for your visit to go smoothly. Traveling in groups and during the day are the most common safety practices as well as not carrying your passport and a large amount of money with you for long.

As long as you pay attention to your surroundings and keep track of your belongings, visiting Costa Rica will not be an issue.

Costa Rica Must-See Places

If you need an extra push to convince you that you absolutely need to visit Costa Rica, here are some attractions you must see

Volcan Arenal

Active yet attractive, the Arenal Volcano is one of the places that everyone must see at least once. Located in La Fortuna, an area known for its thermal lakes and astounding beauty, the Arenal volcano is surrounded by lava flows that are intriguing to hear about let alone see with your own eyes.

The Cloud Forests

The Cloud Forests got their name from the high level of condensation as a result of the constant rainfall in the forests. The moisture gives the forests a gloomy and cloudy feel to them and is, therefore, one of the biggest attractions in Costa Rica.

Tortuguero

Just as the name suggests, Tortuguero is a small village where the Sea Turtle Conservation is located. The conservation is an exhibit that shows many types of turtle species that are currently sheltered there and visitors are more than welcome to see them.

Diamante Eco

Diamante Eco is a notorious adventure park filled with canoe rides, a forest canopy, jaguar filled wildlife center as well as a gorgeous butterfly house. If an all-in-one package is what you are searching for, look no further, as Diamante Eco is your perfect destination spot.

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However, that’s not always the case. The Costa Rica visa policy is divided into four groups:

1. The first group included visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport. The passport must be valid for at least one more day from the date of entry into the country.
2. The second group also includes visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport. However, in this case, the passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of arrival.
3. The third group includes foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Consular Visa, which must be applied for at a Costa Rica consulate in their country of residence.
4. The fourth group includes foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Restricted Visa. This type of visa has to be approved by the Commission of Restricted Visas.

This article will detail the Costa Rica visa policy by country.

Do You Need a Visa for Costa Rica?

You only need a Costa Rica visa if you are from one of the following countries:

Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Consular Visa (Third group)

The following countries have to apply for a Costa Rica Consular Visa at a Costa Rica consulate in their country:

Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Restricted Visa (Fourth group)

Nationals from the following countries have to apply for a Costa Rica Restricted Visa, which requires authorization form the Commission of Restricted Visas:

Who is Exempt from Costa Rica Visas?

The following nationals are exempt from holding a visa when travelling to Costa Rica:

For stays of up to 90 days

For stays of up to 30 days

Do You Need a Costa Rica Visa if You Already Have a US/Schengen visa?

Visa-required foreign nationals may be exempt from holding a Costa Rica visa if they already have a valid entry visa for one of the following countries:

• An EU member state
• A Schengen country
• USA
• Canada
• South Korea
• Japan

Additionally, foreign nationals on the third and fourth group are exempt from holding a Costa Rica visa if they have a residence permit (not less than six months) for:

• USA
• Canada
• An EU member state

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Costa Rica?

If you are a US national, and you want to stay in Costa Rica for a period longer than 90 days, you will need a residence permit. You can get a Costa Rica residence permit in two ways:

• By applying for a provisional visa (student visa, work visa) at a Costa Rica consulate before you travel to Costa Rica or
• Enter Costa Rica as a tourist and apply after you arrive in the country at the Costa Rican Department of Immigration (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería).

This applies to all the foreign nationals included in group 1 and 2 that are allowed visa-free access to Costa Rica.

What if I Need to Apply for a Costa Rica Visa?

If you need to apply for a visa to Costa Rica, you can review the application steps and requirements here.

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Does Taiwan Have a Digital Nomad Visa?

Taiwan does not have a visa designed especially for digital nomads; however, they do have The Taiwan Employment Gold Card, which applies to digital nomads.

The Taiwan Employment Gold Card is a combined open work permit, residence permit, and visa for skilled professionals and has been active since February 2018. With the Gold Card, you can stay in Taiwan for one to three years. Moreover, having this card entitles you to work for any (or multiple) Taiwanese companies or to start your own enterprise.

Who is Eligible for a Taiwan (Gold Card) Digital Nomad Visa?

The Gold Card applies to professionals, freelancers, or self-employed individuals who can prove that they have a $5,700 monthly income.

Individuals with high-skilled professions in one of the eight fields are also eligible for a Taiwan (Gold Card) digital nomad visa.

The eight fields are:

• Field of Architecture
• Field of Culture and Arts
• Field of Economy
• Field of Education
• Field of Finance
• Field of Law
• Filed of National Defence
• Field of Science & Technology
• Field of Sport

Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Taiwan

Working as a digital nomad in Taiwan has the following benefits:

• Tax matters. Digital nomads are free from income taxes until the 183rd day of their stay.
• Fast internet connection. The internet connection in Taiwan is fast everywhere, particularly in big cities. The fixed internet speed is 154.89 Mbps, and the mobile internet speed is 96.97 Mbps. In addition, there are over 50,000 Wi-Fi hotspots around the country.
• Reliable transport. Transport in Taiwan is inexpensive and fast. One of the best ways to travel in Taiwan is by metro. Metros are cheap, modern, and extremely safe. The best Taiwan attractions are near metro stations. In addition, taxis are cheap as well.
• Delicious food. With its distinct history and geographical location, Taiwanese cuisine is diverse and full of flavor, using a great deal of garlic and soy sauce. Though heavily influenced by Chinese flavors, Taiwanese cuisine is still rich in diversity. The most popular Taiwanese dishes are beef noodles, soup dumplings, minced pork rice, intestine and oyster vermicelli, oyster omelet, stinky tofu, and many more.
• Affordable prices. The cost of living depends on the city you decide to live in, but generally, the prices are affordable. For a family of four, the estimated monthly costs are $2,748.35 without rent, and for a single person, the estimated monthly costs are $744.72 without rent. Other prices are:
• Meal (inexpensive restaurant) – $3.99
• Meal for two people (mid-range restaurant, three-course) – $29.62
• One-way ticket (local transport) – $0.83
• Basic utilities (monthly) – $74.44
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) – $25.50
• Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center – $458.32
• Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of City Center – $307.50
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center – $1,079.56
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside the City Center – $734.96

It’s no surprise that Taiwan is among the most densely populated islands in the world! A lively city, beautiful temples, and museums are some of the attractions in the country. Furthermore, Taiwan boasts beautiful natural landscapes such as beaches and forests with beautiful trails.

How to Apply for a Taiwan (Gold Card) Digital Nomad Visa?

You must apply for a Taiwan (Gold Card) digital nomad visa online through the official Taiwan Employment Gold Card website. The application process is as follows:

1. Prepare the required documents. You must have digital copies of the documents, so you can upload them to the online platform. The documents you need are in the section “Requirements for Taiwan (Gold Card) Digital Nomad Visa”.
2. Register in the online application. Go to the Foreign Professionals Online Application Platform website and create an account. Remember, you need to change your password every three months.
3. Access the online application form. The link to the application form can be found here. Fill it out with information and make sure your name is the same as the one on your passport. You can save the added information and come back to it at any time.
4. Upload the documents. Make sure to add the additional documents for your profession as well. You must submit documents that comply with the requirements for the qualification you are applying for. Note: Hong Kong and Macau residents may be required to provide proof of residence and identity.
5. Pay the fees. After submitting the online application, the system will email you a 12-digit application number. Then log into your account and enter the “online payment” tab. You can choose from six different payment methods. The visa fees are $100 to $310, depending on your nationality and duration of stay. The application fee is non-refundable.
6. Get confirmation. Once you’ve completed the application, you’ll receive an e-mail confirmation from the platform. The review process has now begun for your application.
7. Submit your passport for a passport check If your application has been approved and has passed the qualification review, you will receive an e-mail notification to bring your passport to be inspected. Your passport will be inspected by the Bureau of Consular Affairs or a ROC overseas mission/office. Upon verification, you’ll receive an e-mail stating that your passport was approved and your gold card application was processed. This process might take a week.
8. Receive your Gold Card. After your application has been approved, you will get an email notifying you that you can get your Gold Card.

Additionally, you might need a visa to enter Taiwan, depending on your nationality.

Requirements for Taiwan (Gold Card) Digital Nomad Visa

The list of the required documents is when applying for a Taiwanese Gold Card as a digital nomad is:

• Digital copy of your passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months.
• Digital copy of your passport photo. The dimensions of the photos must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). The head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
• Your previous Taiwanese visa or residence permit (if any).
• Dates of any times you have worked in Taiwan (if applicable).
• Proof of employment. To prove your employment, the required documents depend on your profession. You can check what documents are needed through the official Taiwan Employment Gold Card website. On the website, you can click on the Qualifications | Taiwan Gold Card section to find out more.
• Proof of income. If you are not part of the eight fields, you have to have a $5,700 monthly income.

Note: All documents need to be 1MB in size in image or PDF format.

How Long Can I Work in Taiwan as a Digital Nomad?

The validity of the Taiwan Gold Card for digital nomads is from one year to three years. You can apply for permanent residence after five years.

Processing Time For A Digital Nomad Visa (Gold Card) in Taiwan

The application usually takes thirty days. However, if additional documents need to be submitted, the processing time can be fifty to sixty days.

How Much Does the Taiwan (Gold Card) Digital Nomad Visa Cost?

The visa fees are $100 to $310, depending on your nationality and duration of stay. The application fee is non-refundable, regardless of the results of your application.

Paying Taxes as a Digital Nomad in Taiwan

Non-residents who live in Taiwan for less than 90 days in a calendar year are subject to an 18% withholding tax on their salary that comes from Taiwan. In the case of a digital nomad, the salary is not derived from Taiwan and will be exempt from taxes.

Digital nomads are free from income taxes until the 183rd day of their stay. However, an individual who lives in Taiwan for more than 90 days in a full calendar year but for less than 183 days is subject to a flat-rate tax of 18%, regardless of whether their salary is from a Taiwan-based company.

In Taiwan, personal income tax is progressive. For residents, the tax rate is:

• For an income of $17,982.92 – 5%
• For an income of $17,982.92 to $40,295.05 – 12%
• For an income of $40,295.05 to $80,590.10  – 20%
• For an income of $80,590.10 to $150856.68 – 30%
• For an income of over $150856.68 – 40%

In addition, Taiwan has a basic income tax, the rate of which is 20%. Furthermore, corporate income is paid at the rate of 20%, the payment of dividends is subject to a 21% withholding tax, and the property tax is paid at the rates of 1% to 5.5%.

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