The surge of digital nomads continues to rise globally, with remote workers combining work and travel. Initiated by certain countries to boost local economies during the pandemic, more than 40 countries today offer such opportunities for these remote workers to work internationally while continuing their digital careers.
A 170% rise was seen right after the 2024 presidential elections, and it continues to rise as more remote workers pursue luxurious working vacation experiences worldwide. Here are the best countries outside Asia for the most exquisite working vacations.
The Best Countries Outside Asia for Exquisite Working Vacations
1. New Zealand
In response to the global movement of digital nomads and influencer culture, New Zealand has offered its digital nomad visa to extend its existing Visitor’s Visa. Remote workers can reside in the country for up to 90 days and be lengthened for up to 9 months. There is no income requirement, and you must show proof of employment from a company outside the country.
Luxury experiences in New Zealand include helicopter rides through ice-capped mountains and fjords, wine tours and tastings, cliffside golf courses, yacht cruises, and guided hunting, among many other wilderness adventures.
Related article: World-Class Golfing Experience in a Beautiful Location at Windross Farm Golf Course, New Zealand
2. Spain
Photo: Agoda
A report by CNBC shows that Spain tops the digital nomad list with “great healthcare and beaches.” A favorite among remote workers worldwide, digital nomads can stay in the country for one year, provided they have the income to meet the visa requirements, among other qualifications.
Some of these requirements include a one-year contract with a company outside of Spain, an income of at least double the minimum income or at least $2,750, Schengen eligibility before applying, and at least three years of work experience or a college degree. Please check for updated requirements, as they could change at any time.
Working remotely in Spain offers a luxurious experience, including hot air balloon rides, gastronomic adventures, VIP access to football stadiums, and even sleep retreat holidays in one of their prestigious hotels like Six Senses Ibiza. You can also live it up in beachfront 5-star resorts.
Related article: Sleep Your Way to Wellness: 12 Best Hotels and Resorts for a Sleep Retreat Holiday
3. Brazil
Photo: Tripadvisor
Brazil began offering digital nomad visas in 2022 and has since become a favorite among remote workers worldwide. With stunning beaches, exciting culture, and various luxury experiences, Brazil is one of the world’s top attractors of digital nomads.
The first country in South America to begin offering this visa, remote workers must have a minimum income of $1,500/month, or $18,000 in savings, proof of employment from a company outside Brazil, a clear criminal record from the country of origin, and a valid health insurance. Remote workers can stay up to one year and extend for another year.
Luxury experiences in Brazil include exclusive tours of the Amazon jungle, beach getaways, jungle safaris, and fine-dining adventures at Michelin-starred restaurants.
4. Dubai
Photo: Tripadvisor
According to the CNBC report mentioned earlier, the UAE tops second on the list as a favorite destination for digital nomads. They have a “virtual working program” that allows you to stay in the country for one year, with an option to renew. Requirements include a minimum income of $3,500 per month, must have at least a one-year contract from a company outside the UAE, valid health insurance, and recent bank statements of at least three months.
Dubai is a haven for luxury travel, where you can experience culture, fine dining, parties, yachting on the Gulf, renting sports cars, enjoying polo games, and shopping to your heart’s desires.
How to Get a Digital Nomad Visa for Extended Workations
Check if your country/citizenship is eligible – This is especially important for Asian passport holders, who may not have the same opportunities to travel visa-free in certain countries. Check with the embassy of your destination to ensure your passport is eligible for their digital nomad visa program.
Pay attention to all requirements – Ensure you have all the requirements to place an application. Always check necessary channels for updated requirements to ensure you have everything, such as income requirements, proof of employment, travel insurance, etc.
Be polite to embassy staff – Brazil is known to reject applicants for being rude to embassy or consular staff. Once you get rejected, you may be permanently banned from entering Brazil. So always ensure you’re on your best behavior when you apply for the visa, not just in Brazil, but in every country you apply to.
Photo: Greek Travel Pages
Do not overstay your welcome – If you are given 90 days in New Zealand or a year in Spain, ensure you don’t overstay your welcome. If you wish to extend your stay, there are necessary steps to help you stay in the country longer. If you do overstay, there might be penalties or permanent consequences to your record.
The New Era of Working Vacations
It’s a dream to travel to different countries all over the world. However, three to five days is rarely enough to experience each country truly. Most people must work to earn a living, so traveling full-time may remain a dream for them.
However, with digital nomad visa programs in more than 40 countries, the dream of traveling while working has become accessible. With these programs, long-term working vacations are now a dream come true for many in the digital working space, allowing you to live out luxury experiences while maintaining a career wherever you may be.
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Featured Image by Synergy Learning
