After the world opened up post pandemic, a generation of global travellers took their work with them as they explored the word. And many employers became aware that the new digital economy allowed them to scale back on expensive offices and recruit talent on a far wider scale than if they cast their net locally. Digital nomads work as they travel, commuting via networked cloud applications.
Such is the popularity of this lifestyle that many countries have introduced digital nomad visas, recognising that this is a hybrid of tourism and employment that deserves special consideration. A digital nomad visa usually exempts the holder from national taxes for a specific period – from six months to a year.
The EU allows non EU citizens to reside under a Schengen visa for 90 days in every 180, though you are not allowed to work – hard to enforce if you are constantly on the move, working virtually and under the radar. A work visa is a whole other thing and requires a ton of bureaucracy.
A digital nomad is not an ex-pat , a whole other animal who generally set down roots in a country as a foreign resident. Many nomads are frequently on the move, considering themselves global citizens.
There are many types of work suitable for the modern nomadic lifestyle , from virtual assistant, to telesales, data entry, online lessons, content writing and social media related, web and app design. This lifestyle opens up travel opporunities and freedoms that many an office drone can only dream of. But work, not matter the exotic location it is carried out in, imposes limitations.
You have to consider that in many cases the working hours of your employer will define what hours you work – and that may mean you have to sacrifice your social life, if those hours are not compatible. And working from a coffee shop next to a beach in Thailand has many inconveniences such as power cuts, failing networks and the time difference of day and night.
Expenses to maintain the digital lifestyle are in many cases higher than those associated with a fixed residence. The web site Digital Nomad estimates the monthly costs of accommodation, internet and food, plus evaluating factors such as ease of visa, LGBTQ and cultural awareness, and local apps for getting around. Vietnam comes in a monthly cost of $1000. Beijing $2500. And if you fancy working on the beach of GOA, budget for $750 – and India has excellent internet connectivity.
Selina CoLive offers a a month-by-month CoLiving program for digital nomads to work & travel around the world starting from just $360/month.
But, you know the saying: there is no avoiding death and taxes. Most companies will want to know your tax status, and while you can invoice as an external contractor, tax authorities are beginning to look at the tax affairs of digital nomads. Estonia is a popular country for opening a EU company for invoicing purposes.
To get started as a Digital Nomad, it is best to start on a work from home basis before catching a plane to your first exotic destination. Once you build a reputation with at least a year’s experience under your belt, you stand a much better chance of funding your digital lifestyle. You know the ropes, how it works, and all you need to do is find somewhere to put your laptop down and a decent connection to the global network. And you are off.
