Searches for moving out of the country and becoming a digital nomad expanded exponentially this month as many United States citizens are starting to come to grips with what a change in presidential administration could mean for them.
Search terms for “how to move to Canada” and even “best countries to move to” have replaced the ones more focused on choosing the perfect presidential candidate.
However, it’s really the expansion of a trend that really took off during the pandemic. While many people were forced to mask up and self-isolate, they also took the time to uncover their roots and opportunities for life outside of their own country.
That led to an explosion of United States citizens applying for dual citizenship and second passports based on their heritage or even based on buying a property in another country. Consulates and embassies around the world were slow to respond and now the average wait for dual citizenship processing is years.
In response, many Americans have instead focused on the digital nomad trend around the world and the number of countries proactively welcoming non-citizens to enjoy their country for a fixed period of time while contributing to the city and paying national taxes as well.
Where Can Digital Nomads Call Home?
The good news is, according to the New York Times, more than 50 countries around the world have opened their doors, and their visa restrictions, to digital nomads from around the world.
Dreamed of a Game of Thrones life in New Zealand? Yes, they have one. How about the canals of Venice and the glory which was Rome. Italy has one too.
Most likely a country most travelers would love to spend an extended vacation in probably already has a digital nomad visa or has one currently in process.
Spain, Portugal, Norway and the Netherlands are popular places with large digital nomad communities in Europe. Meanwhile, Argentina and Ecuador are the go-to places in South America. Don’t forget Japan and Kenya.
If you want to stay closer to home, Mexico and Canada both allow 180-day visas and nomads can even work from Canada without any problems.
Key Requirements To Know
The challenge with digital nomad visas is that every country has different requirements and processes.
Some have to be applied for in person, while others can be done via mail or the web. They also have income requirements, such as the $2,450 a month needed in Spain or $3,500 needed in Portugal.
Also, a consideration is the length of the visa and number of renewals permitted.
Taxation is another thorny subject as United States citizens are taxed on worldwide income. That means no matter where you are on the globe, if you are a United States citizen, Uncle Sam wants his cut. Although, President-Elect Trump made a campaign pledge to end this practice.
What most people considering digital nomad visa opportunities need to know is that the visas are not permanent. At some point you will need to return to the United States or find a different path to residency.
However, for those worried about the election results and the impact on their lives, they only may need to cover being a digital nomad for the next four years!