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☁️ Malaysia's Game-Changing Digital Nomad Visa 👀

Plus, An Updated List of African Digital Nomad Visas, 2023

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Hey nomads,

Welcome back to this week’s newsletter. If you are just joining us, don’t forget we’ll send you some cool branded merch once you invite a certain number of members. The info is at the end of this newsletter.

Without further ado, let’s get started…

Hot Off The Press🔥

  • Malaysia’s New Digital Nomad Visa Is Now The Easiest To Qualify For In Asia. (traveloffpath)

  • Namibia Welcomes It’s First Digital Nomads. (allafrica)

  • Malta’s Digital Nomad Visa Among “The Best In Europe” – Here’s How To Apply. (travelinglifestyle)

  • How Goa is pushing for India to become a remote work hub. (euronews)

  • This digital nomad worked in 20 countries in 5 years. Here are her best money tips. (cnbc)

  • Phoenix, USA is one of the best stop-off places for digital nomads, report says. Prob biased because look who wrote it hehe. (PhoenixBusinessJournal)

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📰 Good Reads of The Week

Malaysia’s New Digital Nomad Visa Is Now The Easiest To Qualify For In Asia

Embarking on a global odyssey, Malaysia is pitching itself as the unrivaled haven for digital nomads, offering a seamless and secure pathway to a vibrant nomadic lifestyle that effortlessly surpasses its Asian counterparts. A lot of Bali digital nomads do visa runs here and it’s always had an influx of laptop lifestyle enthusiasts, but can it compete with it beach-loving neighbor in Indonesia who doesn’t have an official digital nomad visa? Only time will tell.

Here is what we know about the story:

  • The Malaysian “social visit pass” visa allows travelers from the US, UK, Canada, and other countries to visit for tourism or business for 90 days.

  • The “DE Rantau program” goal is to secure Malaysia’s position as the top digital nomad destination in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

  • The program, initiated by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), focuses on foreign and local digital nomads.

  • The De Rantau Nomad Pass falls under Professional Visa Pass with a low-cost fee of $225 with 75% refundable upon rejection.

  • It lasts for 3-12 months and can be renewed.

  • To qualify, you must earn $24,000 annually or $2,000 monthly and must be working in the digital domain.

Namibia Welcomes First Digital Nomads

Digital nomads are a new trend, and most countries are all of a sudden becoming ‘geniuses’ for creating visas dedicated to the digital nomad lifestyle, so when you hear Namibia who has never been on the map, you know it must something many countries are implementing into their strategy. Interestingly, the nation recently approved its first batch of digital nomad visas.

Here is what we know about the story:

  • Namibia launched its Digital Nomad Visa in late October last year and has successfully approved its first applications early this year.

  • The program aims to capitalize on the growing digital workforce by offering a 6-month visa to foreign digital nomads.

  • A total of 121 inquiries have been made, with a total of 20 applications and some rejections (seems a little low, probably because it’s not established yet)

  • You must meet the visa pass qualification, including earning $2,000 per month working in any digital aspect.

How Goa is Pushing for India to Become a Remote Work Hub

As you can see from past editions we spoke about Goa becoming a unique destination for digital nomads as it offers a peaceful and pleasant access to nature and many workspaces. A lot of the digital nomad leaders are really putting in an effort so we can see why it has a chance to grow.

Here is what we know about the story:

  • The Minister of IT and Tourism, Rohan Khaunte, launched the ‘Workation Goa’ campaign last year that focuses on introducing workspaces in beachside locations.

  • The Minister entered talks with the country’s Prime minister on offering a remote working visa; however, India still doesn't offer a decent digital nomad visa.

  • It does have an e-Tourist visa that lasts for 90 days to five years, with fees ranging from $10 to $80.

African Digital Nomad Visas, 2023

Africa is also becoming a good choice for working remotely, with an array of diverse activities any laptop wielding nomad can partake in. Although safety may be an issue in many of it’s developing nations, it’s important to have an open mind and not fall for the old stereotypes. There are beautiful and peaceful workspaces in the handful of African nations that have the potential to be hotspots for digital nomads. There is also access to certain nations thriving with startups and innovations. We’ll do a deep dive into Africa soon but for now here’s some insight into the only three countries in Africa we’re aware of that offer digital nomad visas:

Namibia

Namibian Flag

Namibia recently approved its first digital nomad visa late last year, making it possible for any digital nomad interested in enjoying the unique sceneries and features the region has to offer. English is the national language there, and visa applications are made online. The visa permit last six months, and only successful applicants get awarded. To qualify, you need to:

  • be a digital space worker earning $2,000 monthly,

  • have a clean criminal record,

  • have a valid passport

  • have health insurance cover in Namibia

Mauritius

Mauritius Island Beach

Maldives, oh we mean Mauritius is another region that offers a tranquil, productive workspace ambiance that will interest any digital nomad. The region is full of life and a rich, breathtaking nature. Digital nomads can now take advantage of Mauritius's digital nomad visa that lasts one year. To qualify, you need:

  • To be earning $1,500 monthly

  • Have a valid passport

  • Be a digital or remote worker

  • Have health insurance cover in Mauritius

Super accessible for most nomads no?

Cape Verde

Cape Verde Flag

Cape Verde is another island vibe digital nomad destination located on the African west coast that also offers a natural ocean view environment conducive for any remote workers fantasy. Digital nomads can leverage the 6-month visa pass offered and check eligibility to qualify.

The requirements include:

  • Have a bank balance of $1,700 for the past six months

  • Must be a citizen of CPLP, CEDEAO, Europe, or North America.

  • Have an accommodation address in Cape Verde

  • Have a clean criminal record.

  • Have health insurance cover in Cape Verde

Even easier to qualify for! We know some from the community have been here. How is it??

🏊‍♀️ DEEP DIVE BROUGHT TO YOU BY ORIENCE

If you’ve been considering the Spanish digital nomad visa, STOP and consult with a professional firm first. Having spoke to the team we feel confident they can help you. Enjoy their insights on the visa below.

Have you been dreaming about living and working in hot and sunny Spain but visa issues got in the way?

Digital Nomad visas are becoming popular because they offer a flexible lifestyle that allows individuals to work remotely from anywhere in the world and give people the freedom to live their dreams. They can travel and explore new places while still earning a living so it appeals to people who value freedom, independence, and adventure.

Additionally, advances in technology have made it easier for people to work remotely, which has led to the rise of digital nomads as a popular lifestyle choice.

Until now, some of the most desired destinations for digital nomads were Bali, Estonia, Barbados, Georgia, Portugal, and Mexico. This year, Spain has joined the more than 40 countries that offer this type of residency permit.

The new residence permit for telecommuters and digital nomads came into force with the 'startups' law. It was approved last December 21, 2022, by the Spanish Legislation. Although originally intended to attract Britains back after Brexit, its popularity is quickly spreading across the globe. The program allows any non-European citizens with remote jobs to apply. As a result, applications are on the rise, attracting a diverse range of skilled workers from around the world.

To obtain the digital nomad visa in Spain, the following requirements must be met:

  • Proof the company has been active for over a year

  • An employment contract to show you have been employed for more than 3 months

  • Permission to work remotely from Spain

  • Income over 30,000 euros per year.

  • Private healthcare insurance

In addition, the Digital Nomad Visa Spain offers a special tax regime that provides digital nomads with the opportunity to pay lower taxes. This is just one of the many benefits that make the program an attractive option for those seeking a flexible and financially viable remote lifestyle.

About Orience

Orience was established in 2013 in Barcelona with its core business focusing on residency by investment through the recently approved Spanish “Golden Visa” program. Today they are a full-service firm dedicated to all programs for residency and citizenship across the globe.

Over the last 10 years, they have expanded to incorporate real estate, property management, investment solutions and tax advice. Their multi-disciplined, multilingual team can customize mobility solutions for investors, companies and digital nomads.

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