PLAY | TRAVEL
Spain and Ecuador started to welcome foreign remote workers to their respective shores in January 2023 with the unveiling of digital nomad visas . The new Spanish visa , part of the country ’ s Startups Act , will allow remote workers earning a minimum monthly income of € 2,000 to live and work in the county for up to five years – giving close neighbour Portugal ’ s one-year visa ( you must earn at least € 2,800 per month ) a run for its money .
While South American country Ecuador , known for its high mountains and deep rainforests , is luring remote workers with the promise of “ low cost of living ” and “ authentic experiences ”. Under the country ’ s new Rentista Visa , remote workers who earn at least US $ 1,313 (€ 1,266 ) per month will be able to spend up to two years In the country .
Growing list of countries luring remote workers to foreign shores Spain and Ecuador join a growing list of countries worldwide – from the Caribbean to Europe – that have rolled out digital nomad visa programs in the last few years , as they look to rethink tourism in the post-pandemic world .
Designed to tap into the digital flexibility being offered by today ’ s businesses , these programs invite foreigners – whether selfemployed or employed with an overseas company – the chance to reside in , and work from , their countries visa-free .
Barbados was one of the first countries out of the digital nomad blocks , in July 2020 , unveiling its 12-month-long Barbados Welcome Stamp , closely followed by Caribbean-island Antigua & Barbuda , which upped the global mobility ante – unveiling a visa that allows digital nomads to reside for up to two years .
84 March 2023