Digital nomad visas are becoming increasingly popular among professionals who dream of working from any corner of the world. Countries also benefit from new residents, so they simplify their laws to attract more expats. Find out which Southeast Asian countries are offering digital nomad visas in 2024

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The remote work format is becoming more and more popular. In social networks, you can increasingly find stories about how thousands of expats work and rest in Mexico, Portugal, the UAE or Norway. At the same time, state governments quickly saw the high potential in these workers. That is why, following European countries, more and more East Asian countries began to offer digital nomads to issue visas to their countries.

We will talk about the countries included in the list of "hot spots for digital nomads" this summer and the conditions for foreigners.

Digital nomad visa in Japan

In April 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan announced a new visa. In general, the list of requirements is standard - to be over 18 years old, to work in a remote format in one of the foreign companies or to have a customer base outside of Japan. However, the salary level stands out. To qualify for a digital nomad visa in Japan, applicants must earn at least 10 million yen per year (approximately $64,000 USD). This significantly exceeds the requirements of Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados (which require an annual income of US$50,000), which are considered to be among the most expensive destinations for digital nomads.

In addition, digital nomads must have a health insurance policy of at least ¥10 million (approximately $64,000 USD). Coverage should cover treatment and repatriation.

The period of stay is also limited - up to 6 months.

Korean digital visa

The digital nomad visa in South Korea was introduced in February 2024. Among the requirements, South Korea requires applicants to earn at least two gross national incomes per capita in the previous year, which is 85 million won in 2023 (about US$66,000). The rest of the criteria are standard (age over 18, self-employment or work in a foreign company). As in the case of Japan, expats here will also need a health insurance policy.

The Korean digital nomadic visa allows you to stay in the country for a maximum of 2 years.

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Visa for remote workers of Malaysia

The digital nomad visa to Malaysia was introduced in October 2022. The DE Rantau program allows expats to live and work in the country for 3 to 12 months, with the option to extend for another year. The application can be submitted online. A significant advantage is that moving with the family is allowed, spouses and children can be added to the application for an additional fee.

The amount of annual income is $24,000, which is significantly lower than in South Korea and Japan.

Digital Nomad Visa Indonesia (Island of Bali)

Bali continues to attract foreign professionals. The Indonesian government has introduced the E33G (Remote Worker) visa, which provides a one-year residence permit (KITAS).

Income requirements are $2,000 per month.

Thailand digital visa

Thailand also recently introduced its own visa for remote workers. This Southeast Asian country now offers a “Thailand Destination Visa (DTV)” that allows expatriates to stay for up to 5 years. However, DTV owners must leave Thailand every 180 days and pay $270 for each return.

The conditions for obtaining a visa are the same as in Indonesia and Malaysia. Applicants must be self-employed or work for a foreign company and be at least 20 years old. DTV also applies to expatriates who wish to participate in cultural activities in Thailand. So far, the government has not defined a minimum income level. However, it is estimated that foreign applicants must prove that they own at least 500,000 baht (about US$13,600). Eligible foreigners can apply online, while others must visit their embassy or consulate.

Why are Southeast Asian countries introducing visas for digital nomads?

The main purpose of these new digital nomad visas is to promote tourism. The countries of the region are trying to recover from the Covid epidemic and increase their popularity among tourists.

Also influenced by the Hallyu wave, Korean culture attracts many potential expatriates. Foreign students dream of Seoul. Artists and young artists look forward to creating a K-culture study visa.

Japan has also revived its strategy to promote Japanese culture internationally

In general, digital nomadism is a way to stimulate the tourism economy in Southeast Asian countries.

Where in the world is the fastest Internet for digital nomads, read here. 10 common myths about digital nomad life in this article.

Ihor Usyk - head of Visit World's legal department

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