If you’re a digital nomad surfer, securing the right visa can make it easier to stay longer in top surf destinations without legal hassles. Many countries now offer digital nomad visas, allowing remote workers to enjoy world-class waves while maintaining their careers. To help you plan your next adventure, we’ve compiled a list of the best surf destinations that offer these visas, when a digital nomad visa is preferable to a tourist visa, and links to official sources for application details.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomad visa allows you to conduct remote work while residing in another country. Unlike tourist visas, these visas generally offer a longer stay (6 months to 1 year or more) and legally permit remote work for companies or clients outside the host country. However, they usually do not provide a pathway to permanent residency (although in some cases they can).
Key Characteristics:
- Allows remote work for a company or clients outside the country
- Available to freelancers, business owners, and employees
- Different from a work visa (cannot work for a local company) and a tourist visa (longer duration, explicitly allows remote work)
- Often valid for 6 months to 1 year, with possible extensions
Who is a Digital Nomad Visa Right For?
A digital nomad visa is ideal for remote workers who:
- Want the ability to legally work remotely while living abroad
- Are traveling to a country where remote work on a tourist visa is not permitted
- Want to stay longer than a tourist visa allows
Tip: If you don’t need an extended stay, check if your chosen country allows remote work on a tourist visa—it’s often cheaper and easier to obtain.
Personally, I have worked remotely from both Indonesia and from the Philippines. In both cases I was travelling for only 2 months, and so I was able to streamline the visa process by going on a tourist visa and getting an extension once I was in the country. However, if I had been staying longer term, a digital nomad visa would have been a great option.
Tax Considerations
In most cases, you continue paying taxes in your home country rather than the host country. However, some locations require tax payments after a certain duration.
Tax implications depend on agreements between your home and host countries to prevent double taxation. The length of time spent in or outside a country can also impact your tax residency status and liability.
If unsure, consult a tax accountant to avoid unexpected tax liabilities and ensure compliance with local regulations. It’s not worth getting wrong and finding yourself with a surprise tax bill!
How to Find Out if a Country Offers a Digital Nomad Visa
Finding the right visa can be overwhelming, but there are reliable ways to determine if a country offers a visa that specifically allows for remote work. Understanding the visa options available is the first step in planning a digital nomad surf trip.
To find remote work visa options:
- Search for terms like “Digital Nomad Visa,” “Independent Contractor Visa,” or “Remote Work Visa”
- Consult visa agent websites, which often offer detailed articles on visas and the application requirements
- Connect with other digital nomads via Facebook groups and forums to learn from their experiences
Always verify visa details through official government sources—many countries announce visas before they become available. We’ve included links to several offical sources below to save you the research.
Top Surf Countries with Digital Nomad Visas
Below are top surf destinations offering digital nomad visas, along with links to government sources for application details. Some visas can be applied for online, while others require an application through an embassy or consulate in your home country.
Costa Rica – Digital Nomad Visa
Requirements: See Here
Apply: Application Link
France – Long-Stay Profession Liberale Visa (Freelancers)
Requirements: See Here
Apply: Application Link
Indonesia – Remote Worker Visa E33G
Requirements: See Here
Apply: Application Link
Japan – Digital Nomad Visa
Requirements: See Here
Apply: Application Link
Mexico – Temporary Resident Visa A.5
Requirements: See Here
Apply: Application Link
New Zealand – Visitor Visa or NZeTA
Requirements: See Here
Apply: Application Link
Portugal – Short Stay Visa or Residency Permit
Short Stay Visa Requirements: See Here
Residency Permit Requirements: See Here
Apply (Short Stay): Application Link
Apply (Residency Permit): Application Link
South Africa – Remote Work Visa
Requirements: See Here
Apply: This visa is new and specific details on how to apply weren’t stated—reach out to the consulate in your home country.
Spain – Digital Nomad Visa
Requirements: See Here
Apply: Apply through your local embassy or consulate.
Conclusion
A digital nomad visa can be a great way to legally stay longer in a top surf destination while working remotely. Before applying, make sure to verify the latest visa requirements via official government websites and consider the tax implications of your extended stay.
These visas provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy epic waves and maintain a work-life balance without visa-related worries. Whether you’re planning a short stay or a longer adventure, choosing the right visa can make all the difference in your surf and remote work journey.
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