Reader TTS

South Korea’s ‘digital nomad’ visa lets foreigners who earn double its per capita gross national income of Rs 27 lakh and their families to stay for up to one year. Nearly half the countries

in the world now offer such visas with Spain, Argentina, Romania, UAE, and Croatia popular destinations read more Are you a digital nomad? Do you enjoy working remotely while travelling to

new and exciting destinations? South Korea has introduced a new visa for those wishing to enjoy a working holiday or ‘workcation.’ But what is the ‘digital nomad’ visa? Which other countries

have it? Let’s take a closer look: WHAT IS IT? The visa is being issued by South Korea’s justice ministry, as per _Business Standard._ Foreign nationals who earn double South Korea’s s per

capita gross national income of $33,000 (Rs 27 lakh) can apply for the visa. They must also have a medical insurance cover of Rs 63 lakh and must be able to meet medical treatment and

repatriation fees. Families of such individuals will also be granted such visas. The people who are awarded this visa cannot be hired by any company in South Korea to work or undertake any

profit-making activity. > While the visa will be issued for one year, it can be extended for > another year. Those in South Korea on temporary visas are also eligible. However, those

on this visa cannot be employed by any company in South Korea or engage in any for-profit work. As per _Mint,_ to be eligible for this visa you must have worked in your field for at least

one year. You must also be above the age of 18 and have no criminal record. You can apply for this visa at South Korean embassies around the world. [caption id=“attachment_13484292”

align=“alignnone” width=“640”] Those on this visa cannot be employed by any company in South Korea or engage in any for-profit work. Representational Image. Pixabay[/caption] This scheme is

being implemented on a trial basis. The authorities will later take a final call on whether it is made permanent. The outlet quoted the ministry of justice as saying that the new visa would

make it easier for foreigners to remote work while on vacation. Remote workers earlier had to apply for tourist visas or keep their stays to 90 days. WHICH OTHER COUNTRIES HAVE IT? Nearly

half the countries in the world now offer visas for ‘digital nomads’ for up to one year, a new study by the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) shows. _Khaleej Times,_ quoting from the

study, revealed that: * 47 per cent of nations offer visas one year visas * 39 per cent exempt digital nomads from taxes * 17 per cent have no requirements for a minimum income * 76 per cent

of destinations have online application programmes * 80 per cent of destinations process applications within one-month period * Only six per cent of destinations have zero visa fees * The

study looked at such programmes in several areas including application process; duration of visa; taxation; insurance; accommodation; minimum income requirements; and criminal records check.

It also examined the background and current state of digital nomadism trends. WHICH ARE THE BEST PLACES TO GO FOR DIGITAL NOMADS? As per _CNBC_, the Digital Nomad Visa Index ranked the top

10 countries for digital nomads as * Spain * Argentina * Romania * UAE * Croatia * Portugal * Uruguay * Malta * Norway * Andorra * Spain allows digital nomads to stay in the country for up

to one year. This, as long as they earn double of the country’s minimum wage per month – which works out to around Rs 2.30 lakh. > As per _Timeout,_ you can apply for temporary residency 

after > getting the digital nomad visa. Advertisement Portugal, which has been a go-to destination for years for digital nomads, has made several changes that have hurt its reputation.

These include bringing its non-habitual resident regime, which allowed a tax reduction for 10 years to new residents regardless of nationality, to a close, as per _CNBC._ As per _Timeout_,

Dubai has a long-term visa scheme for remote workers and their families. This lets you remain in the city for a year while employed with a firm abroad. The visa itself costs $611 (Rs 50,000)

– not including medical insurance. Digital nomads must make at least $5,000 (Rs 4.16 lakh) per month. Croatia, meanwhile, is another exotic destination. To apply for a digital nomad visa,

you must make  ($2,520) Rs 2 lakh per month, be able to show proof of employment and health insurance. Your country must also not be a member of the EU or EEA. Digital nomads can stay in

Croatia for up to a year. _With inputs from agencies_