Among Countries With Digital Nomad Visas, Most People Prefer Bali, Indonesia

The pandemic has pushed both small and medium-sized companies to offer full-time remote work. More so, this opened new opportunities for those who aspire to live the digital nomad lifestyle. Thus, the launch of digital nomad visas to welcome foreign remote workers. This includes Malta which introduced the Nomad Residency Permit (NRP).

To add on, using such a visa, professionals can take their job with them anywhere they go. Usually, they only need a laptop and an internet connection. Digital nomad visas allow for longer stays, often 1 year or more. However, each country has its own policies and regulations. Thus, Real Research conducted a survey on this issue. Here is a presentation of the results.

Highlights

• 51.42% are aware that Malta has introduced the Nomad Residence Permit (NRP).
• Digital nomad visa schemes have no restriction on time and space, one just needs an internet connection.
• Bali, Indonesia is the most preferred country for digital nomad visas.
• Third-country nationals are eligible for applying to Malta’s NRPs.

51.42% Know That Malta Has Introduced the Nomad Residence Permit (NRP)

The Real Research survey results show that 51.42% are aware Malta has introduced the Nomad Residence Permit (NRP). Meanwhile, 48.58% say they are not aware of the issue.

In the same vein, 53.33% say yes, they have heard about the term digital nomad. On another note, 47.67% say no. To add on, the survey asks if respondents know the difference between nomads and freelancers. On this, 42.38% say yes while 23.02% are saying no. The remaining 34.60% say are unsure.

Advantages of Being a Digital Nomad

Real Research went on to ask respondents about the greatest advantage of being a digital nomad. There are many advantages of being a digital nomad. Firstly, there are no restrictions on time and space as long as the internet is available (28.31%). Following after, productivity is enhanced (12.11%). Even more, exploring numerous countries broadens your horizons and gives you more ideas (6.07%).

Likewise, Real Research asks what is the challenge of being a digital nomad. Therefore, the biggest challenge of being a digital nomad is that life plans are always in limbo (23.81%). More so, being far from family and home (9.45%).

Also, 9.32% say income and expenses may vary month to month. 5.14% chose ‘Acute loneliness from working online all the time’. The rest is divided amongst ‘Disconnecting from social opportunities leads to social seclusion’ and ‘Invest all your money in travel’.

Bali, Indonesia Is the Most Prefered Country for Digital Nomad Visas

There are many countries issuing digital nomad visas globally. The survey asks respondents to say which country they prefer in terms of digital nomad visa schemes. Here, the majority 21.92% say Bali, Indonesia. Also, Cambodia (7.83%), Vietnam (6.04%), Thailand (4.62%), Mexico (3.58%), and Costa Rica (2.51%).

Moving on, Real Research seeks to know the respondent’s opinion on why countries are offering a digital nomad visa. There are various responses to this. As the pandemic has vitalized telecommuting, the place of work has become less important (30.86%). Following after, 12.90% chose ‘To attract high-end foreign talents’.

To add on, 7.12% say there have been restrictions in getting a job and issuing a visa for foreigners before the scheme. Following after, is to come up with policies that are in line with the times and contribute to the economic revival (2.35%), other (18.03%), and not sure (28.75%).

Here is what people would like to experience most if they get a digital nomad visa. Get to travel and work from anywhere in the world (26.45%). Live in and learn from diverse cultures (12.11%), and live like a local in another country (7.87%). Lastly, meet other inspiring like-minded people (5.40%), other (20.52%), and not sure (27.66%).

Third Country Nationals Are Eligible for Applying to the Malta NRP

In the survey, Real Research asks what makes NRP offered by Malta more attractive. On this, third-country nationals are eligible for applying, who are not from an EU member state (24.66%). The visa lasts for up to a year with the possibility of an extension (12.66%). 8.06% say dependent family members can be added by paying an additional 300 euros for each.

Moving on how does the public view the digital nomad visa? Positively (36.46). It’s a wonderful chance for those with a flair for traveling and discovering new countries. Negatively (13.31%). Countries can view digital nomads as potential cash cows, such as high application fees. Lastly, not sure (50.23%). In conclusion, Real Research asks do you want to become a digital nomad. 46.49% say ‘Yes’. 17.39% say ‘No’ and 36.11% say ‘Not sure’.