I moved to Portugal on a digital nomad visa. The main requirement was that I could have a Japanese job and work as a nomad.
The Digital Nomad Visa or ‘Visa for Freelancers’ is a strong option for those considering freelancing in Europe. Each country has different requirements, but all are suitable for remote work, self-employment and freelancing.
What is a visa for digital nomads?
Firstly, ‘digital nomads’ are people who utilise information technology, are not restricted by location (whether in Japan or abroad), and work while travelling like ‘nomads’.
I myself worked as an engineer while travelling all over Japan and abroad.
When travelling in Europe, Japanese nationals can stay for 90 days on a tourist visa. If you want to stay longer than that, you need to apply for a long-term visa, which is the Digital Nomad visa for digital nomads.
The maximum length of stay and whether it can be renewed differ from country to country, so you need to check carefully.
You can also get EU permanent residence!
In most EU countries, it is also possible to obtain permanent residence after five years of continuous migration. The detailed conditions differ from country to country, but it is often possible to acquire permanent residence if you have mastered the local language and have paid your taxes correctly.
If you go to the trouble of living abroad, I think you will be more affluent if you can obtain EU permanent residence and have the option of living in any country.
Freelancers can also get one!
Conclusion, you can.
Most digital nomad visas can be obtained for most countries if you meet the following requirements: earning an income from outside the country, income requirements, being crime-free, and having health insurance.
The income requirement hurdle is the first point to check, as it is also affected by foreign exchange and depends on the country’s economic situation.
It also depends on whether you are a single person or a family migrating together.
A digital nomad visa in Portugal is €3280, while in Iceland it can be €7700 (double… LOL)
Recommended digital nomad visa for freelancers.
Here we write about two countries where freelancers can move to Europe and where, in extreme cases, anyone may be able to get one.
Portugal
Long-term residency, and the possibility of obtaining permanent EU residency in the future, are the main attractions of Portugal’s digital nomad visa.
Prices are cheap in Europe and the country is so easy to live in that it is said to be sunny for 300 days. Lisbon, the capital, is compact and very comfortable, with easy living, friendly people and good English.
Acquisition requirements
・Non-EU nationals.
・Around 4 times the minimum monthly income in Portugal (€3280).
・Must be able to work remotely and earn income from outside Portugal.
・Valid passport
・A copy of the family register
・Proof of no criminal offences
・Proof of bank balance
・Proof of self-employment
・Address in Portugal
・Health insurance
The following are included. The details need to be apostilled, for example.
It is possible to renew up to EU permanent residence, which is more difficult than in other countries.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands and Japan have a Dutch-Japanese friendship and trade agreement, which gives preferential treatment to Japanese nationals. Any Japanese national with no criminal record can obtain a visa. I’ve heard that the people are honest and tolerant, so it’s one of the countries I’d like to live in in the future.
Acquisition requirements
・Japanese nationals
・Certificate of non-criminality
・Proof of bank balance
・Valid passport
・Copy of family register
Summary
In fact, every country has some kind of entrepreneur visa. I was looking into moving to the Czech Republic myself, but the digital nomad visa only allows you to stay for one year and is not renewable. Instead, there is a business visa, which you need to switch to. As with any visa, you need to have a Greate business plan to apply for a business visa. In my case, I moved to Japan on a digital nomad visa because I thought there was a high angle to apply and get through.
In both Portugal and the Netherlands, there are things to do in Japan and things to do in the country you are moving to, so it is recommended to organise each before you go.
I hope this will help you to choose the best visa for you, considering your family, financial situation, etc.
