Nonetheless, this post-pandemic economic glow will likely benefit Japan’s inbound tourism recovery plan (of which the new visa is part) which was presented by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and unveiled in May 2023. But, as in Thailand, the high level These barriers could lead some digital nomads to forgo the visa in favor of what are called “visa runs”: staying as long as possible with a tourist visa, leaving the country to set the record straight and re-enter with your tourist visa.
“Thailand is particularly difficult because most people are there on study visas. [that] allows you to stay six months or a year, or to be there on a tourist visa and to come in and out to complete visa procedures,” explains Evelina Krusinskaite, a 28-year-old digital nomad living in Thailand and abroad. ‘foreigner.’It’s a bit of a pain because Thailand is a great place.
Krusinskaite was awaiting a visa to return home to Ireland as we spoke, but was already planning her return to Thailand, particularly Chiang Mai, often touted as the “digital nomad capital of the world.” While her move began with a work visa as a visiting English teacher, Krusinskaite says she fell in love with the city so much that, for now, she can’t wait to return.
“I love Thailand,” she says. “The people there are so nice.”
Although in true digital nomad form, when asked if she would continue this lifestyle of living and working from anywhere forever, Krusinskaite refused to commit. She said, “Forever is a very long time.”
Ready to start a digital nomad life in Asia? Here are three other countries offering either a digital nomad visa or something close – and what they need.
Malaysia
Malaysia currently offers a digital nomad visa that allows people to stay in the country for up to a year. Applicants must have a valid passport; work remotely for their business; work in a “digital field” such as IT, content creation or digital marketing; and show proof of income of at least $24,000 (£19,067) per year. Nomads must also show proof of health insurance.
South Korea
In January 2024, South Korea began offering its digital nomad visa which allows travelers to stay for up to two years. Applicants must also hold a valid passport, work remotely, show proof of income of at least $66,000 (£52,435) per year and hold valid international health insurance.
The Philippines
In 2023, the Philippines released its digital nomad visa, allowing travelers to spend up to 12 months in the country. Those wishing to use the visa must show proof of income of at least $24,000 per year (£19,050) and proof of health insurance. The country is considering extending the visa up to 24 months.
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