Article
4 min read
Best Digital Nomad Visas for Fast Processing
Immigration
Author
Jemima Owen-Jones
Published
October 24, 2024
Last Update
October 24, 2024
Table of Contents
1. UAE: Remote visa / virtual working permit
2. Spain: Digital nomad visa (aka remote visa)
3. Argentina: Digital nomad visa
Fast-track your adventure: Get your digital nomad visa with Deel
Key takeaways
- Most countries are still working on developing digital nomad visa frameworks that attract remote workers while being efficient and compliant with local laws.
- Slow visa processing times can significantly impact relocation and settling plans. However, some countries offer digital nomad visas with expedited processing.
- Deel Immigration helps you find countries that suit your relocation needs, including timelines, cost of living, and more. Our immigration experts assist you in meeting requirements quickly and accurately for a successful first attempt.
Digital nomad visas are relatively new. As countries strive to attract remote workers who boost the local economy, they face the challenge of creating frameworks that are both efficient and appealing.
As each country sets its own rules and regulations, applicants may encounter confusing and time-consuming requirements, with approval processes taking months. Delays worsen when processing for family members.
When you have specific timelines for moving, settling in, and starting work, these delays can significantly disrupt your plans.
But it's not all doom and gloom. We'll highlight three countries that offer digital nomad visas with fast processing times, with some approvals occurring in as little as ten days.
Use Deel Immigration to further reduce visa processing times by allowing our immigration experts to manage the entire process, from paperwork to monitoring case development.
1. UAE: Remote visa / virtual working permit
Processing period: 3 - 4 weeks
Validity: One year and can be renewed
Application fee:
- Government fees: AED 2,500 – 3,000 (approx. USD 681 - 817)
- Documentation fees: USD 250 + expenses + government fees per process
The UAE offers a residency visa for digital nomads that includes work rights. After submitting the required documents, the visa processes in three to four weeks.
The application process is made faster by the straightforward requirements, which includes:
- Proof of employment
- Three month’s bank statement
- Health insurance with UAE coverage
- Proof of employment outside the UAE with the option to work remotely
- Recent photo and passport valid for 6 months
To qualify for this digital nomad visa, your monthly income must be at least USD 3,500, supported by your most recent payslip.
See also: 10 Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa
Work From Anywhere
2. Spain: Digital nomad visa (aka remote visa)
Processing time: 10 – 20 working days
Validity: One year for consulate applications and 3 years for in-country applications and can be renewed
Cost:
- Government fees: EUR 200 per person (approx. USD 216)
- Documentation fees: USD 250 + expenses + government fees per process
Spain offers a digital nomad visa program with strict requirements, including:
- Original and copies of documents proving financial means that meet the minimum income required
- Proof of employment with a company offering remote work options that has been in operation for at least one year
- For freelancers and contractors, apostilled documents proving at least one year of continuous activity with a foreign company
- For freelancers, a letter indicating the intention to enroll in the RETA (Freelancer’s Register in Spain)
- A recent certificate of criminal background check
- Three recent bank statements showing a minimum monthly income of EUR 2,400 (approx. USD 2,587), increasing by EUR 900 (USD 970) for one dependent and EUR 300 (USD 324) for each additional dependent
Despite these complexities, the average processing time is 10 to 20 working days.
However, delays may occur if documents are incorrect or missing, or if your application requires additional information or an interview.
3. Argentina: Digital nomad visa
Processing time: 10 - 30 days
Validity: Six months and can be renewed once
Application fee:
- Government fees: USD 200
- Documentation fees: USD 250 + expenses + government fees per process
Argentina’s digital nomad visa program is available to digital nomads who do not need a tourist visa to enter Argentina.
The application process is straightforward, with easy-to-meet documentation requirements. To apply for a digital nomad visa, you will need:
- A request letter showing your personal details and the independent work activities you will undertake in Argentina
- A brief CV outlining your professional experience and educational qualifications
- Supporting documents proving your occupation, such as contracts
- Photo and passport valid for at least six months
- Private travel insurance
- A criminal record certificate
You can apply online through electronic entry processing (TIE 24H), which takes an average of 10 days from the day of submission. Alternatively, you can apply at the Consulate, which may take 30 days.
Fast-track your adventure: Get your digital nomad visa with Deel
When you have set timelines for work projects—or if you simply can’t wait to explore your new destination—expedite your digital nomad visa process with Deel Immigration.
Deel Immigration now supports digital nomad visas in 9+ countries. Whether you dream of working from bustling Tokyo or the sunny coasts of Spain, Deel Immigration can make it a reality.
We support digital nomad visas in Portugal, Spain, Greece, Canada, Japan, Argentina, Colombia, Italy and the UAE. Additionally, we offer options for permanent residency, including the R Visa in Colombia, EB-1A and EB-2 NIW in the US.
Use Deel Immigration to save hours on research, overcome language barriers, and minimize the risk of application rejection. We handle every step of the visa process—from preparing your application to organizing consulate appointments—so you can focus on your projects, not the paperwork.
- Get your visa faster with in-house expertise: Our in-house immigration team is available 24/7 to assist you at every step.
- Ensure approval with all the documentation you need: With in-house local knowledge and all required documents centralized on one platform, we ensure your application goes to plan.
- Eliminate ambiguity with real-time updates: Track your visa progress with live updates and notes from your dedicated case manager.
Get a visa for whatever destination is calling you next.
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About the author
Jemima is a nomadic writer, journalist, and digital marketer with a decade of experience crafting compelling B2B content for a global audience. She is a strong advocate for equal opportunities and is dedicated to shaping the future of work. At Deel, she specializes in thought-leadership content covering global mobility, cross-border compliance, and workplace culture topics.