Which Southeast Asian countries offer digital nomad visas – and what are the requirements? Thailand and Malaysia welcome remote workers, with Indonesia soon to jump on the tourism bandwagon too
- Over 25 countries offer remote work visas, including Spain, Italy, Portugal and Malta – but only two Southeast Asian nations do, despite the region drawing in millions of tourists per year
- Bali, one of the region’s most popular travel destinations, will soon be a viable remote work base too, but watch out for income, work industry and education requirements …
According to a June report by the Migration Policy Institute, more than 25 countries globally offer remote work visas. That includes Portugal, which requires that remote workers make at least US$2,750 a month, as well as Spain, Italy and Malta.
Currently, however, only two countries in Southeast Asia offer visas specifically for digital nomads: Malaysia and Thailand.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re seriously thinking about applying for a digital nomad visa in Southeast Asia.
How to get a digital nomad visa in Malaysia
Applications for Malaysia’s DE Rantau Nomad Pass opened on October 1. Applicants to Malaysia’s digital nomad visa are required to have an annual income of at least US$24,000 and it costs US$215 to apply for the visa.
The Nomad Pass allows remote workers to stay in Malaysia for up to 12 months, with a three-month minimum stay requirement, according to the Malaysia Digital Economy official website. It can be extended for up to 12 additional months, and the spouse and children of remote workers are also allowed to live in Malaysia during the course of the visa’s validity.
However, not all digital nomads are eligible for the visa: only freelancers and independent contractors who work in digital industries like IT and online marketing, and remote workers who are employed by non-Malaysian companies, are eligible.