What exactly is a remote work permit? What documents do I need for it? And what are the current entry requirements in the top 5 countries? You can get all the answers here!
What is the Remote Work Permit?
A remote work permit is a special work and residence permit for people who work remotely. It enables legal residence in a host country while working for employers or clients outside this country. It is usually valid for one to two years and can be extended in many cases.
Unlike traditional work visas, a remote work permit does not require employment with a local company. The income can come entirely from abroad. This makes it particularly attractive for employees working from home and digital self-employed people who want to be free to choose their place of work.
This has practical advantages:
- The possibility of registering a residence,
- open a local bank account,
- Use services on site
The permit gives you official residence status in the host country. This clearly distinguishes the Remote Work Permit from tourist or business visas, which only allow short stays and do not enable proper integration in the host country.
The role of translations
Professional translations play a central role in the context of remote work permits. Official documents often have to be submitted in the national language.
🌍Relevant language combinations:
Required documents are (vary depending on the country):
- 🛂Aninternational passport
- 📸Twocolor photos in 4.5 × 3.5 cm format
- 📝A letter of motivation in English, in which the applicant explains why he/she would like to move to the other country.
- 📄An employment contract and other agreements proving that the applicant works remotely.
- 💰Tax returnsor tax assessments.
- 📋Acertificate of good conduct from the country of residence.
- 👨👩👧👦Nachweis about the relationship between family members: Marriage or birth certificates
- 🏥 Health insurance
Certified translations are sometimes required for:
- Employment contracts
- Proof of income
- Financial documents
- Certificates of good conduct
- Identity card / passport
Difference between Digital Nomad Visas and Remote Work Permits:
The terms "Digital Nomad Visa" and "Remote Work Permit" are often used interchangeably - but these two programs are actually very different. Here you can find out the most important differences so that you can choose the right option for you.
Duration and purpose:
- Digital Nomad Visa: Usually shorter-term (3-12 months), ideal for people who frequently move between different countries and work remotely
- Remote Work Permit: Tends to be longer term (1-2 years or longer), intended for people who plan to stay in one place for an extended period of time
Requirements:
- Digital Nomad Visa: Often more flexible income requirements, less strict documentation requirements
- Remote Work Permit: Usually higher income requirements, more extensive documentation required
Extension options:
- Digital Nomad Visa: Limited or no extension options
- Remote Work Permit: Often with an option to extend or convert to a longer-term residence permit
Integration on site:
- Digital Nomad Visa: Less focus on integration, more for temporary stays
- Remote Work Permit: Stronger focus on integration, often with access to local services and facilities
While the Digital Nomad Visa is more geared towards short, flexible stays, the Remote Work Permit is particularly suitable for people who plan to stay in one place for a longer period of time and build a more stable life there - without having to give up their existing job or clients.
Country comparison: The top 5 destinations for remote work permits
1. portugal
Portugal offers one of the most flexible remote work programs in Europe. The requirements/possibilities for the D7 visa are:
- Proof of sufficient funds to live in Portugal - a bank statement showing at least the last 12 salaries of the Digital Nomad. In 2024, the account balance should be at least €10,440.
- Income requirement: Proof of regular income
- Taxes: Possible NHR tax benefits for qualified persons
- Health insurance: EU insurance is sufficient
- A bank statement showing a monthly income of €3,480.
- A rental contract or a certificate of real estate ownership in Portugal.
- Tickets to Portugal with approximate arrival date and visa.
- Clean police clearance certificate
Advantages:
- Visa duration: 2 years, renewable
- One of the cheapest countries in Western Europe
- Very good digital infrastructure
- Excellent healthcare system
- Tax benefits possible through NHR (non-habitual resident) status
- Large digital nomad community, especially in Lisbon and Porto
- Pleasant climate and high quality of life
2. estonia
Estonia is a digital pioneer:
- Minimum income: €3,504 gross per month (2024)
- Employment contract with non-Estonian company or own company
- Proof of remote work
-
Health insurance
- No criminal record
Advantages:
- One of the most digitized countries in the world
- E-Residency program available
- Very fast Internet
- Favorable cost of living
- Strong tech community
- Simple digital administrative procedures
3rd Dubai
Dubai offers an attractive program for digital nomads:
- Health insurance: International insurance with UAE cover required
- Minimum income: $5,000 per month
- Employment contract with current employer
- Valid passport (at least 6 months)
- 3 months account statements
Advantages:
- Taxes: 0% income tax
- Visa duration: 1 year, renewable
- First-class infrastructure
- International environment
- High quality of life and security
- Central location between Europe and Asia
- Many networking opportunities
4. croatia
Croatia's Mediterranean coast is needed:
- Minimum income: approx. €2,300 per month
- Proof of remote work
- Health insurance
- Clean certificate of good conduct
- Valid passport
- Proof of accommodation
Advantages:
- Visa duration: 1 year, extendable after 6 months abroad
- Affordable cost of living
- Growing digital nomad community
- EU country with a Mediterranean climate
- Excellent work-life balance
5. spain
Spain's program requires the following:
- Minimum income: approx. €2,000 per month
- Qualified professional experience or university degree
- Employment contract with non-Spanish company
- Public or private health insurance
- Clean certificate of good conduct
- Proof of accommodation
Advantages:
- Visa duration: 1 year, extendable up to 5 years
- Large selection of coworking spaces
- Excellent transport connections
- High quality of life with different climate zones to choose from
- Cultural offer
Why you can count on us:
- ISO-certified quality: Professional translations in accordance with ISO 17100
- Maximum flexibility: order 24/7 from any device
- Transparent & fair: Immediate fixed price with no hidden costs
- Secure & reliable: Encrypted transmission made in Germany
- Free Shipping: Free shipping throughout Germany
📋SmartOrdering - your remote work checklist
Portugal:
Valid passport
Proof of income
Health insurance
Certified translations
Apply for NIF (tax identification number)
Estonia:
Valid passport
Proof of remote work
Proof of income for the last 6 months
Digital application via e-Residency Portal
Background check
Proof of health insurance
Dubai:
Valid passport (at least 6 months)
Employment contract/business licenses
Bank statements for the last 3 months
Emirates ID application
International health insurance
Certified translations into Arabic
Croatia:
Valid passport
Proof of remote work
Proof of income
Police clearance certificate
Rental contract/proof of accommodation
Health insurance policy
Spain:
Valid passport
Employment records for the last 3 years
Proof of qualifications
Health insurance
Criminal record extract
NIE (Foreigner ID) application
Proof of sufficient financial resources
Certified translations into Spanish
Quick FAQs - Everything about the Remote Work Permit
Which translations are accepted for remote work permits?
Our certified translations are recognized by all authorities in the target countries. We know the specific requirements and ensure that your documents meet the relevant standards.
How secure are my documents with you?
Absolute security is our top priority. We use encrypted transmission paths and store all data on German servers in accordance with strict GDPR guidelines.
What is a Remote Work Permit?
A Remote Work Permit is a special residence permit that allows individuals to legally work from another country while working for a company abroad. This differs from traditional work visas as no local employment is required.
Which countries offer remote work permits?
Many countries have now introduced special visa programs for remote workers, including Portugal, Croatia, Estonia, Dubai, Barbados and Costa Rica. Each country has its own requirements and conditions.
What requirements do I typically have to fulfill?
The most common requirements are a verifiable minimum income (usually between 2,000 and 3,000 euros per month), health insurance with international cover, a valid employment contract or proof of self-employment, and a clean police clearance certificate.
How long is a Remote Work Permit normally valid for?
The period of validity varies depending on the country, but is typically between 6 months and 2 years. Many countries also offer the option of extending the permit if the original requirements are still met.
Do I have to pay taxes in the host country?
This depends on various factors, such as the length of stay and existing double taxation agreements. In many cases, remote workers remain liable for tax in their home country as long as they do not spend more than 183 days per year in the host country. However, it is important to seek tax advice in individual cases.
Available for remote workers worldwide
Our digital service is available everywhere! Whether you want to go to Portugal, Estonia, Dubai, Croatia or Spain - we support you on your way to becoming a digital nomad with professional translations.
