What exactly is a remote work permit? What documents do I need? And what are the current entry requirements in the top 5 countries? You'll find all the answers here!
What is a remote work permit?
A remote work permit is a special work and residence permit for people who work remotely. It allows legal residence in a host country while working for employers or clients outside that country. It is usually valid for one to two years and can often be extended.
Unlike traditional work visas, a remote work permit does not require employment with a local company. Income can be derived entirely from abroad. This makes it particularly attractive for employees working from home and digital freelancers who want the freedom to choose their place of work.
This brings practical advantages:
- The possibility of registering a residence,
- to open a local bank account,
- to use local services
The permit grants official residency 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 genuine integration into the host country.
The role of translations
Professional translations play a crucial role in the context of remote work permits. Official documents often need to be submitted in the local language.
🌍Relevant language combinations:
If you're planning to work remotely abroad, you'll need the right documents and a job search strategy. You can find tips on jobs abroad at Jobs Abroad.
Required documents are (vary depending on the country):
- 🛂 An international passport
- 📸 Two color photos in 4.5 × 3.5 cm format
- 📝 A A letter of motivation in English, in which the applicant explains why he or she wants to move to the other country.
- 📄 An employment contract and other agreements that prove the applicant works remotely.
- 💰 Tax returns or tax assessments.
- 📋 A certificate of good conduct from the country of residence.
- 👨👩👧👦 Proof of kinship between family members: Marriage or birth certificates
- 🏥 Health insurance
Certified translations are sometimes necessary for:
- Employment contracts
- Proof of income
- Financial documents
- Certificates of good conduct
- Birth certificates
- 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 quite different. Here you'll learn about the key differences so you can choose the option that's right for you.
Duration and purpose:
- Digital Nomad Visa: Usually short-term (3-12 months), ideal for people who frequently travel between different countries and work location-independently.
- Remote Work Permit: Typically designed for longer periods (1-2 years or more), 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 stringent documentation obligations
- Remote Work Permit: Usually higher income requirements, more extensive documentation necessary
Extension options:
- Digital Nomad Visa: Limited or no renewal options
- Remote Work Permit: Often with an option to extend or convert into a longer-term residence permit.
Local integration:
- 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 geared more towards short, flexible stays, the Remote Work Permit is particularly suitable for people who plan to stay in one place for a longer period and build a more stable life there – without having to give up their existing job or clients.
Country comparison: The top 5 destinations for the Remote Work Permit
1. portugal
Portugal boasts one of the most flexible remote work programs in Europe. The requirements/options 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. The account balance should be at least €10,440 in 2024.
- Income requirement: Proof of regular income
- Taxes: Potential NHR tax benefits for qualified individuals
- Health insurance : EU insurance sufficient
- A bank statement showing a monthly income of €3,480.
- A rental agreement or a certificate of property ownership in Portugal.
- Tickets to Portugal with the approximate arrival date and visa information.
- Clean police record
Advantages:
- Visa duration: 2 years, renewable
- One of the cheapest countries in Western Europe
- Excellent digital infrastructure
- Excellent healthcare system
- Tax advantages 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
As a digital pioneer, Estonia requires:
- Minimum income: €3,504 gross per month (2024)
- Employment contract with a 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
- Low cost of living
- Strong tech community
- Simple digital government services
3rd Dubai
Dubai offers an attractive program for digital nomads:
- Health insurance: International insurance with UAE coverage required.
- Minimum income: $5,000 per month
- Employment contract with current employer
- Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- 3 months of bank statements
Advantages:
- Taxes: 0% income tax
- Visa duration: 1 year, extendable
- First-class infrastructure
- International environment
- High quality of life and safety
- Central location between Europe and Asia
- Many networking opportunities
4. Croatia
Croatia's Mediterranean coast needs:
- Minimum income: approx. €2,300 per month
- Proof of remote work
- health insurance
- Clean criminal record
- Valid passport
- Proof of accommodation
Advantages:
- Visa duration: 1 year, extendable after 6 months of stay 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 a non-Spanish company
- Public or private health insurance
- Clean criminal record
- Proof of accommodation
Advantages:
- Visa duration: 1 year, extendable up to 5 years
- Wide selection of coworking spaces
- Excellent transport links
- High quality of life with a choice of different climate zones
- Cultural offerings
Tip for your remote work permit: In addition to certified translations, there are often other important requirements to consider, including funding issues and complete organizational planning. You can find valuable information about remote work abroad at Auslandszeit.de.
Why you can count on us:
- ISO-certified quality: Professional translations according to 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
📋 Smart Ordering - 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 (valid for 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
Rental agreement/proof of accommodation
Health insurance policy
Spain:
Valid passport
Employment records for the last 3 years
Qualification certificates
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 are familiar with 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 channels 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 employed by a company abroad. This differs from traditional work visas because local employment is not 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. You can find more information about your job abroad in our guide: Working Abroad: From Document Authentication to Your Dream Job.
What requirements do I typically need to meet?
The most common requirements are a verifiable minimum income (usually between 2,000 and 3,000 euros per month), health insurance with international coverage, a valid employment contract or proof of self-employment, and a clean police clearance certificate.
How long is a remote work permit typically valid for?
The validity period varies depending on the country, but is typically between 6 months and 2 years. Many countries also offer the possibility of renewal if the original requirements continue to be met.
Do I have to pay taxes in the host country?
This depends on various factors, such as the length of stay and any existing double taxation agreements. In many cases, remote workers remain liable for tax in their home country as long as they do not stay in the host country for more than 183 days per year. However, it is important to seek individual tax advice.
What do I need to consider if I want to be self-employed abroad?
Anyone who wants to not only live abroad but also work or start a business needs additional documents. A certified translation of all relevant business documents is essential to meet official requirements and facilitate the business launch.
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 journey to becoming a digital nomad with professional translations.
