Working and travelling is a fundamental trend. The development of the Internet had already paved the way. The Covid crisis and multiple confinements boosted this lifestyle. . More and more people are deciding to set up on their own and travel the world. They travel and continue to work for customers or their company on the other side of the world. They’re not tourists, they’re not expatriates. Some call it “slow tourism”, others call it first expatriations. You need to organize yourself to earn a living while traveling, get the right visas and find international health insurance in case of accident or other health problem.
What is a digital nomad?
A digital nomad is someone who can work anywhere as long as there’s a wifi connection, and who travels and lives a largely nomadic life.
Digital nomads are different from what you’d call freelancers, as they travel, at least most of the year, to different cities and countries while working on the road. They often work on 100% digital tasks.
Become a digital nomad
If you don’t know where to start, try completing the following list:
- What are my skills?
- What do I like to do?
- Can I solve other people’s problems?
How do I choose the right country to work in?
You can work anywhere in the world. Your imagination will be limited only by the safety of the countries and their accessibility, thanks to the visas available. The Covid epidemic has prompted some countries to offer specific visas for telecommuting. The advantage of telecommuting is that you’re not stuck in one country. You can start by teleworking in a country that appeals to you. Once there, you’re free to move as you please to another destination. The country you choose also depends on the cost of living abroad, which can radically change the way you see your new life.
Where can I telework abroad?
- Mauritius with the “Premium Travel Visa”, provided you earn at least $1600 per month.
- Dubai with the Virtual Working Program. You can stay for 1 year, provided you already have a company paying you $5,000.
- Costa Rica with the “Residencia Temporal Empleados Especializados por cuenta propia” if you are self-employed, this visa is valid for 2 years.
- Mexico with the “Residencia Temporal” valid for 1 year and renewable for 4 years, provided you can prove that you have $27,000 at the time of visa application.
- Some European countries offer visas for teleworkers: Spain, the Czech Republic, Germany with the “Freiberufler” visa, Portugal with Madeira, Iceland and Greece with attractive tax conditions, including a 50% tax reduction for the first 7 years.
- Exotic islands: the Barmades with the “12 Month Barbados Welcome Stamp” visa, subject to earning $50,000 per year, Antigua and Barbada with the “Antigua Nomad Digital Residence” visa, the Cayman Islands with“The Global Citizen Concierge Program“, subject to earning $100,000 per year, Bermuda with the “Work From Bermuda” visa for up to one year.
- Thailand with the Smart Visa S, which requires several financial criteria and compulsory health insurance. The visa allows you to work in Thailand for up to 4 years.
How do you become a digital nomad?
The freelancer
Freelancing is a type of work that allows you to work anywhere in the world, making you a digital nomad. The number of assignments you can take on is virtually unlimited.
First of all, you need to build up a good clientele who will leave you testimonials and recommendations about your services. Your skills will become your brand. You need to communicate yourself. Make yourself known by undertaking marketing actions about yourself and your work. You can call on your network, your former employers or use one of the many online platforms offering freelance assignments.
Working remotely
Before you leave your job to set up on your own, try to negotiate with your company. It’s possible to ask to work remotely. For your employer, it reduces operating costs.
What are the advantages of teleworking abroad?
- A feeling of total freedom to discover the world
- The feeling of being in control of your life and your time
- The freedom to organize your days as you wish
- Discovering new countries and new ways of life
- The opportunity for new friendships worldwide
- The creativity and perspective that such experience can bring you
What are the disadvantages of teleworking abroad?
- The frustration of losing your roots
- The absence of old friends and family
- Missing events in the lives of your loved ones (weddings, births, birthdays, deaths)
- Administrative procedures for changing country
- The feeling of not building for the long term
- The difficulty of organizing family life with children or someone who is not a digital nomad
- The risk of finding yourself alone or in difficulty without knowing how to manage your time
What jobs can you do to become a digital nomad?
Digital nomads are generally comfortable with anything web-related. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of jobs you can do, depending on your skills:
- Web Editor
- Translator
- Webdesigner
- Web and mobile applications developer
- Community manager
- Professional blogger
- Photographer
- Video director
- Distance language teaching
- Webmarketing specialist (SEO, Adwords, emailing …)
- Consulting
- Coach/Psychologist
- Off voice
- Writer
- Virtual assistant
- Selling on an online store
International health insurance for the digital nomad
In all cases, it’s essential that you take out international health insurance. Rates vary according to your age and destination. Taking out an international insurance policy such as Gold Start will give you total freedom in your choice of destination and status, while providing worldwide protection in the event of illness or accident. The self-employed are the main users of this type of health insurance abroad. You can take it out for a few months or a few years.
- Global coverage for all types of private or business stays
- 24/7 medical assistance platform
- Reimbursement of medical expenses up to 100% of actual costs
- Permanent assistance abroad to guarantee your medical and legal security
- Repatriation , if necessary, to your country of origin or to a country with the infrastructure to treat you.
You can request a free quote and take out your teleworking abroad insurance directly online. The advantage of traveling, working and all under ideal conditions thanks to our insurance.
