Japan, Thailand and other Asian countries have launched "digital nomad" visa programs

To boost local economies, attract global talent, and adapt to the changing era of remote work, governments around the world have launched "digital nomad" visa programs. Statistics from CNBC show that more than 40 countries and jurisdictions around the world currently offer this type of visa.

In Asia, Thailand, Japan, and Turkey have also recently joined the bandwagon, focusing on areas such as software development, marketing, writing, and consulting. Malaysia, which has already taken action, has upgraded its "digital nomad" visa policy to make it easier for more technicians to participate.

The following is a brief introduction to the visa policies of the above-mentioned countries:

Thailand

On May 30, 2024, Thailand launched the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which is aimed at digital nomads, remote and freelancers, and individuals interested in experiencing Thai culture for a long time. Applicants must be at least 20 years old and can be self-employed or an individual working for a business outside of Thailand. The visa is valid for five years and allows for multiple entries for a stay of up to 180 days, with the possibility of an extension of another 180 days. Visa holders who meet the requirements can legally reside and work in Thailand without paying taxes on income sourced from abroad. In addition, their spouses and children can also reside in Thailand under this policy without the need for additional visas.

According to an official statement, the program will come into effect after the final legal process is completed and is expected to be officially launched in late June or early July, with a visa application fee of 10,000 baht (about $272).

Currently, there is no minimum income threshold for this visa type. However, the Thai embassy said applicants must prove that they were able to live in Thailand for six months and held at least 500,000 baht (about $13,665) in a bank account. This is a significant change from Thailand's previous long-stay visa, which cost $1,600 and required proof of assets with an annual income of at least $80,000.

The DTV is part of Thailand's strategy to promote tourism, and provides a necessary complement to other related initiatives, such as the government's expansion of the visa extension program from 57 to 93 countries and territories. The program now allows for tourist and short-term business stays of up to 60 days, double the previous 30-day limit. In addition, foreign students can also have a one-year job seeker visa permit in Thailand instead of having to leave immediately after graduation.

Turkey

In April 2024, Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced the launch of a new "digital nomad" visa, targeting applicants from the United States, Canada, and European countries.

In addition to this, applicants must be between the ages of 21 and 55, have a university bachelor's degree, be employed or self-employed or have a business contract with a company outside of Turkey, and provide proof of earning capacity of $3,000 per month or $36,000 per year. Moreover, applicants will also need a passport or travel document that will be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Turkey.

After submitting all the information, if the documents are sufficient, the Turkish authorities will issue the applicant with a "digital nomad" identity certificate. Then, the applicant must go to the Turkey Visa Center or Consulate with proof of identity to get the real visa stamp.

Japan

In April 2024, Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a new "digital nomad" visa policy for remote workers who earn at least 10 million yen ($62,700) a year.

Applicants must be nationals or citizens of countries or regions with which Japan has a visa-free arrangement and be bound by a Japanese tax treaty. Relevant professional activities involved include the use of information and communication technology to conduct business for foreign organizations under employment contracts, or the use of information and communication technology to provide services or sell goods to individuals in foreign countries. It does not include activities that require the provision or sale within Japan, nor is it allowed to be employed by a Japanese organization.

The visa application must include several documents, including a photo visa application form, passport, and certificates of eligibility (if any). If a certificate of eligibility, other documents such as a description of planned activities and length of stay, and proof of annual income can all be omitted. In addition, applicants must have private medical travel insurance that covers death, injury, or illness with a minimum compensation of 10 million yen.

This visa is valid for six months and cannot be extended. The applicant's accompanying spouse or children can also be used for the same period of time. A single-entry visa costs 3,000 yen (about $20) and a multiple-entry visa costs 6,000 yen (about $40).

Malaysia

In June 2024, the Malaysian government announced a major update to the DE Rantau Nomad Pass. Launched in 2022, the scheme allows holders to work remotely within Malaysia for up to two years, with the aim of propagating Malaysia as a preferred destination for digital nomads.

This update is mainly related to the division of occupations. In addition to existing IT and digital professionals, founders, CEOs, COOs, tax accountants, legal advisors, technical writers, business development managers, public relations professionals, and other professionals can apply for this visa, regardless of whether they are digital freelancers or remote workers. The Malaysian Digital Economy Development Authority (MDEC) added that the minimum income requirement for these non-IT/digital talents is US$60,000 per year or US$5,000 per month.

In addition to this, visa applicants need to have a valid passport for at least 14 months at the time of application, work remotely outside Malaysia for a company or client for at least 3 months, have no criminal record, and have health or travel insurance for the duration of their stay in Malaysia

As of May 31, 2024, DE Rantau Nomad Pass has received 3,096 applications, of which 1,443 have been approved, including 189 extension requests. The applicants came from 78 countries, with Russia, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, Japan and Australia in the top five. These approved digital nomads earn an average of $69,000 per year, and most of them have skills in software development, digital marketing, and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML).