Working remotely while traveling,
is that really sustainable?
In our modern world, more and more digital nomads are conquering the virtual job market. They travel to foreign countries and do their jobs in places where other people go on vacation. These days, however, it’s also possible for ordinary employees to work outside their office. It has never been so easy to work on the road as digital nomads do. Just a few years ago, this was something completely out of the ordinary.
But doesn’t this mean that traveling around only puts unnecessary strain on the environment?
In this article we’ll explain why working remotely while traveling is still pretty environmentally friendly.
How is working remotely while traveling sustainable?
Unfortunately, the prejudice is still that digital nomads fly from country to country and quickly fold up their tents. But that’s not the case at all. Many of these freelancers who work remotely are true slow-travel enthusiasts, often staying in the same place for several weeks or even months. Sure, because when you’re working, you can’t travel. You’re not on vacation, you’re living there, so to speak.
That freelancers can do their work in any place with internet access is a boon to the environment. Instead of driving to work, you can simply open your laptop in a hotel or café and start working.
What’s more, it also means that less paper gets wasted. Because digital nomads keep all communications over the internet, this definitely saves plenty of raw materials.
Examples of countries that offer you visa for working remotely while traveling
Estonia
Estonia was one of the first countries to introduce a visa specifically for digital nomads. For the remote working visa, you have to pay a fee ranging from 80 to 100 €, depending on how long you want to stay in Estonia. The most expensive option allows you to live and work there for up to a whole year.
However, you won’t get the visa just like that. You have to fill in the application form online and then make an appointment with the Estonian embassy in your country. There you have to prove that you are employed by a foreign company or work as a self-employed person for a company that has its headquarters outside Estonia. Furthermore, you must have earned a gross income of at least 3.500 € per month for the 6 months before applying.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica also offers a remote work visa. All immigrants who generate their income through sources abroad may apply for this.
However, to obtain the visa, you must be able to prove a regular income of at least 5,000 US$ per month. Furthermore, you need to have health insurance that is valid for the entire period of your stay.
The visa is valid for one year. Before the end of this period, you can apply for an extension for another six months.
Besides these two countries, there are more countries that offer visas for digital nomads. In Europe, for example, Croatia and the Czech Republic also offer you a visa which allows you to work remotely while traveling. If you like it a bit more exotic, you can also apply for such a visa in Mauritius.
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