Authorities in Namibia have officially approved the first nine digital nomad visa applications since the introduction of this program.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, and Security (MHAIS), together with Namibia’s Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), introduced the Digital Nomad Visa program, on October 11, 2022, as part of efforts to further help the country’s economic growth, VisaGuide.World reports.
“These digital nomads contribute towards the country’s economy by injecting foreign currency into the ecosystem, without usurping jobs meant for Namibians,” NIPDB spokesperson Catherine Shipushu pointed out in this regard.
A total of 20 applications for this visa have been received in Namibia since the introduction of this scheme; however, only nine were considered successful after the rest of the applicants failed to meet the income requirement of a total of USD2,000 per month or equivalent to N$37,260. According to a report of Informante, the first two digital nomad visa requests were approved on February 14 this year.
At the same time, other applicants were either in the country or on another legal status, such as a Tourist Visa, while the remainder was subject to rejection when they reached the country before their visa approval.
The Digital Nomad Visa allows all persons engaged in remote work to remain legally in Namibia while working for companies or clients located outside the country.
“Following the launch, Namibia appeared in over 1,100 social media posts and articles online across the world. Interest in the DNV primarily originates from Germany, the United States of America, and South Africa, as interested location-independent workers search for qualities such as ‘fresh air,’ ‘different culture,’ and ‘best holiday destination’”, Shipushu pointed out.
She stressed that the country had experienced a significant increase in applications for this program through the website, which further shows the growing global interest.
All applicants interested in benefiting from the Digital Nomad Visa scheme must meet the needed requirements, which among others, include completing the visa application form while proving that they earn enough money in order to be self-sufficient.
The Digital Nomad visa scheme is offered in a total of countries up to this point, therefore giving remote workers the to choose the countries which they consider that offer the best opportunities for them.
Among the best countries to get a Digital Nomad Visa, according to a report provided by VisaGuide.World are Germany, Estonia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Norway, Mexico, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Iceland as well as Argentina.
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