From cubicles to continents: Exploring nomad visas and revolutionary impact in trending work style

By Omoruyi Edoigiawerie, Esq

The world is witnessing a significant shift towards remote work and location independence. The ease with which we may operate from any location in the world may be one of the most important lessons the last few years have taught us.

It is possible that we always knew this, and the COVID-19 pandemic was only a catalyst for this mentality change.

One thing is for certain, more individuals than ever before have access to remote employment, which in many situations entails working from anywhere in the world as long as you have a laptop and reliable internet connection.

Besides a laptop and a decent internet connection, there’s one must-have for this lifestyle: a Nomad Visa.

As a result, many individuals’ especially upwardly mobile entrepreneurs and start-up founders are seeking Digital Nomad Visas to live and work in different countries while maintaining their nomadic lifestyle.

Each time I travel, I always meet nomads who sometimes have no idea where they are going next while keeping full-time jobs!  This is the ultimate “flex” for many young people who have truly come to see the world as a global village.

*Nomad visa explained?

Nomad Visas, also known as “Digital Nomad Visas” or “Remote Work Visas”, are special visas or permits that allow individuals to reside and work in a country for an extended period, typically up to one year or more.

In essence, you can legally stay in a country for a long period, while you earn your income outside the country you are visiting. This type of visa lets people leave their stationary office behind and try out a more modern, flexible way of working.

With the change in the global workforce toward greater flexibility and online connectivity, this sort of visa has grown in popularity. Digital nomad visas are designed with freelancers, remote workers, and entrepreneurs in mind, as opposed to typical work visas that require you to be employed by a local company.

*Benefits

Flexible work lifestyle: Nomad Visas enable individuals to embrace a flexible work lifestyle by allowing them to work from different locations around the world. This freedom empowers digital nomads to explore new cultures, build global networks, and pursue their personal and professional aspirations.

Cultural immersion: Living in a foreign country on a Nomad Visa allows individuals to immerse themselves in different cultures, traditions, and languages. It offers an opportunity to experience local customs, explore new cuisines, and forge meaningful connections with people from various backgrounds.

Enhanced productivity: For many, a change of scenery and new experiences can boost creativity and productivity. Working in inspiring locations can have a positive impact on mental well-being, leading to increased efficiency and job satisfaction.

Networking opportunities: Nomad visas can provide access to vibrant communities of fellow digital nomads and local professionals. These networking opportunities can foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and potential business partnerships.

Enabling a diverse workforce: Start-ups or corporations can tap into a global talent pool without the need to establish physical offices, this will create a distributed workforce that benefits both employers and employees and pools talents together that enrich the productivity and reach of the company.

*What are the legal implications in Nigeria?

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) launched the Nigeria Visa Policy 2020 (the NVP 2020) on February 4, 2020. This was created as part of the continuous effort of the Federal Government to support the country’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) by ensuring that local visa policies reflect global best practices.

The NVP 2020 aims to increase business accessibility and draw tourists, foreign direct investment, and people with specialized talents without jeopardizing national security.

The NVP 2020 introduced new visa classes as it expanded the previous 6 classes to 79 classes of visas. The NVP 2020 classifies travellers to Nigeria into two broad categories:

a)            Visa Free / Exemption and

b)            Visa Mandatory Category.

Under the visa-free category, travellers can access four classes of visas (F1A, F1B, F1C, and F1D).

The remaining 75 classes are accessible to travellers who fall under the visa mandatory category. These are further divided into 3 categories;                                                           

Short Visit Visas (SVV), Temporary Residence Visas (TRV), and Permanent Residence Visas (PRV)

In contrast with the SVVs and PRVs under the Nigeria Visa Policy 2020, the TRV is a category of six-month to two-year temporary visas suitable for applicants who wish to enter Nigeria for purposes requiring over 90 days. Students, workers, people doing business, and people involved in medium-term projects lasting more than 90 days may be eligible for a Temporary Residence Visa.

It would appear that the Temporary Residency Visa (TRV) is the closest Visa category, for Nigerian nomad visas to fall under. However, looking at the meaning of a nomad visa, there is no express provision for foreigners hoping to live the digital nomadic lifestyle to make a long stop in Nigeria, working remotely and earning outside the country, while experiencing the diversity of Nigerian culture.

However, the nomad visa must be definitively introduced in Nigeria as this will bring  some key benefits to our digital economy and the country in general, some of which include.

1.           Economic boost: Nomad visas can attract remote workers, entrepreneurs, and freelancers from around the world who bring skills, expertise, and valuable foreign currency into Nigeria. By choosing Nigeria as their destination, these digital nomads can contribute financially through spending on local goods and services, renting accommodations, and exploring the country’s tourism offerings. This influx of income can have a positive impact on the local economy, boosting businesses and creating employment opportunities.

2.           Promotion of tourism: Nomad visas can serve as a gateway to promote tourism in Nigeria. Digital nomads, while working remotely, can explore and showcase the country’s natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural treasures. Through their experiences and storytelling, they can spread awareness and attract more visitors to Nigeria, bolstering the tourism industry and creating a positive image of the country in the international arena.

3.           Technological advancement: As nomad visas encourage the growth of remote work, Nigeria can witness an improvement in our technology and digital infrastructure. To support the needs of digital nomads, the country may invest in improved internet connectivity and penetration, co-working spaces, and other facilities required by remote workers. This investment can have a spillover effect, benefiting both the nomads and the local population by creating a more tech-savvy and connected society.

Which countries have nomad visas?

Several countries recognise the potential economic and cultural benefits associated with attracting digital nomads and are embracing the digital nomad lifestyle and issuing nomad visas to foreigners. Some of them include:

1. Estonia:  In June 2020, Estonia created a one-year digital nomad and freelancer visa that allows you to stay in the country and work remotely. It was the first country in the world to have an official digital nomad visa. Estonia’s digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live and work in the country for up to one year while remaining employed by an overseas company.

2. Barbados: Barbados launched the “Barbados Welcome Stamp,” allowing individuals to live and work on the island for up to 12 months.

3. Portugal: Portugal offers the D7 Visa, designed for individuals with passive income or remote work, allowing them to reside in the country and access its healthcare and other benefits. It is valid for one year but can be renewed for up to five years. After five years you have the option to go for permanent residency.

4.  Malta: The tiny European Island Nation of Malta has a digital nomad visa called the Nomad Residency Permit. This program is targeted at non-EU remote workers and has a length of one year which can be renewed.

*Legal and regulatory implications

However, the rise of nomad visas also raises legal and regulatory implications, some include:

1.           Taxation: The taxation of income earned by remote workers in different countries can be complex and indeed a very “knotty issue”. Clarity on tax liabilities is crucial to avoid legal complications, those seeking this route must get adequate clarity.

2.           Local Visa Compliance: Remote workers must understand and adhere to visa regulations and comply with local laws in the host country.

3.           Data Privacy Considerations: Handling sensitive data while working remotely across borders may trigger data privacy and security concerns, necessitating careful compliance with data protection regulations across different jurisdictions.

4.           Visa Duration and Renewals: Understanding the limitations of nomad visas, including their duration and renewal options, is essential to prevent overstaying and facing legal consequences.

*Conclusion 

In this era of digital transformation, nomad visas have the potential to redefine the traditional concept of work and travel. However, both remote workers and host countries must navigate these legal intricacies to ensure a harmonious and productive coexistence. Clear legal frameworks, effective enforcement, and international cooperation will be key in addressing the legal challenges presented by the rise of nomad visas.

As this innovative trend continues to gain momentum, it is a testament to the adaptability and innovation of the global community, striving to meet the demands of a changing world Nigeria must also definitely create a digital nomad route for entrepreneurs and tech talents, this will help boost its digital economy.

Omoruyi Edoigiawerie is the Founder and Lead Partner at Edoigiawerie & Company LP, a full-service law firm offering bespoke legal services with a focus on startups, established businesses, and upscale private clients in Nigeria.  The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances. His firm can be reached by email at hello@uyilaw.com