Right in time for my birthday, I received a lovely email! Turns out Cooper and I have inspired the fab team at Freelancer Magazinewith our podcast, Freedom and Four Paws
This means the world to us, because recording each episode was so motivating – our guests, all sourced from this community, had such powerful, wild and wise stories to tell about how they’ve made travel and remote work a full-time reality.
It’s something we’re passionate about sharing and discussing too, and we are excited that it resonates with so many people.
Freedom and Four Paws is named in honour of the freedom we in this travel-curious community seek, and the collective love of animals we share – many of us being house + pet sitters and/or pet parents. If you’re not in the Facebook Group yet but would like to join the conversation, you can do so here.
So far on the podcast, we’ve published two series covering topics like:
How to get paid for house sitting
Off-grid travel
Solo travel and house sitting
Budget travel
Long term travel
How to make the most of your digital nomad community
We’re planning future episodes too, so if there’s a burning question you have that you think would make a great topic, or you feel called to share your own story, please reach out, we’d love to hear from you. You can get in touch by completing the contact form on this site :)
It was our first travel trip abroad, and the excitement was palpable for my brother and I. We had journeyed to North America from Australia – we were naïve (and very young) to say the least. Our itinerary of five major cities in six weeks had been inspired by our individual cultural and historical interests. Vancouver, British Columbia (BC) with its urban Canadian charm and wild, natural landscapes, was my pick. Why? Well, it was 1999 and I was in my 6th year of dedicated worship of The X-Files. This was ground zero for filming!
As a true fan who could name each of the 161 episodes to date, of course I had a list of obscure and far-flung filming destinations I insisted upon tracing. And while I did have access to the internet for my research, we certainly did not have Google Maps at our fingertips to get us around in the wintery outskirts of BC.
Still, off we went into the wilderness. Little did we know, this adventure would teach us more about the magic of serendipity than any guidebook ever could.
Armed with vague directions gleaned from an online forum, we set out on a chilly, dark winter afternoon, on a bus that I thought would take an hour, but it took two to reach our destination.
The sky was a steel grey, and the air crisp with the promise of snow. As the bus dropped us off on the edge of the forest, the real journey began. The path, initially clear and inviting, soon twisted into a maze of undergrowth and towering trees, shrouded in mist.
As daylight began to fade, the realisation hit us: we were lost in the woods. The trail markers had disappeared as quickly as the light, and every turn looked ominously similar. Panic was just about to set in when we stumbled upon a clearing. Our frustrations faded away, replaced by awe, as the trees parted to reveal a scene so serene it seemed otherworldly. We had reached a place called Buntzen Lake (pictured above), a frequent filming location for The X-Files but particularly well known for two episodes I loved, One Breath and Quagmire.
Before us lay a silent lake, its surface a perfect mirror reflecting the snow-capped mountains and the deepening twilight sky. It was a scene of untouched tranquillity, the kind of place that didn’t seem like it should exist so near to a bustling city. No signs of X-Files or human presence; just pure, majestic nature.
We spent what felt like hours there in the hush of the evening, the only sounds the soft rustling of the trees and our own breaths, visible in the cold air. It was a moment of unexpected magic, a gift from the universe at a time we felt most vulnerable. We found more than what we were looking for – an enchanting spot that was the complete opposite of anything we’d known in Queensland. To us, it felt like a secret kept from the rest of the world.
The experience was so profound that we ventured back the next day, this time in the full light of day. The magic of the lake was different under the sun’s rays, but equally captivating. We explored the surrounding area, finding quaint trails and scenic vistas, each step filled with the fresh exhilaration of discovery.
Returning home, the lesson was clear: sometimes, getting lost is not a misstep, but a path to the most spectacular finds. We had set out in search of a piece of television history and ended up with a personal landmark in our hearts, a reminder of the surprises waiting off the beaten path.
Now, I share this story to remind us all: embrace the unknown with open arms. Particularly if you’re feeling unsure right now – know that the path will become clear, and sometimes the best memories – travel or otherwise – are the ones you never planned for.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t think travelling the world, setting your own schedule, and working wherever, whenever you fancy, isn’t ‘dreamland’ material. And yet, for the roughly thirty-five million digital nomads living and working across the globe, that dream is very much a reality. It’s easy to see the never-ending roll of Instagram influencers and glammed-up travel bloggers and assume that this new way of working is nothing more than a ‘fad’ – after all, how are you expected to keep pace with all the red tape of border entries, passport control, and visa requirements these days? Well, in our latest post here at Travel Live Learn, we’re lifting the lid on one of the world’s best travel hacks: the digital nomad visa.
What Is A Digital Nomad Visa?
Digital nomad visas are specifically aimed at individuals who want to live and work in foreign countries. From social media bloggers, writers, and programmers, to online English teachers, there are so many jobs available these days that allow people to work anywhere from their parent’s basement to a shared house in Brazil.If you can do it from a laptop, you can probably qualify for a digital nomad visa. It’s a country’s way of recognising that you are working while staying within their borders, without technically working for that country.
One of the biggest pros of a digital nomad visa is that it allows travellers to continue working on their journeys without the need for a working visa, which can be costly and complex to obtain.
Benefits Of Digital Nomad Visas
Let’s delve a little deeper into the benefits of a digital nomad visa. Firstly, and apologies for reminding everyone of it, the COVID-19 pandemic naturally had a profound impact on global tourism, with plenty of countries’ economies being rocked by the effective disappearance of one of their major income streams.
Airlines, accommodation, local attractions, and public transport were all hit as borders were shut, and even as the travel industry continues to recover, the overall numbers for most countries continue to languish behind those in 2019.
The benefit of digital nomad visas for countries is, therefore, a way of appealing to travellers to visit their shores again and lay down their roots for extended periods. These travellers will be working, meaning that the money they earn will be spent inside this host nation. Slow travel and sustainable tourism have also emerged as one of the hot new travel trends in the wake of the pandemic, and digital nomad visas help on this front too, with longer-term stays leaving less of an imprint on the environment.
For the nomads, the benefits of these visas should be fairly apparent. Whether you’re able to bounce from project to project or negotiate a remote work structure with a full-time employer, a digital nomad visa allows workers to fully immerse themselves in another culture and experience living in another country without the hassle of emigration visas.
How To Obtain A Digital Nomad Visa
Naturally, different countries have different requirements for digital nomad visas depending on the passport of their applicants. Depending on the country, nomads can stay in a country for a set amount of time, and the names and qualifications for these visas can vary. Not every country has a digital nomad visa in place; however, it is becoming more prevalent as the benefits are being demonstrated by the early adopters. At the time of writing, 58 countries currently offer digital nomad visas, with Japan set to follow soon.
Some countries offer this visa for free, while others charge applicants for the pleasure. The length of stay can also vary between three months to up to a whopping five years!
As with any trip, it’s always worth doing some solid research into your preferred country to make sure you’re fully clued up on the requirements of their digital nomad programs.
Best Countries With Digital Nomad Visas
Now that you know what a digital nomad visa is, where in the world are the top destinations? From vibrant cultural hubs, stunning natural landscapes, and idyllic holiday havens to low costs of living, here are some of the best countries offering digital nomad visas:
Spain
We love Spain, it offers so many attributes even for our four-legged friends. Spain’s Startup Act now means that digital nomads working for non-Spanish companies now can live and work in the country for up to six months without a working visa. This includes nomads working for multiple clients i.e. English teachers online. A degree isn’t a necessity either anymore, provided you can show at least three years’ worth of work experience.
Requirements:
Cannot have lived in Spain for five years before applying.
Proof of income of €2,300 per month.
Proof that the company you are working for has been operational for a year and that you have been working for them for at least three months.
Barbados
As a remote worker in the paradise setting of Barbados, you are exempt from paying taxes. The Barbados Welcome Stamp costs $2,000 and allows nomads to live and work in the country for twelve months. Applications are fairly straightforward, even allowing for families to relocate with you.
Requirements:
Can only work for individuals or companies outside of Barbados.
Proof of income of over $50,000 for the duration of the 12-month stay.
Indonesia
As of 2023, Indonesia has launched a bold five-year digital nomad visa. Including islands like Bali, this visa allows nomads to work in the country tax-free, provided their income comes from outside Indonesia. Now for the downside: the Second Home Visa costs around $140,000, which certainly makes it seem like one for the semi-retirees.
With that being said, the B211a Business Visa is a viable alternative for nomads. This visa allows remote workers to work in Indonesia for up to six months.
Requirements:
Evidence of savings of up to $2,000.
Malta
Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit is available for $328, is valid for 12 months, and can be renewed twice for a total stay of three years. The country’s 400+ public WiFi spots, 5G nationwide coverage, and abundance of coworking spaces make it a stellar destination for remote workers.
Requirements:
Foreign job contract, proof of foreign freelance contracts or owner/part-owner of a registered company.
Health insurance and proof of temporary accommodation e.g. AirBnB.
Proof of income of over $2,956.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers a digital nomad visa that allows remote workers to live and work in the country for up to a year. Whilst working for foreign contracts in Costa Rica, you will be exempt from tax. Nomad visas in Costa Rica cost $100.
Requirements:
Health insurance for the duration of your stay.
Proof of income of $3,000 for solo travellers and $5,000 for families per month.
Flex Your Freedom
The prospect of embracing a truly nomadic lifestyle can be both exhilarating and daunting. The prospect of packing up all your things and hiking off for an extended period is no small feat and, from lost luggage to culture shock, there are a myriad of obstacles you’re likely to encounter along the way. Nevertheless, with a bit of time, you’ll soon find yourself forging memories that will last a lifetime. Digital nomad visas are the ultimate way of blending work and travel. With more and more countries hopping on board, there has never been a better time to start checking out destinations and preparing your application!
In this episode of Freedom and Four Paws, meet Angela Fagan founder of Trust My Pet Sitter. Tune in for an inspiring chat about what’s new in the world of house sitting. You’ll learn how to stand out from the crowd! And, discover a new platform that’s matching experienced house sitters with great global sits.
New and trending: Trust My Pet Sitter
Welcome to a very special episode of Freedom and Four Paws, where we explore the fascinating world of house and pet sitting with a twist of adventure. In this episode, we’re thrilled to sit down with Angela Fagan, the pioneering founder of Trust My Pet Sitter (TMP).
Angela joins us to share her journey, the inception of TMP, and how her platform is reshaping the house and pet sitting landscape globally. Angela, with her profound experience in recruitment and investment in the house and pet sitting world, shares her journey to establishing TMP, driven by a passion to connect pet parents with the most reliable and caring pet sitters worldwide.
Delving into the mechanics of TMP, Angela explains the unique application and matching system designed to ensure a perfect fit between pet parents and sitters, highlighting the point of difference of their service and its emphasis on trust and communication. She shares expert advice on common flaws seen in pet sitting applications and offers actionable advice for aspiring candidates to stand out in 2024, emphasising the importance of professionalism, authenticity, and specific skills that make an application irresistible.
How to Get Ahead in the House Sitting Game
Angela also sheds light on emerging trends in the house-sitting industry for 2024, advising our audience on how to adapt and position yourselves advantageously. With TMP’s boutique approach to house sit matching, she outlines the core criteria for sitters looking to join her elite lineup, stressing experience, dedication, and a genuine love for animals.
By the episode’s end, you will not only discover a brand-new house-sitting option that could revolutionise your travel and pet sitting experience but also learn the top actions to take now to get noticed for the world’s best sits.
Join us on our podcasting adventures as we hear inspiring stories from amazing people like Angela. They’re creating awesome businesses, meeting great pets, and living their best life!
Subscribe now and never miss an episode featuring excellent tips on how to slow travel, successfully work remotely or as a digital nomad, and house + pet sit. We’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google podcasts or your favourite podcasting app. Search ‘Freedom and Four Paws’
Freedom and Four Paws is brought to you by Travel Live Learn.com.
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Becoming a digital nomad in Spain is a not-so-well-kept-secret desire of Cooper and me! We’re huge fans of Spain, and know that it’s dog friendly for our pup too. In recent years, the concept of the digital nomad lifestyle has gained significant traction worldwide. It is something we talk a lot about here. With the rise of remote work opportunities and the allure of exploring new cultures, it’s no surprise more of us are embracing the freedom of working from anywhere.
Spain is a magnet for digital nomads seeking adventure and productivity.
The digital nomad visa allows you to enjoy the country’s high standard of living while maintaining your professional pursuits. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of Madrid or the tranquil serenity of Valencia’s coastline, Spain offers a diverse range of environments to suit every lifestyle preference.
For non-EU citizens eyeing Spain as your next destination under the digital nomad visa scheme, if you’re not already convinced, here are five compelling reasons to make the move:
1. Rich Cultural Experience
Spain is a country steeped in history, art, and culture. From the majestic architecture of Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia to the vibrant flamenco rhythms of Andalusia, Spain offers a diverse tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored.
As a digital nomad, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in local traditions, sample exquisite cuisine, and witness breathtaking festivals celebrated throughout the year. Whether you’re strolling through the charming streets of Seville or sipping sangria on a sun-kissed beach in Ibiza, Spain promises a cultural adventure like no other.
2. Thriving Digital Nomad Community
One of the most significant advantages of choosing Spain as your digital nomad destination is its thriving expat and digital nomad community. Across major cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia, as well as in smaller towns and coastal regions, coworking spaces, meetups, and events cater to the needs and interests of remote workers.
Spain’s digital nomad hubs offer workspace and a supportive environment for idea sharing, project collaboration, and friendship. Whether you seek professional connections, creative inspiration, or camaraderie, Spain’s community provides diverse platforms and gatherings to meet your needs.
Moreover, collaborative initiatives and co-living arrangements are becoming increasingly popular among digital nomads in Spain, offering opportunities for shared accommodation, workspaces, and experiences. By participating in these communal living setups, digital nomads not only benefit from cost savings, but also enjoy a sense of belonging and community.
3. Cost-Effective Living
Despite its reputation as a top tourist destination, Spain remains relatively affordable compared to other European countries. From accommodation and dining to transportation and entertainment, living expenses in Spain are often more budget-friendly, particularly in smaller cities and towns.
Spain’s universal healthcare system also delivers quality medical care at a fraction of the cost compared to other countries, complemented by private health insurance options tailored to digital nomads’ needs and budgets for peace of mind.
Moreover, recreational activities like hiking, beach outings, and cultural events are often free or low-cost, allowing digital nomads to appreciate Spain’s diverse landscapes and traditions without overspending.
4. Favourable Tax Regime
Remote workers in Spain benefit from a highly advantageous tax regime. Instead of facing a progressive tax rate that can reach up to 45% in the general case, those under the digital nomad visa scheme pay a flat fee of 24% on their work-related income up to €600,000, and 48% on any amount exceeding this threshold.
However, this is only applicable to digital nomads who are employed by companies outside of Spain. Meaning, this does not apply to self-employed individuals or freelancers. Additionally, to enjoy this benefit the individual must not have already been a resident in Spain anytime during the last five years.
5. Gateway to Europe and Beyond
Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean, Spain serves as a gateway to a world of exploration and adventure. With its extensive transportation network and proximity to other European destinations, Spain offers convenient access to diverse cultures, landscapes, and experiences.
Whether you’re dreaming of weekend getaways to Paris, exploring the historic streets of Rome, or soaking up the sun in the Greek Isles, Spain’s strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring the wonders of the continent and beyond.
So, what are you waiting for?
Spain offers a compelling blend of culture, lifestyle, and opportunity for digital nomads seeking to embrace a life of freedom and adventure. With its welcoming atmosphere, vibrant communities, and boundless possibilities, Spain beckons those with a thirst for exploration and a passion for remote work.
By embarking on this journey, you’ll not only discover the beauty of Spain but also unlock a world of endless possibilities as you chart your course as a digital nomad in one of Europe’s most captivating destinations.
Before we part, we recommend getting the help of an immigration lawyer in Spain as this streamlines the application, reduces delays, and improves the chances of obtaining the digital nomad visa for a smooth transition to life in Spain. Immigration lawyers understand visa requirements and legal procedures, guiding applicants through the process.
If you’re planning to move to Spain or have questions, drop us a line in the comments – we’d love to chat!
Welcome! We are Sarah + Cooper, Aussie expats living in the UK with our Westie dog, London. We like to inspire on how to travel for longer and to live and work from anywhere. Our most popular content here is about seeing the world with your pet, remote working & digital nomadism, and house + pet sitting. Create a global life of your dreams at any age! Subscribe to find out more :)
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