Sonia Majumder

This year has presented immense uncertainty but in some ways we turned adversity into advantage. Its coming to an end soon and just like that 365 pages will have gone by. The global pandemic and a crisis like covid has brought about much needed change. Change in many areas that have been pushed to the sidelines. It’s made us appreciate our ecosystem, realize how fragile it is and so are we.

We all are interconnected in so many ways and this year has truly been a test on how well we could unite and cooperate globally.And for us to prioritize matters such as health, climate change, sustainability, human rights and global equality to name a few. To tell a different story – a story without any boundaries.

Life is evolving at a fast pace. The way we work, the way we live, the way we meet people. According to research and advisory firm Gartner, 82% of 127 leaders surveyed mentioned they would allow remote work culture even after it becomes safe to return to the office.

Talking about remote work culture, early this year I became part of the BriteBirch Collective a new type of marketing consultancy powered by perspective – the agency of the future. Consists of 100+ expert independent creative consultants from diverse backgrounds who work from anywhere in the world. I am grateful to be part of a community with passionate like-minded individuals. A group of people who have inspired and supported each other during these tough times while solving brand challenges across industries and continents.

Now, as travel restrictions are easing up, countries re-opening borders to tourists and implementing remote work programmes/jobs. People are planning and considering their escape.

Here are a few resources to help us get started on our post pandemic travel plans. NomadList is a great site for a global community of international travelers working remotely around the world, it includes the countries ratings of overall safety, Wi-Fi stability and costs to name a few. Travelscope allows you to filter and discover which countries you would require a visa and which countries you can enter without a visa depending on your nationality & passport. Numbeo is a site to provide costs of living around the world. Lastly, iVisa is a recommended fast and reliable website to get your visa online. Although its best to double check everything with your local embassy for requirements, restrictions and costs as they change frequently these days due to covid.

Let’s jump right into the juicy details of a few places we could go off to.

1.Spain

Located in Southwestern Europe, this cultural diverse country is situated right next to Portugal. The capital Madrid is known for its architecture, mountains and castles. You can apply for a non-lucrative visa which allows you to stay up to 1 year. It’s a low cost living country with a range of places to explore and things to do. You would need to apply in person at the spanish consulate or embassy. To find your nearest embassy click on the link.

Basic requirements are the application fee of $140, proof of private spanish health insurance, police check and medical certificate. You would have to show you can support yourself financially with investments or income of $2,500 per month or hold savings of $30,000. Technically you can’t work on this visa in Spain so you would need to sign a notary that you agree you won’t work while living in Spain.

2.Czech Republic

Situated in Central Europe bordered by Germany, Austria & Poland to name a few. The capital Prague has a rich medieval architectural heritage reflecting historical towns that can transport you back 500 years. Czech republic offers a freelancer visa Zivno which is valid up to a year and can be extended with the purpose of business.

Basic requirements are a having a trade license from one of the trades off this list. It’s abit more complicated so getting an agent to handle all this is recommended. Application fee is $100+, then proof of sufficient funds at least $7,000 per person in your account, proof of accommodation for one year and pay local taxes of $80 per month in local taxes. To fill out the application form click on the link. Then you can make an appointment at your local Czech embassy for the long stay visa. -more details on how to apply and requirements.

3.Barbados

This island is set in the Caribbean sea region of North America and has pleasant climate. A blend of West African/Indian and English with rich history and distinctive identity. They have introduced ‘The Barbados Welcome Stamp’ a special 12 – month visa for remote workers, which could be renewed longer. To fill out the online application form click on the link.

Basic requirements are the application fee of $2,000, show that you have health insurance and an annual income of $50,000 per year. There is strict health protocols where its mandatory for everyone from medium to high risk countries to have a negative covid test results to enter the country. To view more details for covid protocols for Barbados.

4.Germany

Situated in north central Europe is one of Europe’s largest countries. Encompasses a variety of landscapes such as sky high mountains, tree covered hills and natural beauty. Germany has a freelance visa called ‘Freiberufler’ which permits foreign freelancers and self-employed individuals to live in Germany for up to 3-6 months up to 3 years. The approval process takes longer roughly 3-4 months.

Basic requirements are $70-100 for freelance visa, $160 for resident permit and settlement permit up to $300. To view more details on freelance visa or the resident permit for self employment you can click on the links.

5.Mexico

Situated in Southern North America and known to be the third largest country in Latin America after Brazil and Argentina. Consisting of 26 UNESCO- declared world heritage sites, lush jungles and tropical beaches -there’s lots to do. There are two visas their 6 month tourist visa and temporary resident visa which is valid for one year but renewable annually for another 3 years (3+1)

Basic requirements are an overall bank balance of over $27,000 during the past 12 months or a copy of a monthly income of over $1,620 (6months). Other requirements are you own an independent business or work remotely for a company outside Mexico.

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Throughout an individual’s whole life the question of identity and belonging arises at some point of life. This is usually when people are exposed to different communities and cultures. Nowadays, people find themselves being a ‘cosmopolitan’ deriving from the Greek word Kosmopolitan: and refers to ‘a sense of belonging to the world and being a global citizen.’ I hope the future will make people feel like they belong to the world rather than a country.

I hope you enjoyed and found this guide useful.