Cyprus has Europe’s worst Digital Nomad Visa and the world’s second worst, just after Anguilla, shows a new ranking of entry and stay policies offered by world countries to digital nomads.
According to the newly released VisaGuide.World Digital Nomad Index, Spain offers the best visa to obtain as a digital nomad, based on several factors, like taxes for remote foreign workers, minimum income requirements, costs of living, etc., in addition to its attractive culture, lifestyle, and nature.
However, based on the same factors, the index ranks another European Union Member State, Cyprus, as the world’s second worst, just after Anguilla, out of a total of 38 countries offering Digital Nomad Visas.
Commenting on the ranking, Lum Kamishi from VisaGuide.World says that the Cypriot authorities have not shown genuine interest in attracting digital nomads to move its territory.
In terms of lifestyle, Cyprus might be one of the most alluring countries in this list. However, the government has not done enough to lure nomads, in comparison to other countries, in spite of its very attractive tax-free offer.
He further highlights that internet speed in Cyprus is amongst the very worst, at only 80.97. In other countries, like Romania, the internet speed is at 260.97, whereas in Spain, it is 248.25.
Additionally, Cyprus has one of the highest minimum incomes required in order to obtain a digital nomad visa, which makes this visa more difficult to get for many, and as a result, less sought-after. Nomads are required to gain at least €3,500 per month, which is an income higher than the ones required in many EU countries, including Spain, Romania, Croatia, Malta, Norway, Czechia, Hungary, etc.
Cyprus launched its digital nomad visa in October 15, 2021, with a cap of 100 visas. However, later in March 2022, the country five-folded the cap at 500, thus giving the chance to more nomads wishing to move into the country to do so.
The initial visa permits a foreigner to live in Cyprus for one year, with the opportunity of extending their stay for another two years.
For those who have a high income and for whom internet speed is not a problem, Cyprus can still be a haven to live in and work from, in particular for those who appreciate a mix of Mediterranean lifestyle, history, and diverse cultural influences.
