Digital Nomad Visa Comparison: Seychelles vs. Malaysia
A comparison of remote work visas for Seychelles and Malaysia.
Comparing Seychelles and Malaysia: Digital Nomad Visa Programs
If you're an aspiring digital nomad, you're likely looking for destinations that offer a heavenly combination of work and leisure. Seychelles and Malaysia are two such destinations that offer attractive visa programs for digital nomads. Here's a detailed comparison of the two programs.
About Seychelles
Located in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands and is known for its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. It offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, attracting tourists and digital nomads from all over the world. This island nation is considered to be one of the most progressive economies in Africa, making it a suitable destination for digital nomads.
Visa Program for Digital Nomads in Seychelles
| Visa Name | Visitors' Workcation Permit |
|---|---|
| Cost of Visa | EUR 45 |
| Can You Bring Your Family? | No |
| Is Remote Work Allowed? | Yes |
| Can You Work with Local Businesses or Employers? | No |
| Can You Extend Your Stay? | Yes, up to 1 year |
| What Kind of Work is Not Allowed? | Rendering services/working with local businesses and employers are not allowed |
| Documents Required | Valid passport, proof of valid medical and travel insurance, proof of work and income/subsistence, proof of being self-employed, being a freelancer or a business owner or proof of employment, proof of accommodation |
About Malaysia
Malaysia, located in Southeast Asia, has become a popular destination for digital nomads in recent years owing to its multicultural atmosphere and delicious cuisine. This country is a melting pot of cultures, with Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. Kuala Lumpur, its capital, is a modern metropolis that offers a deeply traditional experience. Malaysia's immigration policies are quite welcoming, which makes it an enticing option for digital nomads.
Visa Program for Digital Nomads in Malaysia
| Visa Name | DE Rantau Nomad Pass under DE Rantau Program |
|---|---|
| Application Fee |
|
| Immigration Pass Fee for Each Applicant |
|
| Multiple Entry Visa Fee | Varies country by country |
| Is Remote Work Allowed? | Yes |
| Is A Minimum Income Required? | Yes, for foreign digital nomads: above US$24,000 annually; for local digital nomads: above RM36,000 annually |
| Is Tax Required? | Yes, unless it can be exempted under the Double Taxation Agreement subject to meeting the required conditions |
| Does One Need A Certificate of Good Conduct? | Yes, a copy of Certificate of Good Conduct (COGC) is required for submission of foreign digital nomad application |
| Can You Extend Your Stay? | Yes, for 12 months; with an option to extend to additional 12 months i.e. total of 24 months of stay. The holder of this Pass will also enjoy multiple entry rights for the validity duration of Pass. Malaysian does not require a work pass. |
| What Kind of Work is Allowed? | The applicant is required to have a career in a domain related to Information Technology, Digital Content Creation and Development, or Digital Marketing. If a foreign digital nomad is applying for the DE Rantau Nomad Pass as a remote worker, then his/her employment should be with a Foreign/Non-Malaysian Company. Local digital nomad as a remote worker, the employment may either be local or foreign company. Digital Freelancer and Independent Contractor can work either with foreign or local company |
| Documents Required | A passport valid for more than 14 months is required. For Digital Freelancer, contracts or invoices and orders and clients mentioning the duration and value of the contract will be required. In case there is no specific contract, the applicant would be required to prove that income generated is more than US$24,000 annually for foreigner or MYR36,000 annually for Malaysian. For a remote worker, proof of an active employment with a company outside Malaysia is required stating the monthly or annual salary, which should be more than US$24,000 annually for foreigner or MYR36,000 annually for Malaysian. The age of the main applicant is required to be above 18 years. Immediate family members of the applicant are also eligible to apply |
Conclusion
Both Seychelles and Malaysia offer enticing programs for digital nomads looking for adventure and relaxation. While Seychelles' Visitors' Workcation Permit allows for a shorter stay and places restrictions on the type of work allowed, it is more affordable. Malaysia's DE Rantau Nomad Pass is more expensive but allows for extended stays, multiple entries, and offers more flexibility in terms of the kind of work allowed. Ultimately, the choice between the two destinations will depend on the individual needs of the digital nomad.