At a Glance
- Since January 31, 2024, individuals traveling to the United Kingdom have been allowed to work remotely while visiting. Visitors are prohibited from engaging with the local market, working for organizations in the UK, or directly providing goods and services to the public.
- These rules prohibit visitors from traveling to the UK with the primary purpose of remote working, which is a significant difference compared to the ‘digital nomad’ visas offered by other countries.
- We offer a table of many countries with so-called digital nomad visas, including current fees and minimum income requirements. This type of visa can allow workers, freelancers and self-employed individuals to live in one country whilst working remotely for a company located in a different country.
UK Changes
In December 2023, the UK Home Office announced changes for those traveling to the United Kingdom as visitors. The changes were prompted in an effort to relax the rules for individuals being granted entry to the United Kingdom as visitors.
Since January 31, 2024, individuals traveling to the United Kingdom have been allowed to work remotely while visiting. The primary intent of their visit must be that of a visitor — e.g., seeing family, having a holiday, attending a conference or business meetings, or engaging in other nonwork-related activities.
The permission granted is strictly limited to the remote performance of employment duties. Visitors are prohibited from engaging with the local market, working for organizations in the UK, or directly providing goods and services to the public. These rules prohibit visitors from traveling to the UK with the primary purpose of remote working, which is a significant difference compared to the digital nomad visas offered by other countries.
The new remote-working provision in the immigration rules permits activities such as responding to emails, answering phone calls, or participating in remote meetings, as well as performing any other employment duties that can be completed using telecommunications.
The visa changes have also created additional opportunities for researchers, scientists and academics, who now have permission to conduct research in the United Kingdom as part of their visit. The research can be independent or relate directly to their employment overseas. Previously, travellers would have been obligated to apply for a visa to engage in such activities.
Furthermore, the list of Permitted Paid Engagements (PPE) will be extended to allow payment for speakers at conferences. PPE visitors will still need to plan and carry out any activities within 30 days of their arrival in the country.
Previous Situation and Related Impact
Under the previous rules, workers coming to the United Kingdom as a visitor were unable to:
- work remotely;
- work directly with clients in the United Kingdom;
- be paid for speaking at conferences; or
- engage in research if they were researchers, scientists or academics.
Instead, workers had to apply for an appropriate work visa to engage in those activities, a process that required more time and resources — for example, sponsorship from a UK company or another form of immigration permission.
The changes to the visitor rules mean that business travel to the United Kingdom will become more flexible and attractive, and more reflective of 21st century workplace realities. This is a pragmatic approach to modern, remote-working business practices, which is not reflected in the immigration rules of many other countries. For example, and in direct contrast, the United States does not at this time permit foreign visitors to undertake remote work activities there (although there have been unsubstantiated rumours that this may be considered).
Comparison to Other Countries
As traditional workplace boundaries have become more flexible, and especially as a result of the COVID pandemic, the concept of digital visas or e-visas has increased in popularity worldwide, with many countries introducing so-called digital nomad visas. This type of visa can allow workers, freelancers and self-employed individuals to live in one country whilst working remotely for a company located in a different country.
Here are some examples of the ‘digital nomad’ visas being offered by some countries:
| Countries | Duration | Minimum Income | Application Fee |
| Argentina | up to 6 months (can be renewed) | no minimum income requirement | - approximately US$120 immigration fee; and
- approximately US$80 consular fees
|
| Bahamas | up to 1 year (can be renewed) | no minimum income requirement | Professionals: - application fee: US$25; and
- permit fee: US$1,000
Students: - application fee: US$25; and
- permit fee: US$500
|
| Barbados | up to 1 year | US$50,000 annually | US$2,000 |
| Brazil | up to 1 year (can be extended) | US$1,500 monthly | US$100-300 (depending on which country you are making the application from) |
| Cayman Islands | up to 2 years | annual income of at least US$100,000 if applying as an individual, US$150,000 for a couple and US$180,000 for a family | - application fee: US$1,469; and
- credit card fee: 7% of total application fee
|
| Costa Rica | up to 1 year (can be renewed) | US$3,000 monthly | US$100 |
| Croatia | up to 1 year | €2,539.31 monthly | if the application is submitted at a diplomatic mission / consular post: - application fee: €55,74; and
- biometric residence card fee: €41,14
|
| Cyprus | up to 1 year (can be renewed) | €3,500 monthly | - issuance or renewal of a temporary residence permit: €70; and
- registration to the Aliens’ Registry (only in cases of initial registration): €70
|
| Greece | up to 1 year (can be extended) | €3,500 monthly | - visa fee: €75; and
- administrative fee: €150
|
| Mauritius | up to 1 year (can be renewed) | US$1,500 monthly | no application fee |
| Philippines
(expected to be rolled out in 2024) | up to 1 year (can be extended) | to be confirmed | to be confirmed |
| Portugal | either: - a temporary-stay visa (valid for up to 1 year); or
- a long-term option (can be renewed until the individual becomes eligible for a permanent residency after 5 years)
| applicant needs to earn at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage | €90 |
| Spain | up to 1 year (can be extended) | must be at least 200% of the monthly Spanish national minimum wage (approximately €2,387.15 per month) | €73.26 |
Conclusion
Many countries worldwide have introduced digital nomad visas in response to the changing working culture. Whilst the United Kingdom has decided against introducing such a visa, the changes implemented by the UK government will remove certain boundaries in the business travel context. The changes to the laws governing visitors in the United Kingdom do not, however, replace Skilled Worker visas (or other work visas), and visitors should educate themselves on the restrictions in order to avoid violating immigration laws.
FAQs
Since January 31, 2024, individuals traveling to the United Kingdom have been allowed to work remotely while visiting. The primary intent of their visit must be that of a visitor — e.g., seeing family, having a holiday, attending a conference or business meetings, or engaging in other nonwork-related activities.
Can I work remotely in the UK from the USA? ›
Visa And Work Permit For Foreign Remote Workers
For example, if you are a citizen of the United States and want to work remotely in the United Kingdom, you will need to obtain a Tier-Two General visa. The process of obtaining a visa can be time-consuming and expensive, but that's where we come in.
Can I work remotely in the UK on a tourist visa? ›
If you want to carry out remote work in the UK so that you can support yourself whilst you visit, then you can do this. A Statement of Changes from December last year updated the Visitor Visa rules, which included a change that allows people to work remotely in the UK whilst visiting.
What are the changes in the UK immigration in 2024? ›
While regular Skilled Worker Visa holders can still bring their family and children to the UK by applying for a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa, care workers and senior care workers under the Skilled Worker Visa route are not permitted to bring dependants as of 11 March 2024.
Does the UK allow digital nomads? ›
Does the UK offer a Digital Nomad Visa? To date, the UK does not offer a visa specifically for digital nomads. Temporary workers are welcome in the UK to live and work for a short-term period under categories such as the Government Authorized Exchange or Seasonal Workers program.
Can I work in the UK as a US citizen? ›
US Citizens & Working in the UK
In order to submit an application for a UK Work Permit you must have first received an offer of employment (in the form of a certificate of sponsorship) from a UK employer who holds a sponsor licence issued by the UKBA.
Can American tourists work in the UK? ›
As a visitor, you cannot work for a UK company or as a self-employed person unless you're coming to the UK for a permitted paid engagement. You'll need to apply for a work visa if you want to do any other paid or unpaid work that's not included in the business activities on this page.
What happens if you work remotely on a tourist visa? ›
Even if the employer is foreign and the salary is being received through a foreign account, you will still be violating the rules of your tourist visa. And your visa can be canceled and you can also be removed from the US. This may also impact the issuance of future visas.
How long can I work remotely in the UK? ›
In most cases, what this means is that provided that you spend no more than 183 days in the other country and you work for a UK-resident employer who bears the cost of your employment, you would usually continue to be taxed only in the UK and not in the other country.
Can I work remotely in the UK without a work visa? ›
You are only required to have a work visa (provided you require one) if you work IN the UK. Therefore, if you are working remotely, even for a UK-based company, you will not need a UK visa. You may need to apply for a visa in the country from which you are working though (again, if this is required in your case).
A: Remote working is permitted under the new rules, but it must not be the primary reason for your visit to the UK. This means that while visitors can continue their work for an overseas employer, the main purpose of their stay should be tourism, visiting family, or another non-work-related activity.
What are the new rules in the UK April 2024? ›
Skilled Worker changes
From 4 April 2024, the minimum salary threshold for a Skilled Worker visa application will rise to the higher of £38,700 or the going rate for that type of role. Roles will be as set out in the SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) 2020, instead of SOC 2010.
What is the new update for UK visa? ›
2) Skilled Worker visa minimum salary: Starting from 4 April 2024, the baseline minimum salary required to be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa will increase from £26,200 to £38,700.
Can I work remotely as a tourist in the UK? ›
Since January 31, 2024, individuals travelling to the UK on visitor visas have been granted the freedom to work remotely while visiting.
Who qualifies as a digital nomad? ›
A digital nomad has a remote job and is a location-independent worker, but they travel nearly full-time. They have possibly sold their home and live fully on the go. A location-independent worker typically has a home base with the option to travel with their job, working from different locations on occasion.
What is the cheapest country to live as a digital nomad? ›
If you're looking for the cheapest places to live and work as a digital nomad, Malta, Greece, Croatia, St Lucia, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Indonesia (specifically Bali) are worth considering. In Malta, you'll find a welcoming community and a low cost of living.
Do I have the right to work in the UK remotely? ›
The new rules confirm that a visitor may work remotely for their overseas employer in the UK. Provided that the remote work is incidental to their UK visit and not the main intention.
Do I have to pay tax if I work remotely in the UK? ›
The employee will typically continue to be taxable in the UK on their employment income. Generally, the employee will not be taxable in the overseas country. However, the employee, or their employer, may have reporting obligations in the overseas country.
Can US citizens work remotely abroad? ›
Yes, it is entirely possible to work for a US based company while living abroad either as a digital nomad or as a non-citizen. With advancements in technology and communication tools, remote work has become increasingly common and feasible across international borders.
