Is it better to apply for a digital nomad visa or temporary residency Permit?
Different points of consideration
For customers who are looking to relocate to a foreign country, it is important to understand which type of visa permit is the most suitable for your situation.
- First, it is important to distinguish and identify that residency visa and residency permit can be used interchangably.
For most countries, the 2 terms can mean the same thing but in others, the two residency types can have entirely different purpose altogether.
The conditions surrounding digital nomad and temporary residency can vary from country to country.
- What may not be possible as a Digital Nomad in one country, could be entirely possible in another.
- Digital Nomads Visa Holders in one country may be able to start a company and not in another.
- Nomad Visas can potentially qualify for Permanent Residency in certain countries.
- Certain countries may not allow the main applicant to include their dependents.
Main difference between Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) and Temporary Residency Permit
1. Identify Your Long Term Residency Goal
While the goal of most customers who are looking to leave their own country is to obtain Permanent Residency (PR) status, and eventually citizenship of that country, other clients may have different immigration plans.
For clients from countries that are economic unstable, where safety is a top concern they currently face, their main priority is to ensure the stability and safety of themselves and their family members.
- Such customers are usually interested in immigration program that can be applied processed quickly, Without placing too much focus on whether the program can lead to permanent residency or not
2. Temporary versus Permanent: Which immigration program can lead to Permanent Residency and eventual citizenship?
- Digital Nomad Visas (DNV): In most countries, DNVs are designed as “non-immigrant” visas.
- Depending on the country, you are granted the right to stay for 12 to 48 months at most.
- Time spent USUALLY DOES NOT toward the 5-year requirement for Permanent Residency (PR) in most countries.
- Most countries offer citizenship after significant amount of time has been spent in the country, however some countries simply do not.
- In most cases it is necessary to learn the local language and understand the country’s history.
- Residency Permits: These are “immigrant” intended visas.
- Every day you spend in the country on a standard residency permit is a day counted toward your permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
- The criteria to obtain citizenship in most countries varies, but generally requires you to speak the local language, as well as have an understanding of the country’s history.
3. Family Sponsorship: Who Can Join You?
Bringing your family members under a process known as family reunification, is often easier with a residency permit than DNVs, although the latter is catching up.
- Under a Residency Permit: Sponsorship is a standard feature.
- You can typically sponsor a spouse and dependent children immediately, some countries may also be possible bring your parents and siblings.
- A domestic helper may also be possible to be added as a dependent in some countries.
- Typically cannot leave the country for more than 6 months at a time.
- Under a Digital Nomad Visa: Including your family members is often possible, but not always.
- Bringing your family member usually have Additional financial requirements for the main applicant.
4. How to include siblings in countries that do not allow you to add them as dependents
- Since most countries do not allow you to any additional family members other than your spouse and children.
- Any other family members will need to have their own separate application as the main applicant.
5. Is Nomad Visa better or Temporary Residence Visa Permit Better
Choose a Residency Permit if: You want to put down roots, enroll your children in local schools with long-term stability, and eventually trade your current passport for a new one.
- Usually have higher requirements than the Digital Nomad Visa route, in terms of financial capital you must earn or contribute.
Choose the Digital Nomad Visa if: You want to “test drive” a country for 1–2 years, maintain your current tax setup at home, and value travel freedom over a permanent address.
- Customers who are only interested in living in a foreign country for a short period of time before returning to the home, will find Nomad visa more suitable and easier to apply to in terms of requirements.
How to select the best integration immigration for yourself and family
- Annual payment (Nomad Visa Route) vs One Time Payment (Temporary Residency Visa.
- Assess financial requirements of various programs.
- Define your goals.
- Decide if it’s necessary to obtain the foreign countries tax resident status.
- Find a program that can include the family members you wish to relocate to the new country.
- If obtain local education is an important factor for your children.
- If it is possible to remain in one country for most of the year.
- If you need to register a company or not in the country.
- Understand current circumstances.
- Whether you’re self sustained financially or you need to work inside the country.

Comparison of nomad program and temporary Residency programs
To understand which feature is more suitable for your situation it is necessary to compare the pros and cons each route.
| Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) | Traditional Residency Permit Visa | |
| Primary Goal | Suitable for clients who are looking to remain in a country for a short period of time. | Long-term settlement and with the goal of obtaining permanent residency and citizenship. |
| Path to PR | Often No (unless specific country rules apply) | Yes, average time to obtain permanent residency status in most countries is 5 years |
| Family Sponsorship | Can usually include your spouse and children | Spouse automatically eligible, in some cases, parents and siblings can be included. |
| Local Employment | Prohibited (must work for foreign clients) | Usually allowed (with a work permit) |
| Tax Status | Nomad visa holders are generally not taxed In the country that issue the Nomad Visa, due to their inability to work in the same country. | Usually subject to local taxation if more than 183 days is spent in the country each year. |
| Financial requirement | Usually lower than Temporary Residency Visa | Slightly higher in most cases than The Digital Nomad Visa |
Tax comparison between Nomad Visa Status and Temporary Residence Permit Status
Nomad Visa
- Tax position can be unclear or disputed.
- Risk of accidental tax residency.
- Often excluded from local tax benefits.
- Limited treaty access for Double Tax Avoidance Treaties.
Temporary Residency
- Recognized by tax authorities.
- Clear tax residency framework, as the main goal is to reside in the foreign country long term, which automatically lead tax resident status after 183 days of living in the country.
- Able to apply Tax Residency Certificate (TRC).
- Access to tax treaties for Double Tax Avoidance (DTA).
- Easier long-term tax planning.
This tax overview should only be used as a point of reference and not a guideline.
How BUH consulting can assist
Our team will work with you to understand your requirements, eligibility criteria and suggest the most suitable immigration program.
Depending on your circumstances and needs, one immigration route may make more sense over the rest.
Contact information
For a tailored solution, contact us to discuss about your requirements.
Email: – sam@buh-consulting.com
Phone: +971585086656
Whatsapp: +971585086656
Telegram: BUHConsultingAE
