Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership | This website contains attorney advertising.
March 13, 2024

Immigration Update: UK Government Unveils Remote Work Perks for Short-Term Visitors

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.

The material contained in this communication is informational, general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. The material contained in this communication should not be relied upon or used without consulting a lawyer to consider your specific circumstances. This communication was published on the date specified and may not include any changes in the topics, laws, rules or regulations covered. Receipt of this communication does not establish an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this communication may be considered attorney advertising.