Archive May 2025

In 2025, Indian passport holders seeking to work remotely from abroad have expanded opportunities, as 16 countries now offer digital nomad or equivalent visas. These programs cater to freelancers, remote employees, and entrepreneurs, allowing them to live and work legally while experiencing new cultures.

Here are key highlights from select countries:

Croatia: Offers a Digital Nomad Residence Permit valid for 6 months to 1 year. Applicants need a monthly income of at least ₹2,59,580 and must register their Croatian address within 30 days of arrival.

Germany: Provides a Freelance Visa for self-employed professionals in fields like IT, art, and consulting. Requires proof of income (approximately ₹1,15,772) and documents translated into German.

Greece: Offers a Digital Nomad Visa for non-EU residents with a minimum monthly income of ₹3,16,106. Applicants must provide proof of employment, accommodation, health insurance, and a police clearance certificate.

Indonesia: While not officially termed a digital nomad visa, the E33G visa allows remote work for up to a year. Applicants need a minimum bank balance of ₹1,73,061 and an annual income of ₹51,91,830.

Italy: Introduced a Digital Nomad Visa valid for one year. Requirements include an annual income of approximately ₹22,39,686, health insurance, and proof of accommodation.

Thailand: Launched the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), a 5-year multiple-entry visa allowing stays of up to 180 days per entry. Applicants must be at least 20 years old and show a bank balance of ₹12,75,229.

Other countries offering similar opportunities include Romania, Malta, Estonia, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Seychelles, Spain, Bahamas, and Portugal. Each country has specific requirements regarding income, health insurance, and documentation.

These visa programs provide Indian professionals the chance to explore new environments while maintaining their remote work, blending career growth with cultural experiences.

In January 2025, the Croatian Ministry of Interior announced the implementation of rigorous checks for all foreign nationals applying for long-stay Schengen visas (D visas) and residence permits. This measure aims to prevent the misuse of visas and work permits, particularly by individuals who enter Croatia under the pretense of employment but subsequently relocate to other EU countries.

The Ministry emphasized that detailed assessments are conducted to ascertain the genuine intent of applicants and evaluate potential migration risks. Special attention is directed toward individuals identified as part of "high-risk migration groups," including nationals from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, the Philippines, and Egypt. Instances have been reported where a significant number of Bangladeshi nationals, after obtaining work visas, have left Croatia for other EU member states, prompting concerns over visa system exploitation.

Applicants found to have intentions of misusing the visa system will face immediate rejection. While Croatia continues to address labor shortages across various sectors, authorities are balancing the need for foreign workers with the imperative to maintain the integrity of immigration processes.

New Indian Consular Application Centres have been opened in Madrid, Barcelona, and Tenerife by BLS International. This expansion aims to simplify and expedite visa applications, passport services, and other essential consular processes for both Indian citizens and foreign applicants in Spain.

The initiative comes in response to the growing Indian community in Spain and is designed to provide faster, more accessible, and transparent consular services. The new centers will handle a range of services, including:

• Visa applications
  
  
• Passport services
  
  
• OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) Cards
  
  
• Police Clearance Certificates (PCC)
  
  
• Surrender Certificates(for renunciation of Indian citizenship)
  
  
• Global Entry Program (GEP) verification
  
  
• Miscellaneous attestation services
  
  

Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director at BLS International, stated that the company is committed to simplifying global mobility and that these new centers will ensure quicker processing times, improved accessibility, and greater transparency for the Indian community and travelers.

Spain has officially ended its "Golden Visa" program, which granted residency to non-EU nationals in exchange for significant investments, most commonly a €500,000 real estate purchase. The change, effective April 3, 2025, aims to address soaring property prices and make housing more affordable for Spanish residents.

This decision means that investors, including those from India, can no longer utilize this specific route to gain Spanish residency and visa-free access to the Schengen Zone. The program, active for 12 years, was a popular option for individuals seeking European access.

Key Takeaways:

• Program Ended: Spain's Golden Visa program was officially terminated on April 3, 2025.
  
  
• Reason: The primary driver for this decision is to alleviate pressure on Spain's housing market and prioritize housing for locals. A large majority of these visas were reportedly linked to property investments, contributing to price inflation in major cities and coastal regions.
  
  
• Impact on Investors: Non-EU investors, including those from India, will need to explore alternative pathways for residency and access to Europe, as this popular option via Spain is now closed.
  
  
• Legislative Basis: The termination was enacted through Organic Law 1/2025, which was published in early January 2025 and came into force after a three-month period.
  
  

Indian investors who were considering Spain's Golden Visa program for European residency will now need to reassess their options and look into other investment-based immigration programs available in other European countries or alternative visa categories in Spain. This policy shift aligns with a broader trend in some European nations rethinking such investment-for-residency schemes due to social and economic pressures.

Indian travelers are showing a keen interest in visiting Europe, with a significant 29% surge in Schengen visa applications recorded so far in 2025 compared to the previous year. This growing enthusiasm for European destinations is particularly noticeable among millennial travelers, aged 29-44, who have lodged 23.5% more visa requests.

While major metropolitan areas like Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bengaluru have traditionally been the primary drivers of European tourism from India, a rising interest is now also evident in cities such as Pune, Ahmedabad, and Chandigarh.

Among the most coveted European countries for Indian tourists are Portugal, Greece, Spain, and Italy. Germany is also emerging as a key destination, witnessing a 20% increase in visa applications from India in the first quarter of 2025.

This upward trend in Schengen visa demand is largely attributed to enhanced air connectivity between India and Europe. It also reflects a broader shift where Indian citizens are increasingly prioritizing international travel to seek diverse cultural experiences.