Are you dreaming about living overseas? Or maybe you just want to go travelling again. This article will list the easiest visas you can get in 2023 to get those dreams turned into a reality.
Obtaining an international visa is a task that is sometimes met with apprehension by expat-wannabes and travellers alike.
It’s easy to think up the idea of moving overseas or travelling to an exotic country, and it becomes exciting.
However, in theory, there are things you need to do to make it possible. That is where the paperwork, fees and interviews become taxing.
But it doesn’t have to be so daunting to get an international work visa in 2023. There are some of the easiest visas out there that will help get you travelling quicker than you might think.
10. Digital Nomad Visas in Estonia − perfect for the digital nomad
Estonia provides a visa for digital nomads and remote workers, the “Digital Nomad Visa”, and also the E-Residency, making this Baltic country a digital-friendly nation.
The Estonia digital nomad visa is valid for up to one year and enables remote workers to work from Estonia either for their own overseas business or a foreign employer.
You can get this visa through an Estonian embassy or consulate, and applications are assessed within one month of receiving them.
9. Working Holiday Visas in Australia − perfect for year-long travel and work
Australia has long been the go-to place for a working holiday. Offering a Working Holiday or Work and Holiday Visa to a range of different countries who are between the ages of 18 and 30 years old.
The application process can be tedious as there is paperwork you have to do, but fortunately, you can submit these online, saving some processing time.
The official Australian government says that processing your visa application can take up to 20 days in 90% of applications.
This visa allows you to complete casual work in Australia for a year. However, you cannot work for the same employer for more than six months.
8. J-1 Au Pair Visa for the US − perfect for younger au pairs
Au pairs can go to America through the J-1 Au Pair Visa Program. Au pairs must find their family through one of the 14 agencies that have been authorised by the government.
The US can be a great place to get work as an au pair if you are between 18 and 26 years old. You are looking at working for approximately $195 a week with two weeks’ leave a year with your own room and meals provided in some cases.
7. 30-day Visa for Belize − for travelling and then deciding to stay for longer
In Belize, you can receive a 30-day Visa which allows you to visit the country for up to 30 days, perfect for short-term travelling.
But if you wish to stay longer, you can simply renew the visa at around $12 each time for as long as you like. There is no need to show proof of employment, proof of ownership, proof of expertise, proof of savings or proof of vaccination.
Belize’s visa process is super simple and helps remove the stress of travelling and moving.
If you love it here and wish to settle in Belize after one year, then you can apply for a permanent residency that will cost you $951, and that’s all. Then in five years, you can apply for citizenship, but this process can take longer.
6. New Zealand Working Holiday Visa − perfect for younger western travellers
New Zealand is a country that is pushing for younger people (18 to 30-year-olds) to move there. It is rather easy to get a visa as the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa can grant 12 months of stay in the country, which enables you to work and travel.
Then if you are in love with the country, you can apply for a different visa and stay even longer.
While New Zealand is easy to travel to, you have to ensure you have enough money to live here as the country has a higher living cost. It said that New Zealand is already 10% more expensive than the US.
5. Schengen Tourist Visas for international travellers − for European travel
If you’re travelling to Europe and entering the Schengen Area from a country without a visa-free travel arrangement, you’ll need to apply for a Schengen Visa application.
Visiting multiple countries in the Schengen Area, you won’t need to apply for visas for every country you visit. Simply apply for the country you intend on staying the longest in.
If you plan to stay the same amount of time in each country you visit, you must apply for your Schengen Visa at the consulate of the country you will visit first.
4. Cambodian Visas − easy and fast E-Visa
Cambodia offers an Electronic Visa when planning to visit, making the process super simple and easy. The whole application can take up to three days to process, and you will receive the visa in your emails when your visa has been issued.
Cambodia has been considered one of the easiest visas to receive in the world. Its business visa is popular among people travelling to live the digital nomad life.
It is a visa which is easily renewed, and the country is home to many ex-pats and remote workers living in this tropical dream.
Remember that the visa allows you entry, but it does not enable you to work there; you would need an additional work permit to work in Cambodia.
3. Czechia Visa − the one with the lowest rejection rates
Czechia has one of the lowest rejection rates when it comes to visa applications, with only a 3.3% refusal rate. This makes the Czech Republic one of the easiest European countries to get a visa.
Not to mention the application processing for a Czechia Visa is around two weeks. You are less likely to be refused from this fascinating European country, so apply for this Schengen visa and visit the beauty of Czechia.
2. Ireland Visas − work and tourist visas
Getting a work visa is relatively easy in Ireland. You need to have a job already found and in place before you apply for a visa in Ireland.
However, the country’s government actively looks for migrant workers who could fill vacancies in sectors that are seeing a shortage of workers. So you could apply without a job lined up too, and go down that route.
The country has two main work visas, the Critical Skills Employment Permit for highly skilled workers in professions that are beneficial to the Irish economy and the General Employment Permit, which covers all other jobs.
Ireland also offers a Working Holiday Visa to citizens of several countries. Including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan and the US between the ages of 18 and 30 or 35 years old.
1. Sri Lanka E-Visa − the visa that requires no interview
Sri Lanka is another country that allows you to receive an electronic visa rather quickly too. It is just one that people often forget about.
The E-Visa is among the fastest and easiest visas to obtain. You can simply fill out your online application form, and within 24 hours, your visa should be issued. There is no interview required, no eligibility requirements and no paperwork needed.
So whether you are planning on visiting beaches, teaching English or just travelling to see the beauty of the world, you should head to Sri Lanka.
Other notable mentions
Settling in the UK: If you’re seeking to remain in the UK, it is known as indefinite leave, also known as ‘settlement’, which gives you the right to live, work and study in the UK and use it for British citizenship if you want to do that.
There are many ways to receive this status in the UK. It could be through the EU Settlement Scheme, a work visa or a Global Talent visa; if you have family in the UK, you can apply for settlement or if you’re a Commonwealth citizen.
Work Visas for Costa Rica: The country offers residency permits for self-employed people. Again the perfect option for digital nomads looking for a tropical paradise to work in.
To receive this visa, however, you must show proof of income that you receive monthly as well as your qualifications (including degrees or any accreditations relating to your career.
FAQs about the easiest visas to obtain
Where is the easiest country to get a short-stay Schengen Visa?
Lithuania is one of the easiest countries to get a Schengen Visa. It seems the country of Lithuania receives fewer applications than the popular counterparts of France or Germany.
Which visa is the fastest to get?
An electronic visa is the fastest visa to get. The whole process of completing your e-visa application could take between 10-15 minutes.
Which country gives free citizenship?
Free citizenship is not given unless you are born in the country.