We’ve all seen those pictures of digital nomads – laptops balanced on knees, feet in the sand and sparkling azure water just metres away. But in case this seems like some kind of cruel joke, fear not. Once the pandemic settles down, seven amazing countries are flinging opened their borders and welcoming location-independent travellers to come and work remotely.

Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit has recently been expanded to allow digital nomads from outside the EU, including countries like Australia. In order to be eligible, applicants need to be non-EU nationals, be able to work remotely and reach a gross monthly income threshold of €2,700 (or around $4354 AUD.) The program is open to freelancers and contract workers alike, with an application fee of €300.

If living your best life looks like learning Spanish, eating tapas and exploring the architectural and culture wonders of Barcelona or Madrid (ahem, and doing a bit of work), you’ll want to get your hands on one of Spain’s self-employment visas. There are vibrant digital nomad communities throughout Spain so where ever you choose to settle, you’ll have plenty of co-working colleagues.

We know, we know, this is starting to sound like song by The Beach Boys. Not long after Barbados made their announcement, Bermuda decided to offer remote workers and digital nomads a desk in paradise. Visitors can apply for a one-year ‘residential certificate’ for $263 USD. In order to be approved, you’ll need to have enough money to live on for a year without needing to find employment on the tiny (34-square-km) island.

Fancy a room with a view? Georgia has got them everywhere you look. The fairy-tale mountains and charming towns of this former Soviet country are opening up to self-employed remote workers on a ‘digital nomad visa’. The details are still being finalised, but for those who don’t want sand in their keyboard, this is a perfect option.

Estonia has launched their long-awaited new digital nomad visa for location-independent workers. Depending on how long you want to stay, the application fee starts at $130. At the moment the country’s borders are only open to a limited group of nationalities outside the EU and the UK, so it’s best to check here to see when Aussies will be allowed in.

Imagine taking a lunch break and wandering down to a local Mexican market, ordering pozole (a hearty soup made with hulled corn kernels, chili, tomato, pork and lime) or enmolada (a rolled corn tortilla filled with shredded chicken and cheese with black mole). With a temporary resident visa (valid for one year), we’d understand if you needed to take more than one lunch break a day.

Germany is so welcoming to freelancers that they have a visa just for them (the ‘freiberufler’ visa). The visa only lasts three months but there’s an opportunity to transition to a residency permit. Either way, three months is more than enough time to imbibe some weizens (wheat beer) and get your fill of bratwurst and sauerbraten (roast beef stew).

How does an office in Barbados sound? If you think you won’t get too distracted by the magnificent beaches, endless sun and blue skies, you can apply for the 12 month welcome stamp – a visa that lets you live and work in the Caribbean paradise for a year. The remote work visa is open to individuals and families throughout the world and starts at $2000 USD per person.

Please note that there’s currently a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs. If you do travel, be sure to check with the arrival country for quarantine requirements and health coverage.