Digital nomad visas and Italian villages offer options abroad for those fleeing Trump term
As many LGBTQ people and political activists express fears over a second Donald Trump term in the presidency, some think fleeing the country may be the safest option for their families.
There are many options for those hearing Trump's promise for "retribution." When exploring relocation options, consider how your profession might contribute to another country.
International recruitment consultant Robyn Ancell walked through the experience two American nurses had when moving to New Zealand. About three weeks ago, a report from 1News revealed that the influx of nurses who came all at once created an "imbalance." So, there might be a pause as the country sifts through those new immigrants.
Also read: How billionaires are buying the presidency for Trump
Like farmworkers, dairy work can be cyclical, and visas may not last long.
The option to get a visa as a "digital nomad" is booming for anyone who works online.
Investopedia crafted an updated list in August that looks into visa options specifically for those who work online. Many countries will have a time limit, which can be anywhere between four months to a year and many offer the option to extend the visa.
Thus far, the countries offering digital nomad options are: Abu Dhabi, Albania, Argentina, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Romania, Spain, Belize, El Salvador, Panama, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay, Dubai, Bali, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Grenada, Namibia, and Andorra.
Thirteen other countries have flexible visas, but they aren't explicitly targeting remote workers.
Some countries will require income, which can range from $1,500 a month to $5,000 in Dubai, Citizen Remote said in a February report. Some also have different income requirements for individuals and families. In Costa Rica for example, an individual income requirement is $3,000 monthly, whereas a family is $5,000.
A second option is available for people willing to move to small towns in Italy. While the country has its own problems with right-wing extremism, some towns are willing to pay you to live there.
Forbes wrote in September, that the Calabria region, which is the "toe" of the Italian-shaped "boot," will give $22,000 "to those willing to move to small towns in mountainous areas with fewer than 3,000 inhabitants. Applicants must move their residency to the community and open a business."
Remote workers can also move to mountain villages and get a $1,100 grant.
In Sardinia, they won't pay for you to live there, but they will offer non-repayable grants if you buy or renovate a home in a town with fewer than 3,000 people.
Up to $33,000 can be obtained from Emilia Romagna for people under 40 who agree to live and work in a small Italian town. The amount is dependent on family income.
Abruzzo will pay $2,750 to families to move to small towns. Veneto will give grants for $22,000 to anyone who purchases or restores a property.
The Independent reported last week on the details of 1 Euro offers for homes in Italy. There are dilapidated homes across the country, and towns are willing to sell them for almost nothing to anyone willing to fix them up. Some of the homes aren't livable, requiring a buyer to find somewhere to stay while they begin work.
Another option, however, is that there are houses that are anywhere from €10,000 and up that are livable but need repairs and might be easier for those relocating to another country.
CNBC reported this weekend that Japan has 9 million empty homes, what they call "akiyas." Some of these properties are selling for less than $10,000. Depopulation has been a problem as death rates surpass birth rates in the country.
There are other opportunities for those who have dual citizenship, who can flee to another country. There are also some options for those with an ancestral heritage in another country. Ireland, for example, allows automatic citizenship to anyone with one or both parents from Ireland. You can gain citizenship if one of your grandparents was born in Ireland. The Minister for Justice and Equality has their own discretion for others with lower levels of descent.
Countries like Germany, Italy, Hungary and Croatia have programs similar to those in Ireland. There are also options for those with Jewish ancestors who had to flee from Germany or Austria during World War II.
The website MoveMap is an option for anyone who wants to search for a state based on factors, which includes access to civil rights.