06 | Demystifying Digital Nomad Visas with Lily Szabo

Digital nomad visas promise freedom – but are they really working the way they should? In this episode, we’re joined by Lily Szabo, a researcher, writer, and co-author of a major policy brief on nomad visa strategy. Together, we explore the past, present, and future of these visas, including what’s broken, what’s improving, and what countries are getting it right.

Lily brings a critical yet optimistic lens to the global mobility conversation, unpacking issues like bureaucratic roadblocks, cultural friction, and how countries can better integrate remote workers into their communities. Whether you're a slowmad, full-time traveler, or just nomad-curious – this episode is packed with practical insights and future-forward thinking.

 

Key Takeaways

• What digital nomad visas are – and why early versions failed to address the realities of remote work.
• Why Thailand’s new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is one of the most promising examples of policy done right.
• What governments often misunderstand about digital nomads – including common stereotypes and overlooked opportunities.
• The importance of local integration – and why cultural context matters when nomads land in a new destination.
• How countries can think in “funnels,” not gates – offering different pathways depending on nomads’ needs and goals.
• The future of nomad visas – including standardization, rural repopulation opportunities, and cosmolocal innovation.

 

Relevant Links

• The policy brief, co-authored by Kaisu Koskela and Lily Szabo:
  https://runomi.org/policy-briefs/digital-nomad-visa-policy-brief/ 
  
  Sponsor: COVRD.EE
  https://covrd.ee
• Nomad Summit
  https://nomadsummit.com
• The Radio Vagabond (Palle Bo)
  https://theradiovagabond.com/link-tree
• Episode produced by RadioGuru
  https://radioguru.co.uk

 

If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a fellow nomad – or leave a review to help others find the show. See you next week for another episode from the frontlines of location independence.