Relocation news digest - June 1, 2024
EU: last chance to get a Schengen visa at the old price
From 11 June, the cost of Schengen visas will rise by 12%. Russian nationals, however, still have a window to file their documents at the visa centers of Italy, Hungary, and Greece, which have open appointment slots before the price increase takes effect.
Indonesia: authorities introduce a bridging visa
Indonesia has introduced a 60-day transitional residence permit, also known as a bridging visa. It will be granted to foreign nationals applying for a new residence permit after their previous one has expired.
EU: rabies antibody test required to bring pets from Russia and Belarus
From 16 September 2024, bringing cats, dogs, and ferrets into the EU from Russia or Belarus will require a rabies antibody test.
The test must be carried out at an EU-accredited laboratory.
Estonia: president pledges not to close the border with Russia
The border is open partly because people have relatives on the other side. If necessary, we are ready to close the border very quickly, said Estonian President Alar Karis.
Even so, the country's authorities will continue to counter organized immigration of Russians despite the open border.
Russia: Raiffeisen to halt outgoing dollar transfers for all clients
From 10 June 2024, outgoing dollar payments through Raiffeisenbank will no longer be available.
The restrictions apply to all of the bank's clients. The final deadline for making a dollar transfer is 16:00 on 7 June 2024.
Incoming payments and payments in other foreign currencies are not affected.
Thailand: authorities launch the new five-year DTV visa
Thailand has introduced the five-year Destination Thailand Visa. It allows holders to stay in the country for up to 180 days per year, with the stay extendable by a further 180 days for a fee of about $300.
The visa is available to skilled professionals, digital nomads, and freelancers, as well as those engaged in activities such as Muay Thai training, cooking, sports, medicine, and culture.
The DTV costs about $300. To qualify, applicants must show funds of at least 500,000 baht (about 1.2 million rubles). Spouses and children of the applicant are also eligible for the DTV.
New Zealand: work-visa applications prioritized for green list occupations
When processing work-visa applications, New Zealand's immigration service gives priority to occupations on the green list, which are in high demand in the country.
This will not affect the processing times of other applications.
Qatar: exit restrictions imposed on those with unpaid fines
From 1 September 2024, individuals with outstanding traffic-violation fines will be barred from leaving Qatar.
Italy: citizenship-track residence applicants may work in the country
An Italian government circular dated 20 May 2024 clarifies that individuals who have applied for a residence permit with a view to obtaining citizenship may work in the country before their permit is officially issued.
The circular removed any legal uncertainty regarding the employment rights of these individuals.
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Italy: digital nomad visa introduced
The Italian government has introduced a digital nomad visa, allowing foreign nationals from third countries to live and work remotely in the country for 12 months, with the option to renew.
Applicants must have an income at least three times the minimum wage, health insurance, proof of accommodation in the country, and at least six months of experience working remotely.
What has changed by October 2026
- Schengen visa. Since 11 June 2024 the fee is €90 (about $100) instead of €80. Since 7 November 2025 Russian citizens mostly receive single-entry visas, and since 10 April 2026 the border takes a photo and fingerprints instead of stamps.
- Thailand. The five-year visa for remote work and long stays still applies: up to 180 days per entry with one extension, and 500,000 baht (about $14,900) held for at least 3 months. From 31 August 2026 you can only apply at the embassy for your country of citizenship or lawful residence, with proof of residence and a police certificate, and Thai language courses no longer qualify. Visa-free stays for Russian citizens are 30 days from 15 September 2026.
- Italy. The digital nomad visa works: income from €28,000 a year (about $31,400), a degree or 5 years of experience, 6 months of remote work and insurance from €30,000. More on the Italy nomad visa page.
Where to live and work remotely in 2026
| Country | Income or funds | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | 500,000 baht in the bank | a 5-year visa, up to 180 days per entry |
| Italy | from €28,000 a year | 1 year with renewals |
| Portugal | from €3,680 a month | 2 years, then 3-year renewals |
| Spain | from €2,849 a month | up to 3 years when applying in Spain |
Exchange rate: $1.12 per euro on 6 October 2026. In Europe nomad status leads to permanent residence; in Thailand it does not.
FAQ
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Can you still send dollars out of Russia?
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Thailand or Italy - which visa will you travel on?
We check which of the new Thai or Italian visas fits your income and work and gather the documents. The catalogue lists nomad visas in many countries.
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