Hi! We re-checked the official immigration pages for all 25 countries this week. Four of them changed in ways that matter if you work remotely. Everything below comes from a government source (links on each country page).
What changed
Thailand: visa-free stays cut from 60 to 30 days
- Since 15 Sep 2026, the 60-day visa exemption is gone. 60 countries and territories now get 30 days visa-free, "for tourism purposes only."
- If you're already in Thailand, you keep the stay stamped in your passport.
- DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) got stricter too. Since 31 Aug 2026 you have to apply from your country of nationality or permanent residence, with proof of residence and a criminal record certificate. In practice, no more applying as a tourist from a third country.
- Unchanged: THB 500,000 in funds, 5-year validity, 180 days per entry, and the fee.
Georgia: remote work for foreign employers is officially OK
- The Law on Labour Migration now explicitly exempts work for a foreign employer or client when it relates to their activities outside Georgia. No right-to-work permit needed for that.
- Working for Georgian employers or clients does need a right to work (since 1 Mar 2026).
- That makes Georgia the third country on our list that clearly says yes to remote work on a regular stay, after Colombia and New Zealand.
Malaysia: DE Rantau holders may get to stay longer
In the Budget 2027 speech (9 Oct 2026), the Prime Minister said DE Rantau Nomad Pass holders who hit the two-year limit "will be allowed to continue staying and working remotely in Malaysia, subject to the prescribed eligibility criteria." The criteria aren't published yet, and the speech doesn't say for how long.
Barbados: Welcome Stamp approved only through 31 Dec 2026
Cabinet renewed the program until the end of this year, and no extension has been published yet. If it's on your list, keep an eye on it.
Country of the week: Georgia 🇬🇪
- Regular visa-free stay: up to 365 days for visa-free nationalities.
- Remote work: allowed for foreign employers and clients, if the work relates to their activities outside Georgia.
- New C5 remote-worker e-visa: valid 5 years with multiple entries, 1-year stay, spouse and minor children can come too. USD 300 via evisa.gov.ge.
- Income test: none in the C5 decree we read.
- Catch: which nationalities can get the C5 is set by a Foreign Ministry order we haven't found yet. And no work for Georgian employers or clients without a right to work.
Know someone headed to Thailand?
Forward this to them. The 30-day rule catches a lot of people planning a long stay. Got this from a friend? Subscribe below for the next issue.
Not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source or your consulate before you travel.
Questions or a correction? Reply or write us at [email protected].
Get "what changed this week"
One short email when rules, fees or income bars change.