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Armenia offered especially attractive conditions to the organizations working in the sphere of information technologies. Let’s find out what benefits are offered to IT-companies and how to use them.

What bonuses are given to IT companies?
In 2014 Armenia adopted a law “On State Assistance in the Sphere of Information Technology”. According to this law, IT organizations are issued an IT certificate, which provides significant tax benefits:
🟣 Zero VAT rate (instead of 20%).
🟣 Zero income tax rate (instead of 18%);
🟣 Income tax rate: 10% on employee wages (instead of 21%) and 5% on dividends (instead of 21%).

⚠️ Only those organizations that are registered on the territory of Armenia are covered by the law. In addition, the preferential taxation applies only to foreign income.

What IT-companies can apply for the IT-certificate?
To qualify for this document, a company must operate within one of the six approved areas:
😇 Engage in software development.
😇 Implement educational, research programs in IT.
😇 Perform computer systems management activities.
😇 Conduct consulting activities in the field of computer technology.
😇 Perform activities related to web portals.
😇 Process data, post information online, and conduct other related activities.

How to get an IT certificate?
1) Register a company in Armenia.
2) Open an account for a legal entity in Armenian banks.
3) To develop a business plan of the project.
4) To apply.
5) To present the project in person to the representatives of Ministry of Economy.
6) If the decision is positive, the IT certificate starts working the same month.

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The law to prohibit foreigners from buying residential property in Canada was passed by Parliament in June 2022 and took effect on January 1, 2023. However, the other day, the federal government announced amendments to the Act, which relaxes some of the restrictions for non-residents.

From now on, work permit holders or those authorized to work in Canada can purchase property to live in while working in the country. Work permit holders must have 183 or more days of permit validity at the time of purchase and cannot purchase more than one residential property.

The ban will now not apply to vacant land designated for residential and mixed-use development, so foreigners can buy such land with the potential to use it for residential development.

There is an exemption that allows foreigners, as well as public companies established in Canada but controlled by foreigners, to buy residential real estate for development purposes.

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Very often when traveling you just need a car. Many places you want to visit are not accessible by cab or public transport.

🔷 Choose well-known car rental chains

The big chains allow you to pre-book the right car online, and you’re less likely to run into a scam or a dead car. Of course, such international companies are not everywhere. In that case you will have to choose from what you have and go to the local rental offices. But be vigilant and carefully study everything you sign!

The only disadvantage is that there may be problems with payment by card. Some car rental companies only accept credit cards. But in any case take cash with you. They may come in handy for a deposit.

🔷 Make a video before picking up the car

Never neglect this advice. Unscrupulous companies can write off damage that was actually done by someone else before you. Pay attention to all scratches, even small ones, and point them out to the manager when signing the contract.

🔷 Study the technical specifications of the car

They will definitely tell you what to fill up at the rental place, but it is better to study the main technical characteristics of the car, so you know what you are dealing with and do not get into trouble, for example, when breaking down.

🔷 Carefully read the contract and the act

An unscrupulous hirer may put unnecessary clauses in the contract, such as: a mandatory wash after the rental is over, which will cost a lot more than in regular car washes. Your contract is your protection in case of any problems, so it’s worth studying it from start to finish.

🔷 Take out insurance.

Car rental companies often offer a full insurance policy in case of an accident. If your budget allows, insurance will be good for you.

🔷 Learn the country’s rules of the road.

All rental companies take a car deposit in case they receive fines. In many countries the fines are much higher than in Russia, so you should definitely not violate traffic rules - you will save money and nerves.

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Unskilled workers earn between $1,600 and $2,000 a month, the average wage is $3,500, and above average incomes are $7,500 to $8,500.

However, the cost of basic necessities such as food and clothing can be very high, as can the prices of water and electricity.

🔸 Renting an apartment in Dubai
Monthly rent for a studio can be around $1,000. In more upscale areas, studio rental prices can already reach the $2,500-3,000 mark. However, it is much cheaper to rent an apartment in Ajman - for 600-800 dollars.

🔸 Utility payments.
A studio dweller per month will pay about $70 for utilities. For two people, you will need to allocate at least $120-150 for these purposes. In addition, you need to pay a monthly 5% housing fee of the rent amount. You will need to pay another $100 for home internet.

🔸 Groceries.
There are two types of grocery supermarkets in the UAE: some for locals and others for tourists, and they have different prices. Deira is an area of Dubai, mostly populated by emigrants with small salaries, and the cheapest grocery stores are located here.

Milk - $1 per liter; Chicken (breast) - $3; Butter (400-gram pack) - $4; White bread (loaf) - $1; Potatoes (1 kg) - $1; Chicken carcass - $3-4; Sour cream (200-gram pack) - $3.

🔸 Cafes and restaurants.
In the center of the capital: you’ll have to pay $8 for a sandwich, a cup of coffee costs about $7, and dessert is $10 to $15. A bun to go with the coffee will cost a little less. If two people eat dinner or lunch at a cafe and order three courses, they spend on average 200 to 300 dirhams ($50 to $80).

🔸 Clothing.
If you like to haggle and buy items at a lower price, you should head to the Karama clothing market. Here you can buy a T-shirt for a hundred rubles, a sweater in the range of 300 rubles, and jeans, which cost no more than 550 rubles. In large shopping centers there is a wide range of goods for all tastes and wallets. Goods are often divided into floors according to price categories.

🔸 Public transport
The price of a subway ride depends on the distance. A bus ticket costs 100 rubles, and you can also buy monthly passes there.

🔸 Mobile communications
There are two main mobile operators in the UAE, Etisalat and Du. The cost of a SIM card from the first operator is 40 dollars, from the second - 15 dollars. The cost of an outgoing call within the country is $0.2 per minute, and a call abroad is $1 per minute.

🔸 Entertainment and Sports
A visit to a gym or fitness center will cost you from 7000 rubles per month, and for skaters you will have to pay about 1000 rubles. The cost of a tour in Dubai on average is about 3700 rubles, but a visit to the famous Burj Khalifa building will cost much more - not less than 11000 rubles. You can visit the public beaches for free, but to enter the private beaches you will need to pay about 100-150 rubles.

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It is possible to obtain a residence permit based on both active and passive income. Citizens of third countries (including Russians) who want to stay in the country can apply for the program “Visitor”. The minimum monthly income is €2000. It does not necessarily have to be passive - an ordinary salary is also suitable, but it is important that any income must come from outside Cyprus. The residence permit is issued for 1 year with the possibility of extension.

🔸 How to get a Visitor visa

Cypriot consulates abroad are not authorized to issue national visas, so first you have to get a Schengen visa in your country of citizenship or a residence permit, enter Cyprus and apply for a residence permit at the immigration office.

🔸 List of documents for application for residence permit Visitor

• Copy of passport with at least 3 months validity
• Original medical certificate confirming that the applicant and his/her family members are not HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C (blood tests), tuberculosis (X-rays). Children under 15 years of age must have a mantoux test instead of an X-ray. Children under 6 years of age do not need a medical examination.
• Accommodation in Cyprus Rental Agreement
• Proof of income of at least €2,000 per month or €24,000 per year. For the spouse is required +20% of income. For each child - +15%. You must show at least €10,000 in a bank account when you apply for a residence permit for the first time. In the case of an extension, a minimum of €6,000.
• Birth certificate with apostille and translation into English or Greek. You have to show the original with an apostilled and translated copy for the first application, in case of renewal only a copy is needed.
• Marriage certificate (for married couples).

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More and more countries are trying to attract remote workers. What new digital nomad visas are coming in the future?

🇮🇹 Italy

The exact parameters of participation in the program are still being discussed, but it is already known that it will be a one-year renewable residence permit. It is assumed that remote workers will also need to prove that they have suitable accommodation, health insurance and no criminal record.

🇱🇻 Latvia

In February 2022, the Cabinet approved a bill that would allow remote workers to reside in Latvia for one year and then extend the permit for another year. The applicant would need to provide proof of employment outside the country and proof of income exceeding 2.5 average Latvian wages (about $2,000).

🇲🇰 Northern Macedonia

In late January 2021, North Macedonia announced it was working on a digital nomad law. The country plans to attract remote workers and startups. But no more specific information has emerged since then.

🇲🇪 Montenegro

As of now, it is known that the permit will be issued for up to two years with the possibility of renewal for another two years. After four years of cumulative stay as a “digital nomad,” the country will need to leave for a minimum of six months.

🇿🇦 SOUTH AFRICA

Applicants will need to demonstrate proof of employment abroad, as well as sufficient income from activities or their own business registered outside of South Africa. No official figure has been announced, but it is expected to be about $3,000 per month.

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Portugal closes the golden visa program and stops issuing Airbnb-type short-term rental licenses.

The large influx of newcomers has caused an acute housing crisis. Over the past year housing prices in Lisbon jumped by 37%, the cost of renting a one-bedroom starts from 800 €. The median salary in Lisbon is 1000 €.

Obviously, the crisis is caused by migrants and refugees. This is a problem in many cities and countries. Housing is simply scarce, and it has become very expensive. There are not many variants: either you have to open for yourself less popular destinations, or you have to wait for new restrictions from the governments.

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• Andorra has officially launched the digital nomad visa with the possibility of obtaining a residence permit for 2 years and subsequent extension from 2 years. The government plans to issue a total of 100 visas per year, the requirements for obtaining: remote work in the technology sector without income requirements (!), approval from the government, stay in the country for at least 90 days during the calendar year, a rental agreement in Andorra at least 2 years, insurance and other documents. By visa it is possible to come with family (spouse/children), tax on annual income up to €24.000 - 0%, from €24.000 to €4.000 - 5%, from €4.000 - 10%. You have to apply from Andorra.

• Indonesia has simplified the extension of monthly e-VOA visa - now you can extend it at the site for another 30 days without going to the immigration office.

• Croatia plans to hire at least 35,000 foreigners in the tourism sector in 2023. Both skilled workers and simpler professions (waiters, maids) are needed.

• Hong Kong no longer requires vaccination certificates for entry into the country - just have a PCR test no older than 48 hours or an express test no older than 24 hours. The requirement to wear masks remains mandatory for everyone.

• To enter Qatar, foreigners will need local health insurance (can be arranged on the website of the Qatar Ministry of Health) for 30 days regardless of the length of stay, at a cost of 50 Qatari rials.

• The Vietnamese authorities will increase the visa-free period of stay in the country for Russians. Staying in the country without a visa will be possible for up to 45 days (now 15 days).

• Since February 13 Singapore has completely eliminated restrictions on entry of foreigners, medical insurance is also no longer a requirement, but still requires a declaration of health SG Arrival Card.

• So-so news arrived from Argentina - three pregnant Russians were turned away at Buenos Aires airport for the reason of “False Turística” (false tourist).

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