A digital nomad visa allows an individual to work remotely or online while staying long-term or living in a different country for an extended amount of time. Digital nomad visas are also called remote visas, remote work visas, or freelancer visas. For more details on digital nomad visas, check out this article.
A lot has changed since 2020 in the way we live our daily lives. More people have the flexibility to work remotely and more companies are accepting or even endorsing the remote work style. How we move around and travel has drastically changed as well. In today’s world, with more restrictions in place, people are traveling slower and staying places longer.
As a response, countries that rely on tourism as a big part of their economy have had to get creative. A lot of countries have started to offer lucrative digital nomad visas in order to draw people with money to their country to live, work, and spend. Some of these visas can be extended for 2 to 5 years!
Unfortunately, the earnings requirements put forth by some of these digital nomad visa programs could prove to be a little too high for those just starting out as remote workers or starting to build a location independent business. Like the Cayman Islands Global Citizen program which requires applicants to make $100,000 a year if applying as an individual and more for couples and families. With that individual in mind, we created this list. The ultimate list for budget-conscious digital nomad visa programs – by country!
But first, let’s discuss paperwork, timing, and types of earning requirements;
The Complete List of Most Affordable Digital Nomad Visa Countries
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Portugal
- Seychelles
- Taiwan
- Other Mentions
- Bali
- Colombia
- Vietnam
Have Your Paperwork In Order
Over 20 countries around the world now offer and promote their digital nomad visa programs. Virtually all of these programs require you to submit several forms of documentation in addition to your digital nomad visa application. The requirements and documents that must be submitted can vary based on the country and program you are applying for.
Some potential documents and requirements include; provide a valid travel document (like a valid passport), acquire a valid property rental or purchase agreement for the country you are applying for, background checks, recent headshots, proof of travel insurance for the duration of your stay, marriage certificates, birth certificates, proof of no criminal record or a police report, proof of residency, etc.
Most of the remote work visa programs also require proof of health insurance either global health insurance or the purchase of government health insurance in the country you will be residing in. Some countries like Germany even require you to open a bank account in that country.
Processing Time
It is also important to plan ahead when thinking about where you want to work remotely and live. Some of the countries that offer digital nomad visa programs have quick turnaround times for processing your visa application and supplemental paperwork. Like Mauritius’s 48-hour processing time. However other countries like the Czech Republic, Estonia, and Seychelles can take up to a month or longer to process your documentation.
Earning Requirements
Now the big part, what do these digital nomad visas actually require you to earn a month in order to qualify? The answer varies greatly depending on the country. Some countries only require you to prove you are employed or own a business while others can require up to a six-figure salary and additional earning requirements for couples or families.
Some remote work visa programs like the one offered by Iceland’s government charge an application fee of $100 USD plus a minimum monthly earning requirement of $8,086 for an individual. If you are not quite a part of that income bracket just yet, do not worry there are still plenty of countries that offer digital nomad visa programs with a lower minimum earning requirement.
If you are a small online business entrepreneur or a freelancer starting out some of these minimum earnings requirements might be just out of reach for your first year in business. But do not let that stop you from your dream of living in a foreign country while you begin your digital nomad career. Check out this list of the top 14 super affordable digital nomad visa programs.
The Complete List of Most Affordable Digital Nomad Visa Countries
The countries and commonwealths excluded from the list due to their higher-earning requirements are Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Czech Republic, Dominica, Estonia, Iceland, Montserrat, Malta, and Norway. At the time of writing Malta and Norway require about $3,150- $3,500 USD monthly earnings to be approved for their remote visa programs. Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, and Estonia all have a monthly income requirement of about $4,160 USD per month or $50,000 a year. And the Cayman Islands, Czech Republic, Iceland, and Montserrat all require a remote worker in their country to earn over $5,000 USD a month.
The monthly earning requirements for the aforementioned countries are not all, what one would consider, ‘unreasonable’. However, this list was built with the freelancer or entrepreneur just starting out in mind. So we wanted to be cognizant of the time it takes to really start earning a substantial income from blogs, freelance gigs, or a new business venture. Therefore, all the countries that offer visa digital nomad listed below either require $3,000 USD or less to be earned a month or have no specified monthly earning requirement in order to qualify.
Anguilla – Digital Nomad Visa
- Cost to apply (USD): $1,500 (single) / $2,000(couple) /$3,000 (families)
- Length: 2 years
- Required Income (USD): No specified, proof of employment only
- Internet speed broadband / mobile: 7 Mbps/ Unk.
- Cost of living index*: Unk. but likely slightly higher than the U.S. (#27 / 139)
- Happiness rank (world happiness index) **: Unk.
- GDP Growth (2020 annual %) ***: -8.0 (Caribbean small states)
- Health insurance required: No
Anguilla’s Digital Nomad Visa is ideal for those looking to work remotely, like really remote, from a small but beautiful Caribbean island. The internet is not the best on Anguilla so backup wifi is a smart investment. Also, this would probably not be the ideal location for someone who has to be connected all the time, like a day trader. However, if you can work mainly offline and only have to connect for conference calls a few times a week this situation could work for you.
Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa
- Cost to apply (USD): $1,025
- Length: 1 year
- Required Income (USD): Not specified, proof of employment only
- Internet speed broadband / mobile: 56 Mbps/ 32 Mbps
- Cost of living index*: 85.9 (9 out of 138)
- Happiness rank (world happiness index) **: Unk.
- GDP Growth (2020 annual %) ***: -16.3
- Health insurance required: Yes
BEATS or Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay is a catchy acronym and great for those who want to live the true Caribbean lifestyle for a year. The visa itself costs $1,000 USD and then there is a $25 USD application fee and an additional $500 per dependent fee. The program also has a quick approval process of about 5 days. While the average cost of living is still pretty high it is less than some of its neighbor islands, like Bermuda. Living and working remotely from the Bahamas is also appealing because there are no income or capital gains taxes.
Bermuda – Digital Nomad Visa
- Cost to apply (USD): $263
- Length: 1 year
- Required Income (USD): Not specified
- Internet speed broadband / mobile: 70 Mbps/ Unk. Mbps
- Cost of living index*: 145.1 (1 out of 138)
- Happiness rank (world happiness index) **: Unk.
- GDP Growth (2020 annual %) ***: -0.5
- Health insurance required: Yes
The Work From Bermuda digital nomad visa program has a pretty low cost to entry but some might argue that it should not even be on this particular low earning requirement list. Why? Because it is ranked the number one most expensive country in the world from a cost of living perspective. However, most of the country’s economic growth comes from the international business activity so this visa could work for some.
Cabo Verde – Remote Work Program
- Cost to apply (USD): $0
- Length: 6 months
- Required Income (USD): Income proof of $1,500 USD / $2,700 for families
- Internet speed broadband / mobile: 23 Mbps/ Unk. Mbps
- Cost of living index*: Unk. but the least expensive of the islands on the list
- Happiness rank (world happiness index) **: Unk.
- GDP Growth (2020 annual %) ***: -14.8
- Health insurance required: Yes
Cabo Verde’s remote working program is one of the shorter ones only allowing digital nomads to stay 6 months, but it can be renewed for another 6 months. You will have to come prepared as there are 10+ pieces of documentation that need to be submitted before you can be approved for the program. Cabo Verde is located off the western coast of Africa and boasts almost year-round sunshine. If you are wanting to work from a Caribbean island and the minimum salary requirements and cost of living is too high for your current income Cabo Verde might be a great alternative. While there is not enough data for Cabo Verde to be included in the cost of living index, an article from Expatisan lists a fully furnished apartment in an expensive apartment at about $650 USD a month. That is not bad at all!
Costa Rica
- Cost to apply (USD): TBD
- Length: 1 year with 1 year extension
- Required Income: $3,000/month per individual and $5,000/month for a family
- Internet speed broadband / mobile: 57 Mbps / 34 Mbps
- Cost of living index *: 50.6 (59 out of 138)
- Happiness rank (world happiness index) **: 7.07 (16 out of 149)
- GDP Growth (2020 annual %) ***: -4.5
- Health insurance required: Yes
Costa Rica has actually had a foreigner visa called, Rentista, for some time now. However, Rentista does not allow you to be an employee for a foreign company. But with the rise of remote work Costa Rica is planning some upgrades to the previous Rentista program. These updates will be geared towards digital nomads. Typically those without a visa can stay as tourists in Costa Rica for up to 90 days. Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa program will allow for foreign nationals to stay for up to one year with an option for a one-year extension. An important point to note is that foreigners are required to have insurance while in Costa Rica, even if they are only in the country on a tourist visa. The Costa Rican government offers two health plans and they allow foreigners to choose their own plan as long as it meets certain requirements from the Costa Rican government. Find out more here.
Croatia
- Cost to apply (USD): $68 – $140
- Length: 1 year
- Required Income: $2,672/ month
- Internet speed broadband / mobile: 55 Mbps / 78 Mbps
- Cost of living index *: 56.4 (42 out of 138)
- Happiness rank (world happiness index) **: 5.88 (60 out of 149)
- GDP Growth (2020 annual %) ***: -8.4
- Health insurance required: Not specified
If you are a visa-exempt citizen, this includes US and EU countries, then you are free to stay in Croatia for up to 90 days with no visa requirement. If you want to stay in Croatia longer you will need to apply for a nomad residency permit. While Croatia does not technically have a digital nomad visa program the long-term residency permit does allow you to live and work in the country for up to a year. As a Croatia digital nomad, you will have the luxury of working from an inexpensive hub that you can explore the rest of Europe from!
Curaçao
- Cost to apply (USD): $294
- Length: 6 months
- Required Income: Proof you can support yourself while there
- Internet speed broadband / mobile: 25 Mbps/ Unk.
- Cost of living index *: Ukn. but likely slightly higher than the U.S. (#27 / 139)
- Happiness rank (world happiness index) **: Unk.
- GDP Growth (2020 annual %) ***: -3.4
- Health insurance required: Yes
Curaçao’s program @Home in Curaçao is a pretty easy program to qualify for and can be extended for up to 6 months. With Curaçao being a Dutch island it offers a slightly different feel from the other Caribbean Islands on this list. It is also likely the least expensive Caribbean island on the list from a cost of living standpoint.
Georgia
- Cost to apply (USD): $0
- Length: 1 year
- Required Income: $2,000/month per individual
- Internet speed broadband/ mobile: 27 Mbps / 37 Mbps
- Cost of living index *: 28.1(132 out of 138)
- Happiness rank (world happiness index) **: 4.89 (108 out of 149)
- GDP Growth (2020 annual %) ***: -6.2
- Health insurance required: Yes
No, people from the U.S. I am not talking about Georgia, the state. Georgia is a small country situated between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It sits between Turkey, Russia, and Azerbaijan with the Black Sea on its western coast. Georgia has gained a lot of increased attention over the past few years, especially from digital nomads. If the beautiful landscape, bustling cities, and rich history weren’t enough to make you want to visit Georgia. The reliable internet and low cost of living might entice those more adventurous digital nomads to give Georgia a shot. Find out more about the Remotely From Georgia program here.
Germany – Residency Permit
- Cost to apply (USD): $71
- Length: 3 months – 3 years
- Required Income: Not specified, must open a German bank account
- Internet speed broadband / mobile: 131 Mbps / 76 Mbps
- Cost of living index *: 70.6 (29 out of 138)
- Happiness rank (world happiness index) **: 7.15 (13 out of 149)
- GDP Growth (2020 annual %) ***: -4.9
- Health insurance required: Yes, must be German
Germany’s program is more of a residency permit, but it allows you to work as a freelancer. This is one of the shortest visa (can be extended) allowances and seems to have the most red tape. In order to qualify you are required to purchase Germany’s health insurance as well as open a German bank account. The approval process is also one of the longest and can take up to 4 months! But Germany is generally a pretty happy country with great internet, It is also very centrally located in Europe, so the hoops you have to jump through might be worth it for you if you want easy access to other Western European countries.
Mauritius
- Cost to apply (USD): $0
- Length: 1 year
- Required Income: Entrepreneur or work remote
- Internet speed broadband / mobile: 127 Mbps / 33 Mbps
- Cost of living index *: 52.6 (52 out of 138)
- Happiness rank (world happiness index) **: 6.05 (50 out of 149)
- GDP Growth (2020 annual %) ***: -14.9
- Health Insurance Required: Yes and travel insurance
East of Africa and Madagascar, the island of Mauritius, offers a wonderful blend of cultures and cuisine, a lush landscape, and endless beaches. Although this island might be a trek to get to for Westerners (currently the shortest flight from the U.S. is 21 hours) it is worth looking into if you are planning to stay for up to a year with the county’s Premium Visa Program. Of the island-based digital nomad visa programs on this list, Mauritius has the lowest cost of living, cost to apply, and earning requirements.
Mexico – Temporary Residency Visa
- Cost to apply (USD): $0 – $44
- Length: 6 month – 4 years
- Required Income: $2,167/ month per individual
- Internet speed broadband / mobile: 53 Mbps / 35 Mbps
- Cost of living index *: 35.1 (104 out of 138)
- Happiness rank (world happiness index) **: 6.31 (36 out of 149)
- GDP Growth (2020 annual %) ***: -8.2
- Health insurance required: Not specified
Who doesn’t love a trip to Mexico! Especially since the country has remained almost fully open for the past 2 years. The freedom, low cost of living, great food, and relaxed lifestyle make for a great spot to base yourself for a few months or even a few years. Mexico already had a 6-month long tourist visa. But they are now also offering a temporary resident visa. This visa allows remote workers to stay for up to 4 years! While anyone can apply, the visa is geared toward Canadian citizens.
Portugal Self-Employment Visa
- Cost to apply (USD): $183 ($85 for residency permit)
- Length: 1 year – 5 years
- Required Income: proof of means to support or owning a business
- Internet speed broadband / mobile: 146 Mbps / 43 Mbps
- Cost of living index *: 52.9 (50 out of 138)
- Happiness rank (world happiness index) **: 5.93 (58 out of 149)
- GDP Growth (2020 annual %) ***: -7.6
- Health insurance required: Travel insurance
Portugal is a Western European country you do not want to miss. Busy and beautiful cities like Lisbon and Porto have a lot to offer digital nomads who want to build a community. Portugal has even earned a reputation as the new European start-up hotspot. The over 1,000 miles of coast lining the country’s western and southern edges doesn’t suck either. Portugal’s self-employment or entrepreneur visa is a great route to go if you mainly work in the Western European time zone and have the documentation to back up your visa application. While the initial visa is for 1 year there is the option to extend for up to 5 years.
Seychelles
- Cost to apply (USD): $53
- Length: 1 year
- Required Income: Proof of employment
- Internet speed broadband / mobile: 33 Mbps / Unk. Mbps
- Cost of living index *: 78.9 (19 out of 138)
- Happiness rank (world happiness index) **: Unk.
- GDP Growth (2020 annual %) ***: -10.7
- Health insurance required: Travel & health
Another beautiful island to work from! Seychelles has a bargainous visa application fee and no minimum income requirement which is great! However, the cost of living on this archipelago of over 100 islands comes in at number 3 on our list and might be a little too high for some. If the COL is not a deterrent for you, then looking into Seychelles Workcation Program is not a bad idea. One thing is for sure, this East African region laced with white sand beaches, coral reefs, and nature preserves full of rare, wild animals definitely has a lot to offer!
Taiwan
- Cost to apply (USD): $100 – $310
- Length: 1 – 3 years
- Required Income: Qualification is based on the applicant’s professional skills
- Internet speed broadband / mobile: 152 Mbps / 81 Mbps
- Cost of living index *: 65.3 (33 out of 138)
- Happiness rank (world happiness index) **: 6.58 (24 out of 149)
- GDP Growth (2020 annual %) ***: 3.1
- Health insurance required: Not specified
Finally, the only East Asian country on the list, Taiwan! Taiwan has a lot to offer a digital nomad. With fantastic infrastructure, great internet, delicious food, and a very fun and lively atmosphere Taiwan is a great place for young professionals or families. Taiwan’s visa program called the Taiwan Gold Card is more of a work permit targeted at highly skilled and qualified individuals such as doctors or lawyers, but it has a lot to offer. This 4 in 1 program serves as a work permit and residency visa. It also allows for dependents and spouses to become temporary residents as well and offers tax reduction or possibly even exemption benefits.
Popular Digital Nomad Countries Not on the List
Naturally, with the rise of remote work and the current decline of fast tourism, remote work visas have caught the attention of more than just the above-mentioned countries. North Macedonia, Spain, Thailand, Greece, Belize, Romania, and Sri Lanka are all looking for their own versions of digital nomad visas. Bali, Colombia, and Vietnam are all ideal destinations for digital nomads and ex-pats due to their low cost of living, decent infrastructure, and good climates. Sadly, these countries have not announced any sort of plan for remote work or digital nomad visas.
Bali
Bali is already a huge digital nomad hotspot! Especially in certain areas like Canguu where the wifi is good, the waves are great for surfing, and the cost of living is reasonable compared to what you would pay to live by the beach in California. When visiting Bali, pre-covid, tourists from most countries could stay up to 30 days without a visa. You could also apply for a social, tourist, or cultural visa and stay in Bali for up to 60 days and that stay could be extended up to 90 days. So on this visa, you could potentially stay in Bali for up to 5 months. If they bring this visa back all you need is $50 USD, some documentation, and a sponsor letter from someone who lives in Bali. There are a lot of people who offer sponsorship. Currently, the only visa that is being approved is a business visa, you can find out more here.
Colombia
Colombia is the eternal spring of South America. Bustling cities, like Medellin, are great places for digital nomads. We lived and worked in Colombia for a month and loved it. Colombia offers some of the best year-round weather (always averaging about 75 degrees Fahrenheit), beautiful landscapes, tons of outdoor activities, good wifi (in the main cities), and a super affordable cost of living. We stayed in a nice high-rise with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a balcony for under $1,600 a month! Colombia has no plans for a digital nomad visa yet, but if you have a passport from the EU, UK, US, Canada, or Australia you can stay in the country for 90 days with the option to extend another 90 days online, no fees or visa required.
Vietnam
If the mountainous north, array of national parks, and rich culture are not enough to draw you to Vietnam then the cost of living certainly will! A more recent digital nomad hub, Vietnam is the perfect place for an eager remote entrepreneur. The internet hasn’t always been the best for most of this country, but it is improving. Most countries, including the U.S., need a visa to visit Vietnam. However, a 3-month visa was relatively inexpensive and pretty easy to obtain. Currently, Vietnam is not open to tourists and no digital nomad visa option is being discussed.
Figure References:
*Cost of the living index used is for 2021 and is ranked the highest cost of living to lowest with #1 being the most expensive cost of living down to #138. Cost of living indexes includes expenses such as food, shelter, transportation, energy, clothing, healthcare, and childcare.
** World Happiness Report rankings are from 2020 and have scores that range from 7.89 to 2.50. With 7.89 being the happiest and 2.50 being the least happy. There are 149 countries ranked. Factors assessed are income, freedom, trust in government, healthy life expectancy, social support from family and friends, and generosity.
***In 2020, global GDP fell -3.3%. Only China and Turkey actually grew and the UK was hit the worst, falling -9.9%. Gross Domestic Product, or GDP, measures the total of goods and services produced in a country or nation over a given time period.
Average internet speed was found using Speedtest. From speed test, “Speedtest uses a client-and-server testing engine that dynamically scales the number of connections to multiple servers in order to fully saturate and accurately measure client-side connections up to 10 Gbps”
Unk.= Unknown
