Do you work remotely? If so, you may be interested in moving to an exotic country to take advantage of low prices, friendly people, and political and economic stability.
Take a look at the 7 most affordable Digital Nomad Visas in 2023! The list will be especially useful for those freelancers who are just at the start of their careers and cannot boast exorbitant income.
Remote workers and freelancers prone to roaming the world have access to more than forty Digital Nomad Visa programs. These innovative visas grant the right of temporary residence for at least six months and up to two years. If the period of residence exceeds the established limit, the program beneficiary may be entitled to permanent residence.
Applicants have to meet a number of requirements, which typically include confirmation of income exceeding a certain threshold that comes from foreign sources. This is done to ensure that newcomers will not take jobs away from the local population. On the contrary, they are expected and encouraged to create vacancies and support local businesses by buying goods and services in the country of residence. And it is quite reasonable that no country is interested in the additional burden on its budget by attracting remote workers who cannot provide for themselves and intend to rely on state programs and social services.
Unfortunately, income thresholds in countries with digital nomad visa programs are often too high. Many remote workers, especially those who are just starting their journey, find it difficult to cope with such income requirements.
Luckily, there are seven options that are ideal for beginner digital nomads with a limited budget, and remote earnings of $1,500 per month or less will allow you to apply for one of the following visas.
Read our list and choose the easiest visa to obtain!
Bermuda (Minimum Income Requirement – $0)
Bermuda has been an attractive spot for expats over decades: they came here to enjoy its relaxed lifestyle and beautiful beaches. In the summer of 2020, its authorities launched an attractive Work from Bermuda program, offering 12-month residency along with the right to bring spouses and dependents to the islands.
If you take your family members with you, be sure to submit the application on the same day!
The country’s undeniable advantages include excellent healthcare services, tasty food (that combines the best of the British, African, Spanish, and Caribbean dishes), really quick Internet, and COVID-19-free environment.
And though minimum income requirements are not defined, each applicant has to prove the ability to support himself and dependents (if any) during the period of residence on the islands without the need to search for work locally. The easiest way to do so is by providing a bank statement, but you can discuss any other possibilities with our consultants.
Keep in mind that the cost of living in Bermuda is quite high, even if it is compared to the standards of the expensive Caribbean region.
Those who are not residents of the UK, EU, US, or Canada will need to file an application for an entry visa (we recommend doing so at least 1 month before the planned relocation).
The Bermuda Digital Nomad Visa application process is very quick, and you get a reply within five days.
Brazil ($1,500 per month or $18,000 in a bank account)
Brazil began accepting freelancers and remote salaried workers in January 2022, offering residency for a two-year period (one year initially with a one-year extension possibility). A special visa allows applicants to bring their close relatives as well.
If Brazil looks like a good option for you, you will need to actively work online and generate sufficient income to show to local authorities or keep enough funds in your bank account to meet the requirements.
If you have savings rather than income, this is an excellent option for a relaxed start. You will be able to work at your own pace and develop your remote business from scratch without worrying about maintaining the required level of earnings.
The South American jurisdiction boasts a low cost of living, magnificent beaches, and Amazon rainforests, let alone its exciting cities (including Rio). This place is filled with adventure opportunities that digital nomads can enjoy.
Cape Verde ($1,500 per month)
The state of Cape Verde is located in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Africa, and it consists of nine inhabited islands where you will plunge into an exciting mix of Portuguese and African culture. Each of these has its own color and deserves to be explored, though digital nomads tend to settle in the capital, Praia. Digital nomads feel attracted by the exotic and laid-back lifestyle, so the country is being more and more actively explored by seekers of an island paradise.
A Digital Nomad Visa in Cape Verde allows eligible applicants to stay on the islands with family members for six months, and then extend the permit for a similar period.
Cape Verde offers one of the world’s most affordable Digital Nomad Visas as it requires applicants to prove an average monthly income of $1,500 over the past six months by showing a bank account statement ($2,700 for a family).
The application process is straightforward and only requires sending a modest package of documents by email. The response is expected to be given within two weeks.
There is one limitation, however: you are only eligible to apply if you come from Europe, North America, the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), or the Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO).
Colombia ($900 per month)
The Colombian cities of Bogotá and Medellín have long been popular with expats. The nascent culture of technology startups is turning Colombia into an increasingly popular destination for online business owners working remotely who are looking for like-minded people and potential partners.
Spring weather all year round in some parts of the country makes this place an ideal choice for the digital nomads who got tired of the leaden skies, crowded megacities, and long cold winters.
The Digital Nomad Visa, launched fairly recently by the Colombian authorities, has made local cities even more accessible to remote workers. The program participants can forget about immigration formalities and obtain a residence permit for two years. This is enough to fall in love with this bright South American country and take time to sit in silent amazement at its breathtaking natural landscapes.
The Colombian visa is currently one of the most affordable options in South America, which makes it a great choice for those who are making their first steps toward the status of a digital nomad.
Note, however, that even though the visa itself is valid for two years, you cannot stay in the country for more than 6 months (180 days) per year.
Curacao ($0)
Would you like to live on a Caribbean island where European architectural and cultural influences are felt? If the answer is positive, book a ticket to Curacao! The local program for digital nomads, officially known as Home in Curacao, will make your relocation much easier.
The remote workers who received a special Curaçao visa can live on the island for up to one year (six months initially with one renewal allowed). The program is aimed at attracting digital nomads from all over the world by setting minimum possible work income requirements.
The local immigration laws do not provide exact figures setting the minimum monthly income to be obtained by the applicant. Still, it will be necessary to prove that you can support yourself and your dependents. For example, immigration officers may request bank statements to ensure that the applicant will not become a burden on Curaçao’s socio-economic infrastructure.
Specifically, you will need to provide evidence of belonging to one of the following categories:
- You are a party to a contract with an employer based abroad.
- You are a member (shareholder) working for a company incorporated abroad.
- You render services to clients who reside outside Curacao and you have contracts concluded with them.
Looking for additional bonuses?
- First of all, the digital nomad will not have to pay income tax while living on the island.
- Second, it may be pleasant to find out that Curaçao is one of the most affordable island jurisdictions in the Caribbean in terms of the cost of goods and services. You will need about $940 per single person a month without rental payments.
You should be prepared to accept, though, that the prices of some exotic imported products may be much higher than on the “mainland.”
The visa applications are accepted online, and you will have to wait for two weeks to get a replay.
You may need an entry visa to Curacao (that depends on your nationality), so you’d better apply for it at a Dutch embassy in advance.
Ecuador ($1275 per month)
Dreaming of the summer all year round? Grab the opportunity to work remotely near the equator and enjoy your favorite warm weather! All you need is to get an Ecuadorian digital nomad visa (officially known as Rentista for Remote Work Visa) that will be your ticket to eternal summer valid for two years (with a possibility of renewal). The jurisdiction also offers stunning views, exotic cuisine, breathtaking natural beauty, as well as beaches and cafes ideally suited for working in a relaxed atmosphere.
The Ecuadorian visa gives applicants an opportunity to bring their spouses and dependent children with them. However, income requirements increase by $250 for each family member added to the application.
The minimum allowable income which makes a digital nomad eligible to apply for a special visa equals the national base salary multiplied by 3. You must be a party to an employment agreement that specifies your position and states that you are allowed to work abroad.
The most significant advantages of the digital nomad visa in Ecuador include the right not to pay taxes on income received outside the country and the low cost of living.
Documents for the Ecuadorian Digital Nomad Visa are processed within two to three months.
There are restrictions, however. If you are a citizen of one of these countries, you cannot get this type of visa: Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Cameroon, North Korea, Cuba, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Philippines, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Iran, Kenya, Libya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, Syria, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Yemen.
Mauritius ($1,500 per month)
The tropical African island of Mauritius appeared on the radar of online work and business lovers back in 2020. It was then that the local authorities introduced a special visa that offered digital nomads to get acquainted with the unique culture and some of the most beautiful natural landscapes on the planet.
The requirements set by Mauritius are by no means onerous: a bachelor applicant only needs to earn $1,500 per month. If a couple intends to relocate to the island, the minimum income increases to $3,000 per month. Finally, any dependent child added to the application will increase the amount by $500 for each family member.
The visa is valid for 12 months and can be renewed if you still meet the requirements.
The process of applying for a local digital nomad visa, also known as Mauritius Premium Visa, is quick and easy. Prospective residents get a reply that states whether the application was approved or turned down within 48 hours upon submission.
We Will Help You Choose and Obtain a Digital Nomad Visa
The digital nomad’s life can become tedious if you only rely on tourist visas and visa-free opportunities. Changing countries every three months is difficult and expensive (unless you have a special liking to it, of course). Therefore, many digital nomads choose long-term residence in the countries that appeal to them and obtain a special visa for remote workers.
The holders of such visas are usually offered favorable tax conditions as a bonus. Some countries do not tax income derived from sources around the world, while others do not tax foreign income.
Consequently, remote workers and independent freelancers whose income is generated outside the country of destination can save quite a bit of money. This becomes especially noticeable if the income is high and the fiscal requirements in the state of the current residence are exorbitant.
The choice of programs is huge, and Digital Nomad Visa programs with different conditions are offered by fifty countries. To choose the best option and competently weigh all the pros and cons, please book a session with our experts who are familiar with the tax and immigration laws of the relevant countries and are ready to share their experience with you.
If you need help right now, order an individual introductory meeting with one of our team members for free! Send a request to one of the above phone numbers or use the live chat on the right.
