Key Takeaways
- Countries offer varied visas for digital nomads, each with tax benefits and differing durations.
- Nomads often favor cost-effective tourist visas, prompting thorough research before choosing.
- Colombia, Cape Verde, and Latvia provide accessible nomad visas with unique cultures.
- These countries offer rich cultural experiences, attracting remote workers with diverse landscapes.
As many countries worldwide are launching digital nomad visas, a large segment of the global traveling population has criticized them as being too difficult and expensive to obtain.
About 45 countries, including a large part of Europe, South America, and South East Asia, offer some form of visa for remote workers (although they mightn’t be referred to as such).
A digital nomad visa typically allows applicants to stay in the country for one to five years and offers several tax benefits (specific to each country and applicants’ nationality and income).
There are still many nomads who travel using a tourist visa rather than applying for a digital nomad visa finding it more cost-effective. It comes down to the specifics, and it is best to conduct thorough research before setting out.
The following three countries have the least income requirements for eligibility for a digital nomad visa:
1. Colombia – Income requirement: $684 per month
The Colombian DNV (digital nomad visa) is valid for two years, but applicants can only stay for a maximum of six months (or 180 days) in one year. The clock resets at the beginning of each year.
Furthermore, the primary visa holder can add immediate family members as beneficiaries. Authorities have specified that one cannot develop paid activities with any legal or natural member staying in the country.
Colombia, a rainforest nation nestled in the heart of South America, has often been voted the top destination worldwide due to its cultural and natural (contains 10% of the planet’s known biodiversity) attractions.
Visit the official tourism website for the Republic of Colombia, and learn more about the requirements of the DNV by clicking here.
2. Cape Verde – Income requirement: $1622.53 per month
The Cape Verde DNV is valid for six months (extendable for another six months) for self-employed individuals or employed in an organization outside the country.
To be eligible, applicants must be citizens or residents of Europe, North America, the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), and the Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO).
Cape Verde is an archipelago in the Central Atlantic Ocean (385 miles off the Western coast of Senegal) with 10 volcanic islands. It is known for its music, delicious cuisine, and unique landscape.
Click here to visit the official website for Cape Verde’s Digital Nomad Program.
3. Latvia – Income requirement: $1677.88 per month
The Latvian DNV allows applicants to stay in the country for one year (extendable for one more). After two years, one can apply for permanent residency in the country (after five years of legally staying there, one is eligible to apply for citizenship).
Applicants must be citizens or residents of an OECD member country to be eligible.
Latvia is among the three Baltic states (which share its coast with the Baltic sea), with more than 50% of its landscape covered by beaches and dense pine forests. It has nine cities (and 81 towns) which, although different from each other, sport the signature Art Nouveau, medieval-style architecture.
What We Think
The emergence of digital nomad visas offers enticing opportunities for remote workers, yet criticisms persist regarding complexity and expense.
Opting for tourist visas versus digital nomad visas depends on individual circumstances. Colombia, Cape Verde, and Latvia stand out for their accessible income requirements, providing diverse cultural experiences.
Thorough research remains vital to determine the most suitable visa option. Ultimately, these programs reflect a growing global trend toward accommodating remote work and travel.
Click here to visit the website of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia.
