As more of us seek an alternative lifestyle and take our new found freedom of working remotely to explore the world, more and more countries are jumping on board to support remote workers by establishing unique visas.
One thing we’ve noticed with these visas, is that they’re mostly aimed towards people who have a higher income.
The reality is not everyone earns 50k a year, some of us are just getting by. When your travelling and working, it can be hard to stay afloat and still top up your savings.
Digital Nomad Visas are a great way to be more stationary, where you can save on accommodation with monthly discounts and not have the extra costs of moving around so much. It gives you the chance to immerse yourself into the culture and live like a local.
Check out our Airbnb money saving blog 7 Hacks To Save You Money On Airbnb!
We’ve created a list with 6 affordable and attainable digital nomad visas, you don’t need to be earning $3000+ a month or have 20 grand in your account. So let us share with you these 7 budget friendly digital nomad visas and get you out there exploring new lands!
What are Digital Nomad Visas?
Digital Nomad Visas, known also as remote work visas or temporary residence visas, are special permits or arrangements offered by certain countries to facilitate the lifestyle of remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. These visas allow individuals and sometimes families to live and work in a foreign country legally for an extended period, sometimes up to a year or more.
These visas provide the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world while enjoying the cultural experiences of a new destination. Digital Nomad Visas don’t require you to have a specific job role, they are designed for all professionals working online.
Digital Nomad Visas have become more popular in recent years as there’s been a rise in working remotely, more people are packing their laptops and ditching their usual lifestyles to roam the world. Many countries have recognised the potential economic benefits of attracting remote workers and have introduced specialised visa programs to welcome them.
These visas vary in terms of cost and duration of stay. Some countries require proof of sufficient income, or a minimum salary requirement.
In the following post we’ll explore 7 of the most affordable digital nomad visas, providing insights into the application, costs and requirements.
1. Saint Lucia – Non Immigrant Visa
- Processing time: 5 days
- Validity:1 year
- Available for family members: Yes
- Minimum income: No
- Savings: No
- Visa fees: $125 Single entry / $200 After 6 weeks for extension.
Click here to apply for the St Lucia – Non Immigrant Visa
If you need any more information you can contact the country’s visa administration directly on visaoffice@police.govt.lc
2. Mauritius – Premium Visa
- Processing time: 1+ week
- Validity:1 year
- Available for family members: USD$500 Per dependant
- Minimum income: USD $1500 Per month ( 3 months proof required)
- Savings: Not required
- Visa fees: Free
Click here to apply for the Mauritius Premium Visa
If you need any more information you can contact the country’s visa administration directly on nels@edbmauritius.org
3. Ecuador- Temporary Residence Visa
- Processing time: 1+ week
- Validity: 2 years
- Available for family members: $250 per dependant
- Minimum income: $1275
- Savings: Not required
- Visa fees: USD$50 + USD$270
Click here to apply for the Ecuador Temporary Residence Visa
If you need any more information you can contact the country’s visa administration directly on consejeria@cancilleria.gob.ec
4. Curacao- @Home Visa
- Processing time: 2 weeks
- Validity: 1 year
- Available for family members: Yes
- Minimum income:
- Savings:
- Visa fees: USD$294
Click here to apply for the Curacao @Home Visa
If you need any more information you can contact the country’s visa administration directly on info@immigrationcur.org
5. Montenegro – Long Stay Visa D
- Processing time: 5+ days
- Validity: 6 months
- Available for family members: $54 per day
- Minimum income: No
- Savings: No
- Visa fees: USD$20
View the application for Montenegro Long Stay Visa D
For more information you can contact the country’s visa administration directly on elvira.bektesi@mfa.gov.me
6. Colombia – Migrant (V) Visa
- Processing time: 30+ days
- Validity: 2 years
- Available for family members: Yes
- Minimum income: $1002
- Savings: No
- Visa fees: USD$20
Click here to apply for the Migrant (M) Visa
For more information you can contact the country’s visa administration directly via consejeria@cancilleria.gob.ec
7. Uruguay – Digital Nomad Provisional Identity Sheet
- Processing time: 5+ days
- Validity: 6 months
- Available for family members: Children can come on Tourist Visas for 90 days and then extend for another 90 days
- Minimum income: $576
- Savings: NO
- Visa fees: USD$20
Click here to apply for the Digital Nomad Provisional Identity Sheet
For more information you can contact the country’s visa administration directly on dnm-hip@minterior.gub.uy