Discover comprehensive information about digital nomad visas across the Caribbean, South, and North America. Learn about eligibility, costs, and benefits for remote workers seeking to live and work in these vibrant regions.
The digital nomad lifestyle has become increasingly popular, offering remote workers the flexibility to live and work from virtually anywhere in the world. As more countries recognize the value of attracting international talent, digital nomad visas have emerged as a means to welcome remote workers.
The Caribbean, South, and North America are particularly appealing for their diverse cultures, scenic beauty, and favorable climates.
This article provides an in-depth look at the digital nomad visas available across these regions, detailing the eligibility requirements, costs, and benefits of each visa to help you choose the ideal destination for your next adventure.
Digital Nomad Visa Options in the Caribbean and South America
1. Anguilla Digital Nomad Visa
Anguilla, a tranquil island in the Caribbean, offers a digital nomad visa designed for those who seek a serene and isolated environment in which to work remotely. The island spans just 26 kilometers in length and 5 kilometers at its widest point, making it an ideal destination for those who appreciate small, tight-knit communities. With a population of approximately 15,000, Anguilla offers a peaceful retreat with stunning beaches and a slow-paced lifestyle.
The digital nomad visa costs $2,000 (1,890 €) and includes PCR testing and surveillance upon arrival, ensuring the safety of residents and visitors alike. However, specific eligibility requirements have not been made public, so prospective applicants must contact local authorities directly for details. This visa is valid for one year, offering ample time to immerse yourself in the island’s culture and natural beauty.
2. Antigua & Barbuda Remote Workers Visa
Antigua & Barbuda’s “Nomad Digital Residence” program is an attractive option for digital nomads who wish to enjoy the picturesque landscapes and warm climate of the Caribbean. This program allows remote workers to stay in the country for up to two years, providing an extended opportunity to explore the island’s rich history, vibrant culture, and numerous beaches.
The visa costs $2,000 (1,890 €) for individuals and $3,000 (2,800 €) for families. To qualify, applicants must have health insurance, prove they are remote workers, and demonstrate a minimum annual income of $50,000 (47,200 €). Additionally, applicants must present a clear criminal record. This visa offers the perfect blend of work and leisure, allowing digital nomads to experience the Caribbean lifestyle while maintaining their professional commitments.
3. Argentina Digital Nomad Visa
Argentina, known for its diverse landscapes ranging from the Andes mountains to the Pampas plains, has recently introduced a digital nomad visa that allows remote workers to stay in the country for up to six months, with an option to extend for an additional six months. This visa is particularly appealing due to Argentina’s affordable cost of living, rich cultural heritage, and friendly locals.
To be eligible for this visa, applicants must have a valid passport, adequate health insurance, a clear criminal record, and job certifications. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate sufficient income, although the exact amount required has not yet been specified. Argentina offers digital nomads the chance to immerse themselves in a vibrant culture, explore stunning natural wonders, and enjoy the benefits of living in a country with a relatively low cost of living.
4. Aruba Digital Nomad Visa
Aruba, a picturesque island known for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, offers a digital nomad visa that allows remote workers to stay for up to 90 days, with the option to extend their stay for up to a year. One of the key advantages of this visa is that there is no application fee, making it an accessible option for those looking to experience island life without incurring significant upfront costs.
To qualify for the Aruba digital nomad visa, applicants must have health insurance, be employed by a company or have clients outside of Aruba, show proof of accommodation, and demonstrate sufficient financial means. Additionally, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required. Aruba’s tax-free environment, combined with its laid-back lifestyle and affordable living costs, makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads.
5. Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa
The Bahamas, an archipelago of 16 major islands, offers the “Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS)” program, which provides digital nomads with the opportunity to live and work in paradise for up to 12 months. The visa can be extended for up to three years, allowing remote workers to fully immerse themselves in the island lifestyle.
The BEATS program includes a $25 (23 €) application fee and a visa cost of $1,000 (945 €) for the first applicant, with an additional $500 (470 €) for each dependent. To qualify, applicants must have adequate health insurance, prove their remote work status, and demonstrate their income, though no minimum income requirement is specified. While the Bahamas is known for its luxury resorts and high cost of living, the island’s proximity to the United States makes it an appealing option for digital nomads seeking both convenience and beauty.
6. Barbados Digital Nomad Visa
Barbados offers the “Welcome Stamp” program, a digital nomad visa that allows remote workers to live and work on the island for up to 12 months. The program was launched quickly in response to the global shift towards remote work, making Barbados one of the first Caribbean nations to offer such a visa.
The visa costs $2,000 (1,890 €) for individuals and $3,000 (2,800 €) for families. To be eligible, applicants must have health insurance, prove they are remote workers, and demonstrate a minimum annual income of $50,000 (47,200 €). Despite the relatively high cost of the visa, Barbados offers an affordable cost of living compared to neighboring islands, along with fast internet, making it a practical choice for digital nomads.
7. Belize Digital Nomad Visa
Belize’s “Work Where You Vacation” program offers a digital nomad visa that allows remote workers to stay in the country for six months, with the option to renew for another six months. Belize is a vibrant destination known for its stunning beaches, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.
To qualify for the Belize digital nomad visa, individuals must have a minimum annual income of $75,000 (71,000 €) or $100,000 (95,000 €) for families. Applicants must also have a clear criminal record, a valid passport, and health insurance with a minimum coverage of $50,000 (47,000 €). Belize is an affordable country, with rental costs for a one-bedroom apartment ranging from $300 to $600 (285 to 570 €) per month, and meals at local restaurants costing around $8 (7 €).
8. Bermuda Digital Nomad Visa
Bermuda offers a “Work From Bermuda” visa that allows digital nomads to live and work in this idyllic island paradise. The program is unique in that it does not require proof of a minimum income or specific wage level, making it accessible to a wide range of remote workers.
The application fee for the Bermuda digital nomad visa is $263 (250 €). To be eligible, applicants must have health insurance, prove their remote work status, and demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves. However, it is important to note that Bermuda is one of the most expensive countries in the Caribbean, so a high income is necessary to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
9. Brazil Digital Nomad Visa
Brazil, with its diverse ecosystems and vibrant cities, offers a digital nomad visa that allows remote workers to live and work in the country for one year, with the option to renew for another year. This visa, introduced in January 2022, is a temporary resident visa specifically designed for digital nomads.
To qualify, applicants must provide proof of self-employment or a work contract with a non-Brazilian company, have a minimum bank balance of 17,000 € ($18,000), and demonstrate a monthly income of 1,400 € ($1,485). Additionally, applicants must have a clear criminal record, a valid passport, and health insurance. Brazil’s lower cost of living compared to Europe or the USA, combined with its stunning natural beauty, makes it an appealing destination for digital nomads.
10. Canada Digital Nomad Visa Alternatives
While Canada does not offer a specific digital nomad visa, there are several alternative visa options available for remote workers. The Self-Employment Visa is a good option for professionals with at least two years of experience in their field who are proficient in English or French. This visa allows individuals to work independently in Canada, making it a suitable choice for digital nomads.
For entrepreneurs, the Startup Visa offers the opportunity to establish a business in Canada with the support of a Canadian investor or business incubator. Additionally, the Canada Tourist Visa allows remote workers to stay in the country for up to six months, and the Working Holiday Visa is an option for young travelers from over 30 countries. While Canada may not have a dedicated digital nomad visa, these alternatives provide flexible options for those looking to work remotely in the country.
11. Cayman Islands Remote Workers Visa
The Cayman Islands’ “Global Citizen Concierge Program (GCCP)” is a digital nomad visa that allows remote workers to live and work in the country for up to two years. This visa is designed for high-earning individuals, with a minimum yearly income requirement of $100,000 (95,000 €) for individuals or $150,000 (142,000 €) for couples.
To be eligible for the GCCP, applicants must work for foreign clients only, provide a notarized bank reference letter, have a clear criminal record, and possess adequate health insurance. While the cost of living in the Cayman Islands is relatively high compared to other Caribbean destinations, the island’s tax-free status can help offset some of these expenses, making it an attractive option for high-income digital nomads.
12. Colombia Digital Nomad Visa
Colombia, known for its rich culture and diverse landscapes, offers a new remote workers visa that allows freelancers and remote workers to work from anywhere in the country. The Colombia digital nomad visa has a relatively affordable application process, costing around $300 (285 €).
To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of at least $800 (734 €), have health insurance valid in Colombia, provide a letter from one or several Colombian companies mentioning their partnership, and write a cover letter. Colombia’s low cost of living, combined with a wide variety of activities and stunning natural beauty, makes it an excellent choice for digital nomads.
13. Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
Costa Rica introduced a digital nomad visa in 2021, allowing remote workers to stay in the country for up to one year, with the possibility to renew it once. This visa offers several advantages over tourist visas, such as the ability to open a local bank account, drive any type of vehicle, and avoid paying local taxes.
To qualify for the Costa Rica digital nomad visa, individuals must have a minimum monthly income of $3,000 (2,800 €) or $4,000 (3,800 €) for families, a clear criminal record, a valid passport, and adequate health care. Costa Rica’s breathtaking wildlife, beautiful beaches, and tropical forests make it an attractive destination for remote workers seeking a balance between work and adventure.
14. Curaçao Digital Nomad Visa
Curaçao, located outside the Caribbean’s hurricane zone, offers the “HOME in Curaçao” digital nomad visa, allowing remote workers to stay on the island for an initial period of six months, with an option to extend for another six months. Curaçao is known for its charming Dutch colonial architecture, stunning beaches, and vibrant cultural scene.
To be eligible for this visa, applicants must prove their financial solvency, pay visa fees of $294 (280 €), have adequate health insurance valid in Curaçao, and show a clear criminal record. With its unique blend of European and Caribbean influences, Curaçao offers a distinctive experience for digital nomads.
15. Dominica Digital Nomad Visa
Dominica, often referred to as the “Nature Island” of the Caribbean, has launched the WIN (Work In Nature) digital nomad visa program, allowing remote workers to stay for up to 18 months. This program is particularly appealing due to the island’s lush tropical landscape, volcanic mountains, and pristine waters.
The visa costs $100 (95 €) for the application plus $800 (755 €) for individuals or $1,200 (1,130 €) for families. To qualify, applicants must earn a minimum income of at least $70,000 (66,000 €) and have adequate health insurance. Dominica’s affordability and natural beauty make it a compelling option for digital nomads seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination.
16. Ecuador Digital Nomad Visa
Ecuador, a country known for its diverse geography that includes the Amazon jungle, the Andes mountains, and the Galápagos Islands, launched its digital nomad visa in July 2022. This visa offers a low-cost living environment with a range of natural and cultural attractions, making it an ideal destination for adventurous digital nomads.
To qualify for the Ecuador digital nomad visa, applicants must have a rental agreement, a clean criminal record, travel and health insurance valid in Ecuador, and a minimum monthly income of $1,275 (1,200 €). Ecuador’s unique blend of natural wonders and low cost of living provides a compelling option for remote workers.
17. Grenada Digital Nomad Visa
Grenada, known as the “Spice Isle” of the Caribbean, has recently launched a digital nomad visa that is valid for one year and can be extended for another year. One of the significant benefits of this visa is the opportunity to take advantage of Grenada’s zero-income tax policy.
To qualify, applicants must earn a minimum income of at least $37,000 (35,000 €) per year and pay a program cost of $1,500 (1,420 €) per person or $2,000 (1,920 €) for a family. Grenada’s relaxed lifestyle, stunning beaches, and welcoming atmosphere make it an attractive destination for digital nomads.
18. Mexico Digital Nomad Visa
Mexico, a popular destination for digital nomads due to its vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and affordable living costs, offers a digital nomad visa that allows remote workers to stay for one year. To apply for the visa, applicants must make an appointment at the nearest Mexican consulate.
To qualify for the Mexico digital nomad visa, applicants must earn a minimum income of $2,600 (2,400 €) or have a bank account balance of over $54,600 (50,123 €). Health insurance coverage, a clear criminal record, and a passport valid for at least one year are also required. Mexico’s dynamic environment offers digital nomads the chance to grow their businesses while enjoying a rich cultural experience.
19. Panama Digital Nomad Visa
Panama, located in Central America, boasts the highest level of development in the region and offers a dynamic environment for digital nomads. In May 2021, Panama introduced the Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers, a nine-month visa that can be renewed for an additional nine months.
To qualify for the Panama digital nomad visa, applicants must provide a certificate of good health, a clean criminal record, a minimum yearly income of $36,000 (34,000 €), and pay a $300 visa cost. Panama’s high-speed internet, low cost of living, and beautiful natural surroundings make it a popular choice for remote workers.
20. Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa
Uruguay, a small yet progressive country in South America, recently introduced its version of a digital nomad visa: the Provisional Identity Card (Hojas de Identidad Provisoria). This visa is valid for six months, with the option to renew for another six months.
To qualify, applicants must hold a valid passport, prove remote employment with a company or clients outside Uruguay, present an affidavit attesting to sufficient income, and have a clean criminal record from all countries of residence over the past five years. Uruguay’s digital nomad visa provides a unique opportunity to experience a relaxed lifestyle in a politically stable and welcoming environment.
21. USA Digital Nomad Visa Alternatives
The United States does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa, but there are several alternative visa options available for remote workers. The H Visa series includes several types for people with specialized skills, such as the H-1B Visa for professionals, the H-2A Visa for agricultural workers, the H-2B Visa for non-agricultural workers, and the H-3 Visa for trainees.
The B-Visas are suitable for short-term visits; the B-1 Visa is for business purposes, while the B-2 Visa is ideal for tourism and holidays. The B-2 Visa is valid for up to 10 years but limits each stay to a maximum of six months, making it a viable option for digital nomads. Additionally, the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows nationals from certain countries to enter the US for up to 90 days for business or tourism without a visa, provided they have an e-passport and enroll in the ESTA program.
Conclusion
The Caribbean, South, and North America offer a wide array of digital nomad visa options, each tailored to different lifestyles, preferences, and professional needs. From the serene isolation of Anguilla to the dynamic vibrancy of Brazil, these regions provide a plethora of choices for remote workers. Whether you are looking for an affordable cost of living, cultural immersion, or proximity to major global hubs, there is a destination that fits your unique work-life balance. Explore these options and take the next step in your digital nomad journey by choosing a location that aligns with your personal and professional aspirations.
