Digital nomad visas for lower incomes

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This page is being constantly updated as we find suitable visas for early career workers. Please note this page is purely for informational purposes.

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The ‘digital nomad’ visa - what is it?

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The ‘digital nomad’ visa is a type of visa or permit that allows individuals to legally live and work remotely in a country for an extended period of time, they typically last several months to a year or even longer.  These visas have become more common in recent years and there are many countries around the globe that have already implemented or beginning to implement these visas. They usually require the applicant to have a stable income from a job outside of the country they are applying to. 

One of the many perks of fully remote working is the ability to not be tied to a specific location or country. You may be able to work from wherever you like in the world and these types of visas make it easier than ever. As entry-level roles typically have lower salaries, we share some of the countries that offer remote visas with lower income requirements, making them more accessible for people in their early careers.

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Countries offering the digital nomad visa

Mauritius - one year, can renew for another year

Key Points:

• Valid passport is a must.
• Remote work for entities outside Mauritius is required.
• Minimum monthly income of $1,500 (additional $500 per dependent under 24).
• Travel and health insurance coverage for the entire stay.
• Evidence of long-term plans and living arrangements in Mauritius.
• Commitment not to participate in local labor market or compete with local businesses.

Application Process:

• Step 1: Pre-book flight and accommodation, providing proof for both.
• Step 2: Fill out the online application form on the Mauritius Business Licensing Platform website, including personal details, contact information, travel plans, purpose of visit, and uploading necessary documents.
• Step 3: Passport and Immigration Office processes the application within 48 hours. Receive an email notification of approval or denial, along with the visa document if approved.

The great thing about this visa is that there is no application fee. FAQ's about this visa can be found here.

Brazil - one year, can renew for another year

Key Points:

• Citizen of eligible country.
• Minimum age of 18.
• Valid passport.
• Proof of remote work for a non-Brazilian company.
• Monthly income of $1,500 or savings of $18,000.
• Health insurance coverage in Brazil.
• Clean criminal background.

Application Process:

• Step 1: Complete visa application form online on Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, including details and document uploads, and submit electronically.
• Step 2: Print and sign completed form. Submit it along with required documents to nearest Brazilian consulate or embassy, either by mail or in person, following their specific instructions.
• Step 3: Pay consular fee after embassy or consulate confirms all documentation is correct and complete. Payment process varies by location, so follow guidance from the embassy or consulate.

The visa can take between two and four weeks to be accepted. The costs are around $150.

El Salvador - two years, can be extended once

Key Points:

• Valid passport – submit scanned copy of all passport pages.
• Proof of income – submit proof of job abroad, earning at least $1,460 monthly.
• Proof of contract and payment – submit notarized copy of employment contract, notarized by Salvadoran lawyer at embassy/consulate or any lawyer in El Salvador.
• Police record – submit police record from past three months, apostilled.
• Power of attorney – for agency applicants, submit power of attorney through Salvadoran lawyer at embassy/consulate or any lawyer in El Salvador.

Application Process:

• Step 1: Book an appointment. Schedule a meeting with the nearest El Salvador embassy or consulate.
• Step 2: Fill out the application form. Download and complete the El Salvador digital nomad visa application form.
• Step 3: Collect all required documents and submit them to the embassy or consulate. If applying online through an agency, include a power of attorney.

Application process can take up to 45 days. The application cost however, is estimated higher than others, around $2800. The visa can be extended once the initial term has expired for around $450.

Colombia - two years

Key Points:

• Must have a valid passport for at least six months.
• Include a passport copy of the first page showing personal information (colour or black and white).
• Provide a 3 cm x 4 cm passport-style photo with a white background (maximum file size of 300 kb in JPG format for online applications).
• Submit a copy of the passport page showing the most recent entry or departure stamp for Colombia.
• Have a letter written in Spanish or English, detailing your relationship and remuneration from your company; include a copy of the contract or a letter if you are a partner or co-owner working remotely.
• Have a motivation letter. For entrepreneurs, explain your entrepreneurial project and the financial and human resources involved.
• Show bank statements proving earned income equivalent to three times the Current Minimum Legal Monthly Wages over the last three months (approximately $684).
• Provide evidence of a health insurance policy covering all risks within Colombia, including accidents, illnesses, maternity, disabilities, hospitalization, death, or repatriation for the duration of your stay.

Application Process:

• Step 1: Gather all necessary documentation.
• Step 2: Visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia to access the digital nomad visa application portal. Follow the instructions to complete the application form and submit the documents electronically.
• Step 3: Pay the application fee of around $52 using a credit card or specified payment options on the website before submitting the application.  Regularly check the online portal or contact authorities for updates.
• Step 4: Upon approval, pay the visa fee, which ranges from $170 to $230 depending on factors such as the inclusion of dependents. Once paid, the visa will be delivered electronically within ten days.

The processing time can take around 30 days, once approved the visa will be sent to you in around 10 days.

Namibia - six months

Key Points:

Application Process:

• Step 1: Fill out the visa application form, medical certificate, and radiological report. Download these forms online. Complete separate forms for each dependent.
• Step 2: Gather digital copies of all required documents and completed forms. Email them to nomadvisa@nipdb.com.
• Step 3: Once approved, receive your visa via email. Pay the visa processing fee upon arrival in Namibia.

This processing fee is around $62, this is paid once you arrive in country. This is a relatively new visa, so we do not have an estimate on processing times. More information can be found on the Namibian website here.

If you are looking to move to one of these countries and are looking to find that dream role - check out all of our job postings here and find that dream role today!