Digital nomad visas have been increasing in popularity in recent years.
The rise of remote work and location-independent business has led many people to explore the opportunity of living and working in another country. Digital nomad visas make it easy for remote workers and entrepreneurs to stay in another country long-term and work online.
There are more than 55 countries around the world that offer digital nomad visas for remote workers, according to Nomad Girl.
Many of these digital nomad visas are available in countries around Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Why Work In The Americas?
For Americans, one of the biggest reasons to stay in North, Central, or South America as a digital nomad is because of the time zones.
If you need to work U.S. hours, it’s much easier to do so from the same time zone as home (or a time zone that’s only one or two hours off) as opposed to being halfway across the world and having to work strange hours.
For example, while Southeast Asia is a popular destination for digital nomads, you may find yourself having to work in the middle of the night if you need to keep U.S. hours. Even living in Europe means you’ll have to work throughout the afternoon and late into the night.
Staying in the Americas can also be more convenient. For instance, Mexico is extremely popular with digital nomads because of its proximity to the United States.
Most Americans are only a short direct flight away from Mexico, making it very convenient while still allowing you the experience of living and working abroad.
Here are the best digital nomad visas in the Americas to consider:
1. Colombia
Colombia, which is one of the most affordable countries in South America, launched a digital nomad visa this year that is easy to apply for.
Applicants only need to demonstrate monthly earnings of 3 million pesos (approximately $738 USD) and the visa is good for up to two years.
2. Ecuador
Another country in the Americas that is great for digital nomads is Ecuador. This country is beautiful and affordable, and packed with stunning natural beauty. Cities like Quito and Cuenca attract digital nomads and remote workers.
It’s another easy digital nomad visa to apply for, requiring monthly earnings of only $1,284 USD and it’s valid for up to two years.
3. Mexico
Although Mexico does not offer a formal digital nomad visa, Americans can stay in Mexico for up to six months without a visa.
This makes it a popular location for digital nomads and remote workers who want to explore Mexico’s amazing beaches, cities, and cultural sites.
If you want to stay for longer, applying for temporary residency (which is good for up to four years) is a fairly straightforward process.
4. Canada
Although Canada is a more expensive place to live than other countries on this list, American travelers will find that their money goes further right now due to the favorable exchange rate between U.S. and Canadian dollars.
It’s possible to live and work remotely in Canada for up to six months without a visa, and there are no income requirements either.
5. Panama
Finally, Panama is a country in Central America that offers a digital nomad visa. It requires that applicants earn at least $36,000 USD annually, and it’s good for up to nine months (and extendable for an additional nine months.)
Alternatively, Americans can stay in Panama for up to six months without a visa. This is a great way to test the waters of living and working in Panama, which boasts a cosmopolitan capital city and amazing beaches.
