Latin America is emerging as a top destination for digital nomads, offering a mix of cultures, affordable living, and diverse landscapes.
We have spent ~7 incredible years living, slow traveling, and now as digital nomads in Latin America. This journey has been an immensely rewarding personal experience.
If you are about to embark on your digital nomad journey in Latin America, there are numerous things to plan and account for, expected or unexpected.
The first part is to shortlist your destination countries and for long term stay and travel in the chosen destination, navigate their Digital Nomad Visa or Temporary Residency programs.
So, to help you kickstart your digital nomad journey in this part of the world, we have created a two-part series on Latin America Digital Nomad Visas.
In this first part, we delve into the details of Digital Nomad Visas for Central America and Mexico, providing insights about the visa programs by country, their eligibility criteria and other requirements.
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This is the first part of our 2 part series on Digital Nomad Visas for Latin America.
You can read the second here, where we talk about Digital Nomad Visas for South America.
Common Requirements in Applications of Digital Nomad Visas for Central America or Mexico
Here are a few common things that Digital Nomad Visa applications require, which may vary from country to country.
💵 A regular source of income that is generated from outside the country where you are seeking the Digital Nomad Visa.
🏦 Proof of regular source and amount of income (The income threshold varies country to country), whether a foreign employment proof, client contracts or entrepreneurship documents.
👮🏽 Proof that you do NOT have any Criminal Record, obtained from the country of your current residence.
🏥 Insurance policy to cover any medical issues in the destination country.
There can be additional requirements, so check all the eligibility criteria before applying.
⚠️ Note that, some countries offer their Digital Nomad Visa program to people of specific nationalities only.
📜 You can first visit and see if you like the country enough to go for their longer term Digital Nomad Visa.
An Overview: Digital Nomad Visas for Central America and Mexico
| Country | Digital Nomad Visa Validity | Income Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico Temporary Resident Visa | 1 year, renewable up to 4 years | USD 4400 monthly income after taxes (Revised regularly) |
| Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa | 1 year, renewable for an additional 1 year | USD 3000 per month (individual) USD 4000 per month (with dependents) |
| El Salvador Digital Nomad Visa | 2 years, renewable for 2 more years | ~USD 1500 per month |
| Belize ‘Work Where You Vacation’ Program | 6 months | USD 75000 per year (individual) USD 100K per year (with dependents) |
| Panama Short Term Remote Worker Visa | 9 months, renewable up to 18 months | USD 3000 per month or USD 36000 annual |
📃 Do not forget to purchase travel insurance for your trip. We use:
- Heymondo Travel Insurance (get 5% discount, auto applies), OR
- SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
* Discount not applicable for US residents
➡️ Related Reading: Essential Well-being Tips for Digital Nomads in Latin America
Mexico Digital Nomad Visa
Mexico does NOT have a Digital Nomad visa, however, their Temporary Resident Visa is a similar alternative.
Check with your nearest consulate on what documents are required based on your application criteria. Here are couple of examples: Leamington and Houston.
✅ Visa term is for 1 year and can be renewed up to 4 years.
✅ Proof of foreign employment and required amount of monthly income highlighted in bank statements.
✅ Currently the income threshold is at USD 4400 per month, however, it is periodically revised.
Documents for Mexico Temporary Resident Visa
🛂 Passport and Residency Identity Documents where you are applying from.
💲Visa Fees and filled application form.
📄 12 months Monthly Bank Statements with earnings clearly highlighted or month-end balances certified by your bank.
✉️ If you are employed, get a certified letter from your employer, that contains your credentials in the company.
Why Choose Mexico as a Digital Nomad? Or not?
There are several cities and regions in Mexico that have all the amenities and activities for a Digital Nomad. The country is a blend of rich pre-Hispanic history, Mayans and Aztecs, along with nature ranging from volcanos, mountains, forests, lakes, and pristine beaches.
✈️ Well connected with a large number of countries in different continents.
🏖️ There are lots to do across the country – art, history, architecture, beaches, mountains.
💵 Experience affordable living in most parts of the country.
🚌 Transportation is easier.
On the other hand, here are things to be aware of:
❌ Know where you are staying, not all neighborhoods are safe.
❌ Some of the tourist places can be expensive.
Our Top Choice Places in Mexico for Digital Nomads
Pick the cities like Mexico City or Oaxaca City, if you are want a mix of culture, history, along with the city amenities and urban things to do.
Also, you can experience the largest festival of Mexico, Dia de Muertos of Day of the Dead in these cities.
The other options are Tulum or Playa del Carmen, beach towns on the Caribbean coast, which have a large nomad and expat community. Puerto Vallarta is a similar options on the Pacific coast.
Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
The Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa is an excellent choice if you want to stay more than 6 months in the country without doing border runs like a lot of people do.
✅ The Digital Nomad Visa term can be for 1 year which can be renewed up to 2 years.
✅ Proof of foreign employment and required amount of monthly income highlighted in bank statements.
✅ Currently the income threshold is at USD 3000 per month for the primary applicant and USD 4000 along with a dependent.
Documents for Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
🛂 Passport credentials copy and Costa Rica Stamp Page copy if you are already in Costa Rica.
💲Visa Fees paid to Banco Central de Costa Rica and the filled application form.
📄 12 months Monthly Bank Statements with earnings clearly highlighted along with an affidavit that the documents are obtained from your bank. The documents can be notarized in Costa Rica if you are already in the country.
Fill out the visa form and check the list of documents here.
Why Choose Costa Rica as A Digital Nomad? Or not?
🏖️ Pura Vida lifestyle in a nature lover’s paradise – beaches, wildlife, tropical forests, volcanos
🕊️ Political stability for peace of mind
☺️ One of the most friendliest countries in the world
On the other hand, here are things to be aware of:
❌ One of the most expensive countries to live in Latin America
❌ Public Transport can be challenging in certain areas
Our Top Choice Places in Costa Rica for Digital Nomads
The Central Valley area of Costa Rica is our top choice due to its year round nice cool tropical climate and good connectivity with the other parts of Costa Rica.
The Central Valley area includes the cities of San Jose, Heredia, Alajuela, Cartago, and along with the neighboring mountain towns of Grecia, Atenas, San Ramon, these make some of best places to stay long term in Costa Rica.
However, if you prefer beach and nature, you can pick one of the beach towns in Guanacaste, Playa del Coco or Tamarindo in the north or Manuel Antonio, Uvita or Dominical in the South, or Puerto de Talamanca on the Caribbean side.
The popular town of La Fortuna is another option with lots of exciting activities and the views of the Arenal Volcano.
El Salvador Digital Nomad Visa
El Salvador’s transformation from one of the most dangerous countries to one of the safest is truly inspirational. This beautiful Central American country, known for its friendly people, is definitely worth exploring for an extended period.
✅ The Visa term can be for 2 years which can be renewed up to 2 years.
✅ Proof of foreign employment.
✅ Currently the income threshold is at USD 1460 per month.
✅ Medical Insurance for the entire period of stay.
Documents for Digital Nomad Visa of El Salvador
🛂 Passport and the residency document in current country. You may need the documents apostilled in your resident country.
💲Visa Fees.
📄 Proof of income as bank statements showing the amounts received monthly.
🏥 Medical Insurance for your stay.
Why Choose El Salvador as a Digital Nomad? Or not?
₿ Bitcoin is accepted as a legal tender at prominent places.
🏄🏽 Surfing beaches, Volcanos and Tropical forests along with Mayan ruins and Colorful Towns.
⏳ Change in safety reputation in recent years from one of most dangerous countries to one of the safest in the region.
On the other hand, here are things to be aware of:
❌ Check the internet speeds in your location and places of stay.
❌ Amenities can be moderate compared to other countries in the region.
Our Top Choice Places in El Salvador for Digital Nomads
The Surf City, with El Tunco and its neighboring beach towns like El Zonte, are our top choice for their surfing beaches, tropical forests, waterfalls, expat community, and proximity to San Salvador and other parts of the country.
You can also pick the small towns of Suchitoto or Santa Ana, to experience a different cultural experience.
Belize Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad program in Belize in known as ‘Work where you vacation‘, but only for nationals or residents of US, Canada, EU and UK.
✅ The Visa term is up to 180 days.
✅ Proof of foreign employment or tax returns in case of business owners.
✅ Currently the income threshold is at USD 75000 per year for an individual and USD 100000 with dependents.
✅ Medical Insurance for the entire period of stay of minimum USD 50,000 coverage.
Documents for Digital Nomad Visa of Belize
🛂 Passport and the residency document in current country. Eligible countries or regions are US, Canada, UK and EU.
💲Visa Fees and Online Application.
📄 Proof of Employment outside Belize, an employment letter from Employer, or Annual tax returns in case of self-employed individuals.
📄 Proof of income as notarized bank statements.
⌕ Clean Criminal Record certified by current country of residence.
🏥 Medical Insurance for your stay – minimum USD 50000 coverage.
Check more information on application form, eligibility and documents here.
Why Choose Belize as A Digital Nomad? Or not?
🏖️ Beautiful tropical beaches, the famous Blue Hole, snorkeling, scuba diving and Mayan ruins.
On the other hand, here are things to be aware of:
❌ Internet speeds can be moderate at some places, so confirm with your accommodation host before booking.
Our Top Choice Places in Belize for Digital Nomads
Ambergris Caye is the largest island of Belize and its top beach destination. It can be bit more expensive, however, it is the most lively destination in Belize.
Caye Caulkar, a smaller island, is a slightly cheaper alternative.
San Ignacio is the base for exploring the Mayan ruins of the country, and the tropical forests, wildlife and caves. From San Ignacio, you can also visit the neighboring country Guatemala’s Mayan ruins in Tikal.
Belize City is the country capital and gateway to other parts of Belize. However, it is not among the most popular destinations of Belize.
Panama Digital Nomad Visa
The digital nomad visa for Panama is a ‘Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers’ that was started in 2021.
✅ The Visa term is 9 months, renewable up to 18 months.
✅ Proof of foreign employment or tax returns in case of self-employed.
✅ Currently the income threshold is at USD 36000 per year or USD 3000 per month.
✅ Medical Insurance for the entire period of stay.
Documents for Panama Digital Nomad Visa
🛂 Passport and the residency document in current country.
💲Visa Fees and Application, ideally hiring an immigration lawyer.
📄 Proof of Employment or nature of business outside Panama.
📄 Proof of income as notarized bank statements.
⌕ Clean Criminal Record certified by current country of residence.
🏥 Medical Insurance for your stay.
Why Choose Panama as A Digital Nomad? Or not?
🏦 An important finance hub in Latin America.
✈️ Well-connected with a number of regions due to its location.
🏖️ Beautiful tropical beaches, islands, tropical forests, wildlife.
On the other hand, here are things to be aware of:
❌ Can be comparatively expensive.
❌ Internet speeds can be moderate at remote places, so confirm with your stay host or owner.
❌ Research the localities where you plan to stay, to avoid any safety issue concerns.
Our Top Choice Places in Panama for Digital Nomads
Panama City, the capital, has the best amenities for remote workers. The finance hub is connected by air with North and South America, Caribbeans, and Europe.
The other cities like Boquete, a hilly town, or Coronado, a beach town, are other great options to experience nature while having all the necessary amenities.
Bocas del Toro, an island near the Costa Rican border at the north-east part of the country, is another excellent option for Caribbean island living.
Final Thoughts
Destinations in Central America and Mexico are a great place to start your digital nomad and slow travel journey.
Apart from the countries discussed above, you can also consider Guatemala for long term travel. This Central America country has not initiated a Digital Nomad visa yet, however, it allows visitors to stay 90 days, which can be good amount of time to slow travel in and understand the country.
➡️ Read Next: Digital Nomad Visas for South America
Travel Resources
- Flights: Skyscanner
- Hotels: Booking.com | Expedia
- Tours: Viator | GetYourGuide
- Travel Insurance:
- Heymondo (get 5% off)
- SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
- eSIMs:
- Transfers: Bookaway. Code PARADISE5 for 5% off
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