Our article highlights the top 12 cheapest digital nomad visas. Nowadays, many digital nomad visas are available. Determining which best suits your needs and budget can take time and effort. We’re here to help you narrow the options and make finding the cheapest digital nomad visa easier!
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12 Cheapest Digital Nomad Visas
When assessing the potential total cost of a digital nomad visa, you must consider the country’s actual visa fee and all the documentation required for the visa application process.
You should expect at least a few extra costs, as most digital nomad visa applications require criminal background checks, proof of travel medical insurance, and a passport photo.
Some countries require the official translation of documents or the notarization or authentication of certain documents. One or two apostille, notarizations, or translations won’t break the bank.
Still, some digital nomad visas require translating all documents into the local language or notarizing several documents. The fees associated with these services can dramatically increase your overall expenses.
We’ve accounted for the visa fee and other application-related expenses, weeding out visas with excessively costly documentation to create an accurate list of the cheapest digital nomad visas.
We’ve divided them into low-cost and moderate-cost countries to help you find the best digital nomad destination to live and work in with your current budget.
Cheapest Digital Nomad Visa in Low-Cost Countries
We aim to provide a quick, accurate synopsis of the cheapest digital nomad visa requirements and steps. Please let us know if you notice any inaccuracies so we can correct them.
Important Note: We list all digital nomad visa fees and living costs in US dollars (USD).
1. Cabo Verde
| Cost of Cabo Verde Digital Nomad Visa: | $54 ($25 visa fee and $34 airport fee) |
| Extra Costs: | Travel medical insurance |
| Average Rent for One Bedroom: | $250 to $500+ |
| Average Living Costs for a Single Person (Excluding Rent): | About $500+ |
The island nation of Cabo Verde in Western Africa has one of the cheapest digital nomad visas and requires minimal documentation.
The online application does not ask for translation, notarization, or apostille of any documents, and it doesn’t require a criminal background check. Omitting these potentially costly requirements makes this a nomad visa for which digital workers should apply.
The visa fee is only $25, but everyone arriving in Cabo Verde must pay a $34 airport fee, making your grand total a mere $54. It’s about a quarter of most other “cheap” digital nomad visa fees.
The Cabo Verde digital nomad visa (Remote Working Program) also has one of the lowest income requirements, with a minimum bank balance of $1,650. Digital nomads also aren’t taxed on their income. Combine this with the island’s meager cost of living, and you have the ultimate budget digital nomad destination.
If you are a nature lover looking to stretch your dollar in a laid-back, tropical destination, this could be an excellent option! Check out our full article for the requirements and application process for the Cabo Verde digital nomad visa or a snapshot of life in Cabo Verde.
2. Mexico
| Cost of Mexico Digital Nomad Visa: | $53 |
| Extra Costs: | Passport photo and all documents translated into Spanish or English |
| Average Rent for One Bedroom: | $500 to $700+ |
| Average Living Costs for a Single Person (Excluding Rent): | About $700+ |
Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa for Economic Solvency Purposes is a very economical digital nomad visa, especially considering it is valid for up to a four-year stay. The actual visa cost is a mere $53, and the required documents are not onerous or expensive.
The main expense in obtaining the Mexico digital nomad visa is translating the required documents into Spanish or English if neither of those is the native language of your home country. When it comes to residing in the country, keep in mind that you become a tax resident after 183 days.
Travelers, expats, and snowbirds have long known Mexico to be a cheap destination. The country’s cost of living is low, yet it provides good infrastructure in major cities and high-quality private healthcare.
The affordable standard of living, gorgeous beaches, and vibrant culture make Mexico a strong contender for money-minded digital nomads. Check out our full article for the requirements and application process for the digital nomad visa in Mexico or a snapshot of life there.
3. Argentina
| Cost of Argentina Digital Nomad Visa: | $200 (2 separate fees of $120 and $80) |
| Extra Costs: | 1 passport photo |
| Average Rent for One Bedroom: | $300 to $700+ |
| Average Living Costs for a Single Person (Excluding Rent): | About $475+ |
The Argentina digital nomad visa is a budget-friendly option because it has a reasonable fee and requires minimal documents. According to the government website, you need no criminal record check, document authentication, or translation, which makes this visa one of the cheapest and easiest to apply for.
Ideal for thrifty nomads, Argentina’s overall cost of living is low, and they don’t tax digital nomads on their foreign income. Despite the low cost of living, Argentina’s major cities offer sufficient high-speed internet, co-working spaces, and good-quality health care.
The country boasts abundant natural attractions, like Iguazu Falls and Perito Moreno Glacier, beautiful Spanish colonial architecture, and a world-famous wine region.
Argentina is a good choice if you want excellent value for your digital nomad dollars. The only actual expense may be the flight down here. Check out our full article for the requirements and application process for the Argentina Digital Nomad Visa or a snapshot of life in Argentina.
4. Brazil
| Cost of Brazil Digital Nomad Visa: | $128 |
| Extra Costs: | A criminal record check, an apostille birth certificate, a notarized declaration of remote work, medical insurance, one passport photo, and a postal label |
| Average Rent for One Bedroom: | $350 to $600+ |
| Average Living Costs for a Single Person (Excluding Rent): | About $575+ |
The Brazil digital nomad visa has one of the lowest visa fees and minimum monthly income requirements, at only $1,500, making it accessible to a wide range of digital nomads.
The required documents for the application will add an extra expense. Still, these costs, like a criminal record check, are usually associated with nearly all digital nomad visa applications. The financial burden is relatively low compared to other countries’ visa requirements.
The cost of living in Brazil is also favorable for digital nomads on a budget. Average rent rates, daily necessities, and high-speed data plans are all reasonably priced. Public transportation is cheap, most tourist attractions cost $20 or less, and you can enjoy an array of stunning beaches for free!
That said, if you reside in Brazil for more than 184 days, you become a tax resident, so you should consider your budget with that in mind. Check out our full article for the requirements and application process for the Brazil digital nomad visa for a snapshot of life in Brazil.
5. El Salvador
| Cost of El Salvador Digital Nomad Visa: | $70 to $140, depending on whether you are a Central American temporary resident. |
| Extra Costs: | A notarized copy of your employment contract, a criminal record check, travel medical insurance, a passport photo, and translation of all documents into Spanish. A sworn statement to a Salvadorian notary that you have sufficient means and will not carry out work in the Salvadoran economy. |
| Average Rent for One Bedroom: | $550 to $700+ |
| Average Living Costs for a Single Person (Excluding Rent): | About $500+ |
El Salvador offers a digital nomad visa with a very affordable fee ranging from $70 to $140. It also has one of the lowest minimum monthly income requirements of all digital nomad visas, at $1,460.
The El Salvadorean Prórroga Residencia Temporal Para Rentista (PDF) comes with extra expenses, including translating all documents into Spanish and sending a sworn statement to a Salvadorian notary. However, most temporary residency visas have similar requirements, so the cost of obtaining the visa is relatively low overall.
In addition to reasonable visa fees, El Salvador is a cheap destination where foreigners can stretch their dollars. The cost of daily expenses, like rent, groceries, and mobile data, are all affordable compared to Western countries.
El Salvador is a good fit for digital nomads looking to relax by the beach in a cheap, less touristy location. Check out our full article for the requirements and application process for the El Salvador Digital Nomad Visa or a snapshot of life in El Salvador.
Cheapest Digital Nomad Visa in Moderate Cost Countries
1. Mauritius
| Cost of Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa: | Free |
| Extra Costs: | A criminal record check, travel medical insurance, a passport photo, translation of documents into French or English, and proof of onward flight |
| Average Rent for One Bedroom: | $500 to $800+ |
| Average Living Costs for a Single Person (Excluding Rent): | About $600+ |
Mauritius has the most budget-friendly fee of all the digital nomad visas —it’s free! That’s right, the Mauritius Premim Visa doesn’t cost anything.
A few documents are required for the application, including a criminal record check and translation costs if your papers aren’t in French or English, and you’ll need to shell out a few dollars for them.
Overall, the document-associated costs are low compared to most digital nomad visa applications, making the Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa one of the cheapest.
Additionally, while not a specific visa expense, you must show proof of your onward ticket when you submit your application, so you must have the funds to cover a round-trip ticket upfront.
The island’s cost of living is relatively affordable compared to Western countries and other tropical island destinations. Besides beautiful beaches and stunning natural scenery, the island offers co-working spaces and fast internet speeds.
Digital nomads on low-to-moderate incomes can enjoy their time here if they watch their pennies. Check out our full article for the requirements and application process for the Mauritius digital nomad visa or a snapshot of life in Mauritius.
2. Uruguay
| Cost of Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa: | $10.81 (can only be paid at a Uruguay bank or store where you can pay bills upon arrival) |
| Extra Costs: | A criminal record check, a passport photo, and an affidavit regarding sufficient funds |
| Average Rent for One Bedroom: | $450 to $600+ |
| Average Living Costs for a Single Person (Excluding Rent): | About $900+ |
The Uruguay digital nomad visa is another one near the top of the cheapest digital nomad visa list. The Provisional Digital Nomad Identity Card costs a meager $10.81, and only a few other documents are required.
The typical passport photo and criminal record check are mandatory, as is an affidavit affirming sufficient funds. The total cost of the visa is well below that of the average digital nomad visa, making it a good option for budget-conscious nomads.
Uruguay’s living costs are higher than some of its South American neighbors. However, overall, it is still an affordable destination for digital nomads.
Uruguay does not tax foreign income, which makes it a tremendous moderate-income option. The standard of living is good, with quality healthcare, reliable high-speed internet, and easy access to nature and beautiful beaches.
Uruguay offers a reasonable cost of living and a cheap digital nomad visa for middle-income nomads. Check out our full article for the requirements and application process for the Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa or a snapshot of life in Uruguay.
3. Latvia
| Cost of Latvia Digital Nomad Visa: | $10.81 (can only be paid at a Uruguay bank or store where you can pay bills upon arrival) |
| Extra Costs: | A criminal record check, a passport photo, and an affidavit regarding sufficient funds |
| Average Rent for One Bedroom: | $450 to $600+ |
| Average Living Costs for a Single Person (Excluding Rent): | About $900+ |
Latvia’s digital nomad visa is one of the cheapest, at only $65. Additionally, the application requirements for the Long Stay Visa for Remote Workers are among the least costly.
Incidental expenses include medical insurance, a condition of nearly all digital nomad visas, and passport photos. The Latvia Digital Nomad Visa is as good as it gets regarding overall costs!
Latvia’s living costs are reasonable, especially for an EU country. The country is equipped with some of the fastest internet speeds in Europe, also for a cheap price, and a range of co-working spaces.
Latvia offers digital nomads a comfortable standard of living at a moderate price. It has an ideal remote work infrastructure and a cheap and accessible digital nomad visa for which to apply.
However, they’ll tax your income, so you should factor that into your life budget in Latvia. Check out our full article for the requirements and application process for the Latvia digital nomad visa or a snapshot of life in Latvia.
4. Estonia
| Cost of Estonia Digital Nomad Visa: | $86.50 or USD 108, depending on length of stay |
| Extra Costs: | A criminal record check and travel medical insurance |
| Average Rent for One Bedroom: | $050 to $775+ |
| Average Living Costs for a Single Person (Excluding Rent): | About $900+ |
Estonia was the first country to introduce its digital nomad visa. It has a straightforward application process and a cheap digital nomad visa. The cost varies slightly depending on the length of stay you are applying for. Still, at $86.50 or $108, both are very affordable.
The supplementary documentation is also not onerous and is standard for most temporary residency visas. The Estonia digital nomad visa also doesn’t list requirements like translation into Estonia or notarization of documents.
In addition to an economical visa, Estonia’s moderate cost of living makes it attractive to digital nomads. The country offers excellent value for your dollar with great infrastructure, high-speed and reliable internet, and high-quality medical care.
Your income is taxable if you reside in Estonia for more than 183 days. However, the overall cost of living is reasonable enough that it is still an excellent choice for digital nomads with a moderate income.
Check out our full article for the requirements and application process for the Estonia Digital Nomad Visa or a snapshot of life in Estonia.
5. Greece
| Cost of Greece Digital Nomad Visa: | $80 |
| Extra Costs: | A criminal record check, a medical certificate, and travel medical insurance |
| Average Rent for One Bedroom: | $500 to $800+ |
| Average Living Costs for a Single Person (Excluding Rent): | About $870+ |
Greece offers a digital nomad visa for $80. It requires only a few additional expenses, like a criminal background check, and most of the necessary documents are standard for any temporary residency visa.
The low visa fee and minimal documentation make it one of the cheapest ways to become a digital nomad. However, the application does require a medical certificate, so associated fees will vary depending on the healthcare system you are part of.
Greece still boasts a reasonable cost of living compared to many other EU countries, especially if you avoid the touristy islands. Greece has beautiful beaches and charming towns, so there are plenty of options away from the overpriced hotspots.
High-speed internet and co-working spaces are available in popular cities on the mainland, making this a good location for digital nomads with a moderate budget. Check out our full article for the requirements and application process for the Greece digital nomad visa or a snapshot of life in Greece.
6. Croatia
| Cost of Croatia Digital Nomad Visa: | $204 (out-of-country application) or $94.25 (in-country application) |
| Extra Costs: | An apostille criminal record check, an authenticated copy of your passport, travel medical insurance, two passport photos, and possible translation fees |
| Average Rent for One Bedroom: | $580 to $800+ |
| Average Living Costs for a Single Person (Excluding Rent): | About $600+ |
The Croatia digital nomad visa has a low fee, mainly if you apply from within the country while on a 90-day tourist visa. Some notarization and apostille documents are required, which add to the total cost. However, they align with the requirements standard for most digital nomad visas.
The translation requirements are also minimal, as we only translated two short pages into Croatian—our letter of intent and a cover letter summarizing our supporting financial documents. They accepted all other documents obtained from our home country in English. In the end, the expense of the digital nomad visa in Croatia is relatively cheap.
Despite the increased tourism and cost of living in Croatia over the past few years, it is still an affordable country for digital nomads on a moderate income budget. Living inland in places like Zagreb or Osijek, away from the tourist hotspots, can also make your day-to-day expenses more reasonable.
Croatia offers excellent value for money, with good overall infrastructure, high-quality medical care, and reliable internet, all paired with the magnificent natural scenery and well-preserved historical towns the country is known for.
Croatia is an ideal choice for digital nomads looking for an EU destination with an affordable cost of living and a cheap digital nomad visa. Check out our full article for the requirements and application process for the Croatia digital nomad visa or a snapshot of life in Croatia.
7. Costa Rica
| Cost of Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa: | $204 (out-of-country application) or $94.25 (in-country application) |
| Extra Costs: | An apostille criminal record check, an authenticated copy of your passport, travel medical insurance, two passport photos, and possible translation fees |
| Average Rent for One Bedroom: | $580 to $800+ |
| Average Living Costs for a Single Person (Excluding Rent): | About $600+ |
Costa Rica has one of the cheapest digital nomad visas at just $100. The list of required documents for the Stay for Remote Workers and Service Providers is relatively short and straightforward. Like most other digital nomad visas, travel medical insurance is mandatory.
Some translation services are needed to convert all documents into Spanish. Still, as the application only requires a few forms, translating three or four docs should be manageable. The total cost is still inexpensive Compared to many other digital nomad visas.
Costa Rica has long been a popular destination for expats. Despite some increases in prices, the cost of living is still manageable.
Mobile data, transportation, and food costs are lower than in most Western countries. Eating out at casual, inexpensive restaurants and visiting typical tourist attractions are doable, even for those on a limited budget.
Costa Rica is an excellent mid-range choice for nature-loving digital nomads. Check out our full article for the requirements and application process for the Costa Rica digital nomad visa or a snapshot of life in Costa Rica.
Additional Cheapest Digital Nomad Visa Options
A few other countries offer digital nomad visas with low visa fees and minimal expenses for other supplementary documents. However, these countries have very high living costs, making them a poor fit for nomads on a budget.
If you are looking for a cheap digital nomad visa but have a high budget for daily living expenses, you may also consider the following:
- Canada digital nomad visa
- Bermuda digital nomad visa
- St Lucia digital nomad visa
- Seychelles digital nomad visa
Whichever digital nomad visa you choose, you might need or want to consider travel or medical insurance. We use Genki, but there are many other digital nomad insurance options.
Cheapest Digital Nomad Visas Summary
Our list of the top 12 cheapest digital nomad visas provides the most economical options, paired with the more affordable digital nomad countries. These are some of the visas and destinations best suited for remote workers on a budget, allowing you to make the most of every day and every dollar.
Cheapest Digital Nomad Visas FAQs
What is the cheapest EU nomad visa?
Latvia’s nomad visa is the cheapest EU one and is known for its affordability and minimal financial requirements. However, a higher income threshold than that of other countries may not work for some.
How can a digital nomad travel cheaply?
A digital nomad can travel cheaply by taking advantage of budget accommodations, utilizing travel rewards programs, and choosing affordable destinations with a low cost of living.
What is the cheapest country in which to live as a digital nomad?
Cabo Verde is one of the cheapest countries to live as a digital nomad due to its low cost of living, affordable housing, and minimal visa fees.
