Stay hustle-free for a longer period of time, long-term, and even permanently in one place. Establish a home base you can return to, and get comfortable for a while without the hustle of moving around.
The following list introduces some countries with easy-to-get long-stay visas and residencies.
Please note, the terms visa and residency are often used synonymously in the different programs.
🌱 Health insurance for digital nomads
🌏 Genki Resident, a long-term worldwide international health insurance.
#1 🇲🇽 Mexico
Mexico has a great climate, beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and welcoming people. Many digital nomads choose to stay in places like Mexico City, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cancun.
Additionally, Mexico offers several visa options for digital nomads, including a temporary resident (TR) visa that allows you to stay (or not) in Mexico for up to 4 years and turn this TR into a permanent residency later.
| 🇲🇽 Mexico | Applicant | Type | Length | Visa fee | Financial requirements | Income taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist visa | Everyone | Visa | 6 months | $0 | - | - |
| Temporary residency | Everyone | Temporary residency | 4 years, then permanent | $295 | $2,595 monthly income | $0 on foreign income |
Tourist visa
The Mexican tourist visa is nothing special in theory, but it is one of the rare visas that allows everyone to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days. The length of the tourist visa is not guaranteed when doing a visa on arrival, but in the majority of cases, people were granted a 6-months stay. The tourist visa is free and can be renewed through a visa run to neighboring countries, such as Belize, Guatemala, or visit Colombia.
Temporary residency
- Who can apply? Everyone.
- Type: Temporary residency valid for one year.
After one year, you can apply for an extension which gives you a 4-year temporary residency. After this period, you can apply for permanent residency, which could lead to citizenship if you wanted. - Financial requirements: There are 3 options.
1. You show a minimum monthly income of $2,595, or
2. You show a total amount of $43,000 in your bank account, or
3. You own a property in Mexico with a minimum value of $346,000 - Documents: Police clearance certificate, health certificates, or medical reports, including a negative COVID-19 test result, and proof of a Mexican address, which can be a hotel or your Airbnb.
- Fee: $295.
- Income tax: The income tax on foreign income is $0.
Tax depends on income generated in Mexico and ranges between 1.92 % to 35 %. - Health insurance: Not requested.
Our long-term or life-long international health insurance covers your stay in Mexico without age limitations.
- Note: If you have a temporary residency, you can automatically move your direct family members (blood relatives and married spouse) to Mexico.
Conclusion on Mexico
Mexico is a great country if you want to stay in the country for 6 months (tourist visa) and move on afterward. You can also do unofficial visa runs to Belize or neighboring countries and get a new 6-months tourist visa.
If you want to stay longer in Mexico, and maybe purchase property, or open a business, it makes sense to apply for temporary residency. Having a temporary residency in Mexico doesn't require you to stay or live in Mexico. You can simply use it as a plan B, an option.
#2 🇪🇨 Ecuador
Ecuador is a relatively affordable country. The cost of living is generally lower than in the United States and in many European countries. The climate is mild and the landscape varies from green valleys to the rocky Andes, and exotic island life on the Galapagos islands.
Ecuador offers several "residency visas" with different requirements. When holding a bachelor's degree or an even higher educational degree, you can apply for a professional residency visa. If you don't have a degree in higher education, you can apply for the new rentista residency visa, which is supposed to become the new unofficial digital nomad visa.
| 🇪🇨 Ecuador | Applicant | Type | Length | Visa fee | Financial requirements | Income taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional residency visa | Everyone with a bachelor's degree or higher | Temporary residency | 2 years | $450 | minimum of $425 monthly income | 0 when on foreign income |
| Rentista residency visa | Everyone | Temporary residency | 2 years | $450 | minimum of $425 monthly income | 0 when on foreign income |
Professional residency visa
- Who can apply? Everyone with a University degree.
- Type: Temporary residency, valid for two years.
After two years, you can apply for permanent residency. - Financial requirements: Minimum monthly income of $425.
- Documents: Bachelor, or higher degree from a university, recognized by the Ecuadorian government (SENESCYT), university transcript of results, mode of study letter, proof that the course was taken in-person, police clearance certificate, proof of private health insurance, certificate of migration.
- Fee: $450.
- Income tax: The income tax on foreign income is $0.
- Health insurance: Requirements vary depending on the immigration office. When applying in Quito or any other place in Ecuador except Azogues, no health insurance is needed.
When applying in Azogues, proof of local health insurance is needed. If proof of health insurance is requested, the insurance must cover the length of the applicant's staying in Ecuador and the insurance provider must be a local Ecuadorian insurance provider. - Note: This was the typical residency visa working expats or digital nomads would choose. You don’t need to work in your studied field, nor are there any other work obligations tied to this visa.
Rentista residency visa
- Who can apply? Everyone with a monthly minimum income of $425.
- Type: Temporary residency, valid for two years.
After two years, you can apply for permanent residency. - Financial requirements: Minimum monthly income of $425.
- Documents: Proof of recurring monthly income of $425 minimum, police clearance certificate, proof of private health insurance, and certificate of migration.
- Fee: $450.
- Income tax: The income tax on foreign income is $0.
- Health insurance: Requirements vary depending on the immigration office. When applying in Quito or any other place in Ecuador except Azogues, no health insurance is needed.
When applying for residency in the Azogues office, proof of health insurance is needed. If proof of health insurance is requested, the insurance must cover the length of the applicant's staying in Ecuador and the insurance provider must be a local Ecuadorian insurance provider. - Note: This residency might become the new digital nomad residency visa. However, regulations and requirements might change as it is relatively new (2022).
Conclusion on Ecuador
Ecuador ranks #2 in our list, due to its low financial requirements and diversity of visas. In addition to the 2 above-mentioned visas, the country offers retirement and other visas.
Ecuador is not a digital nomad hotspot. It is a great home base for people who want to live in Latin America or explore Latin America while having a home base in the region.
Cuenca is a small, charming colonial town in the mountains which becomes more and more popular among foreign retirees as well as digital nomads.
#3 🇹🇭 Thailand
Many nomads choose to live in Thailand for the generally low cost of living, subtropical climate, delicious food, and well-established café and coworking scene.
Additionally, Thailand offers a 6-month multiple entries Tourist Visa (METV) and a program called Thai Elite Visa or Privilege Entry Visa (PEV), which gives you privileged entry for lengths between 5 and 10 years.
| 🇹🇭 Thailand | Applicant | Type | Length | Visa fee | Financial requirements | Income taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-Months Tourist Visa | Everyone | Visa | 6 months | $170 | $7,000 in a bank account | 0 when on foreign income |
| 5-year Thai Elite Easy Access | Everyone | Temporary residency | 5 years | $17,000 | - | 0 when on foreign income |
| 10-year Thai Elite Privilege Access | Everyone | Temporary residency | 10 years | $28,500 | - | 0 when on foreign income |
6-Month Tourist Visa (METV)
- Who can apply? Everyone.
- Type: 6-month multiple entry Tourist visas for a period not exceeding 60 days
- Application process: E-Visa Application Plattform
- Requirements: A confirmation letter from a Thai embassy or consulate confirming your eligibility, and an approved bank statement at the end of each month with a minimum balance of $7,000 per person.
- Documents: Paid flight tickets within 60 days out of the country, proof of accommodation.
- Fee: $170.
- Income tax: The income tax on foreign income is $0.
For income generated in Thailand through Thai businesses or clients a 17 % income tax applies. - Health insurance: Not requested.
🌏 Genki Resident, a long-term worldwide international health insurance.
- Note: If you fly out of the country every 60 days, you can use the METV to stay in Thailand for up to a maximum of 8 months.
5-year Thai Elite Easy Access
- Who can apply? Everyone.
- Type: 6-month multiple entry tourist visas, or Privilege Entry Visa
- Requirements: A confirmation letter from a Thai embassy or consulate confirming your eligibility.
- Documents: Passport and birth certificate.
- Fee: $17,200 for 5 years.
- Income tax: The income tax on foreign income is $0.
For income generated in Thailand through Thai businesses or clients a 17 % income tax applies. - Health insurance: Not requested.
Long-term or life-long international health insurance covering 5 years in Thailand without age limitations.
- Note: After becoming an Elite member, you can apply anytime for a non-immigrant business visa and a work permit allowing you to work in Thailand.
10 years Thai Elite Privilege Access
- Who can apply? Everyone.
- Requirements: A confirmation letter from a Thai embassy or consulate confirming your eligibility.
- Documents: Passport and birth certificate.
- Fee: $28,500 for 10 years.
- Income tax: The income tax on foreign income is $0.
For income generated in Thailand through Thai businesses or clients a 17 % income tax applies. - Health insurance: Not requested.
Long-term or life-long international health insurance covering 10 years in Thailand without age limitations.
- Note: You can collect the visa from the Thai embassy, or upon arrival in Thailand at Suvarnabhumi Airport or Phuket Airport.
Conclusion on Thailand
Thailand is one of the most popular digital nomad destinations with hubs in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Lanta, and Koh Phangan. If you just want to stay for a shorter time, the multiple entry 6-months tourist visa is a good option.
The Elite Visa programs are for you if you bring money, and if you want to invest in Thailand. The government targets wealthy foreigners who bring foreign investment into the kingdom. This program is great for wealthier people with weak passports that bring fewer options.
#4 🇲🇾 Malaysia
Malaysia is a modern and multicultural country with serves as the perfect home base in Southeast Asia. With hundreds of flight connections to all corners of the world, Kuala Lumpur is an ideal starting point for further explorations to neighboring countries.
With its Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program, the country opens its doors and allows passport holders of all nations to apply for a long-term visa.
| 🇲🇾 Malaysia | Applicant | Type | Length | Visa fee | Financial requirements | Income taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysia My Second Home | Everyone | Residency | 10-years | $750 + annual $242 | $146,000 + monthly income of $2,235 | 0 when on foreign income |
- Who can apply? Everyone.
- Type: Residency for up to 10 years.
- Requirements: Liquid assets of RM 500,000 (112,000 USD) and monthly income of $2,235. Additionally, a fixed deposit of $34,000 must be made to a Malaysian bank account.
- Documents: MM2 Application Form, valid passport, financial documents proving the above requirements, proof of health insurance, and police clearance certificate.
- Fee: $750 for the first year. From the second year onwards, an annual $242 fee.
- Income tax: The income tax on foreign income is $0.
Income generated in Malaysia will be taxed to a maximum of 30 %. - Health insurance: Required with a minimum cover of $27,000 for hospitalization and outpatient treatment in Malaysia.
Conclusion on Malaysia
Malaysia My Second Home residency targets wealthy foreigners. However, the assets are not tight to investments. This residency is a great option if your passport doesn't give you many options, as Malaysia allows every wealthier person to apply for its program. This residency is probably not a good fit for the average digital nomad due to the financial requirements.
#5 🇵🇦 Panama
Panama is an overlooked country, more affordable than neighboring Costa Rica but comes with better infrastructure and services than many other countries in the region. The country has a modern healthcare system, a well-connected airport, and a favorable tax policy for nomads.
Panama introduced the Friendly Nations visa, which allows individuals to live and work in Panama for 2 years (per visa). After this visa ends, it is possible to apply for permanent residency.
| 🇵🇦 Panama | Applicant | Type | Length | Visa fee | Financial requirements | Income taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friendly Nations Visa | Limited | First visa, then residency | 2-year visa, then indefinite | $250 | $200,000 or employment | 0 when on foreign income |
- Who can apply? Passport holders of the European Union, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, and Uruguay.
- Type: 2 years visa with the possibility to apply for permanent residency.
- Requirements: Deposit of $200,000 in a Panamanian bank account for 3 years at a Panamanian bank, or real estate purchase of at least $200,000, or employment offer by a Panamanian company.
- Documents: Criminal background certificate, recently issued, authenticated by a Panamanian Consulate in the issuing country and valid for 6 months, Health certificate issued by a local doctor within the last 90 days prior to submitting the application.
- Fee: $250.
- Income tax: The income tax on foreign income is $0.
Income generated in Panama will be taxed to a maximum of 25 %. - Health insurance: Required with a minimum coverage of $50,000 for hospitalization and $20,000 coverage for outpatient treatment. The health insurance must also cover the full duration of the visa.
Note: The visa application process can take up to 3 years. Obtaining residency with the Friendly Nations Visa does not entitle you to work in Panama right away. Usually, the work permit process takes 6 to 7 months if applying in Panama City. Or 9 to 10 months when applying in David.
Conclusion on Panama
The Panamanian residencies are tailored to attract wealthy foreigners or foreigners with Panamanian employment. These requirements make residency very limited to the majority of digital nomads.
Sarah Kuhlemann
