7 Latin American countries with digital nomad visas you can apply for in 2025
These countries promise low-cost digital nomad visas, fast approval times, and tropical lifestyles that make remote work feel like a vacation.
The remote work revolution has turned Latin America into a playground for digital nomads, and governments across the region are rolling out the welcome mat with visa programs specifically designed for you.
Beyond the obvious perks of year-round sunshine, incredible biodiversity, and mouthwatering cuisine, in these countries, your dollar stretches two to three times further than back home. Imagine rent for under $500, meals for $3, and coworking spaces with ocean views.
In this guide, we'll explore the most budget-friendly digital nomad visa options in Latin America.
David Adubiina
/1. Colombia
Colombia has exploded onto the digital nomad scene with cities like Medellín and Bogotá becoming hotspots for remote workers. The country's Digital Nomad Visa (Type V), launched in January 2023, allows stays of up to 2 years.
The financial requirement is modest at around $900-$1,100 per month, and the total application cost runs $300-$400. Processing takes about 30 days, and you'll get a Cedula de Extranjeria (foreigner ID) that makes renting apartments and opening bank accounts simple. If you stay under 183 days, you won't owe taxes on foreign income, and living costs range from $1,000-$2,000 monthly.
What you'll need to apply
- Valid passport from a visa-exempt country (US, Canada, EU, UK, Australia eligible)
- Proof of remote employment or freelance work for foreign companies
- Bank statements showing minimum income
- Health insurance coverage in Colombia
- Clean criminal background check
- Letter from employer or proof of freelance contracts
/2. Argentina
Argentina's Digital Nomad Visa, launched in May 2022, gives you 180 days, renewable for another 180 days. The estimated minimum income is around $2,500 monthly, though no official requirement is published. Application costs just $200 total, processing takes 10-45 days, and you won't pay taxes on foreign income earned outside Argentina. Monthly living costs run $1,000-$1,500, making it one of the most affordable options.
What you'll need to apply
- Valid passport from a visa-exempt country
- Proof of remote work (employment contract, freelance contracts, or business documentation)
- Bank statements showing sufficient income
- Health insurance valid in Argentina
- Clean criminal background check (apostilled)
- Birth certificate (apostilled)
- CV/resume
- Cover letter explaining income source
/3. Brazil
Brazil was Latin America's digital nomad visa pioneer, launching its program in January 2022. Remote workers can stay for 1 year, renewable for another year, giving you 2 years total. The minimum income requirement is $1,500 monthly or $18,000 in savings. Application costs range from $100-$300, depending on nationality, and processing takes 3-4 weeks. You'll register with the Federal Police and receive a local ID card, making banking and renting easier. Stay under 183 days and you won't owe taxes on foreign income.
What you'll need to apply
- Valid passport (at least 6 months' validity)
- Proof of employment with a foreign company or proof of freelance work
- Bank statements showing minimum income/savings requirement
- Health insurance valid in Brazil
- Clean criminal background check (apostilled and translated to Portuguese)
- Birth certificate (apostilled if applying in Brazil)
- Completed visa application form
/4. Ecuador
Ecuador's Digital Nomad Visa (officially Rentista for Remote Work Visa) launched in June 2022, offering up to 2 years, renewable for another 2 years. You'll need $1,410 monthly income (plus $250 per dependent), and the total application cost is $450. Processing takes 2-4 months, but you won't pay taxes on foreign income, only money earned within Ecuador.
What You'll Need
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
- Employment contract or proof of freelance/business work outside Ecuador
- Bank statements showing minimum income for the past 3 months
- Criminal background check (valid for 180 days, covering past 5 years, apostilled)
- Health insurance covering the entire 2-year period (approximately $45 per person per year)
- All documents translated into Spanish and apostilled
/5. Uruguay
Uruguay flies under the radar as the "Switzerland of South America"—safe, stable, and seriously underrated. The digital nomad visa launched in May 2023 offers 6 months, renewable for another 6 months, with no minimum income requirement.
You simply need to prove you can support yourself without government assistance. The application costs about $10-$11, and processing often happens within minutes online. However, you must apply from within Uruguay, so enter on a tourist visa first. The entire process is conducted online, and after living in Uruguay for 2 years (with at least 6 months' presence each year), you may qualify for permanent residency.
What you'll need to apply
- Valid passport
- Proof of remote work capability
- Affidavit of financial self-sufficiency
- Vaccination records
- Clean criminal record (if applying for extension)
- Must apply from within Uruguay (enter on a tourist visa first)
/6. Panama
Panama has long attracted expats and retirees, and its digital nomad program, launched in May 2021, now draws remote workers seeking Central America's fastest internet speeds (94.76 Mbps). The Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers allows 9 months, extendable to 18 months total.
The minimum income requirement is $3,000 monthly, and the application costs $300 total. Processing takes under 30 days, but you must apply through an immigration lawyer. The country uses US dollars, won't tax your foreign income, and offers territorial tax benefits if you stay 9+ months.
What you'll need to apply
- Valid passport
- Proof of employment with a foreign company or proof of freelance work
- A letter from the employer stating a remote work arrangement
- Bank statements proving minimum income
- Health insurance valid in Panama
- Criminal background check (certified)
- Must apply through an immigration lawyer (requirement unique to Panama)
/7. El Salvador
El Salvador joined the digital nomad scene in April 2025 with one of the most generous programs—up to 4 years total. The country has seen significant crime reduction in recent years and is pushing hard on infrastructure improvements, especially wifi and Bitcoin payments.
The visa starts at 1 year (some applicants receive 2 years initially), renewable up to 4 years total. You'll need $1,460 monthly income, and application costs range from $40-$70, depending on the consulate. Processing takes about 45 days, and you won't owe local income tax on foreign earnings. Monthly expenses run around $500, excluding rent. The visa allows family members, and the 4-year duration is among the longest in Latin America.
What you'll need to apply
- Valid passport (at least 6 months' validity)
- Proof of remote employment or freelance work outside El Salvador
- Bank statements proving minimum monthly income
- Notarized employment contract (by Salvadoran lawyer)
- Criminal background check (past 2 years, apostilled)
- International health insurance valid in El Salvador
- All documents translated into Spanish
Conclusion
Latin America's digital nomad visa landscape offers something for every remote worker. Whether you're drawn to Colombia's cosmopolitan energy, Argentina's unbeatable value, Brazil's endless beaches, Ecuador's mountain charm, Uruguay's understated sophistication, Panama's tax benefits, or El Salvador's untapped potential, you'll find a program that fits your budget and lifestyle.
They're affordable, with favorable tax treatment, welcoming cultures, and bureaucratic processes that, while sometimes slow, are ultimately navigable.
Oyinebiladou Omemu
