by Interstride
Discover the popular digital nomad visas available in North America and Central America, including visa duration, application fees, and income requirements.
As remote work becomes increasingly popular, many North and Central American countries are launching digital nomad visas to attract remote professionals. These digital nomad visas allow you to live abroad while maintaining your job, offering the chance to gain international experience and immerse yourself in new cultures. If you’re considering a move to the vibrant regions of North America and Central America, a digital nomad visa could be your gateway to adventure.
While the region doesn’t offer quite as many options for remote visas as Europe, there are still several great options. In this blog, we’ll highlight popular North American and Central American destinations offering digital nomad visas, including essential details like visa length, fees, and income requirements. Keep in mind that visa specifics may vary by country and can change over time.
Countries in North America that offer digital nomad visas
Canada and Mexico are the top two destinations for digital nomads in North America. In this overview, we’ll delve into the digital nomad visa options offered by both countries, highlighting key features and requirements.
Canada Digital Nomad Visa
- Visa length: 6 months (no visa required)
- Visa fee: None
- Minimum income requirements: None
- Other requirements: None
Canada, the USA’s northern neighbor, is an attractive destination for digital nomads, thanks to its shared cultural and linguistic ties with the U.S. While most provinces and territories are predominantly English-speaking, Quebec offers a unique French-speaking environment. Vancouver, known for its mild climate and Pacific backdrop, is just a short drive from Seattle, while Toronto is conveniently located near New York City on the east coast.
Beyond its urban appeal, Canada is world-renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, from the Rocky Mountains to Banff National Park, offering endless opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Digital nomads can live in Canada for up to six months without getting a visa. That means no visa fees! If you work for an employer outside of Canada, can do your job remotely, and want to experience all that Canada has to offer, then a Canadian digital nomad visa may be perfect for you. The visa takes roughly 0 to 2 months to process.
According to the Canadian government, the digital nomad visa program is part of the country’s Tech Talent Strategy initiative to boost Canada’s economy. This initiative invites skilled tech workers to stay temporarily in Canada, with opportunities to transition into permanent residency if desired.
Mexico Digital Nomad Visa
- Visa length: 1 year, renewable up to 3 years
- Visa fee: $48 or 44
- Minimum income requirements: $2,595 per month over the previous 6 months or maintain a minimum bank balance of at least $43,000 over the previous 12 months
- Other requirements: None
Mexico offers a vibrant blend of culture, cuisine, and stunning landscapes, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. While the country is famous for its beautiful beaches like those in Cancún and Playa del Carmen, bustling urban centers such as Mexico City are also gaining popularity among digital nomads. With reliable internet, a plethora of coworking spaces, and a low cost of living, Mexico City stands out as an ideal base for productivity.
Additionally, the enchanting coastal regions of Baja California and the cultural richness of Oaxaca provide diverse experiences for those looking to explore while they work. While Mexico doesn’t have a specific digital nomad visa, most foreigners can enter on a six-month tourist visa. For longer stays, the country offers straightforward temporary residency options.
If you fall in love with Mexico, transitioning to temporary residency is easy. Although the tourist visa doesn’t allow access to local banking services, obtaining temporary residency permits you to open an account and stay for six months to four years. This visa is ideal for digital nomads with stable remote income. After four years, you can apply for permanent residency if you wish to remain long-term.
Countries in Central America that offer digital nomad visas
Central America is emerging as an attractive hub for digital nomads looking to blend work and adventure. In this overview, we’ll explore the digital nomad visa options available in Costa Rica, Panama, and El Salvador.
Costa Rica Rentista Digital Nomad Visa
- Visa length: Up to 2 years
- Visa fee: $100
- Minimum income requirements: $3,000 per month or $4,000 per month if you have dependents
- Other requirements: Qualifying health insurance and proof of remote work
Costa Rica’s “Rentista Visa” is ideal for digital nomads looking for a balance between work and adventure in a country known for its natural beauty and biodiversity. The country celebrates its stunning rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls, beaches, and Pura Vida way of life. It is generally considered a stable and safe country with an affordable cost of living.
Overall, Costa Rica is a beloved destination for expats and long-term and short-term travelers from the US, so it’s not surprising that the country offers a digital nomad visa.
Keep in mind that you will need to prove your stable monthly income with twelve bank statements for the previous year. As a digital nomad in Costa Rica, you will be able to use your foreign driver’s license and open a national bank account, but you will not have to pay Costa Rican income taxes. The visa lasts one year and can be renewed for one additional year. The renewal fee for the Costa Rican digital nomad visa is $90 USD.
Panama Short-Stay Digital Nomad Visa
- Visa length: Up to 18 months
- Visa fee: $250
- Minimum income requirements: $3,000 per month or $36,000 per year
- Other requirements: Proof of health insurance, criminal background check, and must be a remote employee with a foreign company.
Panama is the southernmost country in Central America that borders South America’s Colombia. It is most well-known for its lush biodiversity and the Panama Canal which provides passage between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Panama City, the nation’s capital, is a bustling hub for digital nomads and expats. Those looking for a slower pace may enjoy the beaches of Bocas del Toro.
Launched in May 2021, Panama’s “Short-Stay Visa for Remote Workers” allows digital nomads to stay for up to 18 months. Although the name of the digital nomad visa mentions short-stay, it is still considered long-term compared to a tourist visa. Panama’s digital nomad visa was launched after the country saw a drop in tourism following the global Covid-19 pandemic.
As a digital nomad visa, you will not have to pay local taxes if your income comes from non-Panamanian sources. If you stay in Panama for at least six months, you will be eligible to apply for tax residency.
El Salvador Digital Nomad Visa
- Visa length: Up to 4 years
- Minimum income requirements: $1,460 per month
- Visa fee: $2,820; $450 to renew
- Other requirements: Qualifying health insurance, criminal background check, and proof of employment contract
El Salvador, also known as the Land of Volcanoes, is a small Central American company on the Pacific Ocean between Guatemala and Honduras. The country is known for its epic surfing, beautiful beaches, volcanoes, hiking, and Mayan heritage. The capital city of San Salvador is popular for digital nomads due to its low cost of living, warm weather, rich culture, and vibrant nightlife. In El Salvador, your money can go a long way.
El Salvador allows visa-free entry for 90 days or three months for many nationalities, including for those from the U.S., United Kingdom, Canada, and Europe. On El Salvador’s digital nomad visa, you are able to stay for two years, with the possibility to renew for an additional two years. While El Salvador’s remote work visa is not cheap, the minimum income requirement is lower than that of many similar visas in other countries.
The country’s security improvements have made it safer for both locals and visitors, attracting more tourists and digital nomads. This transformation is part of broader efforts to revitalize the economy and improve El Salvador’s international image.
Live in North America and Central America on a digital nomad visa
A digital nomad visa opens the door to vibrant experiences, whether you’re wandering through the lush landscapes of Central America or immersing yourself in the dynamic atmospheres of cities like Vancouver and Mexico City. Whichever region you decide to go to, be sure to thoroughly research the local lifestyle and culture before applying for your digital nomad visa.
