When choosing your next destination as a digital nomad, many factors come into play — one of the most important being affordability. You want to maintain a flexible lifestyle, explore new places, and make the most of your income without breaking the bank.

In this article, we’ll cover some of the cheapest digital nomad visas in the world. But before we go any further, what makes a digital nomad visa “cheap”?

• Application fees: In some countries, the digital nomad visa application fee can be as low as $40—or even free—making  applying easier and more affordable. With low application fees, you can focus your budget on  essentials like accommodation, food, and transportation.
• Proof of income: Countries offering digital nomad visas have different income requirements, ranging from at least $2000 to $2500, to ensure you can support yourself during your stay. A lower threshold makes it easier for those with smaller incomes to qualify.
• Tax benefits: Some countries offer tax exemptions for digital nomads or favourable tax rates. These tax incentives help reduce the overall cost of living, making it more affordable to stay in the country.
• Cost of living: The living expenses of your choice destination play a key role in how comfortable your stay will be. Countries with lower living costs mean you’ll pay less for accommodation, transportation, and food, making it easier to save money and have a memorable travel experience.

Now that we understand what makes a digital nomad visa affordable, let’s explore countries with the cheapest options for digital nomads.

Five countries with the cheapest digital nomad visas in the world

Georgia:

Georgia launched its digital nomad visa in 2020. It allows nomads to live and work in the country for up to a year, with the option to extend.

Georgia is an underrated digital nomad visa destination which is gradually gaining popularity among digital nomads due to its low cost of living and good internet speed.. The visa application is free, but you must have a monthly income of at least $2,000 or $24,000 in savings and health insurance. Digital nomads are also exempt from taxes for the first six months, after which a 5% percent tax on income is applied.

Some of Georgia’s best cities for digital nomads include Tbilisi, Gori and Batumi.

Colombia:

Colombia is another favourite of digital nomads. It is known for its low cost of living, around $515 monthly, rich culture, and strong digital nomad community. Colombia also has an average internet download speed of 12.26Mbps, ensuring digital nomads can work seamlessly and hassle-free.

Introduced in 2023, Colombia’s digital nomad visa allows you to live and work in Colombia for up to two years. For the first 183 days, nomads are exempt from taxes; after that, they’re considered tax residents and will pay a 35% tax rate.

The visa application is around $177, with a minimum monthly income of $970.

Also read: How to live and work as a digital nomad in Colombia on a budget.

Working from Colombia will definitely be a great experience. You’ll experience the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and productivity.

Portugal:

Portugal is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and is home to about 16,000 digital nomads. The country is known for its excellent quality of life and great internet infrastructure, with several co-working spaces and cafés from which to work.

The Portugal digital nomad visa costs around €100, depending on your nationality. It allows you to stay for up to two years with the option to extend. The application process is straightforward and takes up to 90 days to complete.

To qualify, digital nomads should have a minimum monthly income of €3,280 and provide:

• Proof of accommodation in Portugal for one year,
• Savings of at least €9,840,
• Travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000,
• A cover letter explaining why you want to move to Portugal, and
• A clean criminal record.

Also read: How to apply for a digital nomad visa in Portugal

Malaysia:

Sitting in the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia is a great destination for digital nomads. Its stunning scenery and warm, multicultural environment make you feel right at home.

Malaysia introduced its digital nomad visa in 2022 for freelancers, contractors and remote workers in software engineering, blockchain, digital marketing, machine learning and cybersecurity. This visa allows eligible digital nomads to live in Malaysia tax-free — unless they’re working with Malaysian companies or clients — for up to one year, with the option to renew for an additional year.

The application fee is around $225, and to qualify, you must have an annual income of at least $24,000. Other requirements necessary for your application include:

• An updated resume,
• A personal bond form,
• Health insurance, and
• Proof of education qualification.

Malaysia’s central location opens travel and networking opportunities, as you can easily access nearby destinations like Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia and network with other digital nomads. The cost of living is also significantly lower than in the US (about 50 per cent less), allowing digital nomads to enjoy a high standard of living on a budget. You can live a high-quality life all on a budget.

Also read: How to apply for a digital nomad visa in Malaysia

Mauritius:

This island country, known for its white-sand beaches, lagoons, and coral reefs, is another top destination for digital nomads. Mauritius offers everything from delicious cuisine and thrilling activities like snorkelling, diving, and zip-lining to rare wildlife, making it perfect for digital nomads looking to achieve a work-life balance.

Mauritius’ digital nomad visa is free, with applications being reviewed within 48 hours. The process is straightforward, allowing nomads to stay for up to a year. To apply, you’ll need:

• A minimum monthly income of $1,500,
• Travel and health insurance,
• Return flight tickets, and
• Proof of accommodation.

Digital nomads can enjoy a tax-free stay for the first 183 days. After that, they’ll be considered tax residents. Mauritius is an excellent choice if you want to live and work in a beautiful, stress-free environment.

Also read: Everything you need to know about the Mauritius digital nomad visa.

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