Some countries in the Caribbean Islands and South America offer the digital nomad visa program with less stringent rules and affordability.
Digital nomad visas allow people to live in a country for a limited amount of time while they work remotely. Digital nomads usually need to be employed outside of the country they move to and prove a certain amount of funds in order to be eligible, plus pay (sometimes substantial) application fees.
According to a YouTuber, Ms Akunna Okorie, a digital nomad visa holder, some countries have easier criteria compared to others, and accept Nigerian applicants.
Although there are several countries that accept Nigerian applicants, this article will focus on the few countries that have less stringent rules based on information on the official immigration sites of these countries, and Okorie’s experience.
According to her, Antigua and Barbuda, Costa Rica, Mexico and Portugal are the countries where Nigerians can easily get these visas.
She discusses the opportunities for Nigerian digital nomads for countries currently offering three visas.
This country is described as an affordable and family-friendly option, which allows applicants to bring their families. The internet speed in the country is very high. The cost is $1,500 per individual for a two-year visa. Applicants must prove a minimum income of $50,000 and meet other requirements like health insurance and sufficient income proof through bank statements. There is also the need for proof of financial stability and health coverage.
Akunna describes the country, saying:
Here are more details, according to its official digital nomad visa website
Visa fees
The residency is designed for individuals who are self-employed or work for companies based overseas. The application process involves two stages:
According to Okorie,
Here are more details on its official site :
The residency is designed for individuals who are self-employed or work for companies based overseas. The application process involves two stages.
Initially, after entering Uruguay as a regular tourist, applicants seeking a six-month stay as a digital nomad must fill out an online form providing personal information and signing an affidavit confirming their financial self-sufficiency.
Once the permit is granted, an appointment must be scheduled at the National Civil Identification Office to acquire the necessary Uruguayan document.
It’s important to note that this ID is essential for extending the permit for an additional six months and is required when leaving the country after the initial three months.
After the first six months, applicants may either seek a further six-month extension or, if they wish to settle permanently, apply for permanent residency. For the digital nomad extension, applicants are required to demonstrate a clean criminal record from all countries where they have resided for over six months in the past five years. Additionally, a vaccination certificate issued in Uruguay must be presented.
Here is the official website to obtain more details.
Akunna emphasises that Costa Rica offers a relatively inexpensive visa at $250, valid for two years, requiring proof of a monthly income of at least $2,500 over the last two years. Digital nomads benefit from being exempt from income tax and can enjoy additional perks such as opening a national bank account in Costa Rica and validating their home country’s driver’s license.
This program, according to the country’s official site, welcomes international residents to work remotely from the land of Pura Vida in the country.
It extends a 90-day tourist visa to a full year, with an option to renew for another year. Applicants may also qualify for waivers on customs taxes for telecommunications and electronic devices essential for remote work.
Foreign nationals can apply under the immigration sub-category of Stay (Estancia) for Remote Workers and Service Providers if they provide paid services remotely to someone located outside of Costa Rica. This can be through subcontracted services or using digital or telecommunication technologies, and must earn a minimum of $3,000 per month from sources outside Costa Rica.
If applicants also wish to include their dependents, they must earn at least four thousand U.S. dollars ($4,000) per month from sources outside Costa Rica.
Foreign nationals and their dependents who meet these requirements may legally stay in the country under this specific immigration sub-category.
Mexico provides a one-year visa, renewable up to four years, with various costs ranging from $150 to $390.
Applicants cannot bring family and must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of $1,700 or a substantial bank balance. The country is known for its warm climate, low cost of living and good transport network.
Okorie emphasized:
Criteria for Mexico digital nomad visa
The Mexico digital nomad visa is open to nationals from all over the world. However, you must meet a few income requirements such as:
