Everything You Need To Know About Digital Nomad Visa
1. What is a digital nomad visa?
A visa designed for digital nomads allows for longer legal work stays in a country without the hassle of obtaining a work visa.
Digital nomads and traveling freelancers can now establish a preferred location for up to two years through the digital nomad visa, with the option to renew with ease.
2. Why get it?
Visa restrictions and immigration are two of the major obstacles faced by digital nomads, as reported by many of them.
Before digital nomad visas existed, digital nomads’ only choice of visa was a travel visa. Unfortunately, a travel visa bans tourists from working in the country and often allows up to 90 days of stay only. Digital nomads and traveling freelancers, in a way, had to sneak in work while pretending to be sight-seeing.
Once their travel visa has expired, digital nomads must visit the immigration office where they are required to endure a lengthy waiting period and payment of fees in order to renew their travel visa. In some nations, renewing visas is not possible, so digital nomads must resort to an irregular method known as a “visa run,” whereby they travel to neighboring countries for a short time and then return to the country to receive a new travel visa stamp (not all nations permit this practice).
Engaging in these activities over a period of decades can cause exhaustion in all aspects of one’s well-being, including physical, mental, and emotional.
3. How to get it?
Although the procedures and criteria vary by nation, the following is a rough outline of how to acquire a digital nomad visa.
- Find out whether you are eligible by going to the country’s immigration website or embassy office in your or a nearby country.
- Prepare all the necessary documents such as bank statements, passport, and proof of being a digital nomad or freelancer.
- Submit all documents either by applying online or at the embassy office.
- Wait for approval and processing while planning the long-anticipated travel.
- Collect your digital nomad visa, book your flight tickets, and begin your long-term nomadic lifestyle!
To determine the prerequisites and qualifications of every country involved, access the links provided at the conclusion of this piece.
4. Who is eligible for a digital nomad visa?
The eligibility requirements for a digital nomad visa vary from country to country, however, the following items are typically necessary to apply:
- You are location-independent.
- You can work digitally and remotely.
- You have a stable flow of income and earn more than the minimum requirement.
- You are from one of the eligible countries (e.g, Europe allows people from certain countries to apply).
- You have proof of employment or ownership of a company.
- You have travel or health insurance.
5. How long does the process take?
The duration of applying for a digital nomad visa is subject to a range of 3 to 4 months, and its timeline is mainly influenced by the country of application.
The Top 7 Digital Nomad Cities in Mexico to Live
Digital nomads from the United States and Canada are attracted to several cities in Mexico that are conveniently located and within the same time zone. With Mexico being a popular tourist destination for North Americans, the familiarity of the country entices nomads to stay longer.
Mexico has emerged as a popular destination for digital nomads due to the Covid-19 pandemic. One reason for this is that remote work has become the norm, and additionally, Mexico’s travel regulations have been more flexible compared to other popular destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, and the Philippines which have remained closed to tourism and digital nomads for nearly two years.
Tourists can stay in Mexico for up to 6 months, depending on their passport and the discretion of immigration officers at Mexican airports. For longer stays, a temporary resident visa is available, which permits a one-year stay and may be extended for up to three more years. Mexico is included on the Nomad Girl’s list of preferred digital nomad visa locations.
1. Playa del Carmen
Situated on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, the Riviera Maya is home to Playa del Carmen, one of its largest cities. What was once a small fishing town has seen development and growth, and now boasts a population of more than 300,000. Visitors can enjoy miles of palm-fringed beaches and breathtaking coral reefs. Alongside the beach is Quinta Avenida, a pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. When compared to Cancun, Playa del Carmen has a more laid-back atmosphere and is situated just an hour’s drive to the south.
In Playa del Carmen, there are numerous activities to indulge in such as exploring the nearby Mayan ruins, observing the cenotes, embarking on jungle-style adventures, and sailing to Isla Mujeres. A well-known getaway from Playa del Carmen is Cozumel Island, home to picturesque beaches, colorful reefs, and the San Miguel town. While it’s possible to visit Cozumel Island for a day, it’s recommended that you reserve a hotel room for a longer stay.
Spaces for collaborative work
On the website, the colleague has enlisted a comprehensive register of eight coworking spaces in Playa del Carmen with Selina, a dual-purpose hostel and workspace, The Nest, and Bunker being the most preferred options.
2. Mexico City
Mexico City is the perfect destination for individuals seeking the amenities of a city and longing to escape the hot and humid climate of the coasts. Situated at an elevation of 2240 meters (7200 feet) above sea level, the town enjoys a pleasant spring-like atmosphere, with temperatures varying between 22-27°C (72-81°F) and wet summers, and dry winters. With a population of 9 million inhabitants, Mexico City provides countless opportunities to explore and savor delicious foods. Additionally, there are many exciting day trips to embark on.
Digital nomads tend to frequent the fashionable Roma and Condesa districts of Mexico City, where they can enjoy coffee shops, nightlife, and late-night taquerías, as well as an abundance of apartments tailored to their needs. These neighborhoods are highly desirable for both digital nomads and expats. Although crime rates in these areas are comparatively low, this is not true for the city as a whole. Furthermore, the pollution in Mexico City can be quite severe due to the surrounding mountains.
Spaces for collaborative work
A fellow employee provides a tally of 137 co-working locations throughout Mexico City, including major names such as WeWork and Regus, which may prove beneficial for those with international agreements. Homework and Spacioss Coworking are among the well-liked options.
3. Puerto Escondido
Located in the state of Oaxaca on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Puerto Escondido is a charming port town renowned for its vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches. Surfers flock to Zicatela beach for its fantastic surf breaks, while those looking for an idyllic seaside destination that is both safe and authentic will not be disappointed. There are plenty of activities to do here, including helping with turtle conservation, kayaking in the Manialtepec lagoon, sports fishing, checking out the reptiles in Chacahua National Park, ziplining through the jungle, and visiting the La Reforma waterfall.
Staying in Puerto Escondido during the rainy season from May to November is more economical for digital nomads compared to the peak season of December to April. Despite this, Puerto Escondido remains a more affordable option than other Mexican coastal cities like Cancun, Tulum, and Puerto Vallarta.
Shared workspaces
Puerto Escondido has three co-working spaces and one of them is operated by the major player Selina.
4. Tulum
For Digital Nomads, Tulum offers a myriad of attractions, including stunning beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, vibrant nightlife, and a thriving spiritual community. However, its growing popularity has led to inflated costs which may deter some visitors. Due to its compact size and high concentration of Digital Nomads, socializing is effortless. Nevertheless, the demographic of the crowds here tends to be younger and may not be suitable for those over 30. Additionally, Tulum is a prime location for scuba diving, with the option of exploring the Caribbean Sea or the many natural sinkholes scattered across the region.
One-bedroom flats with a communal pool can be found for around $750 – $950 per month on Airbnb or in the Facebook group Rentals in Tulum.
Spaces for co-working
Coworker.com features 9 co-working spaces, with Coworking Tulum and Selina Tulum being the most popular choices.
5. Guadalajara
Situated in the western region of Mexico with a population of 1.4 million, Guadalajara is widely recognized for its mariachi music and tequila. The historical center is home to numerous colonial landmarks such as the Teatro Degollado and the Guadalajara Cathedral, along with vibrant plazas. Known for its hospitality, folklore, monuments and museums, Guadalajara is considered the most Mexican city. With an elevation of 1550 meters (5100ft), the city enjoys a moderate climate year-round, with temperatures ranging between 25-32°C (43-90°F). Visitors can engage in many activities, including hiking, touring Tequila country, and visiting Lake Chapala.
As a Digital Nomad, you can find all that you need in Guadalajara accompanied by an affordable cost of living and vibrant nightlife. You can conveniently discover one-bedroom apartments on Airbnb within the range of $500 to $700. Col America and Chapalita are highly sought-after areas by digital nomads.
Spaces designed for co-working.
With its size being considerable, numerous co-working areas are present, with over 30 being available. Metta Coworking and Nevermind are well-liked, acknowledged for their high-speed internet capabilities.
6. Oaxaca City
The state of Oaxaca’s capital, Oaxaca City, boasts a population of over 300,000. It sits at an altitude of 1550 meters and experiences a year-round climate ranging from 27-32°C (81-91°F) with chilly evenings. Oaxaca (pronounced wah-hah-kah) has a vivacious atmosphere that locals adore, and it is teeming with cultural landmarks. This striking city offers everything a digital nomad could want, including budget-friendly and cozy lodging, lively celebrations, picturesque vistas, historical landmarks, and serene natural spots. Also, it’s famous for being the foodie capital of Mexico. Although previously an economical destination, a surge of digital nomads and expats moving in is slowly changing that.
Xochimilco and Jatalaco are two preferred residential areas for digital nomads, which are conveniently located near Oaxaca’s historic district. If you choose to reside in any of these neighbourhoods, you can easily find rental apartments priced between $650-800 per month.
Spaces for collaborative work
There are a total of 7 co-working spaces listed on Coworker.com, including Mexico’s preferred Selina and another favored space called Convivio.
7. Cancun
Cancun is a renowned destination on the Yucatán Peninsula, famous for its nightlife, beach, and resort options. The city comprises two regions, the traditional downtown area and the L-shaped island Zona Hotelera with its extensive beachfront, upscale hotels, dining and shopping spots, and entertainment for night owls. The city attracts countless visitors, with 8 million tourists arriving every year, and its airport offers international flights to destinations across the Americas and Europe. Cancun serves as an excellent base to explore the Yucatán Peninsula, featuring areas like jungles, beach towns, sandy shores, and Mayan culture.
The suitable choice for Digital Nomads relies on personal preferences. Opting for Zona Hotelera will provide a party vibe but will be costlier and filled with American college students during spring breaks. On the other hand, downtown Cancun offers the opportunity to socialize with locals and foreigners and is known for its economical lodging and restaurants that serve local cuisine. Additionally, a serene and artistic destination, Puerto Morelos is located just a half-hour drive away from Cancun and is equally popular among Digital Nomads.
Spaces for collaborative working
In Cancun, there are a combined total of 9 co-working venues offered by Regus, a global provider, and Selina, which has two co-working locations in the area.
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