If you’re an adventurous soul with a passion for travel and a digital skill set, Latin America is the perfect destination for you to become a digital nomad. This enchanting region, known for its diverse landscapes, warm hospitality, and affordable cost of living, offers endless opportunities for nomads to thrive, while enjoying the best of both worlds – work and play.
In this article, we’ll delve into the secrets of becoming a digital nomad in Latin America, and how you can make your dream of a location-independent lifestyle a reality.
Choosing your ideal destination
Latin America is home to a myriad of countries, each with its own unique culture, landscape, and charm. From the vibrant streets of Mexico City, to the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, and the cosmopolitan flair of Buenos Aires, there is no shortage of diverse and captivating destinations to choose from as a digital nomad.
The first step is to understand your visa requirements for living and working remotely in Latin America. You can then consider your priorities when selecting your ideal destination, such as internet connectivity, cost of living, safety, and lifestyle.
The digital nomad visa
Some countries in Latin America offer a digital nomad visa, which provides legal recognition and protection for you as a remote worker. This allows you to live and work without violating local immigration laws. These visas may be issued for a limited period of time, usually ranging from a few months to a few years, and may be renewable or extendable. And the great news is, they’re generally easy to get.
Applying for a digital nomad visa has some basic requirements, such as proof of employment, income, health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
The Latin American countries that offer a digital nomad visa include:
- Argentina
- Belize
- Brazil
- Columbia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- Mexico
- Panama
Argentina has a welcome kit for digital nomads, which you can order at least seven days before traveling and pick up at the airport upon arrival. It includes a local sim card, a transport card for the subway and bus, and discounts for the airport shuttle bus and hotel accommodation.
Other visa options for nomads
While some Latin American countries may not have specific digital nomad visas, there are still several ways you can work remotely legally and responsibly. Here are some options to consider.
Tourist visa
Most Latin American countries allow tourists to stay for a certain period of time without a visa. This period can vary from country to country, typically ranging from 30 to 180 days. You can enter the country on a tourist visa and work remotely during your allowed stay. However, it’s important to note that you are not allowed to engage in any paid work for a local employer or conduct business, as these activities may violate the terms of a tourist visa.
Business visa
If you plan to work remotely as a freelancer or operate your own business while in Latin America, you may be eligible for a business visa. Some countries in Latin America offer business visas that allow you to conduct business, including remote work, legally. The requirements and duration of a business visa may vary by country, so research the specific regulations and consult with the local consulate or embassy to ensure compliance.
Temporary residence visa
In some Latin American countries, you may be eligible for a temporary residence visa if you plan to work remotely for an extended period of time. Temporary residence visas are typically granted for specific purposes, such as work, study, or family reunification. These visas may require additional documentation, such as proof of income, health insurance, and criminal background checks.
Work as a digital nomad for foreign employers
Another option is to continue working remotely for your current employer or freelance clients in your home country while staying in Latin America. As long as you’re not engaging in any paid work for local employers or clients in the country you’re staying in, you may not require a specific work visa. However, it’s important to check the local regulations and seek legal advice to ensure that you are compliant with the local laws.
For more information on obtaining residency in Latin America, check out this article: The Difference Between Residency & Citizenship In Latin America
Find reliable internet
As a digital nomad, a reliable internet connection is non-negotiable. Latin America has made significant progress in terms of internet connectivity, but it can still vary depending on the location.
Research and choose regions and accommodations with good internet connectivity, or consider co-working spaces or cafes with reliable Wi-Fi as your remote office. Remember, a region that has a lot of power cuts will also affect internet connectivity. It’s recommended to have backup options like a mobile hotspot or a local SIM card to stay connected even on the go.
In some countries the internet varies across regions. In Mexico for example, Playa del Carmen is known for its superior internet connectivity for digital nomads. At the same time, internet speeds in the beach towns of Oaxaca are famously slow.
Cost of living
The affordability of Latin America is one of the most appealing factors for digital nomads. Your income as a remote worker can go a long way, with lower costs of living compared to the US. Accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment options are budget-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a high-quality lifestyle without burning a hole in your wallet. This affordability gives you the freedom to explore new destinations, try out different activities, and indulge in local experiences.
Accommodation in Latin America can be a steal, with options ranging from cozy apartments to beachfront bungalows. Whether you choose to rent a local gem, share accommodation with fellow nomads, or rent a room in a coliving space, you can expect to pay a fraction of what you would in other parts of the world for similar accomodation.
Food, transportation, internet, and entertainment are more affordable in Latin America too. You can eat like a local for as little as $2 a meal, or like royalty for a portion of what you’d pay in the US. Public transportation is widely available and can cost as little as $0.20 USD a ride. And there are many options for entertainment, ranging from free to whatever your budget allows. Hiking in the Andean Mountains, surfing in Costa Rica, and lying on the beach in Mexico is free!
For a more detailed overview of the cost of living in Latin America, check out this article: How Much Money Do Expats Need To Live Comfortably In Latin America?
Coliving & coworking
Coliving in Latin America is a dynamic and enriching experience that brings together like-minded digital nomads from all around the world. It’s a lifestyle that fosters community, creativity, and adventure, while providing a supportive environment for remote work.
One of the greatest benefits of coliving is the opportunity to connect with fellow nomads and build lifelong friendships. You’ll be surrounded by a diverse and inspiring group of people who share a common passion for travel, work, and exploration. From brainstorming sessions to impromptu cultural exchanges, coliving spaces in Latin America provide a unique environment that sparks creativity and collaboration.
Coliving is designed with the needs of digital nomads in mind. It offers comfortable accommodations, functional workspaces, and modern amenities to enhance productivity and foster a balanced lifestyle. Many coliving spaces provide high-speed internet, private workstations, and communal areas for networking, brainstorming, or simply relaxing. Some may even offer additional perks like organized social events, skill-sharing workshops, or wellness activities, creating a holistic experience that caters to both work and play.
Selina CoLive operates one of the most established coliving spaces throughout Latin America, with coliving and coworking programs in thirteen countries. Their monthly coliving costs for digital nomads starts from $330 USD per month.
Lifestyle
One of the key advantages of being a digital nomad in Latin America is the ability to strike a balance between work and play. With its relaxed pace of life, Latin America encourages a more holistic approach to living, where you can indulge in the pleasures of leisure, exploration, and self-care while fulfilling your professional responsibilities. You can take breaks to immerse yourself in local traditions, try out exciting outdoor activities, or simply unwind on a pristine beach, all without sacrificing your work-life balance.
Furthermore, Latin America’s warm hospitality and friendly locals create a welcoming environment for digital nomads. The people of Latin America are known for their warmth, openness, and friendliness towards foreigners, making it easy to connect with locals and build meaningful relationships. This sense of community can provide a support network for digital nomads, creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie in a foreign land.
As a digital nomad in Latin America you have the flexibility to choose one country to settle down in, or to be on the move across multiple countries. There is so much diversity in what Latin America has to offer, so the adventure can be as grand or as wild as you choose it to be.
Connect with fellow nomads
Latin America boasts a vibrant community of expats and digital nomads, offering ample opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and enhance your overall experience.
Many cities across the region serve as digital nomad hubs, providing a supportive network of individuals pursuing a similar lifestyle. You can easily find these groups on platforms like meetup.com or social media. For instance, in Buenos Aires, BA Digital Nomads is an organized group that holds bi-weekly gatherings, attracting an impressive average of 200 nomads at each event!
Final thoughts
The lifestyle of the digital nomad in Latin America is nothing short of exhilarating. Imagine waking up in a bustling city or a serene beach town, with the freedom to choose your own workspace, create your own schedule, and explore the wonders of a rich and diverse culture. Latin America offers a unique blend of adventure, affordability, and cultural richness that makes it an ideal destination for digital nomads seeking a fulfilling and vibrant lifestyle.