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South America is currently one of the best digital nomad destinations and highly sought after not only for its tropical climate and Luso-Spanish heritage, but also for its affordability, especially if you are an American paid in dollars and, most importantly, friendly visa policy.
Several South American countries now offer the increasingly popular Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), which allows longer stays in a national territory while sometimes exempting holders from regular taxes and the deeper level of economic integration that regular expats are subject to.
If you’re considering moving as a remote worker, you’ll be happy to know that these four wildly affordable countries offer simple, easy to apply for DNVs valid for the long term:
Peru
Peru, the latest addition to the ever-growing DNV list, has confirmed that a nomad visa will be introduced shortlyand although further details are yet to be set out, we already know that it will be valid for one initial 365 daysrenewable before the expiration date.
Applying for a DNV typically requires presenting a valid passport, having a clean criminal background and earning above a certain income threshold, which in the case of Peru is unlikely to be discriminatorily high, taking into account average costs of subsistence of the country of $872. per month.
Although the visa hasn’t been launched yet, most foreigners, including US citizens, can settle in Peru for up to 90 days visa-free, and while this is hardly enough time to thoroughly explore the Inca gem, you certainly get a feel for the country before continuing your journey.
Some of the best nomad destinations in Peru include Lima, a metropolitan coastal capital a short drive from beautiful beaches on the Pacific Ocean, Cusco, the gateway to the Peruvian Andes and the world wonder Machu Picchu, and Arequipa, full of volcanic stone, baroque buildings.
Argentina
Considered the second best visa for digital nomads in the world, Argentina’s DNV is certainly one of the easiest to obtain: officially a ‘Temporary residence‘, it allows any nomad who is of good character, has entered the country legally and can present a current valid passport, to stay for 180 days.
This period can be extended, provided the same conditions are met and nomads do not have to register before their trip.
In fact, this visa can only be obtained if you are already there in Argentina as a tourist, making this a incredibly tempting option for visitors who want to extend their stay.
Argentina’s immigration rules are, to put it simply, quite not strict, and while we don’t recommend trying your luck even if you enter as a tourist, fail to apply for an extension of your first 90 days, and simply stays too long, what you have to do is pay an amount small compensation from $14.92.
When it comes to choosing the perfect ‘workcation’ spot, options are often limited to beautiful Buenos Aires, with its diverse selection of work-friendly cafes and a high level of security (it is not called the Paris of the South for nothing) and the lively colonial city of Cordoba.
In terms of affordability, Argentina is incredibly cheap by American standards, with monthly expenses totaling high for budget-conscious nomads only $706average.
Living in Buenos Aires, American travelers can stretch their dollars much further thanks to a severely depreciated Argentine peso.
Brazil
Brazil is currently one of the most popular nomad destinations, with laid-back beach towns like Trancoso and Arraial d’Ajuda overrun by foreign residents, and of course the exciting metropolises of Rio and Sao Paulo ranking high. Nomad list for the ‘amazing’ fun and multicultural scene they offer.
The cost of living in Brazil can vary depending on where you live: Sao Paulo can cost as much as $2,089, while Northeast Salvador is. much cheaper: $835– but all in all, South America’s largest and most diverse country is quite affordable for American visitors.
The Brazilian DNV is valid for up to two years, and to qualify all that is required is not to sound repetitive, a pristine criminal record, citizenship of an eligible country, such as the US and Canada, and, most importantly, income. of at least $1,500 per month.
Applications can be submitted online before traveling, or alternatively, nomads can try flying to Brazil first as a tourist and change their status once they are in the country; However, if you are a US or Canadian citizen, you should know that this will no longer be possible from April.
Brazil is reintroducing visa requirements for US and Canadian passport holders, meaning you will no longer be able to obtain a visa upon arrival.
Read more about the decision and how it will affect you in this companion article.
Colombia
Already launched in 2022, the Colombian DNV is touted as one of the easiest to apply for, as it does not require a prior application: all you need to present is your valid tourist stamp, bank statements showing that you have sufficient funds has only $684 per montha passport and health insurance.
Unlike Brazil, Colombia’s tourist visa policy has not been tightened and Americans can still fly visa-free and obtain a 90-day entry stamp, which can be extended for another three months, if they do not require a long-term visa as described above.
Top destinations for nomads to consider include Medellin, possibly the most exciting city break on the continent, Bogota, a sprawling capital with a concentration of museums and historical monuments so impressive it has earned the nickname ‘Athens of the South’, and the walled Caribbean port of Cartagena.
When living in Colombia, foreigners are advised to familiarize themselves with local safety guidelines, as it is the only country on this list that the US Department of State is advising Americans to ‘reconsider’ their visit, due to the unchecked crime rate in the major towns.
Because of its great weather, rich biodiversity and low prices – it can cost as little as $686 to live frugally in Colombia – it’s still a favorite among nomads, but extra caution is advised, especially if you’re easily noticed as a ‘gringo ‘. , as the locals would say.
By keeping a low profile, avoiding outlying districts with higher poverty rates, and not displaying valuables in public (which includes iPhones and watches) you can increase your chances of not being targeted by criminals.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
