Updated List of Digital Nomad Visas in Central America [2023]

If you’ve been keeping up with the news, you’ll probably notice that there are more digital nomad visas in Central America than ever before. 

For years, digital nomads have explored Central America, finding cities and beach towns to call home temporarily. From major cities in Mexico to small beachside cabanas in Costa Rica, Central America is a desired destination for remote workers. 

Now with the new digital nomad visas in Central America, remote workers can relocate to their favorite countries for one to two years at a time! 

We’ve compiled a list of every digital nomad visa in Central America that is available right now and will soon become available. 

Make sure to bookmark this page or join our newsletter to receive the latest digital nomad visa news. 

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

Digital nomad visas allow remote workers to temporarily live in a foreign country. 

To be eligible for a digital nomad visa, applicants must earn an income through work established outside of the country where they wish to apply for the visa. 

Typically, a digital nomad visa allows you to live in the country for one to two years and take advantage of the healthcare, education system, and even some tax benefits. 

This type of visa does not allow you to engage in local business activities or search for employment within the country. 

It’s the perfect opportunity for digital nomads who have fallen in love with a country and want to relocate there temporarily without having to worry about overstaying their tourist visas.

Available Digital Nomad Visas in Central America

Over the last couple of years, countries in Central America have introduced special digital nomad visas to welcome remote workers to the region. 

These Central America digital nomad visas can also come with other perks, such as favorable tax rates. 

Belize

The small country of Belize is welcoming remote workers and those who earn a passive income for six months. Many nationalities can only stay in the country for 30 days on a tourist visa, so this Central America digital nomad visa is a great opportunity for those who want to stay longer. 

With English as an official language, many digital nomads are starting to discover the beauty and kindness of Belize. 

Perfect for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Digital nomads can count on spending their days swimming in the ocean, snorkeling, or lounging on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. 

The entire application process is done online, making it one of the easiest digital nomad visas to apply for. Once approved, you’ll travel to Belize to pay your visa fee and can start the next six months of your digital nomad journey in paradise.

Visa Term: 6 months

Visa Requirements

• Valid passport
• Work remotely
• Earn $75,000 per year
• Travel insurance policy with coverage of at least $50,000 
• Clean criminal record

Read more about the requirements and how to apply for the Belize digital nomad visa here.

Costa Rica

When Costa Rica announced its digital nomad visa, many digital nomads were excited to apply and live pura vida.  

As a long-time favorite destination for remote workers, Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa has some incredible benefits. Not only are digital nomads exempt from paying taxes in Costa Rica, but they can also import up to two cars and office equipment tax-free. 

Digital nomads with the visa can also drive in Costa Rica using their original driver’s license. What better way to explore a new country than by renting a car and discovering hidden treasures?

The entire application process is completed online. However, all of the documents required must be translated into Spanish. 

Visa Term: 1 year (renewable)

Visa Requirements

• Valid passport
• Work remotely
• Earn $3,000 per month
• Health insurance coverage in Costa Rica

Read more about the requirements and how to apply for the Costa Rica digital nomad visa here.

Mexico

While Mexico doesn’t have an official digital nomad visa, we are including it in our list of digital nomad visas in Central America because remote workers could be eligible for it. 

Known as the Temporary Resident Permit, digital nomads can live in Mexico for up to four years when they meet the requirements. This visa is a bit more complicated to apply for as applicants must visit a Mexican embassy or consulate in their country of residence. 

However, if you are approved for the visa, you can explore all that Mexico has to offer! From beach cities like Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Puerto Vallarta to bustling Mexico City or slow-life towns in Oaxaca, digital nomads absolutely love discovering Mexico.  

To be eligible for Mexico’s Temporary Resident Permit, you can either own a property in Mexico, keep a certain bank balance, or work remotely. 

Visa Term: 1 year (renewable)

Visa Requirements

• Valid passport
• Keep a bank balance of $43,000 for 12 months
• OR earn $2,595 per month working remotely
• OR own a property in Mexico worth $346,000

Read more about the requirements and how to apply for the Mexico digital nomad visa here.

Panama

Digital nomads can relocate to Panama temporarily with the Short Term Remote Worker visa. As one of the best digital nomad visas in Central America, remote workers can travel to major destinations like Panama City or relax on some of the most beautiful beaches on the continent. 

To apply for Panama’s digital nomad visa, applicants must hire the assistance of an immigration lawyer. Unfortunately, it is impossible to apply for this visa on your own. 

Luckily, Nomads Embassy is here to help! We’ve partnered with hand-selected immigration lawyers in Panama to assist you in your digital nomad visa application. 

Visa Term: 9 months (renewable)

Visa Requirements

• Valid passport
• Work remotely
• Earn $3,000 per month
• Health insurance coverage in Panama
• Clean criminal record

Read more about the requirements, application process, and how to get in touch with our immigration lawyers to apply for the Panama digital nomad visa here.

Why Digital Nomads Work from Central America

Even before there were Central America digital nomad visas available, digital nomads loved setting up their temporary homes in these countries. 

From the affordable cost of living to the delicious food to the ideal weather to the incredible natural scenery, Central America is a beloved spot for remote workers. There is a large digital nomad community in the region, making it easy and fun to explore and meet new people. 

Let’s also not forget about the ideal weather in this part of the world! For digital nomads who love the sun and warm or mild weather during the winter, Central America is the perfect place to travel and live temporarily. 

Apply for Digital Nomad Visas in Central America with Nomads Embassy

Applying for a digital nomad visa can be overwhelming and confusing, especially when you must make an appointment at an embassy or consulate. 

Nomads Embassy is here to simplify your digital nomad visa application process! 

We have searched and hand-selected immigration lawyers in Central America to assist you in your digital nomad visa application and relocation process. Plus, with the Nomads Embassy platform, you can securely upload your documents and communicate with your lawyer easily and safely. 

Are you ready to get started on your Central America digital nomad visa? 

Simply complete the contact form in the individual visa article (found in the menu at the top of the page) to schedule a call with us!