1. Bali, Indonesia

Visa Options: B211A visa ($123) for 60 days, extendable to 180 days. A proposed Digital Nomad Visa may allow five-year tax-free stays. The process requires a valid passport and proof of funds. Visa agents streamline extensions.

Tips: Use a visa agent for extensions and avoid working on a tourist visa to stay compliant. Monitor updates on the Digital Nomad Visa. Overstaying can result in hefty fines. Keep updated through official Indonesian immigration sites.

2. Lisbon, Portugal

Visa Options: D7 visa for remote workers earning €2,800/month, valid for one year with tax exemptions. Schengen visa allows 90 days in 180 for non-EU nationals. The D7 requires financial proof and health insurance. Processing can take 2–3 months.

Tips: Apply for the D7 visa early, as bureaucracy is slow. Consult a lawyer for complex cases. Schengen visa holders must track their 90-day limit. Always carry identification in Portugal.

3. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Visa Options: Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) costs $291 for 180-day stays, renewable for five years. Tourist visas allow 60 days, extendable by 30 days. The DTV is ideal for remote workers. Applications are processed at Thai embassies.

Tips: Check air quality during the burning season (Feb–Apr) before committing. Use official Thai immigration portals for updates. Avoid unofficial agents to prevent scams. Have proof of remote work ready.

4. Mexico City, Mexico

Visa Options: 180-day visa-free stay for many nationalities. A digital nomad visa is in development, potentially allowing longer stays. Entry is straightforward for most Western passports. Always declare your purpose as tourism.

Tips: Confirm your passport’s eligibility for visa-free entry. Monitor digital nomad visa updates via official channels. Immigration offices in Mexico City assist with extensions. Carry digital copies of documents.

5. Medellín, Colombia

Visa Options: 180-day visa-free entry for many nationalities, with a new digital nomad visa for longer stays. The process is simple but requires proof of income. Extensions are available through immigration offices. Colombia is nomad-friendly.

Tips: Research visa extensions early, as processes vary. Use official government websites for accuracy. Overstaying can lead to fines or bans. Local coworking spaces often provide visa guidance.

Visa Application Tips

Working with reputable visa agents or immigration lawyers saves time and reduces errors. Always check official government websites for the latest requirements, as policies change frequently. Maintain digital and physical copies of all documents for easy access. Joining nomad forums like Nomad List provides real-time visa insights from other travelers.

Staying Compliant

Non-compliance with visa rules can lead to fines, deportation, or bans from re-entering a country. Always declare remote work as your purpose, not local employment, to avoid legal issues. Regularly check visa validity and set reminders for renewals. Building a relationship with local immigration offices can simplify extensions.