The digital nomad lifestyle is one of freedom and independence. Why are digital nomad visas so popular in Mexico? Find out here.
Technology has changed our working habits beyond anything we could have imagined. While in-person office work is still considered the norm, it’s becoming less and less necessary for staff to have to be physically present in their place of work.
Now, we’re seeing an increasing number of people adopting a digital nomad lifestyle. This can offer the modern employee several incredible benefits and makes for a far more flexible and versatile working arrangement. Mexico, in particular, is a popular destination for digital nomads. Let’s find out more.
What is a Digital Nomad?
The idea of a digital nomad is a direct result of the power of today’s internet and communication technology. Gone are the days when staff need to spend the full week in the office. Now, employees can work partially or even fully from home, using internet-based applications to work and communicate with their team.
However, rather than working from home, a digital nomad is not tied down to one particular location. Instead, they use their ability to work from home as an opportunity to travel and explore, working from hotels, cafes, or even by the pool, at different destinations around the world.
For many, this is the dream working arrangement. It offers them an unrivaled sense of freedom and independence and allows them to see the world and make a living all at the same time.
Mexico is one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, famed for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. However, it’s not just holidaymakers who are flocking to Mexico. It’s a popular destination among digital nomads as well. Read on to find out more about being a digital nomad in Mexico and how to go about it.
Why Mexico?
There are various reasons why Mexico is such a popular choice for digital nomads. First of all, the weather is fantastic. Particularly for those from rainier climes, the opportunity to live and work in a sunny country like Mexico is too good to pass up. The country has a tropical climate, which means temperatures remain high throughout the year. The temperature rarely falls below 20 degrees Celsius, which means that Mexico can be an excellent choice for traveling digital nomads at any time of year.
Everyone needs downtime, and the beauty of being a digital nomad is that you can explore a new country and culture during your time off. Mexico is steeped in culture, history, and tradition. There are some fantastic tourist attractions that are perfect for the digital nomad looking to relax and see something new during their free time.
Finally, Mexico is home to some truly incredible hotels. Digital nomads use hotels as their center of operations, so it’s important that they are as comfortable and as accessible as possible. Hotels in Mexico are the height of luxury. What could be better than working with a view of the beach and ocean?
The cost of living in Mexico is also far lower than in countries like the US, which is another reason why it is such a popular choice for digital nomads. When compared to the states, consumer costs are as much as 100% lower in Mexico, while rent can be as much as 275% lower. For the digital nomad earning good money from a business outside of the country, they can live a life of luxury in Mexico and enjoy having lots of disposable income.
So, if living the digital nomad lifestyle in Mexico sounds like a dream come true, how can you make it a reality? To live and work in a foreign country, you need a visa. Let’s find out more.
What Kind of Visa do you Need?
The digital nomad lifestyle is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among younger age groups and demographics. As a result, a number of countries have started to issue special digital nomad visas, which permit holders to live and work in that country for a specified period of time, generally up to around six months.
Unfortunately, Mexico does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t temporarily live and work there. You just need to learn about the country’s digital nomad visa alternatives.
The Temporary Resident Visa can be the perfect solution for digital nomads looking to head to Mexico. This visa – commonly referred to as a no-lucrative visa – allows the holder to stay in Mexico for anywhere between six months and four years, depending on their nationality. This visa even allows holders to open a Mexican bank account, rent a car, and hold a mobile phone contract, which is perfect for remote working professionals.
However, there are a number of requirements that must be met before being eligible for a visa. The applicant must have earned a monthly income of at least $2,47.34 before tax over the past six months. The rules also stipulate that this income must be earned from outside of Mexico, but this shouldn’t be an issue for the digital nomad. Applicants must also have an average monthly balance of at least $40,740.89 in their savings.
Finally, applicants must have a letter of invitation from a foreigner with an existing visa, a spouse or close relationship with a permanent Mexican resident, or with someone on a temporary resident or student visa.
Applying for a Visa
If you’re eager to explore Mexico as a digital nomad and you meet the eligibility requirements, applying couldn’t be easier.
First, you’ll need to book an appointment to speak with officials at your nearest Mexican embassy. At this meeting, they will review your application and decide whether or not you will be able to move forward and obtain your visa.
You’ll need to bring all the necessary documents, such as your passport, financial information, and birth certificate. Try your best not to forget anything. Doing so can delay your application and put your digital nomad dreams on hold.
Conclusion
The digital nomad lifestyle would have been unthinkable in days gone by. Today, it is becoming an increasingly popular way of working, offering both employees and employers numerous benefits. Use this guide to learn all there is to know about being a digital nomad in Mexico.
