Spain or Mexico, Colombia and other Latin American options

Key rules

• Cost: Mexico and Colombia are generally much cheaper for daily living, but imported goods cost about the same as in Spain or more.
• Mobility: Mexican and Colombian permits are national only, while Spanish residence allows 90 days in 180 across the Schengen area.
• Digital nomad visa: Colombia has one, for up to 2 years; Mexico does not, so remote workers use the temporary resident visa.
• Thresholds: Income requirements in Mexico and Colombia follow the minimum wage and change, so check the current figure before applying.

The short answer

Mexico and Colombia are usually cheaper and can be closer to your home time zone. Spain costs more but gives you rights across the EU that a Mexican or Colombian permit cannot. Choose Latin America if cost and time zone matter most. Choose Spain if you want European mobility, a path to long-term status and access to public healthcare.

Cost: where the gap is real

Daily living, services and local rents are generally much cheaper in Mexico and Colombia than in Spain. Rents in Mexico City (Condesa, Roma) and Medellín (El Poblado) are usually well below Madrid or Barcelona. Prices in those expat districts have risen sharply, so the gap is smaller than it was.

Imported goods, cars and electronics cost about the same as in Spain, or more. Local wages are far lower. The savings suit you if you earn in euros or dollars, and much less if you plan to earn locally.

Residency in Mexico

• There is no digital nomad visa. Remote workers use the temporary resident visa and show they can support themselves.
• The temporary visa lasts up to 1 year and can be renewed to 4 years. You qualify on monthly income or savings over the previous 6 to 12 months, measured against multiples of the minimum wage.
• Permanent residence is possible directly with higher income or savings, by pension, through family ties, or after 4 years of temporary residence.
• You apply at a Mexican consulate and finish the process at the INM, Mexico's immigration office.
• As a tourist you can stay up to 180 days, which is a good way to test a city first.

The income thresholds change every year, so check the current figures with the Mexican consulate.

Residency in Colombia

• Colombia has a digital nomad visa for up to 2 years. You need remote work for foreign employers or clients, monthly income of at least 3 times the Colombian minimum wage, and health insurance.
• Other migrant visas cover partners, professionals, investors and pensioners.
• Resident visas follow 5 years on a migrant visa, or 2 years in certain cases.
• You apply online through the Foreign Ministry.

Thresholds follow the minimum wage and fees change, so check with the Foreign Ministry.

Rights: where Spain is stronger

• Movement. Spanish residence lets you make short stays of up to 90 days in 180 across the Schengen area. Mexican and Colombian permits are national only and give no equivalent mobility.
• Moving within the EU. After 5 years of legal residence you can get EU long-term resident status. It adds a right to move to other EU states for work or study, with conditions.
• Work and family. Spanish permits can include work rights, as an employee or self-employed. They can also allow family reunification for a spouse and children.
• Healthcare. You can get public healthcare through contributions.
• Nationality. Long-term residence is indefinite. Nationality is available after 10 years, after 2 years for Latin American nationals and after 1 year if you are married to a Spaniard.
• Mexico's shorter route. Permanent residence in Mexico generally takes 4 years, which is shorter. It gives you no rights outside Mexico.

Latin American permits are also often tied to a single purpose, such as remote work or a pension. Check that the purpose matches your plans.

How to decide

Pick Mexico or Colombia if you earn abroad, want low costs and need a time zone close to home. Pick Spain if you want to settle long term, move around Europe, bring family or work for a local employer. The timeline and FAQ below cover the steps and common questions.

Timeline and deadlines

• Stay in Mexico as a tourist to test it: Up to 180 days on tourist status

• Apply for Mexico's temporary resident visa at a consulate, then finish at the INM: Before you move, showing income or savings from the previous 6 to 12 months

• Renew or move to permanent residence in Mexico: Temporary status runs up to 1 year and renews up to 4 years; permanent residence generally follows after 4 years

• Use short Schengen stays from a Spanish permit: Up to 90 days in 180 days

• Gain EU long-term resident status: After 5 years of legal residence in Spain

Frequently asked questions

Does Mexico have a digital nomad visa?

No, Mexico has no dedicated digital nomad visa, so remote workers use the temporary resident visa and show enough income or savings. Tourist status alone gives up to 180 days.

How much do you need to earn for Colombia's digital nomad visa?

You need monthly income of at least 3 times the Colombian minimum wage for the digital nomad visa. You must also work remotely for foreign employers or clients and hold health insurance. The visa lasts up to 2 years and you apply online.

Is living in Mexico City or Medellín always cheaper than Madrid?

Rents in Mexico City and Medellín are usually well below Madrid or Barcelona, but not everything is cheaper. Prices in popular expat districts have risen sharply, and imported goods, cars and electronics cost about the same as in Spain or more.

Does a Mexican or Colombian permit let you move around like Spanish residence?

No, Mexican and Colombian permits are national only and give no EU-style mobility. Spanish residence allows short stays of up to 90 days in 180 across the Schengen area, and long-term status after 5 years adds the right to move to other EU states, subject to conditions.