Digital nomad visas sound simple — move abroad, keep working remotely — but the income requirements vary wildly, and the cheapest options are not always the ones with the lowest monthly figure.

The first distinction to understand is monthly income versus savings. Some visas demand a steady monthly income; others accept a lump sum in the bank. That difference changes who qualifies.

Among the most accessible routes, Colombia's digital nomad visa is frequently cited for a low monthly income requirement, Mauritius offers a premium visa that is free to apply for, and Cape Verde's remote working program is among the cheapest on fees with a short processing time.

European programs generally cost more because their thresholds are tied to local wages and living costs. Spain sits at the lower end of the major European programs, while Portugal's is higher and Estonia's higher still.

The income threshold is not the whole cost. Health insurance for the full stay is required almost everywhere, and document translations, apostilles, background checks, and application fees add several hundred dollars.

Choose by fit, not just by price. Check duration and renewability, whether family members can join, and whether the visa allows the kind of work you actually do — most forbid local employment.