Digital Nomad Visa Comparison: Croatia vs. Mexico
Comparing Digital Nomad Visa Programs: Croatia vs Mexico
Are you a digital nomad looking to set up a base in a new country? Croatia and Mexico are two popular options for remote workers looking to work and live abroad. Both countries offer digital nomad visa programs that make it easy to stay and work legally, but there are some differences between the programs that you should be aware of before making your decision.
About Croatia
Croatia offers a vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and a growing digital nomad community. Its digital nomad visa program is designed to attract remote workers who are citizens of a non-European Union country and working for a company that is registered abroad. The visa program allows eligible applicants to work and live in Croatia for up to a year.
Cost of Digital Nomad Visa
The cost of applying for the digital nomad visa in Croatia depends on how you apply:
- Cost for applying through Embassy/Consulate: €60
- Costs of applying through police station:
- Granting temporary stay: €45
- Administrative fees: €10
- Residence Card: €30, €60 for urgent issues
- Costs of applying online:
- Administrative fees: €45
- Residence Permit: €30, €60 for urgent issues
Income Requirement
The income requirement for the digital nomad visa in Croatia is as follows:
- For individual: 17.822,50 Kuna per month
- For every additional family member: 712,90 Kuna per month
Taxation and Social Security
If you are granted the digital nomad visa in Croatia, personal income tax and social security will not be payable on receipts of natural persons earned on the basis of employment or conducting work for a party which is not registered in Croatia, on the basis of the acquired status of the digital nomad.
Other Conditions or Requirements
- Applicants must submit a background check document showing that they have not been convicted of criminal offenses in their home country, or from country where they have stayed for more than a year.
- The digital nomad visa is valid up to one year and can be renewed.
- The applicant must be a third-country national and working for a company that is registered abroad, not in Croatia.
- Application form, proof of travel purpose, passport, health insurance policy, marriage certificate (for a family member of a digital nomad), address of stay in Croatia, and proof of sufficient funds to support themselves are also required.
- Passports must be notarized and translated to Croatian if the passport is not in English language.
About Mexico
Mexico offers an attractive location, stable economy, and rich culture. Its FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple)/Temporary Resident Visa program is designed for those who plan to live in the country for more than 180 days, making it a popular choice for digital nomads looking to stay a while.
Cost of Digital Nomad Visa
The cost of the FMM permit in Mexico is $30 USD and is valid for up to 180 days. If you plan to stay longer than 180 days, you need to apply for a temporary resident visa, which costs $48 USD for the interview government fee plus $4,735 MXN for the government fees for residency permit card.
Income Requirement
The income requirement for the temporary resident visa in Mexico is as follows:
- Investments or bank accounts with an average monthly balance equivalent to 5,000 days of the general minimum wage, during the last twelve months. (For 2022, it is $864,350 MXN) or
- Monthly income free of liens greater than the equivalent of 300 days of the general minimum wage. (For 2022, it is $51,861 MXN).
Taxation and Social Security
Tax residency in Mexico is triggered when the individual has a place of abode (home) in Mexico. Assuming no labor relationship with a Mexican entity, personal income tax will not be payable on receipts of natural persons earned on the basis of employment or conducting work for a party which is not registered in Mexico, on the basis of the acquired status of the digital nomad. Social security will not be payable on receipts of natural persons earned on the basis of employment or conducting work for a party which is not registered in Mexico, on the basis of the acquired status of the digital nomad.
Other Conditions or Requirements
- The FMM permit is valid for up to 180 days and does not allow you to work for a Mexican company.
- The temporary resident visa does not allow you to work for a Mexican company. You must show proof that you are earning income from a company outside of Mexico. If you will receive income from a Mexican entity, you should apply for the temporary resident visa with a work permit through your Mexican employer.
- If you are applying from a country that is not your home country, you must provide proof that you are legally in that country.
- You also need to submit a visa application form, passport, and ID photo measuring 3.9 cm x 3.1 cm.
Choosing between Croatia and Mexico
When deciding on a digital nomad destination, the choice between Croatia and Mexico will depend on factors such as your personal preferences, cost of living, quality of life, and visa requirements. Croatia's location in Europe, stunning coastline, and growing digital nomad community make it an attractive option for those looking for a unique experience in Europe. Mexico, on the other hand, offers a vibrant culture, stable economy, and welcoming people, making it a safe and affordable destination.