Easiest Countries to Get a Visa: Expat-Friendly Immigration

Moving abroad is exciting right up until you hit the immigration paperwork. Visa applications can feel like an obstacle course of income thresholds, apostilled documents, consulate appointments, and processing times that stretch from weeks into months. The difference between a smooth relocation and a bureaucratic nightmare often comes down to one thing: which country you choose.

Some governments have figured out that welcoming foreign residents is good economic policy. They have streamlined their visa systems, created dedicated pathways for digital nomads, retirees, freelancers, and investors, and made the process fast and transparent. Others still require you to navigate a labyrinth of paperwork that seems designed to discourage rather than welcome.

We analyzed visa accessibility across dozens of countries and ranked the easiest countries to get a visa based on five key factors: the number of visa pathways available, income requirements, processing speed, documentation complexity, and the availability of specialized programs like digital nomad visas and golden visas. Here are the ten countries that make immigration the least painful.

Top 10 Easiest Countries to Get a Visa

Each country is scored out of 100 across our composite of visa pathway diversity, income thresholds, processing time, documentation burden, and path to permanent residency. Click any country to explore its full profile.

1. Panama — The Gold Standard for Easy Immigration

Panama tops our ranking because it offers something almost no other country does: a fast-track to permanent residency for citizens of over 50 countries through its Friendly Nations Visa. Where most countries grant temporary permits that you must renew for years before qualifying for permanent status, Panama lets you skip straight to a permanent resident card — often within three to six months.

The requirements are remarkably straightforward. You need to demonstrate economic ties to Panama, which can be as simple as opening a local bank account with a USD 5,000 deposit, or getting a job offer, or forming a Panamanian company. There is no minimum income requirement for the Friendly Nations Visa itself, making it one of the most accessible residency programs anywhere.

For retirees, Panama's Pensionado Visa is equally compelling. It requires just USD 1,000 per month in pension income and comes with a package of discounts on restaurants, entertainment, medical bills, and even airline tickets that no other country matches. Processing typically takes 30 to 60 days.

See full Panama profile and visa details

2. Portugal — Europe's Most Welcoming Immigration System

Portugal has built what may be the most comprehensive visa ecosystem in Europe. Whether you are a retiree, a remote worker, a freelancer, or an investor, there is a dedicated visa pathway designed for your situation — and each one comes with a path to permanent residency and eventually EU citizenship after five years.

The D7 Passive Income Visa is ideal for retirees and anyone with stable income from pensions, investments, rental properties, or dividends. The minimum income threshold is roughly EUR 760 per month — one of the lowest in Western Europe. The D8 Digital Nomad Visa, launched in late 2022, targets remote workers earning at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage (approximately EUR 3,400 per month). Both visas are renewable and lead to permanent residency.

Portugal also offers a D2 Entrepreneur Visa for freelancers and business owners, and while its Golden Visa program was modified in 2023 to exclude real estate purchases, it remains available through investment fund contributions starting at EUR 500,000. Processing times range from 60 to 120 days depending on the visa type.

See full Portugal profile and visa details

3. Mexico — Generous Visa-Free Entry Plus Simple Residency

Mexico's immigration system is a two-tier dream. First, citizens of 65 countries can enter visa-free for up to 180 days — six full months with no application, no fees, and no appointment at a consulate. This is one of the longest visa-free stays anywhere in the world and is enough time for most digital nomads and extended travelers.

For those who want to stay longer, the Temporary Resident Visa allows stays of one to four years. Income requirements are reasonable — approximately USD 2,800 per month or savings of roughly USD 47,000. The application can be started at a Mexican consulate abroad and completed upon arrival. After four years of temporary residency, you can apply for permanent residency.

See full Mexico profile and visa details

4. Ecuador — Low Thresholds, Fast Processing, Dollar Economy

Ecuador stands out for having some of the lowest income requirements of any country's visa system. The Pensioner Visa (Jubilado) requires just USD 1,275 per month in pension or social security income. The Rentista (Professional) Visa requires proof of USD 1,275 per month in stable income from any source. These are among the lowest thresholds globally for full residency permits.

Because Ecuador uses the US dollar as its official currency, American retirees and freelancers face zero exchange-rate risk. Processing is typically straightforward and can be completed in 30 to 45 days through Ecuador's immigration office. Citizenship is available after just three years of residency.

See full Ecuador profile and visa details

5. Colombia — Modern Visa System with Multiple Pathways

Colombia has modernized its immigration system significantly in recent years, introducing a Digital Nomad Visa in 2022 that allows remote workers to live legally in the country for up to two years. The income requirement is just three times the Colombian minimum wage — approximately USD 780 per month — making it one of the most affordable digital nomad visas in existence.

Beyond the nomad visa, Colombia offers a Retirement Visa with a similarly low threshold of roughly USD 750 per month in pension income, a Freelancer Visa for independent contractors with Colombian clients, and an Investor Visa starting at approximately USD 28,000 in local investment. The entire application process is online, which is a rarity in Latin America and a major convenience factor.

See full Colombia profile and visa details

6. Georgia — A Year Without Paperwork

Georgia deserves its spot for one extraordinary reason: citizens of 95 countries can stay for up to one year without any visa at all. No application. No income proof. No consulate appointment. You simply arrive with your passport and you are legally entitled to stay for 365 days. For digital nomads, freelancers, and anyone who just wants to try living abroad with zero bureaucratic friction, nothing beats this.

For those who want to stay beyond a year or establish formal residency, Georgia offers a straightforward residency permit process. The country also has a favorable tax regime — a flat 1% tax for small businesses earning under GEL 500,000 — that makes it particularly attractive for freelancers and solopreneurs. Tbilisi's cost of living starts at roughly USD 800 per month, making the visa-free year an incredibly low-risk experiment in living abroad.

See full Georgia profile and visa details

7. Thailand — Structured Pathways for Every Profile

Thailand has built a layered visa system that accommodates almost every type of foreign resident. The Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa, introduced in 2022, is a 10-year visa targeting four groups: wealthy global citizens, wealthy pensioners, work-from-Thailand professionals, and highly skilled professionals. Income requirements vary by category but start at USD 40,000 per year for remote workers with relevant skills, and the visa comes with a reduced 17% tax rate on Thai-sourced income.

For retirees aged 50 and older, the Non-Immigrant O-A Retirement Visa requires either THB 800,000 (approximately USD 22,000) in a Thai bank account or monthly income of at least THB 65,000 (roughly USD 1,800). The newer Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) offers a 180-day stay within a five-year validity period, targeting remote workers and their families. Processing times range from 15 to 30 days for most visa types.

See full Thailand profile and visa details

8. Costa Rica — Proven System for Retirees and Rentistas

Costa Rica has been welcoming foreign residents for decades, and its visa system reflects that maturity. The Pensionado Visa requires just USD 1,000 per month in pension income — Social Security qualifies. The Rentista Visa requires USD 2,500 per month in stable income from any source, or a USD 60,000 deposit in a Costa Rican bank. Both pathways lead to permanent residency after three years.

What sets Costa Rica apart is the clarity and predictability of its process. Requirements are well-documented, immigration attorneys are plentiful and affordable, and the government has decades of experience processing foreign resident applications. Processing takes approximately 90 to 120 days, which is longer than some competitors but reliable and consistent.

See full Costa Rica profile and visa details

9. Estonia — Digital-First Immigration

Estonia was the first country in the world to launch a dedicated digital nomad visa in 2020, and its approach to immigration reflects the same digital-first philosophy that produced the e-Residency program. The Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to live in Estonia for up to one year, with an income requirement of EUR 4,500 per month over the prior six months.

The income bar is higher than most, which is why Estonia does not rank higher overall. But what it lacks in affordability it makes up for in process efficiency. Applications are largely digital. The e-Residency program, while not a physical residency permit, lets you register and manage an EU-based company entirely online — a powerful combination for freelancers who want a European business presence without relocating full-time. Processing for the nomad visa typically takes 15 to 30 days.

See full Estonia profile and visa details

10. Malaysia — Long-Term Options in Southeast Asia

Malaysia rounds out our top 10 with two distinct pathways. The DE Rantau Nomad Pass targets digital professionals with proof of USD 24,000 per year in income, offering stays of 3 to 12 months. It is one of the few digital nomad visas in Southeast Asia with a formal, government-backed application process.

For longer-term stays, the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program offers a 5-year renewable visa. Requirements have tightened in recent years — applicants now need proof of offshore income of at least MYR 40,000 per month and must place a fixed deposit of MYR 1 million — but for those who qualify, it remains one of the most comprehensive long-term residency programs in Asia. Processing times range from 90 to 180 days.

See full Malaysia profile and visa details

Digital Nomad Visas: The New Standard

The explosion of digital nomad visas since 2020 has fundamentally changed the landscape for remote workers looking to live abroad legally. Over 50 countries now offer some form of dedicated nomad or remote worker visa. Of our top 10, several stand out for the quality of their programs.

The key differentiators between nomad visa programs are income requirements (ranging from USD 780 per month in Colombia to EUR 4,500 per month in Estonia), visa duration (one to ten years), and whether the visa provides a path to permanent residency. Portugal's D8 is particularly valuable because it leads to EU permanent residency and eventually citizenship — a benefit that extends far beyond Portugal itself.

Portugal D7 vs Spain Non-Lucrative Visa: Head-to-Head

Two of Europe's most popular expat visa options face off here. Portugal's D7 Passive Income Visa and Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa both target people with stable income who want to live in Southern Europe — but the details differ in ways that matter.

Portugal wins on accessibility — its income requirement is roughly a third of Spain's, and the path to EU citizenship is half the time. Spain fights back with faster processing and a favorable flat tax rate for new residents under the Beckham Law. For retirees on a modest pension, Portugal is the clear choice. For higher earners who value Spain's lifestyle and tax advantages, the Non-Lucrative Visa is worth the higher bar.

Golden Visas and Investor Pathways

For those with significant capital, golden visas and investor visa programs offer a fast lane to residency — and in some cases, citizenship. While income thresholds are higher, the trade-off is speed and certainty.

• Portugal Golden Visa: Investment fund contributions starting at EUR 500,000. Real estate no longer qualifies as of 2023, but the program still offers a path to citizenship in five years with minimal physical presence requirements.
• Panama Investor Visa: A minimum real estate investment of USD 300,000 grants permanent residency. Processing is typically faster than the Friendly Nations pathway.
• Thailand LTR (Wealthy Global Citizen): Requires USD 1 million in assets and USD 80,000 per year in income or investment in Thai government bonds. Grants a 10-year visa with multiple benefits including reduced tax rates.
• Ecuador Investor Visa: A real estate investment of at least USD 42,500 qualifies for residency. This is one of the lowest investor visa thresholds in the world.

Freelancer and Self-Employment Visas

Freelancers face a unique challenge: most traditional work visas require an employer sponsor. Fortunately, several countries now recognize independent professionals as a valuable category of immigrant.

• Portugal D2 Entrepreneur Visa: Designed for freelancers and business owners establishing operations in Portugal. Requires a business plan and proof of financial means. Renewable and leads to permanent residency.
• Estonia e-Residency + Freelance Visa: Register an EU-based company online through e-Residency, then apply for a freelance work permit. The combination gives you both a European business structure and physical residency.
• Georgia: No special visa needed. The 1-year visa-free stay combined with a 1% small business tax rate makes Georgia arguably the easiest country in the world for a freelancer to start working abroad — no application required.
• Colombia Freelancer Visa: For independent contractors providing services to Colombian companies. Income requirements are low, and the process is entirely online.

Retirement Visas: Easiest Countries for Retirees

Retirees often have the most visa options because countries recognize that pension-funded residents bring stable spending without competing for local jobs. The easiest retirement visa programs by income requirement are:

• Colombia: Approximately USD 750/month in pension income — the lowest on our list
• Panama: USD 1,000/month pension income plus unmatched retiree discounts
• Costa Rica: USD 1,000/month pension (Pensionado) or USD 2,500/month any income (Rentista)
• Ecuador: USD 1,275/month in pension or stable income
• Portugal: EUR 760/month passive income — the lowest threshold in Western Europe
• Thailand: USD 1,800/month income or USD 22,000 in a Thai bank (age 50+)
• Mexico: USD 2,800/month income or USD 47,000 in savings for Temporary Resident Visa

For a comprehensive breakdown of retirement destinations, see our guide to the best countries to retire abroad.

Processing Times: How Long Does It Actually Take?

Visa processing time is one of the most underappreciated factors in choosing where to move. A three-month processing delay can derail travel plans, expire lease agreements, and burn through savings before you even arrive. Here is a realistic breakdown based on recent applicant experiences:

• Georgia: 0 days — no visa needed for 95 nationalities
• Mexico: 1-10 days for visa-free entry; 15-30 days for Temporary Resident Visa at a consulate
• Estonia: 15-30 days for the Digital Nomad Visa
• Thailand: 15-30 days for most visa categories
• Panama: 30-60 days for Friendly Nations Visa
• Colombia: 30-45 days for Digital Nomad or Retirement Visa (online process)
• Ecuador: 30-45 days for Pensioner or Rentista Visa
• Portugal: 60-120 days depending on visa type (D7 tends to be slower)
• Costa Rica: 90-120 days for Rentista or Pensionado Visa
• Malaysia: 90-180 days for MM2H; 30-45 days for DE Rantau

The fastest countries to get into are Georgia (no visa), Mexico (long visa-free stay), and Estonia (efficient digital processing). The slowest are Malaysia's MM2H program and Costa Rica's residency applications, though both have predictable timelines.

How to Choose the Right Visa Pathway

The easiest visa for you depends on your situation. A freelancer earning USD 2,000 per month has very different options from a retiree with a USD 3,000 pension or an investor with USD 500,000 to deploy. Use these questions to narrow your search:

• What is your income source? Pension income qualifies you for retirement visas. Remote employment opens digital nomad visa pathways. Investment capital unlocks golden visas. Match your income type to the right visa category.
• How long do you want to stay? For under six months, Mexico and Georgia require no visa at all. For one to two years, digital nomad visas are ideal. For permanent relocation, focus on countries where the visa leads to permanent residency.
• Do you want a path to citizenship? Ecuador offers citizenship in three years. Portugal and Panama in five. Thailand does not offer citizenship through residency at all. This matters if a second passport is part of your long-term plan.
• What is your monthly budget? Colombia's nomad visa at USD 780 per month is accessible to most remote workers. Estonia's at EUR 4,500 per month targets high earners. Know your number before you start researching.

The Bottom Line

The countries on this list have figured out something important: making immigration accessible is not a security risk — it is an economic strategy. Panama, Portugal, Mexico, Ecuador, and Colombia are actively competing for foreign residents by offering clear pathways, reasonable requirements, and efficient processing. Georgia goes even further by eliminating the visa requirement entirely for most nationalities.

The gap between the easiest and hardest countries to immigrate to is enormous. Choosing a country that welcomes you — rather than one that tolerates you — can save months of paperwork, thousands of dollars in legal fees, and an immeasurable amount of stress. Start with the countries that want you there, and you will find the rest of the relocation process falls into place.

Not sure which visa pathway fits your situation? Use our personalized matching tool to get country recommendations based on your income, lifestyle, and goals, or compare countries side-by-side to see exactly how visa requirements stack up.