The easiest visas to get in the world include Thailand’s tourist visa, Portugal’s digital nomad visa, and Mexico’s permanent residency visa, each known for their simple requirements and high approval rates.
These visas stand out for quick processing, minimal financial thresholds, and flexible stay durations.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
- Criteria for determining if a visa is easy to obtain
- Top destinations offering easy tourist visas
- Which countries offer the easiest retirement visas for expats
- Easiest business visa options for startup founders and investors
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What Makes a Visa Easy to Get?
Here are the most common criteria people use to define visa simplicity:
- Minimal documentation – No need for police clearances, medical exams, or detailed financials
- Low income or savings requirements – Modest financial thresholds
- High approval rates – Few rejections, especially for tourist and nomad visas
- Fast processing times – Approvals within days or a few weeks
- Eligibility for most nationalities – Especially from visa-friendly countries
- No strict ties needed – Not requiring job offers, family reunification, or school admission
Types of Visas Covered
- Tourist Visas
These are short-term entry permits typically used for holidays, visiting family, or casual travel. Many countries offer visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, or quick eVisa processing to a wide list of nationalities. Tourist visas usually require minimal paperwork and are among the easiest to obtain. - Digital Nomad Visas
Designed for remote workers, these visas allow foreigners to live in a country while working for a company or clients based abroad. They often have straightforward income requirements, minimal bureaucratic steps, and fast processing. - Retirement Visas
Many countries, particularly in Latin America and Southeast Asia, offer visas for retirees who can prove regular pension income or sufficient savings. These visas are generally low-pressure with long durations, sometimes renewable indefinitely. - Student Visas
Granted to foreigners accepted by an accredited school or university. In countries with less restrictive immigration systems, student visas are processed efficiently once enrollment documents and basic financial proof are submitted. - Business and Investor Visas
Entrepreneurs, investors, and startup founders can often access residency by investing in a business or government fund. Some jurisdictions fast-track these applications, especially when the investment is significant and job creation is promised.
Countries with the Easiest Tourist Visas
1. Thailand
Thailand offers a Visa on Arrival to over 50 nationalities and provides generous extension options without much hassle. Many travelers can also enter visa-free for up to 30 days depending on their passport.
The process is straightforward, and there are now digital platforms for pre-arrival registration to speed things up.
2. Indonesia
Visitors from 40+ countries can obtain a Visa on Arrival valid for 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days.
The visa is inexpensive (around USD 35), requires only a passport and return ticket, and is processed quickly at major airports and seaports.
3. Georgia
Georgia allows visa-free entry to nationals from the EU, and several other regions, with stays of up to 365 days for many. Others can apply for a quick eVisa online.
No income proof or hotel booking is required in most cases, and the country is known for being especially welcoming to tourists and long-term visitors.
4. Turkey
Turkey’s eVisa system is one of the fastest globally. Many applicants receive approval in 24 hours. US, UK, EU, and a broad list of Asian and Latin American countries are eligible.
The application is entirely online, requires minimal documentation, and grants 30 to 90 days of stay depending on nationality.
5. Maldives
Every nationality receives a free 30-day Visa on Arrival. All that’s required is a passport valid for at least 1 month, travel itinerary, accomplished Travel Declaration form, a confirmed return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds or hotel reservation.
There are no complex application procedures, making it one of the most accessible destinations worldwide.
Countries with the Easiest Digital Nomad Visas
1. Barbados – Barbados Welcome Stamp
Barbados was one of the first Caribbean nations to launch a dedicated digital nomad visa in 2020. The Barbados Welcome Stamp allows remote workers and freelancers to live and work on the island for up to 12 months.
The main requirement is proof of an annual income of at least USD 50,000. The application is fully online, processed in about a week, and doesn’t require local sponsorship or tax obligations during your stay.
2. Portugal – D8 Visa / Digital Nomad Visa
Portugal’s D8Visa, introduced in 2022, is the official digital nomad visa designed specifically for remote workers and freelancers.
To qualify, applicants must show proof of at least €3,280 in monthly income (equivalent to four times the Portuguese minimum wage), along with remote employment or self-employment with clients outside Portugal.
The D8 visa allows an initial stay of one year, renewable for up to five years, and includes a pathway to permanent residency and EU citizenship.
Family reunification is allowed, and the application process is relatively straightforward through Portuguese consulates or SEF (now AIMA) offices.
3. Costa Rica – Remote Worker Visa
Applicants must show proof of $3,000/month in income (or $4,000/month if applying with dependents).
The application process is handled digitally through the immigration platform, and approvals are generally faster than traditional residency routes.
Il visa grants a one-year stay with the option to renew for another year.
4. Estonia – Digital Nomad Visa
Estonia was a pioneer in the digital nomad space, launching one of the world’s first formal nomad visas. Applicants must prove they work remotely and earn at least €3,504 per month.
The application process is transparent, with detailed guidelines available online.
The steps are manageable, and Estonia’s digital-first infrastructure is a major draw for remote professionals.
5. Colombia – Digital Nomad Visa
Colombia introduced its digital nomad visa in 2023, and it has quickly become a favorite due to its low income requirement—around USD 995 per month.
Applicants must demonstrate employment with a foreign company or be self-employed abroad.
The visa allows a stay of up to two years and does not impose local tax residency for the first 183 days. Affordable living costs and vibrant urban centers like Medellín add to its appeal.
Countries with the Easiest Retirement Visas
1. Panama (Pensionado Visa)
Panama’s Pensionado Visa is one of the most popular retirement programs globally due to its low entry requirements and generous benefits.
Applicants only need to show a guaranteed lifetime pension of at least $1,000 per month (or $750 if purchasing property worth $100,000 or more).
The visa grants permanent residency from the start, and retirees enjoy perks such as discounts on healthcare, travel, and utilities.
2. Philippines (Special Resident Retiree’s Visa – SRRV)
Il SRRV offers multiple tracks depending on the applicant’s age and financial profile.
For example, retirees aged 50+ with a pension of $800/month can qualify by depositing just $10,000 in a Philippine bank. Alternatively, non-pensioners can qualify through a higher deposit.
The SRRV provides indefinite residency, exemption from exit and re-entry permits, and access to local investments and healthcare.
3. Thailand (O-A Retirement Visa)
Thailand offers an O-A visa for retirees over 50 who can show either 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account or a monthly income of 65,000 THB.
The visa is valid for one year and renewable annually. While applicants must meet health insurance requirements and background checks, the process is relatively straightforward and well-documented.
4. Mexico (Permanent Resident Visa – Retirement Route)
Foreigners can retire in Mexico by applying for a Permanent Resident Visa through a Mexican consulate. This requires proof of monthly income (USD 4,300–4,500) or savings of at least USD 180,000.
Once approved, the visa must be converted to a Permanent Resident Card within 30 days of arrival.
5. Nicaragua (Retiree Residency Program)
Nicaragua’s retiree visa requires proof of pension income as low as $600/month, making it one of the most accessible in Latin America.
Additional benefits include tax exemptions on imported household goods and one duty-free vehicle every five years.
Combined with a very low cost of living, Nicaragua is a viable option for budget-conscious retirees.
Countries with the Easiest Student Visas
1. Germany
Germany is one of the most accessible destinations for international students, especially because public universities often offer tuition-free education.
Student visa requirements are clearly defined and uniformly applied, with relatively straightforward documentation and fast processing times.
2. France
France offers an efficient student visa process for those accepted into recognized higher education institutions.
The application is often processed quickly, and the visa includes part-time work rights (up to 964 hours/year), helping students support themselves while studying.
3. Spain
Once you’re enrolled in an approved Spanish institution, obtaining a student visa is typically uncomplicated.
The visa is renewable annually, and extensions are rarely problematic, especially for full-time degree seekers or language students.
4. Malaysia
Malaysia has centralized its student visa system through the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) platform, making the process highly organized.
The requirements are minimal, and the country is known for its affordable education and living costs, making it a top choice in Asia.
5. Ireland
Ireland’s student visa process is streamlined, especially for English-language programs.
Students can work up to 20 hours per week during term and 40 hours during holidays, which adds flexibility and financial ease.
It’s also a gateway to potential post-study work opportunities.
Countries with the Easiest Business Visa or Investor Visas
1. UAE (Investor Visa)
Il EMIRATI ARABI UNITI offers fast-track residency through investment in mainland or free zone companies.
Forming an LLC or a free zone entity qualifies you for a visa, and many emirates now allow 100% foreign ownership, reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
2. Singapore (EntrePass)
Singapore’s EntrePass is designed for foreign entrepreneurs looking to launch or operate innovative startups in sectors such as tech, R&D, or scalable services.
While there is no minimum paid-up capital required initially, applicants must present a compelling business plan and meet criteria such as being supported by a government-recognized startup incubator or having intellectual property.
The EntrePass is ideal for founders aiming to build a regional base in Singapore’s business-friendly and well-regulated environment.
3. Georgia
Georgia is one of the most accessible countries for business migrants. Company registration is quick, often within a day, and foreign business owners can easily obtain residency permits, with few financial or bureaucratic barriers.
4. Latvia
Lettonia grants residency for a low business investment starting at €50,000 in a local company, plus a government fee. The visa approval process is relatively fast, and it offers a Schengen-zone residency pathway.
5. Paraguay (Residency by Investment or Startup)
Paraguay now offers temporary residency valid for two years, with no minimum investment required.
After this period, it can be converted into permanent residency. For faster permanent residency, investors can apply through the SUACE program by investing around USD 70,000 and submitting a basic business plan.
The process is streamlined and cost-effective, appealing to those seeking long-term relocation with minimal red tape.
Easiest Visa-Free, Visa-on-Arrival, and eVisa Countries (By Passport Access)
For travelers seeking short stays with minimal paperwork, these countries offer the broadest access via visa-free, visa-on-arrival (VoA), or eVisa arrangements.
According to Arton Capital Passport Index, here are some of the easiest destinations for the majority of passport holders:
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Ranked #1 globally, UAE citizens enjoy access to nearly all countries with minimal restrictions.
- Spagna – Strong EU passport with extensive visa-free and eVisa privileges.
- Group of Western European Countries – Includes Singapore, France, Germany, Belgium, Finland, Italy, Denmark, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Portugal, Switzerland, Austria, Greece, Norway, Ireland.
- Sweden, Poland, Hungary, South Korea – Solid rankings and broad access.
- Czech Republic, Estonia, Croatia, Slovakia, Japan, Liechtenstein – Expansive visa-free networks with modern eVisa systems.
- Slovenia, Latvia, New Zealand – Trusted global passports with generous mobility.
- Malta, Lithuania, Romania, Bulgaria, Iceland – EU-aligned systems and good regional access.
- Cyprus, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Canada, Australia – Well-established travel access with strong eVisa options.
- United States of America – Though lower in rank compared to previous years, the US still offers significant travel freedom and remains accessible to travelers under various waiver or consular visa programs.
- Monaco – Though small, Monaco has excellent visa accessibility due to its association with France and the Schengen area.
Conclusione
The easiest visas to get depend on your nationality, reason for travel, and financial profile.
For most, tourist or visa-on-arrival options offer the simplest access.
However, nomadi digitali, retirees, and business owners have an increasing number of low-barrier, long-term visa options globally.
A strategic approach—matching your profile to the visa type—can open doors with minimal hassle.
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Adam è un autore riconosciuto a livello internazionale in materia finanziaria con oltre 830 milioni di visualizzazioni di risposte su Quora, un libro molto venduto su Amazon e un contributo su Forbes.
