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Head to head

Cape Verde vs Mexico: the digital nomad visas compared

Verified data Last verified June 10, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Cape Verde has the lower entry bar: €1,500 per month versus €3,955 for Mexico.
  • Mexico grants a longer initial stay (12 months vs 6), and it is renewable.
  • Only Mexico offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
  • Tax treatment differs: Cape Verde — foreign income exempt; Mexico — standard resident taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Cape Verde Remote Working Program and the Mexico RT.
Criteria Cape Verde Remote Working Program Mexico RT
Minimum income / month €1,500 (better) €3,955
Income basis Savings accepted Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 6 months 1 year (better)
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 1 year 4 years
Path to permanent residence No Yes (better)
Path to citizenship No Via permanent residence
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Limited
Tax treatment Foreign income exempt (Remote Working Program tax exemption (foreign-source income)) Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit) Not required
Insurance duration required Full visa period —
Application fee ≈ €20 (better) ≈ €48.50
Where to apply Online Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time 2 weeks 0.2–2 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Cape Verde Remote Working Program →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Mexico RT →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Don't forget insurance

Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.

Insurance for Cape Verde → Insurance for Mexico →

Sources