South America
Venezuela offers visa-free access to citizens of many countries for up to 90 days, extendable once for an additional 90 days. IMPORTANT: All major governments issue Level 4 Do Not Travel advisories for Venezuela due to high crime rates, political instability, arbitrary detention risks, and severe shortages of food, water, medicine, and gasoline. Venezuela does not have a digital nomad visa program. The country has experienced significant economic challenges but has seen some improvement in 2024-2025 with de facto dollarization. Internet infrastructure is highly variable with private fiber providers offering 100-300 Mbps in major cities while state-run CANTV provides much slower service. Banking for foreigners is extremely difficult due to strict regulations requiring Venezuelan citizenship for most accounts.
Visa requirements vary by nationality
Citizens of visa-exempt countries arriving by air receive a DEX-2 tourist card valid for 90 days, extendable once for 90 days at a SAIME office (except Bolivian and Colombian nationals). For longer stays, a formal tourist visa from an embassy is required.
Venezuela has no digital nomad visa. Working (paid or unpaid) officially requires a work visa. Remote work for a foreign employer is not explicitly addressed in law, placing it in a legal grey area.
Extension: 90 days (max 1x)
Cost: Free
Process: Apply at any SAIME office before tourist card expires. Bring passport, tourist card, and proof of funds. Extension not available to Bolivian or Colombian nationals. Processing is typically same day but can vary.
Renewal: After using the extension, you must leave Venezuela. A new tourist card requires exiting and re-entering the country.
Individuals present in Venezuela for more than 183 days in a fiscal year become tax residents and are subject to tax on worldwide income.
Temporary residence visa for individuals with a stable foreign income of at least $1,200 USD per month. Valid for one year, renewable indefinitely. Pathway to permanent residency after two years.
Minimum $1,200/per_month
Alternative: Pension, rental income, investment returns, or any other legal form of stable foreign-source income. Additional $500 USD per month required for each dependent.
The Rentista visa is designed for those living off foreign income. While it does not explicitly authorize employment in Venezuela, holders live off foreign-source income which may include remote work earnings. This places remote work in a legal grey area.
Extension: 365 days (max x)
Cost: Free
Process: Renewable annually at SAIME with updated proof of continued foreign income. Must apply before current visa expires.
Renewal: Renewable indefinitely as long as income requirements are met. After two years of continuous temporary residence, may apply for permanent resident visa (valid 5 years).
Individuals present more than 183 days become tax residents subject to worldwide income tax. Foreign-source income used to qualify for the visa may be subject to Venezuelan taxation.
Required for nationals who do not qualify for visa-free entry, or those arriving overland/by sea. Applied at Venezuelan embassies/consulates before travel. US citizens must apply at the Venezuelan Embassy in Mexico City as US diplomatic missions in Venezuela are closed.
Venezuela has no digital nomad visa. Working (paid or unpaid) officially requires a work visa. Remote work for a foreign employer is not explicitly addressed in law, placing it in a legal grey area.
Individuals present in Venezuela for more than 183 days in a fiscal year become tax residents and are subject to tax on worldwide income.
Transient business visa for executives, representatives, and entrepreneurs conducting commercial, mercantile, or financial activities without migrating to Venezuela.
TR-N visa is strictly for business activities such as meetings, negotiations, and commercial dealings. It does not permit employment or remote work.
Individuals present more than 183 days become tax residents. However, TR-N maximum stay of 180 days per year typically keeps holders below this threshold.
Required for foreign nationals employed by Venezuelan companies. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit approval from Ministry of Labor. Valid for one year with indefinite extensions.
TR-L visa is tied to a specific Venezuelan employer. The holder may only work for the sponsoring company. Freelance or remote work for foreign employers is not authorized under this visa.
TR-L holders residing more than 183 days become tax residents subject to worldwide income tax. Venezuelan labor law caps foreign employees at 10% of total workforce and 20% of total payroll.
Permanent residence visa for foreigners who have held a TR-L or TR-F visa for at least one continuous year. Valid for five years and renewable. Grants long-term stay and full work authorization.
Resident visa holders have full work authorization in Venezuela, including self-employment. No separate work permit is required.
Resident visa holders are tax residents subject to Venezuelan income tax on worldwide income.
Transient family visa for spouse, unmarried children under 18, parents, and parents-in-law of TR-L work visa holders or Venezuelan nationals.
TR-F holders cannot work in Venezuela without obtaining their own separate work permit (TR-L visa).
Individuals present more than 183 days become tax residents subject to worldwide income tax.
Student visa (TR-E) for foreign nationals enrolled in Venezuelan educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter from a recognized Venezuelan institution. Valid for one year, renewable for the duration of studies.
Student visa holders may work limited hours with special authorization, but remote work for foreign employers is not explicitly permitted.
Students present more than 183 days become tax residents subject to worldwide income tax.
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025