THIS WEEK ABROAD
France took a brief respite from its political crisis to—you guessed it—raise taxes on expats.
For those expats who hate paperwork, we also have nine easy digital nomad visas for 2026.
Let’s dive in.👇
Must-Know News
FRANCE TO U.S. EXPATS: SAY ADIEU TO FREE HEALTHCARE
Last week, something incredible happened in France: the government was actually able to agree on something.
In this case, the National Assembly united to charge (primarily American) expats a new fee to access the healthcare system.
What Happened
Up until now, Americans could access the national health system, PUMa, after just three months of residency without making any financial contribution. The arrangement had become a political target as the number of U.S. retirees in France continues to grow.
How Much It Will Cost
The government has not finalized the exact amount, but early estimates place the yearly fee somewhere between 600 and 800 euros. The National Assembly approved the measure by a large majority, and the final details will be set by a government decree expected in early 2026.
Some nationalities will be exempt if their countries have social-security agreements with France, but the United States is not on that list.
Residency Radar
9 EASIEST DIGITAL NOMAD VISAS AVAILABLE FOR 2026
In recent years, dozens of countries have rolled out digital nomad visas. But as many nomads and expats have discovered, actually getting one of these coveted permits isn't easy.
Many involve miles of red tape, high fees, and minimum income requirements put them out of reach. (Reddit is full of stories of nomads in Spain who ended up hiring a local lawyer to help them navigate the process.)
But there are visas that are surprisingly easy to get.
Here at Savvy Nomad, we identified nine digital nomad visas with low application fees, low income thresholds, and minimal paperwork requirements.
Thailand
1-year visa (~$275). No income requirement. Paperwork: proof of remote work (contracts or client letters) and bank statements.
Colombia
Up to 2 years (~$177). Income: ~$900/month. Paperwork: proof of income or contracts, health insurance, clean criminal record, and occasionally proof of accommodation.
Costa Rica
1–2 years (~$190). Income: $3,000/month. Paperwork: income statements or contracts, health insurance, background check, valid passport.
Uruguay
6–12 months (~$10). No income requirement. Paperwork: passport, proof of solvency, health insurance, clean criminal record.
Saint Lucia
1 year (~$75). No income requirement. Paperwork: passport, background check, health insurance, short letter of intent.
Malta
1 year (~$357). Income: $3,300/month. Paperwork: proof of remote income or employer contract, criminal record check, health insurance, proof of accommodation.
Abu Dhabi
1–2 years (~$287). Income: $3,500/month. Paperwork: employment contract or proof of business ownership, bank statements, health insurance, clean criminal record, valid passport.
Georgia
1 year (~$20). Income: ~$2,000/month. Paperwork: proof of income, bank statements, health insurance, background check.
Mauritius
1 year (free). No income requirement. Paperwork: passport, proof of remote work or freelance activity, health insurance, clean record.
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