Cheapest Countries to Live In (2023)

Are you looking for a way to reduce your living expenses and enjoy a different culture at the same time? If so, you might want to consider moving to one of the cheapest countries to live in in 2023.

In this article, I show you some of the most affordable places in the world, where you can get live on a low budget yet still enjoy a quality of life. I will also give you some tips on how to apply for a visa and what documents you will need.

Cheapest Countries to Live In

Source: rnn.ng

List of Cheapest Countries To Live In With Their Corresponding Average Monthly Living Expenses

Here are some of the cheapest countries to live in in 2023, according to different sources, along with their estimated average monthly living costs (including rent, food, transportation, utilities, and entertainment):

  • Vietnam: $430
  • Portugal: $1,000
  • Mexico: $500
  • Malaysia: $600
  • South Africa: $800
  • Indonesia: $400
  • Costa Rica: $900
  • Ecuador: $700
  • Bulgaria: $700
  • Philippines: $600

Of course, these are only rough estimates and your actual costs may vary depending on your lifestyle, location, and preferences. However, they give you an idea of how much cheaper it can be to live in these countries compared to more expensive ones like the US or Canada.

Eligibility

To live in any of these countries for more than a few months, you will need a valid visa that allows you to stay legally. The type and requirements of a visa may differ depending on your nationality, purpose of stay, duration of stay, and other factors. Therefore, it is important to check with the embassy or consulate of your destination country before you plan your move.

Types of Visas Granted

Generally speaking, some common types of visas that allow you to live abroad in any of the cheapest countries are:

  1. Work visa: This is for people who have a job offer or contract from an employer in the destination country. You will need to provide proof of your qualifications, skills, experience, and income.
  2. Student visa: This is for people who want to study at an educational institution in the destination country. You will need to provide proof of your enrollment, academic records, financial means, and health insurance.
  3. Retirement visa: This is for people who want to retire in the destination country. You will need to provide proof of your pension or savings income that meets a certain threshold set by the destination country.
  4. Family visa: This is for people who have a spouse or relative who is a citizen or permanent resident of the destination country. You will need to provide proof of your relationship and financial support.
  5. Business visa: This is for people who want to start or invest in a business in the destination country. You will need to provide proof of your business plan, capital investment, and economic benefits.

Documents Required

Although the cheapest countries to live in, you still have to do some paperwork before you can be allowed into these countries. When applying for a stay in these countries, there are several important documentary requirements that you must meet. The following documents are typically required:

  1. Passport
  2. Visa application form
  3. Photographs
  4. Proof of income

Application Process

To apply to stay in any of these cheapest countries to live in, regarding applying for a visa, here is the process to follow:

  • Research the visa requirements, fees, processing times, and validity periods for your chosen destination country and type of visa on the embassy or consulate’s official website.
  • Gather all required documents and make copies of them.
  • Apply for the visa online, by mail, or in person at the embassy or consulate.
  • Prepare for an interview with a consular officer (if required) by demonstrating your purpose of travel, ties to your home country, and ability to support yourself during your stay.
  • Wait for a decision on your visa, which may take varying amounts of time.
  • Receive your visa by mail or pick-up at the embassy or consulate, and check it carefully for any errors.

Post-Application Processes (interview booking, attending the interview, etc.)

After you receive your visa, you are not guaranteed entry to the destination country. You will still need to go through immigration and customs inspection at the port of entry. You should be prepared to show your passport, visa, return ticket, proof of funds, and any other documents that may be required by the immigration officer. You should also answer any questions truthfully and politely.

Approval Duration/Time

The approval duration or time of your visa depends on the destination country and type of visa. Some visas may be valid for multiple years and allow multiple entries, while others may be valid for a single entry and a short period. You should check your visa carefully to see how long you can stay in the destination country and when you need to leave. You should not overstay your visa or violate its terms and conditions.

Why Your Visa May Be Denied

There are many reasons why your visa may be denied by the destination country. Some common reasons are:

  1. Incomplete or incorrect application: If you fail to provide all the required documents, information, or fees, or if you make any errors or false statements on your application, your visa may be denied.
  2. Insufficient funds: If you cannot show that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay, your visa may be denied.
  3. Criminal record: If you have a criminal record or pending charges in any country, your visa may be denied.
  4. Security risk: If you pose a security risk to the destination country due to your background, associations, or activities, your visa may be denied.
  5. Immigration violation: If you have previously violated any immigration laws or overstayed any visas in any country, your visa may be denied.

Conclusion

There are numerous cheap or highly affordable countries to live in today and some of the cheapest countries to live in have been examined in this article. In 2023, living in one of the cheapest countries requires a visa. So research the visa requirements, fees, processing times, and validity periods for your destination country and visa type. Gather all the necessary documents, apply online, by mail, or in person, pay the visa application fee, schedule an interview if necessary, wait for a visa decision, and pick up or mail your visa

Leave a Comment