When we started this journey, we had one goal in mind: to give a few places a shot without committing to any one of them. We didn’t want to plant roots too quickly, fearing that doing so might keep us from experiencing what other locations had to offer. Since then, we’ve traveled thoroughly through South America. We chose this region because, after spending plenty of time in Central America, it felt like a natural next step. It was comfortable enough to ease the transition but still close to the U.S. in case we needed to return.

Now, as we approach our one-year mark of living abroad, we’re faced with a new dilemma: do we continue on the path of being “digital nomads,” or are we ready to turn this into an immigration story? For us, being a digital nomad is temporary, something you do for six months to a year. Like countless other travelers, we’ve worn this label because it fits the rhythm of moving from place to place. But here’s the thing: digital nomad life often means skimming the surface of a culture. You learn the basics like social cues and cultural norms, but you’re also surrounded by other nomads. That can make it feel like you’re not fully immersing yourself in the essence of the place.

From our perspective, a digital nomad is someone who chooses not to stake a flag in one geographical location. Instead, there’s usually a “home base,” often in a country with a lower cost of living, that allows for more freedom to travel, save, or invest. At times, this lifestyle can feel like living in a holding container. You belong everywhere, and at the same time, nowhere. Immigration, on the other hand, carries weight. It means seeking better horizons in a place outside your home country, sometimes for safety, sometimes for financial opportunity, and sometimes for both.

For us, immigration would mean more than just living somewhere new. It would mean choosing to adapt, to contribute, and to invest. Because if we’re being honest, travelers often take more than they give. Yes, we support local businesses, but how often do we truly feed into the community? How often do we immerse ourselves without expecting the culture to bend to our preferences? We wrestled with this in Mexico. At first, we searched for familiarity in an unfamiliar place. That was a wake-up call, one we’ve since tried to approach differently, with more intention.

So now the question becomes: do we pursue formal residency? Do we invest in a country the way an immigrant would, or keep things flexible with a nomad residency visa? The differences aren’t small. Residency can mean upfront costs like lawyers or property purchases. The nomad visa offers more flexibility but comes with restrictions, such as being limited to only three months of travel per year during the first 22 months. For where we’re at right now, that feels like a tough trade-off.

Has anyone else had this dilemma? What influenced your choice between pursuing residency and continuing life as a nomad? We’d love to hear how your story unfolded!