Many U.S. and European expats are heading South of the border in pursuit of the paradise that can be found in many Latin American countries. The pace of life suits tiny house folks well because it’s more laid back and community centric than other parts of the world.
It’s also a part of the world where cost of living is less. You’ll find the simple life more affordable, government regulations are more relaxed, property taxes are lower, and the quality of life is regarded as higher by many expats.
Hi, I’m Ryan
My love of tiny houses started by seeking freedom — and that’s exactly why they are becoming a very popular option for many. My tiny house has changed my life by giving me an affordable home to work from without being locationally restrained, and it’s doing the same thing for many others seeking the same.
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Living In A Tiny House In Latin America
With remote work becoming the norm in the lives of millions in recent years, it has opened doors for traveling freely while on the clock. Young adults are able to country hop while simultaneously crunching numbers for their corporate jobs. Maybe we can finally have it all!
Central America, South America, and the Caribbean are alluring to young working expatriates and retirees alike who have a hunger for cultural immersion. My travel south of the border has been a bit limited, but I’ve heard from friends who have loved being in this part of the world.
However, you also may need to face the reality of language barriers, fewer regulations and government aid, and a slower pace which can affect things like paperwork turnaround and access to amenities.
There’s a lot to consider when trying to decipher if tiny living in Latin America is for you.
Why Live In A Tiny House In Latin America?
I had the opportunity to speak with Patrick Hiebert of EcoVillages.Life to learn more about why living in a tiny house is a popular choice for those moving to Latin America. Patrick mentioned the following reasons as the top pulls for tiny homes in Latin America:
Benefits to Living in Latin America:
- Lowered cost of living
- Less upkeep in your house
- Outdoor living spaces
- Free time to do more
- Affordable ownership
Tiny houses are a phenomenal option for anyone seeking freedom, simplicity, and a more affordable, locationally independent lifestyle. However, not all tiny house builders and developers in Latin America will match the quality standards of EcoVillages.Life, so it’s important to do your own research.
An Expat Guide To Tiny Houses in Central America
Many Latin American countries don’t have building laws and regulations that address tiny houses specifically, but that doesn’t mean tiny house life isn’t possible in the area. Take a look at each country to see where tiny house living is most accessible.
Tiny Houses In Mexico
Mexican culture has undergone a fairly substantial transformation in the recent decade and is a highly popular destination for vacationers as well as expatriates and retirees.
Expats may choose Mexico for many reasons, including nice weather, lively culture, and good food. The country is also known for a lower cost of living and affordable health care.
Mexico has definitely taken to the tiny-living trend. You can check out Tiny House Mexico on Facebook to connect with others who want to enjoy tiny living.
The country has several tiny houses to experience staying in. Building laws for the country of Mexico do not address tiny homes specifically, but they are more advanced than other Latin American countries.
Tiny Houses For Rent In Mexico
Tiny Houses In Guatemala
Expats often move to Guatemala to enjoy beautiful, expansive rural areas where the cost of living can be dramatically lower than many other countries in the world.
Keep in mind that the wealth gap and social stratification in Guatemala is stark. It is not uncommon to pass by impoverished areas sitting directly next to affluent areas. This dynamic is part of the give and take of going abroad and might be an opportunity for giving back.
Guatemala does not have any kind of national building code, however residential construction is regulated by their Federal Housing Administration, which can be accessed online.
Tiny Houses For Rent In Guatemala
Tiny Houses In Honduras
There are many benefits to being in expat in Honduras — community, culture and festivities, low taxes, and moderate property ownership regulations, to name a few.
Hondurans are quite family oriented. Family life and camaraderie is central to their culture, and there is a strong emphasis on family loyalty. Not only are family ties key to social culture, but they often show up in business and government as well. In short, family comes above all else.
Unlike many other countries, expats in Honduras are granted the same rights of ownership as any Honduran citizen, making it fairly easy to obtain permanent residency status. This makes Honduras a very attractive move for expats.
Beyond that, tiny house culture is growing in Honduras, and there are even several Eco Villages that can give you a quality tiny-living experience.
Building laws for the country of Honduras are developed, they have their own built-out code.
Tiny Houses For Rent In Honduras
Tiny Houses In Nicaragua
Nicaragua offers the lowest cost of living in Central America. It is known for its rich culture with very friendly people, relaxing beaches, and real estate investment opportunities.
Tiny houses are also up and coming in Nicaragua. Check out these Eco Villages for a dreamy tiny-living experience. Check out Tiny House Nicaragua on Facebook to follow the builders in the country.
Building regulations in Nicaragua are issued by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and are available in the online library.
Tiny Houses For Rent In Nicaragua
Tiny Houses In El Salvador
Merely a four-hour plane ride from the U.S., El Salvador is Central America’s smallest nation by size but also has the densest population. Salvadoran culture is made up of a mix of Native American and Latin American cultures that are still prominent in the country today.
There are many reasons why one might desire to be an expat in El Salvador — beautiful tropical weather, a low cost of living, expansive Pacific Ocean beaches, and kind, accepting people are a few.
Another huge advantage for American expats and remote workers is that the country uses U.S. dollars, which helps with inflation.
Unfortunately, tiny house culture isn’t yet popular in El Salvador. Access building laws and regulations are unclear, but try parsing through the International Code Council online documents to do your own research.
Tiny Houses In Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a go-to choice for many expats, as living in the country comes with plenty of upsides. An extremely low crime rate, tropical weather, and numerous outdoor experiences make it an ideal place for many. When I visited years back, I remember playing tag football with a coconut for hours on the beach!
Costa Rica is often ranked one of the best Central American countries to live abroad thanks to accessible visas that allow expats to live in the country long term without proof of a steady job.
However, in order to obtain a visa, you will need to prove adequate savings or proof of a pension.
The country is also a popular spot for tourism. The influx of people in many of the must-see spots can get tiring for some expatriates. However, a plus side to the tourist craze is that the value of building property in the country has risen — there’s a lot of money in tourism throughout Costa Rica.
Tiny house life in Costa Rica has become more popular in the past few years. There are many vacation spots throughout the country like Tiny Homes Costa Rica, a tiny house micro farm near the beach.
Buying and building in Costa Rica has a lot of hoops to jump through, but the great thing for those looking to do so is that those hoops are clearly and directly defined.
There is a licensing body for Architects and Engineers, which also sets standards for the fees you’ll need to pay and permits you must obtain to start building. Get more information about building property in Costa Rica here.
Tiny Houses For Rent In Costa Rica
Tiny Houses In Panama
Residents of Panama benefit from a relatively low cost of living, simple residency laws, and beautifully warm weather. The country is a common pick for expatriates because it has infrastructure and amenities that more closely mirror North America than many other Central American countries.
Tiny life in Panama is growing. Builder regulations are less controlled than in the U.S. The permit process can take some time, but that doesn’t mean its not worth attempting. Get more information about real estate development in Panama here.
Tiny Houses For Rent In Panama
Tiny Houses In Belize
Reasons people are attracted to life in Belize certainly include the gorgeous beaches and tropical jungles, but what sets it apart from other Central American countries is how easily accessible everything is!
As an expatriate in the country, you have the freedom to live there with only a tourist card. This is incredibly enticing to those who want to live on the beach long term without applying for a visa.
Additionally, you can apply for permanent residence in Belize after only one year of living there, which is fairly quick compared to other places.
Belize is a gorgeous and desirable location, but it does have a higher crime rate. The vast majority of residents live near or in a village or town to avoid the more dangerous areas of the country.
A recommendation for life in Belize is to stay where there is a police presence, lighted roads, other people, and avoid the need to travel alone late at night!
Belize is pretty advanced when it comes to tiny house living. There are several tiny house communities and developers throughout the country. The country has specific building codes and an advanced process to obtain building permits.
Tiny Houses For Rent In Belize
An Expat Guide To Tiny Houses in South America
Even farther south, there are also many countries in South America that can provide a relaxed lifestyle, established expat communities, welcoming natives, good health care, and a warm climate.
Many of these countries don’t have building laws and regulations that address tiny houses specifically, but that doesn’t mean living in a tiny house isn’t possible in the area. Let’s take a look at South America country by country to see where the tiny life is most accessible.
Tiny Houses In Argentina
The major selling point for life in Argentina is an amazing climate. Living in Argentina can bring you the social and cultural benefits of South American life without the stark shift in weather you’ll notice in more centrally located countries. The weather is closer to that of Europe or the U.S., which can be a major plus!
One common deterrent for many is the language barrier. Argentineans speak a unique Spanish dialect that sounds different from many other Spanish-speaking countries and uses different verb forms. However, many say it is actually easier to catch on and learn quickly, so don’t worry too much!
Tiny house culture in Argentina is growing tremendously. There are even several builders and developers in the country, like Tiny House Argentina, that can help you build a tiny house you love.
Argentina’s building codes are issued by the National Institute of Industrial Technology under the Ministry of Production.
Tiny Houses For Rent In Argentina
Tiny Houses In Bolivia
Bolivia is alluring to American expats because of the affectionate lifestyles of its people. Bolivians tend to be more laid back about virtually everything, especially time and punctuality. If you’re seeking a polychronic life away from the American hustle, you might enjoy moving to Bolivia.
Bolivians are known for being friendly, welcoming, and kind. They are a physical people, saying hello to everyone they meet and greeting them with a hug and kiss.
However, Bolivia is also one of the poorest and most underdeveloped countries in South America. The quality of medical care, public transportation, and access to goods and services will not compare to the U.S. But on the flip side, an astronomically low cost of living means almost everything is affordable.
Crime is also an issue, though the country has become safer and more peaceful in the past decade.
Tiny house culture is also growing in Bolivia, with builders like Tiny House Bolivia joining the ranks. Building laws for the country are moderately developed but do not yet include information that is specific to tiny house culture.
Tiny Houses For Rent In Bolivia
Tiny Houses In Brazil
Brazil is another common expatriate hotspot. It has a rich cultural heritage, many tropical beaches, delicious food, a fast-paced lifestyle, and affectionate, welcoming locals.
Brazil’s largest city, Sao Paulo, has the largest community of expats living, working, and socializing.
U.S. and Canadian citizens require a visa to enter Brazil both as a tourist or as a permanent resident. The tourist visa is a lot easier to obtain and is good for up to five years. If you’re looking to become a permanent resident of Brazil, though, you’ll need to obtain either a retiree or investor’s visa, which are both more of a process.
Tiny house life is actively growing in Brazil. Applications for building permits are made to the Town Hall Housing Secretary at whatever town hall is nearest to where the building will take place. Find information on the website for whichever town hall is in the area you wish to reside.
Tiny Houses For Rent In Brazil
Tiny Houses In Chile
Chile has the strongest economy, highest standard of living, and lowest poverty level in South America. This is highly alluring to expatriates looking for the benefits of South American culture without sacrificing their quality of life.
In Chile, you can safely drink water from any tap, which isn’t the case in many South American countries, and you’ll have access to modern telephone and cell service, high-speed Internet, and cable television.
Chile maintains a relatively affordable cost of living. It also provides some of the best medical care in South America!
The general lifestyle is slower and more laid back than in countries like Brazil, and may be a better fit for older retirees or those looking to work remotely and relax.
As you can imagine, tiny house living in Chile is becoming very popular! Builders like Tiny House Chile and many others can help you create a tiny home you love. Building codes are highly developed and regulated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, and are published online.
Tiny Houses For Rent In Chile
Tiny Houses In Colombia
Colombia isn’t as popular for expatriates as other South American countries right now, but it is certainly up and coming.
The country has a very low cost of living, low crime rate, friendly people, affordable health care, and is currently on track for a full-blown economic revival. It also has a rich foodie culture that’s great for expats seeking a variety of cuisines.
Thanks to all this momentum, the tiny house business in Colombia is growing.
Building laws in Colombia are among the most advanced in South America. Refer to the Colombian Building Code (NSR-10) to figure out how to buy and build your own property in Colombia.
Government officials are in the process of creating the NSR-20, which references to the 2018 International Building Code and U.S.-developed international standards. They are also creating a Colombian Plumbing Code (NTC-1500), based on the 2009 International Plumbing Code.
Tiny Houses For Rent In Columbia
Tiny Houses In Ecuador
Ecuador is an extremely popular country for expats — in fact, an Insider survey ranked it 8 out of 64 of the most popular countries for expatriates worldwide.
So, why is Ecuador so beloved? For starters, the people in Ecuador are friendly and kind, not only toward locals but also toward foreigners. Expats can coexist with the locals in a way that doesn’t include any ostracization.
Tiny houses, granny flats, and ADUs have become extremely popular in Ecuador for tourists, expats, and natives alike. It’s a great country to build the tiny house of your dreams with the help of builders like Ecuador Tiny Houses.
The 2000 Building Code of Ecuador was written by referencing the U.S.-developed international standards and shares a lot of commonalities with U.S. building codes.
Tiny Houses For Rent In Ecuador
Tiny Houses In Guyana
Guyana has many benefits for travelers and expats alike. The country is often recognized for its gorgeous natural landscape and popular outdoor tourist attractions. It’s capital city, Georgetown, is lively and engaging, filled with nightlife, shopping, and dining opportunities galore.
Guyana doesn’t have a very popular tiny house culture yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t build your own! The National Building Codes are developed by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards and can be found online.
Tiny Houses For Rent In Guyana
Tiny Houses In Paraguay
Life in Paraguay is adored by some and less so by others. A huge draw for moving to Paraguay is the low cost of living, a stable economy, and extremely low taxes.
As far as building codes go, Paraguay does not have a unanimous building law that is published and accessible, and where to access one if it does exist is unclear. Tiny house life is just not a big trend in Paraguay right now.
Tiny Houses For Rent In Paraguay
Tiny Houses In Peru
Peru is home to a large expatriate and retiree community. Its low cost of living, very low crime rates, inexpensive health care, gorgeous weather, and kind citizens are all major pulls for the country.
Tiny houses in Peru are becoming more popular all the time. The National Building Regulations of Peru are the responsibility of the Ministry of Housing and can be read online.
Tiny Houses For Rent In Peru
Tiny Houses In Venezuela
Venezuela is another common destination for expats. Most people in Venezuela can be found living in cities like Caracas, Puerto La Cruz, Maracaibo, and Valencia.
Tiny houses and eco cabanas are a hot commodity in Venezuela today. Where to access building laws and regulations for the country of Venezuela is unclear, but try parsing through the International Code Council online documents to do your own research.
An Expat Guide To Tiny Houses In The Caribbean
It’s not surprising that many expatriates and retirees are drawn to the peaceful islander life that the Caribbean provides. Tiny houses have become significantly more popular in the Caribbean over the past 10 years for expats, locals, and vacationers alike.
Many countries don’t have building laws and regulations that address tiny houses specifically, but that doesn’t mean tiny house living isn’t possible in the area. There is, however, a unanimous building code for Eastern Caribbean states created in 1992. It can be helpful if you’re looking to build tiny in the Caribbean, as many countries still refer to this code.
Let’s take a look at the Caribbean region country by country to see where tiny house life is most accessible.
Tiny Houses In Antigua And Barbuda
The nation of Antigua and Barbuda is a common vacation spot for tourists visiting the Caribbean. It’s also recently become popularized as a hub for expatriates thanks to the creation of its competitive citizenship by investment scheme, which grants expats passports in exchange for investing in the country in some form.
As one of the most up-and-coming destinations for travelers everywhere, Antigua and Barbuda are an ideal pair of islands for those who seek a relaxing and tranquil lifestyle.
Lately, tiny houses have become more popular for vacationers in Antigua and Barbuda. See building laws for the country of Antigua for more information.
Tiny Houses For Rent In Antigua and Barbuda
Tiny Houses In The Bahamas
While you might think the Bahamas primarily serve as a tourist highlight, expats in particular like it because foreigners are regarded as part of the community. This can be rare when making the decision to live abroad.
The country is full of beautiful beaches, nightclubs, resorts, spas, and casinos, particularly in larger cities like Grand Bahama and Nassau. There are also many outdoor experiences like caves, plantations, and remote villages.
Thanks to the tourism industry, tiny living is huge in the Bahamas. See building laws for the Bahamas for more information.
Tiny Houses For Rent In Bahamas
Tiny Houses In Barbados
Barbados is highly friendly to expatriates and is one of the easiest countries to move to in the Caribbean. The country has recently introduced the 12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp that enables people to easily live and work on the island for up to 12 months!
Residents and tourists alike love Barbados because of its beautiful warm weather, friendly social culture, abundant water sports, and hidden secret beaches. However, the cost of living on the island is relatively high when compared to the U.S.
Building laws in Barbados are controlled by the Barbados National Standards Institution, but are not available online to the public. Email a representative if you are interested in buying or building property in Barbados.
Tiny Houses For Rent In Barbados
Tiny Houses In Cuba
Moving to Cuba as an expatriate is a bit of a risk. Many are deterred by its political uncertainly and communist history, so the population of U.S. natives who have moved to Cuba is fairly low.
Tiny house life isn’t as popular in Cuba. As far as building codes go, the country doesn’t have a unanimous building law that is published and accessible, and where to access one if it does exist is unclear.
Tiny Houses In Dominica
One of the major pluses of living in Dominica is the low cost of living. Housing and local food are relatively cheap when compared to the U.S.
To relocate to Dominica as an American, you’ll need to apply for a tourist, investor, work, or temporary residency visa. There is also a Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program for those who are looking to relocate permanently and gain full citizenship quickly.
Dominica refers to the OECS building code for Eastern Caribbean States which you can use to inform whether or not you can build your own tiny home in the country.
Tiny Houses For Rent In Dominica
Tiny Houses In The Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is an alluring place to live for several reasons. For one, health care in the Dominican is among the most advanced of any country in the Caribbean. Additionally. the cost of living is much lower than in North America and Europe.
The large majority of Dominicans are warm and compassionate towards expatriates, but there are some areas that have a higher crime rate. Petty crime in particular, like pickpocketing and robbery, takes place across many areas of the country.
Tiny houses have become more popular in the Dominican Republic over the last few years. Building laws for are managed by the Ministry of Public Works and Communications but are not available for free online.
Tiny Houses For Rent In Dominican Republic
Tiny Houses In Grenada
Grenada has a semi-large population of expatriates from the UK and North America that has increased significantly in the past few years. People are attracted to Grenada due to its natural beauty and extremely low crime rate.
A U.S. citizen looking to live in Grenada for longer than three consecutive months will have to apply for an extension visa and will not yet be considered a permanent resident. However, a U.S. citizen who has legally lived in Grenada for more than two years is then able to apply for permanent residency.
Tiny Houses For Rent In Grenada
Tiny Houses In Haiti
Living in Haiti as an expatriate from the U.S. or the UK can be a challenge for those used to certain luxuries and amenities. Many long-term travelers report quite a bit of culture shock when they make the move.
Yet many travelers and expatriates speak extremely highly of the people of Haiti. They describe them as hospitable and kind, and note that they make a genuine effort to get to know outsiders.
Haiti does not currently have an official building code for its citizens or expatriates looking to build tiny homes.
Tiny Houses In Jamaica
As you probably know, Jamaica is a popular vacation destination. People are attracted to the island due to its cultural diversity, warm climate, and luxurious beaches. Many expats choose to live there due to its affordability.
Americans can stay in Jamaica for up to six months without a visa, which is great for those who simply want to experience the beauty the island has to offer short term. If you fall in love with Jamaica and want to live there longer than six months, you will need to apply for residency status.
Tourism is big in Jamaica, which is why tiny house culture is also becoming more popular in the country. You can even build your own tiny home in Jamacia. In 2018, the Jamaica Building Act was updated to include more types of housing and other addendums to match modern life.
Tiny Houses For Rent In Jamaica
Tiny Houses In St. Kitts and Nevis
The two-island nation of St Kitts and Nevis attracts expats with its beauty, rare volcanic formations, and luxurious beaches. The islands are chock-full of natural beauty and fun activities.
There are three legal options for becoming a resident: permanent residency, citizenship by investment, and citizenship by naturalization. The country also uses the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program, which allows outstanding individuals and their families to get a St Kitts and Nevis passport, providing that an investment of at least $150,000 is made in the country.
More tiny houses are being built right now in St. Kitts and Nevis than ever. The country refers to the OECS building code for Eastern Caribbean States.
Tiny Houses For Rent In St. Kitts and Nevis
Tiny Houses In St. Lucia
St. Lucia is known far and wide for its gorgeous scenic landscapes, high quality of life, and happy people. The country has seen an increase of high net-worth for foreigners relocating on the island and has become popular for expats.
St. Lucia and St Vincent have their own thoroughly developed building code, created in June of 2015. St. Lucia is also up and coming when it comes to tiny houses, and their building code includes a section on smaller dwellings.
Tiny Houses For Rent In St. Lucia
Tiny Houses In St. Vincent and the Grenadines
St. Vincent and the Grenadines are often overlooked by expatriates looking for a beautiful place to live, but it’s a great option. Expats love these islands for the natural beauty and warm weather. And because they are often overlooked, you can easily find privacy and escape the tourist craze.
St. Vincent shares a building and development code with St. Lucia, which includes an entire section specifically devoted to mini dwellings. Tiny house culture is growing in St. Vincent.
Tiny Houses For Rent In St. Vincent
Tiny Houses In Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago is a great place for relocating families to live, as the islands are definitely centered around a family-friendly feel. It’s also a developed country good for expats who are used to particular luxuries and amenities.
The islanders are known for their laid-back attitudes toward life, which is a valuable culture shift for many Americans. Trinidad is also known for quality health care and a low crime rate.
The tiny house trend has been big in Trinidad and Tobago for a while now, and is still growing in popularity. The country has developed buildings laws based on the laws for Eastern Caribbean states. See the building codes for Trinidad online (Read the PDF here).
Tiny Houses For Rent In Trinidad and Tobago
Your Turn!
- Would you live in a tiny house in Latin America?
- Which country fits with your lifestyle?
Why is Puerto Rico not included, or at least I did not see it anywhere? Please advise. Thank you