Best destinations offering visas for remote workers including Caribbean islands

Moving abroad for a year no longer requires you to quit your job – in fact, nowadays a number of destinations are offering up an ideal compromise.

Visas for remote workers or ‘digital nomads’ are on the rise, allowing you to come and live in the country for a year. We’re talking some pretty tempting destinations too, including Caribbean islands like Barbados and Bermuda.

Unlike tourist visas you can keep working to earn money during that time – but you don’t need to commit to a full residency permit.

Of course there are plenty more factors to consider such as where you’ll live, whether you can do your job feasibly while abroad, not to mention travel restrictions during the pandemic.

Still, if you’re feeling tempted, we’ve done the leg work and searched out some of the top destinations offering visas for remote workers…

1. Anguilla

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Imagine spending your lunch break here

After a long day glued to your computer, where better to relax than Anguilla’s white sand beaches? As for the weekends, there’s heaps to explore from the palm-fringed shores to the fascinating mangrove swamps, not to mention the island boasts a brilliant culinary scene.

During the pandemic Anguilla has a new visa for ‘digital nomads’, allowing you to live there for either up to three months, or up to a year. It’s open to solo travellers as well as families.

You can find out more here, or head to the Anguilla Tourist Board website to apply.

2. Barbados

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Bridgetown, Barbados

Barbados has introduced a new ’12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp’ valid for stays up until a year, for both solo travellers and families.

If you’ve always dreamed of seeing those incredible beaches or embarking on one of the many adventures to be had, it could be the ideal solution.

You’ll need to sort accommodation (and, if your children are coming, schools) but there are local concierge services on hand to help you with recommendations and insider tips.

You can get more details here, or head to the Visit Barbados website to apply. 

3. Bermuda

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The famous pink sands of Elbow Beach in Bermuda

Bermuda unveiled a new ‘Work from Bermuda’ certificate in August, opening the island up to ‘business executives, entrepreneurs and students’ looking to work remotely.

The visa is valid for stays up to a year, and the island’s officials have compiled a guide to remote workspaces and long-term holiday rentals that may be useful for applicants.

Then of course, there are those iconic pristine beaches and crystalline waters which await for your days off!

You can find out more on the Go To Bermuda website.

4. Croatia

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Croatia hasn’t yet officially announced a new offering for remote workers, but the country’s Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic revealed on Twitter that authorities are looking to adjust existing legislation to allow for ‘digital nomads’ to come and stay in the country.

Never been? We’ve got guide to Croatia’s best cities as well as some of the best things to see and do around the country.  

Watch this space.

5. Estonia

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The old town in Tallinn

Estonia launched its Digital Nomad Visa in August, which allows you to live in Estonia and legally still work for your employer back in the UK.

If you’re going to Estonia, then capital city Tallinn needs to be on your radar, from its spectacular Old Town and its beautiful buildings, to the historic cathedrals and castles waiting to be explored.

The visa is valid for up to a year, and applications have already opened on the Estonia government website.

6. Antigua and Barbuda

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Aerial view of Long Bay beach and coral reef in Antigua and Barbuda


 

The Caribbean destination has launched a new Nomad Residence visa for remote workers who want to stay for up to two years.

Single applicant visas cost $1,500 (approx £1,161), couple’s visas $2,000 (approx £1,548) and family visas for three people or more from $3,000 (approx £2,323).

There are some requirements you’ll need to fulfil when you apply, such as providing proof of employment or self-employment, not to mention you’ll need to be earning at least $50,000 a year (approx £38,719).

Applications have opened for the Nomad Residence visa on the Antigua and Barbuda government website.

• During the coronavirus pandemic, countries may be subject to travel restrictions and specific requirements. You should always check  the latest FCDO advice before planning, booking or going on a trip.