Work Where You Vacation- Islands That Are Now Offering Working From Home Program

Working remotely, living the life of a digital nomad is in vogue. And the pandemic has fuelled this whim as people have been working from home for the past many months. Now, many don't want to go back to the same old ways of working.

Many have found this pandemic situation as an excellent opportunity to pursue their notions of being a digital nomad, living and working from whenever and wherever they want.

Difficulties in the Pathway

Many countries have closed their borders to outsiders, and air travel has also curtailed. There are many restrictions on travelling internationally, which makes the challenge of living up to the dream of working from remote locations, difficult.

However, there is good news for remote workers and souls with the wanderlust!

Many countries in the Caribbean islands have initiated programs to welcome travelers who want to relocate themselves, living and working from different locations in the Caribbean Islands.

Here is a list of some Caribbean islands that are cordially inviting remote workers and digital nomad. It is time to pack your bags and shift to your dream destination on any of these islands.

Thanks later!!

Why Caribbean Islands?

If you question why Caribbean Islands are ideal for a shift, the answer is there are many to choose from; Big or little, rural or urban, far or near!

We are providing the lowdown on all the most frequented islands and general information about them so that you can prepare the list as per your preference and suitability.

Note- Due to corona virus, travelling across the globe is restricted. Should you decide to travel anywhere during the pandemic, you should go through travel restrictions for that particular destination, consider warnings from the State Department and national authority of the country. Make sure to be prepared for quarantines that could make travelling both problematic and challenging. Also, the risk factors like age and existing health issues can be deterrent to travelling.

1 - Aruba

Arubans are amicable and friendly locals who welcome visitors. It is also one of the world's most multilingual countries. There is so more facilitating shifting to this country for a digital nomad, who wants to connect with locals. The four general languages spoken on the island includes Spanish, Dutch, English and Papiamento. It was also one of the first Caribbean islands to allow tourists after COVID-19 travel restrictions. 

People from Europe and South America have hailed to this country over the past few decades. You can enjoy great food options if you are a foodie at heart. 

Right from upscale restaurants, dive bars, and breathtaking beaches (all beaches in Aruba are the public property by law which means free access to beaches unlike most Caribbean islands), there is a lot to explore. 

Good internet connection, great flight connections (Aruba has direct flight connections with major European, US and Latin American cities like Amsterdam, New York, Medellin, Panama and Bogota) facilitate shifting to this country. Additionally, immigration policies are also flexible with no Visa requirement for American, Canadian, EU and most South American citizens.

Aid from the Government

An exclusive offer has been given by the Aruban government for remote workers to live and work on the island for a maximum of 90 days with its new One Happy Workation visa. 

To promote visitors permanent shift, other initiatives offered here are - discounted rates for accommodation, outdoor experiences and local activities, and the promise Wi-Fi zones. 

Pre-requisites for Shift

·      To apply for this visa you must be employed or self-employed in your home country.

·      During the 90 days, you cannot work for a local company or individual in Aruba. 

·      You must hold a valid US passport at the date of entry and throughout your stay.

After the application is approved for shift, you would have to comply with the COVID-19 regulations in place, including the entry testing requirements. You should have the necessary health insurance. 

 2 - Angullia

Anguilla has launched a program for remote workers to spend three months to a year on the island. Under this program, digital nomads have the chance to live and work in the 35-square-mile Caribbean island. 

Fee Structure for Visa Application 

Anguilla is serious about keeping corona virus low in the country (and even non-existent). Therefore, some very strict entry requirement protocols have been imposed on visitors. These requirements include PCR testing and surveillance once on the island.  

The fee, covering two Covid-19 tests and digital work permit, is $1,000 for individuals staying under three months or $2,000 for those staying between three months and a year.

For a family of four staying under three months, the fee will be $1,500.  It increases to $3,000 if the plan to reside on the island extends between three and 12 months. 

3 - Barbados

The Caribbean island of Barbados hit the headlines when it announced the 'Barbados Welcomes Stamp' allowing people to stay in the country and work for a year. According to the Prime Minister of Barbados, both sunshine and seawater is, powerful on this island, rendering therapeutic effects on locals.

Comply with certain legal restrictions while shifting to Barbados and follow COVID-19 travel protocols.

This island has beaches ideal for surfers, budget sunbathers, windsurfers and more. Additionally, there are non-stop flights to the country.

So, chill and work or vice-versa!

Pre-requisites for Shift

To start working in this paradise country, you need to pay $2,000 for an individual visa or $3,000 for a “family bundle.” 

There is an standard online process for the applications; upload a passport picture, copy of passport, and birth certificate; and include a note of any relations you have in the country.

 Adhering to the local COVID-19 regulations is mandatory. So, make sure you are updated with necessary information prior to departure.

Note- Successful applicants do not need to contribute to Barbados Income Tax.

4 - Bermuda

You can apply for 'one year residential certificate' at a meager cost to shift in Bermuda. But the only side effect of shifting to Bermuda is there are no hostels here. This means for an average digital nomad cost of living would be significantly higher. Although you may choose AirBnB or home sitting is an alternative.

However, the beaches beauty and the serene water of this country are worth accepting challenges.

Restrictions Levied by the Government

 Students need to be over the age of 18 years old and be enrolled in an education program. 

Remote workers need to provide proof of income and hold a valid contract of employment. 

On the successful acceptance of your application, the visa grants you multiple entries and exits. This means you can come and go as you please from Bermuda as per your convenience. 

 There is a visa application fee of $263 and you need valid health insurance. 

 Complying with Bermuda’s strict COVID-19 regulations is must.  So, make sure you are aware of the current preconditions.

5 - Grand Cayman

Cayman Islands Department of Tourism has launched the global citizen concierge program (GCCP) in October, 2020. It offers visa of up to 2 years for digital nomad offering a place to reside for them nearby white sandy beach in the Caribbean.

It is one of the most notorious tax havens in the world, encompassing the Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman the more developed island of the three; Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, has created a niche for itself amongst digital nomads’ preference list ornate with resorts on all stripes, tax benefits, great famous diving, snorkeling, region’s diverse wildlife and swimming opportunities on three islands and tons of beaches. This near-zero COVID-19 cases country does not pose mask or social distancing restrictions for locals. 

Pre-requisites for Visa

Under this program, you should have proof of an annual salary of $100,000 for a single person, $150,000 for a couple, and $180,000 for a family.

 The usual documentation such as a valid passport, a certified letter detailing your employment outside of Cayman, and another from your bank are needed for applying for visa.  It will cost at least $1,469. 

6 - Jamaica

Life of a digital nomad in Jamaica is like work, travel and repeat. In Arawakan, Jamaica means the 'land of wood in the water' or 'the land of springs'. Enjoying a free walking tour is the best way to experience the city, or you can take public transport.

The country is lined with Sunfield resort, national park, centre and mausoleum, beaches, falls and gardens, golf course and much more to discover in your free time.

Be the part of festivities like Jamaica's carnival, New Years Eve harbor fest and fireworks on the waterfront, Ocho Rios jazz festival, Saint Ann Kite Festival, to name a few. Enjoy the life to the fullest in this tropical Caribbean paradise, residing amid rich cultural mix and extraordinary itineraries.

Conclusion

There are many more options if you want to change your permanent address for at least a year or two. Now, that you are updated with some of the exciting tropical nomad destinations in the Caribbean Islands, it's time to pack execute your plan.

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