What with the pandemic, many countries around the world are taking steps to lift their economies and, in the process, offer an attractive lifestyle for people willing to relocate.
In particular, they’re offering so-called ‘digital nomad’ visas, whereby you relocate to the country, usually for at least a year, and in return, you can enjoy everything it’s got to offer.
Do you work online, and you can work from anywhere there’s an internet connection?
If so, you could potentially be a ‘digital nomad’, and leave your current location behind in favour of top destinations that include Dubai, Mauritius, Barbados, Bermuda or even Estonia.
If this sounds appealing, then to help you on your way, the online visa website Byevisa has compiled the following article with each country’s ‘digital nomad visa’ conditions and requirements.
Even if you’re staying where you are for the foreseeable future, you can at least imagine working from a beach in Barbados, listening to the waves!
1. Dubai
Dubai launched its ‘Remote Work and Travel’ visa in 2020 to attract digitally mobile workers to the Emirate. The visa costs US$287, for which you can access housing, utilities and telecoms services.
To be eligible to relocate here, you’ll require medical insurance, at least six months’ validity remaining on your passport, plus proof of your employment status.
Top sights in the Emirate include the Burj Kalif skyscraper, the Burj Al Arab hotel, and the Dubai Fountain. You can enjoy luxury shopping and a premium lifestyle, so if you can live and work here, go for it!
2. Mauritius
Fancy relocating to this paradise island in the Indian Ocean, known for its pristine beaches, lagoons and reefs? If so, Mauritius now allows you to work remotely here with its Premium Visa.
This travel pass permits you to relocate to the island for an initial period of one year, although it’s renewable. To be eligible, you must provide evidence of your long-stay plans, and have travel and health insurance.
Among the highlights of Mauritius are the Flic En Flac Beach, a tropical oasis ideal for swimming and water sports, and Black River Gorges National Park, perfect for hiking.
So once you leave your online office for the day, you can take a swim, go surfing or whatever you please!
3. Barbados
This beautiful Caribbean island is renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-blue waters, laid-back lifestyle, and arguably its most famous export, Rihanna!
You and your family can live and work here with the island’s new working holiday visa, officially called the Welcome Stamp. It’s a bit pricy (US$2,000 for individuals and US$3,000 for families), although it allows you to soak up the Caribbean sun for a full 12 months.
To apply, you’ll need a few supporting documents. These include a passport-sized photograph, a scan of your passport’s personal bio page, and if you’re bringing family, proof of your relationship.
Then you just fill the online form, wait for approval, and you’re on your way!
4. Bermuda Digital Nomad Visa
Similar to the Barbados remote work visa, Bermuda’s offering allows you to stay for up to 12 months.
Fortunately though, unlike the Barbados option, Bermuda’s visa costs just US$263, perhaps helping to make it a more appealing option for online workers with itchy feet.
Bermuda is located in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the United States and north of the Caribbean.
Famous sights include Horse Shoe Bay, with its distinctive pink sand, Tobacco Bay, ideal for water sports, and the Crystal and Fantasy Caves, a spectacular caves complex!
According to the official website, you’ll need “substantial means and/or have a continuous source of annual income” to support your application. Also, it’s possible to extend your stay beyond a year on a case-by-case basis.
5. Estonia
The tiny Eastern European nation of Estonia may seem like a surprising choice to launch a digital nomad programme.
In fact, though, it’s one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world, and even offers an e-residency program to run businesses remotely.
You can work online for a year here with Estonia’s digital nomad visa. You must provide proof of your employment status, and evidence that you’ve earned at least €3,500 in the preceding six months.
Estonia is known for its capital Tallinn, which boasts a well-preserved medieval old town that’s on the UNESCO World Heritage list. According to the World Health Organisation, the quality of Estonia’s air is world-class too.
We hope these destinations inspire you to make a move, or at least allow you to indulge in some welcome daydreaming!