As companies offer employees more opportunities to work remotely, largely due in part to the ripple effects of the pandemic, countries around the world are seeing an increase in digital nomads looking to work in far-flung locales, ideally with good internet connections, of course. Requirements to enter countries vary—you might need to meet a minimum income level or offer proof of insurance, for example—so it’s important to understand what you’ll need if you’ve been considering working remotely abroad.
To get you started, here’s a rundown of several countries offering digital nomad visas, including information on how to apply.
Barbados beach or suburban coworking space? Tough call.
Photo by David Blais/Shutterstock
1. Barbados
Coined the 12 Month Barbados Welcome Stamp, the Barbados remote work opportunity is a visa that can be renewed annually.
Why Barbados? Serene beaches, a UNESCO World Heritage site capital, world-class surfing, and one of the best carnival celebrations in the world every August, called Crop Over.
Who can apply? Anyone over 18, but candidates must accept an income declaration stating that they can make more than $50,000 annually.
Cost: $2,000 for individuals; $3,000 for families.
How to apply: Head to Barbados Welcome Stamp and fill out the application online. Applicants must provide a birth certificate for themselves and all family members, proof of dependents, passport-size photos, and a copy of the data page of their passport(s).
2. Curaçao
Remote workers from across the globe are eligible to apply for the six-month @Home in Curacao program, which can be extended for an additional six months.
Why Curaçao? Curaçao is well-loved for its candy-colored Dutch architecture and diverse residents who speak Papiamento—a Portuguese-based Creole. The southwest Caribbean island has no shortage of ways to stay active beyond remote working, including street art walking tours and an open-air food court serving authentic and affordable Curaçaoan cuisine.
Who can apply? Anyone over 18 who is able to prove they have a location-independent job.
Cost: The application fee is approximately $3,000.
How to apply: Visit the @Home in Curacao site and fill out the application form. Applicants also have to provide proof of medical insurance, travel insurance with COVID coverage, and evidence of a return ticket with their application.
3. Dominica
The Caribbean island of Dominica offers the Work in Nature (WIN) Extended Stay Visa, which is available for up to 18 months. The program is available to digital nomads looking for a change of scenery and allows individuals with families to bring them along as well, as long as they can show proof that they’ll be able to support them.
Why Dominica? Coined the Nature Island of the Caribbean thanks to its range of mountains and rain forests, Dominica offers long-term visitors the opportunity to explore its natural beauty, including emerald natural pools, national parks, and a swimmable coral reef that emits volcanic bubbles, called Champagne Reef.
Who can apply? Any location-independent individual over 18 years of age who earns over $50,000 annually.
Cost: The application fee is $100. The WIN Visa Fee is $800 for an individual and $1,200 for a family.
How to apply: Applicants can fill out the form located on the Work in Nature (WIN) site and submit a copy of a passport, police records, health insurance, bank reference letter, proof of the relationships of independents, and an employment letter or credit report that confirms freelance status.
Dubai is one of many countries inviting digital nomads to stay for a year.
Photo by Siddharth Siva
4. Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
Dubai offers a one-year remote work opportunity in its bustling municipality. The program allows remote workers to have access to an array of standard resident services, including the ability to rent an apartment, bank locally, purchase a car, and have access to local phone and utilities services.
Why Dubai? It’s home to one of the biggest malls in the world, the tallest building in the world, stunning beaches, and a host of international dining options.
Who can apply? Anyone over 18 with proof of employment showing a minimum income of $5,000 per month, previous pay stubs, and three months of bank statements.
Cost: The $611 charge includes application fees, processing fees, medical insurance, and an Emirates ID.
How to apply: Fill out the application form to work remotely via Visit Dubai’s website.
5. Iceland
Iceland has a flexible long-term visa for remote workers program, which lasts for up to 180 days. Parents can also bring their children along for the experience of living abroad, as long as they can prove that they are enrolled in a remote school in their home country or are being home schooled.
Why Iceland? The Nordic island nation is popular for its selection of geological wonders, including volcanoes, hot springs, glaciers, and lava fields.
Who can apply? Anyone over 18 with an income of 1,000,000 ISK per month (about US$8,000). Those with a family need a monthly income of at least 1,3000,000 ISK per month (US$10,000).
Cost: The application processing fee is 7,800 ISK (US$65).
How to apply: Visit the Directorate of Immigration’s site, fill out the application form, and provide the requested documentation like proof of health insurance, passport photo, and, if requested, a criminal record check.
6. Mauritius
Mauritius reopened its borders to vaccinated tourists in July after being closed for 16 months. Its Premium Travel Visa is available for one year with the option for renewal. Note that digital nomads can’t work for local establishments that will take away from the local economy, so it’s imperative that your income comes from outside of Mauritius. While there is an approved list of countries that can apply before entry to the country for the visa, those not on the list can still travel to the country on a tourist visa and then apply from within the country.
Why Mauritius? Mauritius is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. This country off the southeastern coast of Africa is home to layered sand dune formations called the Seven Coloured Earths, a rum distillery in the village of Chamarel, and a diverse population that practices a number of religions and cultural traditions.
Who can apply? Those who can provide proof of a paid return ticket.
Cost: The Premium Visa is issued free and there are no processing fees.
How to apply: The online application is available at the Economic Development Board of Mauritius website. Travel and health insurance are requirements before applying, prebooked accommodations for a mandatory 14-day quarantine, and proof of a minimum income of $1,500 per month and an additional $500 per month for each dependent under 24.
