With many companies adopting work-from-home policies during these pandemic times, what could be more palatable for quarantine-weary Canadians than working remotely from a tropical paradise?
Tailored specifically to attract digital nomads, a number of Caribbean countries are waiving regular work visa restrictions that would normally bar extended residencies to help stimulate local economies traditionally reliant on tourism that has been lost to COVID-19.
Keep in mind, however, that under current federal regulations, anyone returning to Canada from such a hiatus is required to stay in a government-approved hotel for three days, and then quarantine at home for 14 days.
ANGUILLA
Known for having some of the finest beaches and most luxurious hotels in the region, this British Overseas Territory is a favourite A-lister’s playground. now visitors can work from approved hotels, resorts and villas with access to approved property amenities, services and activities for up to 12 months through their Working From Home in Anguilla program.
Learn about Antigua’s history and visit Nelson’s Dockyard when not enjoying one of Antigua’s 365 beaches during your potential year-long stay.
The US$2,000 application fee for those staying three months to a year (or US$3000 per family of four) covers two tests per person, surveillance and costs associated with the additional public health presence, plus the cost of extended immigration time/entry and a digital work permit. For stays that are less than three months, charges start at US$400 for accepted candidates. To apply, visit: escape.ivisitanguilla.com.
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA
Access the country’s 365 beaches during your liveand-work stay of up to two years, provided you earn at least US$50,000 annually, through the twin-island nation’s Nomad Digital Residence (NDR) program. Those who can demonstrate their means of supporting themselves and any accompanying family members, and whose employers or businesses are based outside of the destination, are given a special resident status.
The Four Seasons Anguilla transforms the work-from-home experience to entirely new levels of luxury.
Besides being required to maintain your own health insurance plan during the stay, applicants are also responsible for the US$1,500 application fee (US$2,000 for a couple, or US$3,000 for a family). The NDR visas allow visitors to “live and move freely” across the territory and benefit from Antigua and Barbuda’s personal income taxfree status. For the application, head to antigua-barbuda.com/nomaddigitalresidence.
Devil’s Bridge, Antigua
THE BAHAMAS
From secluded white-sand beaches to the metropolitan vibe of nassau and Paradise Island, or more secluded spots if that’s your preference, The Bahamas’ 16 islands have something for everyone. The country is now offering a one-year residency permit designed for remote work or study.
With one of the Caribbean’s most developed infrastructures, including dependable WiFi and other services, visiting professionals and students can get their work done without interruption—provided they can resist the lure of the warm ocean waters surrounding their waterfront suite or villa.
Located in the northern Bahamas, the Abaco Islands is host to The Abaco Club on Winding Bay, a sprawling private members club with its own stretch of beach and incredible facilities, including a golf course. And if you want to head out to a popular local spot during your stay, Pete’s Pub & Gallery in Little Harbour (pictured) is only a hop and skip away.
Students in the program get access to the university of The Bahamas’ counsellors, tech support, library databases and mentoring opportunities for one academic year.
The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay program costs US$25 to apply, with remote work permits being US$1,000 for an individual applicant or head of household and US$500 per dependent. remote study permits for college students are US$500 each. For more information on BEATS, visit: bahamasbeats.com. To apply, visit portal.immigration.gov.bs.
BARBADOS
With a health-care system that includes two facilities dedicated to COVID-19 patients, this country has been able to stay ahead of the crisis thus far, with schools and daycares remaining open. Barbados also has some of the best internet access and weather, making it easy to work remotely from the most easterly of the Caribbean islands.
The village of Bathsheba in Saint Joseph Parish, also known as the Soup Bowl, is a major surfing locale.
It offers a special 12-month Welcome Stamp remote work visa that can be renewed for even longer. To be eligible, applicants must own an independent business, or work remotely for a company based outside of Barbados, and must earn at least US$50,000 annually. These visas cost a non-refundable US$2,000 for an individual visa (US$3,000 for the family) upon application.
Although digital workers are exempt from paying Barbadian income tax, they are expected to respect Barbadian laws, which include harsh penalties for drug possession and a ban on wearing camouflage clothing. Barbados also has an anti-LGBTQ reputation. To learn more, visit barbadoswelcomestamp.bb.
BERMUDA
Enjoy pink-sand beaches while working or studying from this charming British Overseas Territory. With no minimum income requirement, the Work From Bermuda certificate program allows non-Bermudians to relocate to the 50-square-kilometre island for work, research or study.
Tobacco Bay, Bermuda
The year-long residency certificate costs US$263 and targets anyone over the age of 18 who “demonstrates good character and does not have a conviction for an indictable offence.” Besides having travel insurance and proof of employment from a company outside Bermuda, or enrolment in a recognized educational program, applicants must show sufficient means and/or have a source of annual income without the need to work in Bermuda. The certificate is renewable on a case-by-case basis.
The Bermuda Tourism Authority website has guides to broadbandequipped remote workspaces, concierge services, extended-stay hotel options and other long-term residency options. To apply, visit forms.gov.bm/work-from-bermuda.
THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
Famous for the flawless white sands and crystalline blue waters of Seven mile Beach, this self-governing British Overseas Territory is a popular cruise-ship stop and home to twice as many companies as inhabitants. For digital nomads, the Global Citizen Certificate gives eligible professionals and their families the option of living and working in the tax-free territory for up to two years.
To qualify, applicants must provide a notarized bank reference letter, proof of health insurance coverage and a clean criminal record. Besides proof of employment that states the position and an annual salary with an entity outside of the Cayman Islands, applicants must have a minimum annual salary of US$100,000 for single households (US$150,000 for two-person households; US$180,000 for a family with children). The annual fees are US$1,469 for an individual and US$500 per dependent. To apply, visit worc.ky.
CURAçAO
Known for snorkeling and scuba diving, this constituent country of the Kingdom of the netherlands is also prized for its vibrant colours, multicultural community and warmth. With 38 small crescent beaches that are framed by azure waters and the finest natural harbours in the West Indies, the country’s@HOME in Curaçao program offers remote workers the chance to stay for six months and the possibility of an extension for another six.
Klein Curaçao, Curaçao
In addition to digital nomads and hibernators, the island also welcomes investors through its Residence by Investment Program (Investors Permit) for stays of three years to an indefinite period (the latter for investments of a minimum of US$838,000). Interested candidates just need to complete an application and submit proof of solvency, have international insurance, including COVID-19 coverage, and pay the US$294 fee to stay in the Dutch Caribbean country. Application processing takes about two weeks, and family members can apply under the main applicant. Further details can be found at athomeincuracao.com.
Willemstad, Curaçao
DOMINICA
A tropical paradise that features steam-covered lakes heated by volcanos, tropical rainforests and vast mountain ranges, Dominica now offers Canadians the opportunity to work remotely for up to 18 months through the Work In Nature (WIN) visa program.
In addition to modern health-care facilities and educational options, WIN visa holders can participate in a range of volunteer opportunities—from sustainable projects to activities in the community—to make a lasting impact on the destination.
Trafalgar Falls, Dominica
Applicants must be over 18 with no criminal record, have an annual income of US$65,000, or have the means to support themselves during their stay in Dominica. There is a processing fee of $125, while the visa costs $1,000 for the individual ($1,500 for families). Once submitted, response is provided within a week and approved applicants have three months to relocate. For more information, visit windominica.gov.dm.
MONTSERRAT
With its soaring peaks, rainforest-covered hillsides and black-sand beaches, montserrat is considered one of the Caribbean’s most dramatic islands due to its volcanic past. A snapshot of how tranquil the Caribbean used to be, the British Overseas Territory is a great way to escape to a slower rhythm of life.
While the island isn’t currently permitting short-term tourism, it has introduced the Montserrat Remote Workers Stamp, which gives professionals and entrepreneurs a 12-month visa to work remotely.
Besides providing proof of employment outside montserrat, an annual income of at least US$70,000 and up-to-date health insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage, candidates have to pay a US$500 application fee (US$750 for families up to three, plus US$250 for additional family members). After applying online, approval from montserrat Immigration is given within seven working days after the payment is processed. More details, visit montserratremoteworker.com.
