December 11th, 2023

Five places with fantastic digital nomad schemes

As many people begin to opt for remote working opportunities, and countries around the world attempt to bolster their economies post-Covid, digital nomad visas are on the rise. These visas give workers the legal right to work around the world while employed by a company registered outside those countries.

From Caribbean islands to the relaxed Mediterranean, these are just five of the fantastic destinations offering digital nomad visas. 

The Bahamas

Transform your Zoom background from a grey office to white sand beaches and wavy palms with the Bahamas digital nomad visa, known as the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS). 

The BEATS visa offers visitors the opportunity to work or study remotely in the Bahamas for up to one year, and with no fixed residence required, you can spend that time hopping between the 16 islands, discovering each one’s unique identity. Additionally, the Bahamas does not require digital nomads to pay any income or capital gains tax during their stay. 

In order to apply, gather your valid passport, proof of employment and medical insurance, and the initial $25 application fee and head to the BEATS website to get started. The application only takes around 5 minutes and they promise to respond within five working days.

Mallorca

With Spain introducing a digital nomad visa in December 2022, many people now opt for the slow, relaxed Mediterranean way of life on the beautiful Spanish island of Mallorca. The sandy beaches, undulating mountains and bright blue seas combined with 300 days of sunshine a year truly make the island the ultimate office. 

The visa is open to non-EU nationals who work remotely for a non-Spanish company to stay on the island for up to one year. Applicants can either apply for residence as a digital nomad during the first 90 days of their tourist visa, or they can apply from their home country through a Spanish consulate or embassy. 

Greece

The Greek Digital Nomad Visa is the ticket to a paradise of delicious food, picturesque landscapes, a rich history and one of the friendliest cultures in the world. Whether in the historic capital of Athens to the 227 inhabited islands off the coast, digital nomads will benefit from the year-round warm weather, a 50% tax exemption and low crime rates.

To apply, you will need to gather the relevant documents, which will include, amongst other things, a valid passport, proof of income over €3,500 a month, a cover letter stating your reason for stay and the €75 application fee, and make an appointment with your local Greek embassy. 

Saint Lucia

Sat in the Caribbean Sea, Saint Lucia has an incredibly diverse and spectacular landscape on offer. The distinctive Pitons, two volcanic plugs that rise out of the sea, tower above the island, blanketed with verdant forests, nature trails and culinary tours await discovery and an underwater kingdom surrounding the island makes Saint Lucia a great spot for scuba diving and snorkelling. 

Known as the “Live It” program, the Saint Lucia Digital Nomad Visa is designed to allow remote workers, freelancers and students to live on the island nation for up to a year. In order to apply, you will need to submit adequate proof of funds, evidence of accommodation and a completed application form. There is also an associated visa cost of $125 XCD or $190 XCD (approximately USD $46.25 or $70.30), depending on whether you choose a single or multiple-entry visa.

Anguilla

The quintessential Caribbean paradise of Anguilla offers a great digital nomad visa that allows visitors to work remotely on the island for up to a year. The island is a palette of dazzling blue seas, golden sands and colourful flora, with opportunities to spend weekends sailing and hiking, indulging in freshly caught seafood and discovering the reggae sounds of beach bars at sunset. 

To apply, gather and scan all the usual required documents and visit the Anguilla Tourist Board website to make an account. The process also involves paying an application fee of $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a family of up to four people. 

Image credits: Nassau village in Bahamas by Alarico © Shutterstock; Woman on the beach in Mallorca by Alida Garcia © Shutterstock; View of Santorini By Kirk Fisher © Shutterstock; Sugar Beach in St. Lucia By Vadim N © Shutterstock; Anguilla by Maackel © Shutterstock.