The world has changed substantially thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nowhere is this more evident than in the travel and tourism industry and the workforce. Global economy could lose over $4 trillion due to COVID-19 impact on tourism. [1]

These two needs—tourist destinations seeking to attract visitors, while minimizing the risk of outbreaks, and workers looking for a break from their home workspaces—are both being met by countries offering what is known as the digital nomad visa.

What are Digital Nomads?

A digital nomad visa or in some cases a temporary residency permit allows a visitor a right to stay in a country and work remotely via a computer/laptop to a foreign-based employer or business. These visas typical have a duration of 12 months and can be extended for one or more years depending on the country issuing the visa.

These digital nomad visas are not for everyone, there will still be a large contingent of digital nomads on tourist visas because it is more cost-effective or because they do not need a long-term visa. [2]

The thought was that is better to have one tourist staying 12 months than 26 tourists staying 2 weeks, especially with all the travel regulations.

How this type of visa differs from a tourist visa

Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital Nomads

It’s crucial for anyone considering working abroad to review and follow whatever is requested by their temporary residence of choice. While there are certain benefits, there are some downfalls to working on a digital nomad visa.

Advantages

The obvious benefit of these programs is that you can enjoy a long vacation while maintaining a stable source of income without putting your career on hold. Most regions that offer digital nomad visas already have the infrastructure necessary to support remote workers, such as strong wifi as a selling feature. For instance, Anguilla has two telecommunications network providers that offer high-speed internet.7

The remote nature and quick government responses of some of the regions (particularly the islands) make them practically safe havens from the COVID-19 virus. Not surprisingly, these destinations commonly have strict guidelines for incoming travelers. For example, anyone arriving in Curaçao (which is considered a low-risk country) from a high-risk area must undergo a PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure.8

Disadvantages

Being a digital nomad requires a job that’s remote and flexible. This is especially important when it comes to logging in hours when there’s a time difference. Although these kinds of jobs have become more common in the wake of the pandemic, this may be a guaranteed deal-breaker for some companies and workers.

Moving around frequently from one country to another can be stressful, especially when you consider the rapid spread of the Delta virus. It can also be expensive. That’s not even accounting for the cost of the visa itself. And if the application for your next destination is rejected, you could be left scrambling to find a new place to live before you’re forced to leave once your current visa expires.

Moving around can also make it harder to form long-lasting relationships, while the constant distance can also put a strain on existing ones. Unless a country offers you permanent residency when your temporary visa expires, there’s little point in putting down roots where you won’t be living after a year or so. And although this lack of ties can definitely be seen as a plus to those who value their independence, anyone thinking about a lengthy period abroad should carefully consider how isolating it might be. [Reference Investopedia]

There are over 44 countries that offer Digital Nomad Visas, but 3 of my top 5 are in the Caribbean mainly due to my passion for Caribbean rum and cigars.

My 5 Picks:

#5 Germany

Germany’s residence permit is granted to freelancers and other self-employed workers to reside within the country for three months, but this can be extended by up to three years.27

In addition to the visa application form and a €60 fee, digital nomads must submit photocopies of documents with their application, including, but not limited to:

• A passport
• Two biometric photographs
• A cover letter
• A portfolio of previous freelance work

(+5 from EST) The application must be submitted in person to the nearest German Embassy or Consulate. Before applying for the residence permit, prospective travelers must secure a German residence and register it with the local Residence Registration Office. They must open a German bank account, register with the Tax Registration Office, and secure German health care.

(EST Exactly) One of my favorite of the lesser Antilles

#4 Anguilla

The Beyond Extraordinary Anguilla program allows digital nomads to reside in the British Overseas Territory for up to 12 months. If you want to work remotely from the island, you’ll need to pay a $2,000 USD (per individual) travel fee, though families of up to four people will be on the hook for $3,000 USD (plus an additional $250 USD for each additional family member).

#3 The Bahamas

The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay allows digital nomads to work remotely for one year from any of 16 islands.11 An application requires a $25 USD fee, a valid passport data page, a medical insurance card, and proof of employment. The application typically takes just five days to process. Approved applicants must pay $1,000 USD (plus $500 USD for each dependent) to receive their Work Remotely permit.

(EST Time Exactly) Overall, the Bahamas has a very familiar but beautifully unique vibe.  Its hard to explain. Its familiarity is the only reason it is not my #1. Its hard to get completely lost and immeshed in its culture.

(EST Time Exactly) Statistics show during the time period of July 2019- June 2020 Barbados was the county with the highest broadband internet speed int he Caribbean, with an average download speed of 56.9 Mbps.

#2 Barbados 

The Barbados Welcome Stamp established a visa that allows visitors to work remotely for up to one year. The application fee is $2,000 USD for individuals and $3,000 USD for families. The application must be accompanied by a passport-sized photograph, the bio data page of a passport, and proof of relationship of dependents (if applicable). Applicants must also prove that they will earn $50,000 USD during their 12-month stay.

#1 Seychelles

The Seychelles Workcation program enables digital nomads to work remotely from any of the 115 islands that comprise the archipelago for as little as one month or as much as one year.43  There is a €45 fee, and prospective travelers must also provide a valid passport, proof of being an employee/business owner, proof of income (exact amount unspecified), and a valid medical and travel insurance policy with their application.43

(+ 7 from EST ) Family members can also join an applicant as ordinary visitors, as long as they meet all requirements and submit birth and/or marriage certificates, whichever is appropriate.44

A person who syncs with a company on eastern standard time in the US would effectively work a swing shift logging out around 11PM Local time which translates to 4PM EST

44 Countries With Digital Nomad Visas – The Ultimate Listhere

For a regularly updated list of county that offer Digital Nomad Visas visa : Nomadgirl  

The Top 100 Companies For Remote Jobs 2022 [Forbes]

What are you waiting for?