Digital Nomad Visas: Full International Index
There are 7 digital nomad visas currently active internationally.
Digital nomad visas are a new concept in immigration, with the first programs appearing in 2020. Aside from Estonia, most digital nomad visa programs were direct responses to tourism reduction during the Covid-19 epidemic.
Digital nomad visas are likely to expand rapidly going into 2023–2024, as countries realize they can take advantage of remote workforces as a new type of long-stay tourism. Countries like Thailand historically have viewed digital nomads and remote workers with a suspicious eye. However, as the practice becomes mainstream, we expect that remote work visas will become commonplace.
Summary of Caribbean Digital Nomad Visas
Digital Nomad Visas
Anguilla: Work From Anguilla
The Anguilla nomad visa program is one of several designed during the Covid-19 epidemic to spur long-stay travel in a region that depends on it economically. Anguilla's program is unique in that it specifically targets families and students, alongside digital nomads and remote workers.
Applicants must have a Covid-free test result and come from a location with low Covid-19 positive rates. Compared with other regions, Anguilla is very strict about testing and origin requirements, which can be challenging since it is not a common flight path.
The visa is not designed to be extended.
Barbados: Welcome Stamp
Barbados' digital nomad visa for remote workers permits one year residence in the country. It is targeted at remote workers and is designed to stimulate the local travel-based economy, which has been hit hard by the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic.
Applications have very few requirements. The minimum income expectation is USD $50,000/year, but it is not verified and no past financial statements are required. You must be able to certify (but not demonstrate) that you have a remote work income source, ability to financially support yourself while in the country, and proof that any dependents are legitimate family members.
The visa is not designed to be renewed, and like most digital nomad visas is a one-time extended travel permit with expectation that applicant is remotely employed during their stay.
Bermuda: Work From Bermuda Certificate
Bermuda's digital nomad visa program for remote workers is unique in that it has no minimum income requirement, no minimum assets requirement, and is open to students as well as remote workers and self-employed remote business owners. It is one of the most flexible and easily obtainable digital nomad visas in the world, with an ultra-low application fee compared to other locations in the Carribean.
Applications must be able to describe their work and source of income, or provide evidence of being enrolled in school remotely. They must have valid health insurance and the ability to sustain themselves and any dependents while in the region.
The Bermuda digital nomad visa is extendable on a case-by-case basis. The program has not yet been around long enough to determine success rates.
Cayman Islands: Global Citizens Concierge Program
The Cayman Islands is the 'gold visa' of digital nomad visas, even within the Caribbean. You'll need a minimum six figures of assets to qualify, and the cost of living is high. However, the country has a high quality of life, and very low Covid-19 transmission rates.
Applicants have to have at least $100,000 USD to qualify, and families or couples need even more.
Dubai: Dubai Remote Work Visa
Dubai has a unique visa released October 2020 that doesn't allow access the rest of the UAE, but is obviously an atractive destination on its own due to being one of the top international business centers.
Dubai requires that digital nomad visa holders make at least $5000 USD per month to qualify for the visa.
Not intended for extension.
Estonia: Estonia Digital Nomad Visa
Estonia's digital nomad visa program is an exciting option alongside their existing startup visa program, which opens the country to remote workers and lowers the barrier to entry in terms of capital. It is the only digital nomad visa program that was not designed specifically due to Covid-19 in 2020, and as such is viewed as a more permanent program that plays into Estonia's general strategy of positioning themselves as a startup hub among Baltic states.
The visa is aimed at remote workers who make at least €3504/month (about USD $4000) pre-tax income through remote work or online self-employment. You must be able to document at least 6 months of income meeting the minimum requirements via bank statements, making this a more rigorous application process than Barbados or Bermuda.
The visa is not extendable, but Estonia offers several other programs including residence programs aimed at startup founders and entrepreneurs. Therefore, it may be viewed as a good 'first step' into the country.
Georgia: Remotely From Georgia
Georgia's digital nomad visa is aimed specifically at freelancers, and permits most countries including the US 1 year of residence with relatively low income requirements or paperwork. This is relevant because while normally any US citizen can visit for 1 year on a tourist visa, that is no longer permitted due to Covid-19. The country is an established hub for digital nomads as well as a commerce-friendly location with low taxes, many long-stay and residency programs, and easy banking for international travelers.
The income requirement for this visa is at least USD $2000 per month from remote work and freelance sources. Health insurance is also required, as well as mandatory quarantine during the Coronavirus pandemic.
This visa may be renewable on a case-by-case basis. As the program is young and directly tied to the tourism hit from Covid-19 in 2020, it's not yet clear if this visa program will last beyond 2021–2022.