For a lot of us, the COVID-19 pandemic will forever change how we look at work in terms of physical space.
In a recent FlexJobs survey, 65% of respondents said they want to be full-time remote employees post-pandemic. In fact, having the choice of work environment and location is now a key factor for employees and job seekers because many feel it offers a better work-life balance.
RELATED: Here’s Why Digital Nomads Are The New Travel Winners Amid COVID Pandemic
Many people have long revered the Caribbean as a destination to retire or escape winter because of the slower pace of life, access to sun, sand, and water, and of course, the food.
And while these are all great reasons, the Caribbean is also a great destination for those considering a healthier work-life balance because of the cost of living, a thriving arts and culture scene, healthcare, and more.
Here are six digital nomad programs you should know about in the Caribbean:
1. Work From Anguilla
Anguilla is a remote work dream and is known as one of the friendliest islands in the Caribbean.
Digital nomads can work from Anguilla if they can prove employment outside the country or have a Business Incorporation Certificate; have a clean police record of not more than six months for all applicants 18 years and older.
The application fee is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for families with three dependents plus $250 for additional family members.
Anguilla promises a decision within 14 business days. If approved, the visa is eligible between 91 days and 12 months.
2. A Two-Year Stay In Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda have a long-stay visa program that officials say are perfect for those ready to “live, work, and play.”
The Nomad Digital Residence (NDR) visa will allow you to stay for 2 years.
To qualify, visitors must earn at least $50,000 per year and/or have the means to support all applicants. A clean criminal record and valid health insurance are a must.
The application will cost $1,500 for individuals, $2,000 couples, and $3,000 for families with three people or more.
Officials will have a decision within 14 days of receiving a completed application.
3. One Year Welcome Stamp For Barbados
Barbados was one of the first countries in the Caribbean to announce a remote visa option.
The application fee runs $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for families.
A job earning an income of at least $50,000 and valid health insurance coverage is a must for applying.
Barbados will make a decision within 48-hours of receiving a completed application.
Learn more about The Welcome Stamp process here.
4. An Extended Stay In The Bahamas
What we love about The Bahamas’ visa program is that there’s not an income requirement. That doesn’t mean you will be automatically be approved, but it does mean that you may have some leeway if you make a little less than $50,000 per year.
The Extended Access Travel Stay visa is valid for up to 12 months from the issue date.
Application fees run $1,025 per work professional and $525 for college students.
Other requirements include a clean criminal record, valid health insurance, and the financial means to support yourself, a spouse, and/or independents.
Expect a decision within 5 business days after applying.
It’s important to note that remote work visas in the Bahamas can be renewed for up to three years.
5. Work From Bermuda For One Year
Bermuda’s application fee is one of the cheapest, costing approximately $363!
To be eligible for its one-year remote visa, you have to be at least 18 years of age, not have been convicted of a crime and have valid health insurance.
When it comes to finances, Bermuda wants applicants to prove they work for a legitimate company outside of Bermuda or own a company. Students, both undergraduate and professional, are also eligible.
Like The Bahamas, there’s not an income threshold, but you have to prove “substantial means” or have a continuous source of annual income.
More details can be found online by clicking here.
6. A Six Month Stay In Curaçao
Curaçao has launched @HOME in Curaçao to accommodate travelers looking for a temporary home away from home.
The only downside to Curaçao’s extended visa program is that it only allows a six-month stay at a time with the possibility of extending the stay for an additional six months.
Individuals must submit an application online. Proof of income, a clean criminal record, and health insurance are required to apply.
The application fee is one of the cheaper options, priced at $294 per person.
Ready to apply? Click here.