Work From Paradise: These Countries Are Handing Out Visas for Digital Nomads

Covid-19 has paved the way for mass work-from-home flexibility, and it is set to continue well into the new year – with much speculation that this change signals the end of the office as we know it.

Countries around the world are leveraging this new trend, and in a bid to get their economies up and running, are pitching themselves as dream destinations from which to work remotely.

The list includes countries such as Barbados, Jamaica, Estonia, Georgia, Albania and Mexico, many of which are offering six-to-12-month visas for those who can prove employment, and in some cases, incomes over a certain threshold.

Barbados has the toughest criteria. Applicants must prove they take home an annual income of at least $50,000 (£38,000) and pay $2,000 (£1,500) for an online application (or $3,000 (£2,300) for a family) to secure the new Barbados Welcome Stamp, which grants them a year in the country.

Meanwhile, the rules are more relaxed elsewhere. Through the One Year Residential Certification, the British island territory of Bermuda is allowing remote workers to live on the island for up to a year. It costs $236 (£180) to apply, and requires proof of employment or evidence that you are studying to be accepted.

Over in Europe, Estonia – where Forbes reports living cost are 30 percent cheaper than in the States – has launched its own Digital Nomad Visa. To be considered, you’ll need a monthly salary of $3,530 (£2,707). It’s a similar deal in Georgia, which welcomes remote workers who can prove they earn at least €3,504 (£3,167) per month. If you’re accepted, during your visa you’ll be able to travel for up to 90 days throughout Europe’s 26-country Schengen area.

Elsewhere, in Mexico, self-proclaimed digital nomads can stay in the country for up to six months on a tourists visa. If you want to stay on at the end of this period, the country is offering a one-year-long Temporary Resident Visa, which can be extended three times.