The concept of remote work is not new. But it really took the world by storm at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. There was no other choice.
And it seems that this new normal is going nowhere. In fact, many “digital nomads” can do their work from anywhere – and they take advantage of it. These workers have no fixed business location and earn their living by working remotely from anywhere in the world.
In response to this growing trend, more and more countries are making it easier than ever to work remotely. This includes a number of tropical locations that can make your job feel like vacation all year round.
Here’s a look at six tropical travel destinations with programs that make traveling and working abroad easier.
Anguilla
Woman riding a horse on a tropical beach in Anguilla
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Anguilla’s program, “Lose The Crowd Find Yourself. Work. Life. Bliss.”, allows digital nomads to work in the country for three to 12 months. Students and families can also enjoy the experience. The country aims to make it easier for parents to homeschool their children.
Antigua and Barbuda
Woman at the traditional clothing and crafts market housed in the colorful wooden shacks, Long Bay Beach, Antigua, Caribbean
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Under Antigua and Barbuda’s “Nomad Digital Residence” program, participants can live on tropical islands for up to two years. And good internet service is guaranteed.
However, there are several conditions of application. These include submitting a certification stating that you expect to earn at least $50,000 per year in Antigua and Barbuda and can support yourself for the duration of your stay.
Bali, Indonesia
A woman meditates sitting in a ball in Bali, Indonesia.
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One of the latest places to join the trend is Bali, which is developing a “digital nomad” visa to attract new workers who will spend more money and hopefully strengthen the local economy, according to Fortune. The new visa will be valid for five years and any income earned abroad will not be taxed, Sandiaga Uno, Indonesia’s tourism minister, told Bloomberg.
Bali’s digital nomad visa will be the longest in existence among 33 other countries offering the program, Fortune reports. And Bali’s good weather and low cost of living make it a prime location for remote workers.
Bermuda
A couple observing rocks near the ocean, natural arch, Bermuda
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Bermuda offers the Work From Bermuda certificate, which allows workers to spend a year working from Bermuda remotely. Moving to a new place can be scary, but Bermuda breaks it down on its website to help newcomers adjust as easily as possible.
Those who choose Bermuda have an abundance of resources at their disposal, including help from the Business Development Agency. The BDA can help digital nomads do business in Bermuda, stay connected and relocate their families.
Barbados
Two young women snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea, Barbados.
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Thanks to the Barbados Welcome Stamp program, US digital nomads are allowed to stay in the country for up to a year. Initially, visas cost $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a family. Nomads must also earn at least $50,000 per year.
Some good news: digital nomads staying in Barbados can take advantage of the fact that they don’t have to pay local income taxes. Other fees and amenities include exemption from Barbados income tax and having a local bank account on the island.
Costa Rica
From a high point in the jungle canopy, a tourist flies over the Sarapiqui River in Costa Rica. Ziplining has become one of the most popular tourist activities in Costa Rica.
John Coletti | The image bank | Getty Images