Arthur C. Clarke made a pretty good guess in 1964. The sci-fi writer predicted that in 50 years, anyone could do “business from Tahiti or Bali just as well from London.” Any skill, he said, could be made independent of location.
Today, that “guess” is in full practice from across the globe. People’s relationship with their work has fundamentally changed, giving rise to digital nomads who combine remote work and travel.
Covid-19 along with technological advancements have accelerated the shift, increasing mobile workers to 35 million as of 2024. In response to this change, many governments now offer new visa programs, tax incentives, and even talent grants – all in a bid to attract and retain citizens who will drive businesses and economic growth. How does this affect your search for the best remote work locations?
It leaves you with multiple opportunities to compare potential destinations and determine what your “workation” will look like.
One of the more idyllic locations emerging as a digital nomad destination is the Caribbean. The powder-white beaches, the pleasant weather all year round, the affordable living, and laidback lifestyle are all very alluring to the mobile worker.
Which islands make the best remote work location ideas?
Remote Work in the Caribbean
The Caribbean has become a go-to destination for people looking to acquire a second citizenship. Several islands offer investment programs that allow people to enjoy the perks of wealth preservation, business opportunities, and visa-free travel, among others. Most applicants choose the real estate investment option, which tends to be the best route because a beachfront property in the Caribbean can be resold or yield rental income.
But Caribbean governments are also enticing remote workers with visas designed for them.
Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua & Barbuda’s visa program for people seeking a remote work getaway is called the Nomad Digital Residence (NDR) program.
The NDR allows eligible remote workers to live in Antigua & Barbuda for up to two years. Your family can even come with you. As an NDR visa holder, you and your dependents are exempt from paying taxes on income, making it a compelling choice for a remote work destination.
Who’s eligible for the NDR visa in Antigua & Barbuda?
You must show the financial capability to support yourself on a minimum annual salary of $50,000. You must also either own a location-independent business or work for a company outside of Antigua & Barbuda. You’ll also need to have valid health insurance.
The island’s NDR program is a good opportunity for you to see whether it’ll be a good place to plant your roots. You can start off as a digital nomad and consider a second passport if the island life here suits you.
This Caribbean island has been on the global citizenship map since it introduced the Antigua & Barbuda citizenship by investment in 2013. It offers one of the more affordable routes to citizenship, with a minimum real estate purchase of $300,000. Citizenship processing here is one of the fastest in the Caribbean. You can travel visa-free to 150 countries, and you don’t have to pay capital gains or estate taxes.
Barbados
Barbados offers the Welcome Stamp for remote workers who qualify. You can live and work in the Eastern Caribbean island for up to 12 months. Eligibility requires an annual salary of at least $50,000.
Much like in Antigua & Barbuda, remote workers are exempt from paying income tax.
Aruba
If you prefer shorter stays for your remote work in the Caribbean, Aruba offers one of the shorter periods. Its visa program for digital nomads is called One Happy Workation. You can live and work on the island for up to three months. You don’t need to show proof of income, but you must be self-employed or be employed outside of Aruba.
Other destinations for remote work include countries in Europe, such as Spain, Portugal, and Germany, and countries in Asia, like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Digital nomads are also heading to South American countries, such as Brazil and Chile.
From Remote Work to Citizenship
The new migration model is carving a future that allows your passport to be as flexible as your job or business. Working remotely in a different country opens the doors to more than travel and the opportunity to execute tasks in paradise. It can set the stage for where you could end up retiring.
You might start as a temporary resident in the remote work location of your choice. But if that place aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals, you might become a permanent resident or pursue a second citizenship.
With technological advancements, globalization, and changing values shaping the concept of citizenship, governments are opening up pathways for people to acquire a second passport. And in the postcard-perfect beauty of the Caribbean, it’s easy enough to find a second home.
With its streamlined citizenship by investment programs, tax advantages, and opportunities for international mobility, the region can help you become a global citizen. You not only have the capability to work from anywhere, but you could also belong anywhere.
Ready to make the move?
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