Best Caribbean islands for digital nomads
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Tim Marting
Co-Founder - Citizen Remote
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Best Caribbean islands for digital nomads
The Caribbean islands have always been very popular among tourists and holidaymakers wanting a short-term escape to paradise. But are they set up for digital nomads? Many Caribbean countries have begun offering digital nomad visas to improve tourism and bring more people to the islands. But to make sure you can truly thrive on a beautiful island in the Caribbean, you need to have access to all the amenities you need to work and live effectively.
If you’re considering moving to a sunny beach paradise, here are the best Caribbean islands for digital nomads.
The Bahamas
Who wouldn’t want to visit the Bahamas, with its 16 main islands, lovely sandy beaches, and crystal blue seas, some of which are home to swimming pigs? The Bahamas has long been a popular holiday destination for visitors from across the globe.
The Bahamas is a divers’ paradise and one of the greatest destinations for cave diving, thanks to its crystal clear water and abundant marine life. Dean’s Blue Hole on Long Island, the world’s deepest blue hole, is located in the Bahamas, where many free divers seek world records. In addition, the island nation is home to the world’s third-largest barrier reef.
Digital nomads choose the Bahamas because the cost of living during the off-season is low, and even during busy times, it is between $30 and $400 per day (depending on your needs). Also, Nassau has 5 coworking spaces with great internet connections.
They introduced a digital nomad visa for the Bahamas in October 2020, allowing remote workers and students to stay up to 12 months on any inhabited islands. The biggest advantage of this visa is that you don’t need a minimum income to qualify, and it can be renewed for up to 3 years.
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Dominica
Dominica provides endless opportunities to create a strong, personal connection to the country with its abundant natural beauty, awe-inspiring adventure, and lively culture. Dominica is a tiny island republic between Guadeloupe and Martinique’s French islands.
It has been called “Nature Island” because of its stunning beauty. Dominica’s mountains, woods, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls make it an ideal destination for adventurous vacationers and digital nomads that love the outdoors.
If you’re considering being a digital nomad in Dominica, there are just a few well-connected spots to dwell. Roseau is Dominica’s capital and most popular destination for nomads and ex-pats, although some travelers prefer to settle in Portsmouth, the island’s second-largest city.
Dominica is perhaps the cheapest Caribbean destination for digital nomads. A single person’s monthly cost of living is roughly $1000, with an average apartment costing around $450. But the downside is that Dominica’s internet connection is on average, 43 Mbps.
The digital nomad visa for Dominica is excellent, allowing digital nomads to stay up to 18 months and even bring their families along. Digital nomads on the visa can also have a driver’s license and get duty-free shopping benefits.
Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua & Barbuda, with over 95 miles of coastline, is recognized not just for its beautiful beaches and tranquil sailing but also for hosting one of the Caribbean’s most famous carnivals. Beautiful mountains, world-class seafood, enthralling hiking paths, and jungle zip-lining are just some of the adventures you can try here.
In response to Covid 19 pandemic, a digital nomad visa for Antigua and Barbuda was launched, similar to some of the best Caribbean islands for digital nomads. The application can be done online, and it can take up to 14 days to be finalized, making it one of the most straightforward digital nomad visa applications.
This visa is available to all nationalities without restrictions; even your family members can apply with you and stay in the country under the same conditions. The cost of applying for this digital nomad visa is $1500 for an individual, $2000 if you are traveling with your partner or dependent, and $3000 if you are traveling with a family.
The downside is that you need a $50K yearly income and that internet is not the best, with an average of 1.52 Mbps download and 1.31 Mbps upload speeds. However, you can stay up to 2 years in this Caribbean paradise.
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands, located south of Cuba and west of Jamaica, are made up of three islands. The main island, Grand Cayman, provides beach resorts as well as fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities. Cayman Brac, the second biggest island, is well-known for deep-sea fishing expeditions. Little Cayman, the smallest island, is home to a broad range of fauna.
The Cayman Islands digital nomad visa is one of the longest, offering a 2-year stay. You can bring your family with you on this beautiful journey and enjoy all the benefits of established infrastructure, international-standard schools, and high-quality medical treatment.
The internet is high speed and widely available ranging from 512 Kbps to 300 Mbps. However, to be eligible to apply for this visa, your minimum yearly income must be at least $100,000 or even higher if you travel as a couple or a family.
Anguilla
Anguilla’s white-sand beaches, friendly people, breathtaking sunsets, turquoise oceans, and a totally unique island attitude are among the most appealing features of this Caribbean island. Swimming, snorkeling, and diving could be everyday activities for you and your family.
Meads Bay is the ideal spot to go if you’re here for the first time. It’s in the heart of everything, so all of the best attractions are within a half-hour drive. Sandy Ground is another frequent hangout. It’s ideal for individuals on a tight budget. Blowing Point is a good place to start if you’re relocating to Anguilla with your family.
The island’s cost of living is reasonable compared to many other cities in North America and Europe. Ultra-high-speed internet, low-cost international calls, and online payments, among other things, are all available on the island.
Digital nomads can stay here for 3 to 12 months on the digital nomad visa for Anguilla and will not be charged any local income tax. Once your visa expires, you cannot extend it but will have to reapply if you want to continue living on the island.
Where will your next adventure lead you?
Complete a short quiz to know all your options!
Best Caribbean islands for digital nomads
Despite Covid-mandated lockdowns and stringent entrance criteria, the best Caribbean islands for digital nomads understood that giving access to remote workers who could work on a beach during an extended stay can attract visitors and bring income to the islands.
If you want help with applying for a digital nomad visa and deciding the best place for you, contact us here! Or start by using our Visa Wizard to determine which digital nomad visas you are eligible for.
Author
Tim Marting is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Citizen Remote a site for remote workers and digital nomads. Although from the US, Tim currently lives in Spain, and has been a world citizen for the last 5 years, living in 3 different countries. He had other long-term stops in Australia, Italy, Indonesia, Thailand and the UK. His life goal is “to enable border-less travel and border-less relations for the rest of this beautiful world.
