Do you enjoy the idea of working while travelling?
Maybe, you’re seeking some flexibility in your life and would relish the opportunity to work anywhere!
Or perhaps, you’ve got a high-demand skill that you’re seeking to capitalise on and work with international clients.
If these options sound lucrative and enticing, you may enjoy working as a digital nomad.
What is a digital nomad?
A digital nomad is not just a work arrangement, it’s actually a lifestyle. Often, a digital nomad is a skilled professional who works remotely across cities, countries or regions. Digital nomads are not fixed in any of these cities or countries for very long. Many change their locations, on average, every couple of months.
Digital nomads work from anywhere in the world and provide services such as:
- Photography
- Consulting
- Copywriting
- Journalism
- Graphic design
- Online teaching
- Media/content creation
Digital nomads can also be online entrepreneurs who run businesses from anywhere in the world, using mobiles device with reliable internet connection.
Digital nomads vs. freelancers
Digital nomads do share many commonalities with freelancers. The two styles of working offer flexibility, sense of ownership and independence. Nevertheless, the difference between freelancer and digital nomad is lifestyle.
Freelancers are remote workers who provide similar online services that digital nomads do. A key distinction however, is that freelancers are typically located within the same cities, country or region as their clients. Many freelancers work from home, in public places or even in-house, but their life and customer base is fixated in one location.
Digital nomads perform many freelance services, with the added feature of the travel lifestyle. They are often in a different country or region from their clients. They also incorporate travel, exploration and experiencing different cultures as part of their working experience.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
Though the lifestyle can be appealing and adventurous, becoming a digital nomad does involve satisfying some legal and financial criteria. These criteria depend on the country a nomad is planning to relocate to, as well as the average income they report annually.
Additionally, being a digital nomad requires legal authorisation to live and work in that country for an extended time. This is the fundamental purpose of applying for a digital nomad visa.
Do I need a Visa to be a Digital Nomad?
The digital nomad visa in this sense is different than a typical tourist visa where the holder can stay within the country for a stipulated time period. As digital nomads typically spend months or several years in one country, the visa grants the legal authorisation to secure work. Companies typically would not recruit or contract individuals who do not possess these legal requirements.
Additionally, the digital nomad visa does not entitle the same rights and benefits a permanent resident or citizen of that country would enjoy. Digital nomads, are simply expected to provide their services, legitimately and receive their relevant compensation. Having this visa, does not entitle the holder to national insurance, health insurance, pension, social programs or voting rights within that country.
Digital nomad visas are also valid for a certain period of time before it has to be renewed. Validation differs among countries, but some can be valid for six months to a period of two years. In addition, there are other considerations digital nomads must abide by to certify they are residing in that country for legitimate and productive reasons.
How do I obtain a Digital Nomad Visa?
The application process for a digital nomad visa will fundamentally differ according to country. Generally, applicants can visit the immigration website of the country they wish to work and fill out the relevant application forms. Applicants can upload their identification and employment documents, as well as any other requested material to complete their application.
For example, in Antigua & Barbuda, applicants for the Nomad Digital Residence must firstly apply online. Secondly, they must satisfy the stipulation of maintaining their own health and travel insurance. Finally, applicants must provide evidence that they earn a minimum yearly income of $50,000. Other requirements to be provided include:
- Identification details – Birth certificate, National IDs, Passport details
- Proof of employment – Job letter from company
- Police Certificate of Character
- Proof of health & travel insurance
- Marriage Certificate & no. dependents, if applicable
- Proof of vaccination against Covid-19 and other illnesses, depending on the country or region.
- Bank letters to prove the applicant has the required amount of funds in the bank
- Reference letters for further credibility of the applicant
- Payment of the relevant application and legal fees
Which countries provide Visas for Digital Nomads.
Some of most well-known Caribbean countries, with their respective digital nomad visas include:
- Antigua & Barbuda – Nomad Digital Residence (2 years)
- Anguilla – Work from Anguilla (1 year)
- The Bahamas – Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (12 months)
- Barbados – Welcome Stamp (12 months)
- Bermuda – Work from Bermuda
- Cayman Islands – Global Citizen Concierge Program (2 years)
- Curacao – @home (6 months)
- Dominica – Work in Nature (WIN) Extended Stay Visa (18 months)
- Montserrat Remote Workers Programme – 1 year
With the evolution of the world beyond the pandemic and a keener emphasis on job flexibility, the digital nomad lifestyle has developed into a lucrative opportunity for many skilled professionals. These opportunities allow digital nomads to work for the clients they choose and from locations of their choice.
There are substantial criteria to be satisfied to apply for a visa and enjoy this lifestyle. However, global inter-connectivity and the demand for job flexibility has revolutionised the way many Caribbean professionals think, work and live. This revolution has created the demand and opportunities for digital nomads.
