Antigua and Barbuda to offer two-year stays for remote workers

Caribbean island welcomes digital nomads

Antigua and Barbuda is attempting to attract digital nomads

Antigua and Barbuda is the latest destination to open its doors to digital nomads with a new visa designed for remote workers.

The Caribbean island nation is launching a Nomad Digital Residence scheme, allowing eligible applicants to stay for two years.

“You can work in any part of the world from Antigua as if you were in your office or home,” Prime Minister Gaston Browne said in a statement.

The programme is only open to those earning at least $50,000 (£38,600) a year, and applications cost $1,500 for a single applicant, $2,000 per couple and $3,000 for a family of three.

Applicants will also need to provide proof of adequate health insurance and pay local market rates for access to any healthcare during their time on the islands.

Antigua and Barbuda has managed to come through the coronavirus pandemic largely unscathed so far, with around 100 cases recorded since the outbreak began.

Mr Browne said: “We have learned how to detect infected persons quickly, how to treat them rapidly, and how to contain community spread.”

The islands join several other Caribbean hotspots in offering visas to remote workers from all over the world.

Barbados launched its Welcome Stamp visa in July, which allows international workers to spend a year in “paradise”.

The 12-month visa will cost $2,000 (£1,570) for individuals and $3,000 (£2,355) for families.

It lasts a year but applicants can reapply. They are also exempt from paying Barbados Income Tax.

Bermuda is also offering year-long stays for people who want to work or study remotely, with a new scheme that launched in August.

The British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic is proposing residencies for visitors aged 18 or over, with requirements including health insurance and proof of employment or enrolment in higher education.

A certificate for a year-long stay costs just $263 (£207), and Bermuda has also extended its tourist visa from 90 to 180 days (around six months) for those not wanting to commit to such a lengthy stay.