Remote workers yearning for an island getaway might be interested in Dominica’s new digital nomad visa program.
The Caribbean nation’s “Work in Nature” visa allows digital professionals to set up shop on its lush, mountainous shores for up to 18 months. It will also offer holders access to duty-free goods and discounts from various service providers.
As the program grows, Dominica plans to create a remote worker village that provides coworking spaces, accommodations to fit every budget, a wide range of support services and shared social and entertainment venues.
In order to be eligible for the scheme, applicants must be at least 18 years old and earn $50,000 or more per year or have sufficient savings to support themselves and their dependents. Remote workers with families can take advantage of a bundle program that allows children to enroll in island schools.
The cost of the visa is $800 USD for individuals and $1,200 USD for families, plus a non-refundable application fee of $100. Applications will be processed within seven days, and successful candidates must move to Dominica within three months of approval.
Dominica, which is known as “The Nature Isle of the Caribbean,” is a hidden treasure. It is much less commercialized than many island destinations in the region, and, as its nickname suggests, it is full of breathtaking natural features such as forests, mountains, waterfalls and hot springs.
While the island, which has a population of around 72,000, doesn’t have a huge array of nightlife options, it does offer high-speed internet services, a modern health care system, quality schools and a large national park system. It could be just the spot for digital nomads who enjoy adventurous outdoor excursions more than weekend pub crawls.
COVID-19 infections have been very low on Dominica throughout the pandemic, and the CDC currently considers travel to the island to be of moderate risk.
Dominica is one of several Caribbean nations to create digital nomad visas since the pandemic began. Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bermuda, the Bahamas and Curacao have all launched long-term visa programs for remote workers in recent months.
Studies show that remote work will remain popular after the pandemic ends, and many countries believe digital nomads could help increase tourism and boost economies.