Series Archives - Small Business UK https://smallbusiness.co.uk/series/ Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs Tue, 28 Nov 2023 10:57:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.1 https://smallbusiness-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/10/cropped-cropped-Small-Business_Logo-4-32x32.png Series Archives - Small Business UK https://smallbusiness.co.uk/series/ 32 32 Thailand https://smallbusiness.co.uk/digital-nomad-visas-asia-thailand-2580485/ Fri, 03 Nov 2023 10:27:32 +0000 https://smallbusiness.co.uk/?p=2580485 By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

digital nomad visa Thailand

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By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

digital nomad visa Thailand

https://ltr.boi.go.th/

One of Thailand’s most famous landmarks is the Grand Palace in Bangkok. It’s the official residence of the Kings of Siam and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. See the Reclining Buddha (built in 1848) at Wat Pho in the temple right behind it – it’s the largest Buddha in Thailand.

UNESCO World Heritage site, Khao Yai National Park, is home to wildlife including elephants, northern pig-tailed macaques, barking deer, gibbons, porcupines and junglefowls (aka wild chickens). It’s just 180km from Bangkok.

Go to a floating market (pictured). Damnoen Floating Market was used as a setting in James Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun. Amphawa, meanwhile, sell souvenirs, snacks and sweets – and is a lot more authentic.    

If you fancy travelling around Thailand, take a ride on the Death Railway. It was constructed by WWII prisoners of war. Estimates suggest that one man died for every sleeper laid on the track. It’s a two-hour journey from Kanchanaburi to Nam Tok which runs three times a day – and is often very late.

Of course, there’s pad thai, the country’s most famous rice noodle dish. As you’ll be hanging around for a while, try the lesser-known som tam (a fruity and spicy salad), gaeng (spicy curry with fresh veg and rice) and mango sticky rice.

The cost-of-living is mega-cheap compared to the UK. Take a look at these figures from Numbeo.

  • Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: 800 ฿ (£18)
  • 1 litre regular milk: 58.01 ฿ (£1.30)
  • 500g loaf fresh white bread: 46.91 ฿ (£1.06)
  • One-way ticket on public transport: 30 ฿ (67p)
  • Basics for an 85m squared flat: 2,456 ฿ (£55.50)
  • Rent for one-bed flat in city centre: 14,087.99 ฿ (£321.80)

#5 of 182 on the Speedtest world league table, so will have very quick internet.

Co-working spaces are often connected to co-living spaces. Of the solely co-working spaces, you’ve got Yellow in Chiang Mai, which has international power sockets, a ‘YouTube room’ (for filming and screening) and an events area.

You’ll also find a co-working and co-napping space at NapLab in Bangkok, with its very own nap caves. Alternatively, there’s the Garage Society – a co-working space in Phuket which focuses on start-ups and freelancers.

The digital nomad visa

Name of visa: Long-Term Residents Visa Thailand

Visa fee: $1,494 (£1,238) plus a yearly $90 (£74.63) fee

Length of visa: 10 years

Can I extend my visa? Yes

Requirements:

Thailand does not have a digital nomad visa as such. What it does have is a Long-Term Residents Visa, which is aimed at full-time employees of Big Tech firms listed on a stock exchange or have generated more than $150m (£124,370,807) over the past three years.

And, unlike a true digital nomad visa, holders of the Long-Term Residents Visa pay income tax in Thailand – albeit at a 17 per cent tax rate as opposed to the standard 35 per cent.

  • Passport valid for six months
  • Annual $80,000 (£66,334) salary for the previous two years
  • Health insurance with at least $50,000 (£41,458) coverage
  • You must have worked for at least three years for a listed company or a company that generates at least $150m (£124,370,807) in annual revenue
  • Copy of Passport (including Thai entry stamps if applicable)
  • Passport-Size Photo (3×4 cm)
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Proof of current income
  • Personal income tax return for previous two years
  • Proof of employment

Minimum salary: $80,000 (£66,334)

How to apply

  1. Submit an online application here
  2. You will know whether your application has been approved in principle within 23 days plus.
  3. Upload additional documents and information
  4. Once approved, you have 60 days to attend an appointment at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad or immigration offices in Thailand, such as the Department of Employment One-Stop Shop Center for Visa and Work Permits in Bangkok, to collect your visa

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Taiwan https://smallbusiness.co.uk/digital-nomad-visas-asia-taiwan-2580483/ Fri, 03 Nov 2023 10:26:56 +0000 https://smallbusiness.co.uk/?p=2580483 By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

digital nomad visa Taiwan

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By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

digital nomad visa Taiwan

https://goldcard.nat.gov.tw/en/

Taiwanese people love their food. Go to a night market and you’ll see – and nab a few treats yourself.

Try coffin bread, which is bread shaped like a coffin. It’s hollowed out and filled with a seafood chowder. While you’re there, try shaved ice and pigs’ blood cake.

In your spare time, go to a Taiwanese teahouse or the Beitou Hot Springs. Of course, exploring Green Mountains and going for a hike in Toroko National Park is a must. Pack your walking boots.

Like many other parts of Asia, the cost of living in Taiwan is low. Check out these prices:

  • Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant: 1,000 NTS (£25.57)
  • 1 litre of regular fresh milk: 95.16 NTS (£2.43)
  • 500g loaf fresh white bread: 61.13 NTS (£1.56)
  • One-way ticket on local transport: 20.00 NTS (51p)
  • Rent for one-bedroom flat in the city centre: 13,807.58 NTS (£353)

The Asian nation ranks an impressive #17 of 182 countries in internet speed test rating, so the connection. As you’d expect, there are a few co-working spaces in the capital, Taipei, to give you a break from your accommodation.

The digital nomad visa

Name of visa: Taiwan Employment Gold Card

Visa fee: £94-£145

Length of visa: One to three years

Can I extend my visa? Eligible for permanent residency after three years

Requirements:

Taiwan does not have a visa designed especially for digital nomads; what they do have is a Taiwan Employment Gold Card, which technically applies to digital nomads. However, it is more squarely aimed at entrepreneurs setting up businesses in Taiwan or those working for a Taiwanese company with a minimum salary of $64,000 (£53,069).

The Taiwan Employment Gold Card is a combined work permit, residence permit, and visa for skilled professionals and has been active since February 2018. With the Gold Card, you can stay in Taiwan for one to three years.

Gold card holders employed by Taiwanese companies for the first time can apply for a 50 per cent tax exemption on any salary over earned over NT$3m ($100,000) (£82,931).

Minimum salary: $64,000 (£53,069)

How to apply?

  1. Check that you qualify for the Taiwan Employment Gold Card
  2. Apply using the online portal here. Filling out the form and uploading documents takes about 15 minutes.
  3. The Taiwanese government says that a perfect application takes 30 days to be approved – however, if additional supporting documents are required, expect a timeframe of 50-60 days.
  4. After processing, you will receive an e-mail stating your passport has been inspected and the Gold Card application is ready to be collected at a National Immigration Agency Service Center in person.

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Malaysia https://smallbusiness.co.uk/digital-nomad-visas-asia-malaysia-2580480/ Fri, 03 Nov 2023 10:26:20 +0000 https://smallbusiness.co.uk/?p=2580480 By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

digital nomad visa Malaysia

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By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

digital nomad visa Malaysia

https://mdec.my/derantau

Have an adventure through Batu Caves (pictured), the place of pilgrimage for Tamil Hindus. Climb 272 steps to access the main cave, which is free of charge. All the other caves, and the rock climbing, do have a fee.

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is Asia’s largest bird park. It’s 10 minutes away from the city centre and home to over 3,000 local and tropical birds. The free-flight concept comes about as close to their natural habitat as possible in captivity.

When you’ve got some downtime, go to the Perhentian Islands. It’s made up of two islands – Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil (‘large’ and ‘small’ islands respectively). They’ve got white sand beaches, jungle and clear water where you can find lionfish and barracudas.

You may have come across Nasi Lemak, which is rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf. Or for a more savoury bite, try Assam Laksa, which is like a very thick noodle soup. Serve alongside a roti canai (flatbread). Dessert could look like durian goreng – durian fruit dumplings, essentially – or apam balik, a sweet peanut pancake turnover.

The cost of living is very cheap, as evidenced by these figures from Numbeo.

  • Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: 80.00 RM (£14)
  • 1 litre of regular milk: 7.10 RM (£1.20)
  • 500g loaf of fresh bread: 3.66 RM (63p)
  • One-way ticket on public transport: 3.00 RM (52p)
  • Basics for 85m squared flat: 202.29 RM (£35)
  • One bedroom flat in city centre: 1,602.40 RM (£278)
     

If you need to get out the house, hop to one of several co-working spaces in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang.

Malaysia ranks #39 out of 182 on speedtest internet rankings, so it will have pretty quick internet speeds – quicker than the UK, anyway!    

The digital nomad visa

Name of visa: DE Rantau Nomad Pass

Visa fee: $221 (£183.25)

Length of visa: Three months to one year

Can I extend my visa? Yes – for another 12 months providing you still meet the criteria.

Requirements:

  • Current CV
  • Evidence that you work in a digital field such as IP, digital marketing, digital content creation, cyber security, digital currencies, and software development.
  • Employment contract that has been in place for three months
  • If you are a freelancer, evidence of a contract with a long-term client
  • Proof of income either in payslips or bank statements for last three months and statement of yearly income
  • Health and travel insurance
  • Clean criminal record
  • Copy of passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 14 months at the time of applying
  • Passport photos
  • Signed personal bond form. As a UK resident, you must put up a personal bond of RM1,500 (approx. £292)
  • Additional proof of relationship for dependents such as marriage certificate

Minimum salary: $24,000 (£19,889)

How to apply

  1. You can apply for a Malaysia digital nomad visa here. Make sure you choose the option for the DE Rantau Digital Nomad Visa. You will need to create an account using your email address, for which you will be sent a confirmation email.
  2. Once your account has been set up, you should choose the application form for the DE Rantau Nomad Pass and complete the form and upload your documents.
  3. When you complete your application, you will be asked to make a payment, which can be done using most credit cards or PayPal. The application costs $221 (£183.23) for the principal applicant and there is an additional fee of $110 (£91.20) per dependent.
  4. Once you have submitted your application, you may need to wait for up to four weeks to receive an official response via email. This will provide you with proof of approval that you should print out and take with you when you travel. This will allow your visa to be issued to you upon arrival at an airport in Malaysia.
  5. You can request a 75 per cent refund on your application fee if your Malaysia digital nomad visa is denied. The remaining 25 per cent is required to cover the cost of processing your initial application.

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Armenia https://smallbusiness.co.uk/digital-nomad-visas-asia-armenia-2580476/ Fri, 03 Nov 2023 10:25:50 +0000 https://smallbusiness.co.uk/?p=2580476 By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

Armenia digital nomad visa

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By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

Armenia digital nomad visa

https://www.mfa.am/en/residency/

You’ve got a lot of variety for things to do in Armenia. The capital city, Yerevan, has historical landmarks Republic Square and Cascade Complex. For a more cultural stay, Gyumri plays host to a collection of museums including Gyumri Museum of Architecture and Urban Life along with a collection of art galleries and theatres.

Dilijan National Park is worth a look, as is Lake Sevan, the Noravank Monastery and the Khor Virap Monastery, where you can catch views of Mount Ararat.

Eat khorovats while you’re out there. They’re grilled and marinated meats, a kind of Armenian kebab. Dolma is grape leaves stuffed with a mix of minced meat, rice and aromatic herbs. Round off your meal with gata, a sweetbread full of nuts and honey. Wash it down with a side of Armenian coffee. It’s known as Surj and is very strong. You have been warned.

If you need to break out of your four walls, look out for co-working spaces Hero Hub, Urbanlab and the Brain Embassy.

Armenia is a budget-friendly part of the world. Here are the figures from Numbeo:

Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant: 20,000 AMD (£39)
1 litre of regular fresh milk: 580.90 AMD (£1.14)
500g load of fresh white bread: 282.83 AMD (55p)
One-way ticket on public transport: 100 AMD (19p)
Basics for 85m squared flat (electricity, water, heating, etc): 45,833.62 AMD (£90)
Rent for one-bedroom flat in city centre: 388,602.93 AMD (£764)

It ranks #98 out of 182 countries in the internet speed league table on Speedtest. It’s slower than the UK, but still decent.

The digital nomad visa

Name of visa: Temporary Residency

Visa fee: 105,000 AMD (£225)

Length of stay: Up to one year

Can I extend my stay? Yes, for up to five years

Requirements:

  • Application
  • Three colour photos – 35 x 45 mm
  • Passport, copy of the passport, the notarised Armenian translation of the passport
  • Documents supporting the conditions of applying for the residence permit (extension of the permit) in Armenia
  • Medical certificate
  • Receipt of payment of the fee

Minimum salary: N/A

How to apply: It looks like you’ll need to apply as a tourist in Armenia at:

The Migration and Citizenship Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, 17/10 Building, 4th District, Davtashen, Yerevan 0054

You’ll also need to register as a sole entrepreneur in Armenia.

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Dubai https://smallbusiness.co.uk/digital-nomad-visas-asia-dubai-2580478/ Fri, 03 Nov 2023 10:25:25 +0000 https://smallbusiness.co.uk/?p=2580478 By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

digital nomad visa dubai

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By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

digital nomad visa dubai

https://www.visitdubai.com/en/invest-in-dubai/live-and-work/visas-and-entry/work-remotely-from-dubai

You’re going to want to head to Dubai to see the Burj Khalifa, of course. It’s also worth your while visiting Dubai Fountain. It’s the world’s tallest performing fountain at 900ft in length – you can even take a lake ride round it or stroll down a floating boardwalk.

Chow down on luqaymat, which is a golden pastry ball with flour, sesame seeds and turmeric. More bizarre is balaleet, a sweet and savoury vermicelli noodle dish served hot or cold with rose water, saffron and cardamom. It’s topped with an egg omelette and sometimes pistachios. Try Manousheh, the pizza of Dubai. It’s a flatbread topped with za’tar or strawberries and halwa. Again, keep alcohol consumption to permitted areas.

Living costs in Dubai are fairly reasonable:

  • Three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant: 250 AED (£55.75)
  • 1 litre regular fresh milk: 6.76 AED (£1.50)
  • 500g loaf fresh white bread: 5.62 AED (£1.25)
  • One-way ticket on public transport: 6.00 AED (£1.33)
  • Basics for 85m squared flat: 708.73 AED (£158)
  • Rent for one-bedroom flat in city centre: 7,225.22 AED (£1,611)

Unsurprisingly, you’ll find lots of co-working spaces in Dubai. Try Astrolabs, Nest, Nasab and more.

The entirety of the UAE ranks #4 of 182 countries in the world for internet speed so you’ll be fine to work with video content.

The digital nomad visa

Name of visa: Work Remotely Program

Visa fee: $611 (£506.61)

Length of visa: One year

Can I extend my visa? Yes

Requirements:

  • Passport valid for at least six months
  • Visa application form
  • Digital passport photo 45mm x 35mm with white background
  • Proof of accommodation, either lease agreement or hotel booking
  • Health insurance with UAE coverage
  • If you are a business owner, proof of company ownership for at least one year. Monthly income of $3,500 (£2,902) plus bank statements for past three months
  • If you are an employee, proof of employment with at least one-year contract, previous month payslip, bank statements, minimum salary of £3,500 per month

 Minimum salary: Minimum $3,500 (£2,902) monthly salary as an employee

 How to apply

  1. Visit the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs website to register
  2. Fill out the application form, including personal details and contact information, email, etc.
  3. Submit application and wait for email or phone call from Dubai representative
  4. Once you have arrived in Dubai, you must undergo a medical check-up. You have a one-month window to do this. Results should be available within two weeks
  5. After you receive the medical exam results, you must take them to a biometrics office
  6. After the biometrics, your passport will be stamped
  7. The Dubai government will send you a SMS confirming your residency card, also known as the Emirates ID

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Abu Dhabi https://smallbusiness.co.uk/digital-nomad-visas-asia-abudhabi-2580474/ Fri, 03 Nov 2023 10:24:57 +0000 https://smallbusiness.co.uk/?p=2580474 By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

Abu Dhabi digital nomad visa

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By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

Abu Dhabi digital nomad visa

https://www.adro.gov.ae/Remote-Work-Visa/Remote-Work-Visa

The capital of UAE, Abu Dhabi occupies around 84 per cent of the country’s total land mass. It also has 200 islands and a coastline across the Arabian Gulf. It’s known for its entertainment, shopping, unique architecture – and hot weather! The temperature averages at around 35 degrees Celsius in August, so expect to be inside quite a lot.

It has a lot of restaurants, bars and nightlife, as well as bags of culture. Check out the Louvre Abu Dhabi, featuring collections of Abrahamic artefacts. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, meanwhile, is the world’s largest mosque and the vision of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It welcomes up to 50,000 worshippers every day and lights up in the evening.     

Delicacies include camel stuffed with chicken, eggs, fish, sheep and spices. Slow-cooked dishes including Al Harees are also popular. Then you’ve got ghuzi, which is whole roast lamb on skewers served with vegetables and rice with nuts. Just one other thing: alcohol is frowned upon, so keep its consumption to restricted areas.  

Emiratis are hospitable and generous but a rare sighting. Most residents throughout the UAE are expats – 88 per cent, according to Global Media Insight.

Living costs are pretty reasonable:

  • Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant: 260 AED (£58.50)
  • 1 litre regular milk: 6.46 AED (£1.45)
  • 500g loaf fresh white bread: 4.84 AED (£1)
  • One-way ticket on local transport: 2.00 AED (45p)
  • Basics (electricity, heating, water, etc) for an 85m squared flat: 679.28 AED (£153)
  • Rent for one-bedroom flat in city centre: 5,508.74 AED (£1,242)

(Numbeo)

There are a few co-working spaces dotted around. Some are more familiar names such as WeWork and Regus, along with smaller locations, in busier areas of Abu Dhabi.

The digital nomad visa

Name of visa: Remote Work Visa

Visa fee: $287 (£236)

Length of stay: One year

Can I extend my stay: Yes

Requirements:

  • Proof of employment outside of the UAE
  • A bank statement for the last six months proving a deposit or a monthly income of no less than $3,500 or its equivalent in other currencies

Minimum salary: $3,500 (£2,881)

How to apply: Create an account at https://icp.gov.ae/en/ and follow the instructions for the remote work visa UAE option

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Digital nomad visas in Asia https://smallbusiness.co.uk/digital-nomad-visas-asia-2577071/ Fri, 03 Nov 2023 10:22:49 +0000 https://smallbusiness.co.uk/?p=2577071 By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

Young business woman working at the computer in cafe on the rock. Young girl downshifter working at a laptop at sunset or sunrise on the top of the mountain to the sea, working day.

Head to Asia on a digital nomad visa and spend time in Thailand, Dubai, Malaysia and more. Find out where your next destination will be

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By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

Young business woman working at the computer in cafe on the rock. Young girl downshifter working at a laptop at sunset or sunrise on the top of the mountain to the sea, working day.

Asia is an enormous mix of different cultures, with rich wildlife and flavourful cuisines.  

According to Statista, Bangkok (Thailand) is the top remote working city destination worldwide. Thailand, meanwhile, was the second most-visited country by this group – five per cent of the digital nomad population have been there.  

Cost-of-living is a major draw for digital nomads. Asian countries with digital nomad schemes have cheaper living costs across the continent.

Fast, accessible internet is another attractive trait for digital nomads. Considering that the UAE, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines all outdo Great Britain on internet speed, you might be even more productive than you are at home!   

Check out these hotspots if you’re interested in getting a digital nomad visa, or visas, in Asia. Each post contains more information about what it’s like to live in that country as well as a sample of living costs from Numbeo and the aforementioned internet speed ranking, courtesy of Speedtest. We’ve also supplied basic information such as the name of the visa, how long you can stay and the requirements for your application. Find out more about each visa scheme by clicking through to the general info page listed below the heading or go directly to the application page.

Read more on digital nomad visas

Which countries offer a digital nomad visa? – Interested in becoming a digital nomad but not sure where to go? We look at all of the countries around the world that provide a visa

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The Bahamas https://smallbusiness.co.uk/digital-nomad-visas-caribbean-the-bahamas-2572903/ Thu, 21 Sep 2023 09:36:07 +0000 https://smallbusiness.co.uk/?p=2572903 By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

digital nomad visa

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By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

digital nomad visa

You’ve probably seen or read about The Bahamas and their glorious pink sands with swimming swines doing some piggy paddle at the beaches (pictured). The Bahamas is also known for rake n’ scrape music, which is traditional Bahamian folk music played on improvised musical instruments such as ripsaws.

In The Bahamas, locals typically serve up peas and dumpling soup, Bahamian fish stew, conch ceviche and fire engine (steamed corned beef with veg and lots of black pepper), finished off with duff (dough filled with sweet filling such as guava and topped with buttery boozy sauce) for dessert.

The cost of living is more reasonable on some things rather than others, as evidenced from these figures from Numbeo:

  • Three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant: $100 (£80.60)
  • 1 litre of regular milk: $3.97 (£3.20)
  • 500g loaf of fresh white bread: $4.58 (£3.70)
  • One way ticket on public transport: $1.50 (£1.20)
  • Basics for an 85m2 flat: $284.84 (£230) per month
  • One bedroom flat in city centre: $1,089.29 (£878.50) per month

You’ll find co-working spaces in Nassau with internet speeds that rank #90 out of 182 in the world (Speedtest).

The digital nomad visa

https://www.bahamasbeats.com/

Visa name: BEATS

Fees: A $1,000 (£812) permit fee if your application is successful and a $25 (£20) application fee. A further $500 (£406) and application fee is required for each dependent.

Length of stay: Up to a year

Can I extend my stay? Renewals will be considered for up to another three years

Salary required: A proof of employment is required, but no minimum salary is specified

Background checks: None officially stated but likely to include criminal record checks

Requirements:

  • Valid passport
  • Medical insurance card (the same for any dependents)
  • Proof of employment, which can be a job letter

How to apply: Apply via https://portal.immigration.gov.bs/. Approval can take up to five days.

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Montserrat https://smallbusiness.co.uk/digital-nomad-visas-caribbean-montserrat-2572900/ Thu, 21 Sep 2023 09:32:18 +0000 https://smallbusiness.co.uk/?p=2572900 By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

digital nomad visa

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By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

digital nomad visa

Welcome to the Caribbean’s version of the Emerald Isle. Montserrat is a small island (similarly shaped to Ireland) with a small population – the Soufrière Hills make it one for volcano enthusiasts.

History buffs might be more partial to a hike to the petroglyphs or a buried city tour of country’s capital, Plymouth (with a certified tour guide only). As for sport, Montserrat is known for cricket, football and basketball.

The average temperature year-round, like most of the Caribbean, is 27 degrees Celsius. It’s definitely a place for the more chilled-out. Business hours aren’t late, with most businesses – aside from restaurants, pubs and clubs – closed by 7pm.

There aren’t any co-working spaces either, but you can work from cafés. Montserrat isn’t listed on Speedtest, so it won’t have the best internet speeds.

It is a very cheap place to live though, as these figures from Numbeo show:

  • Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant: 130EC$ (£39)
  • 1 litre regular milk: 9EC$ (£2.70)
  • 500g loaf of fresh white bread: 8EC$ (£2.40)
  • One-way ticket on public transport: 5EC$ (£1.50) per month
  • 3-bedroom flat in city centre: 3,500EC$ (£1,045) per month

Traditional dishes include goat water (goat stew), duckna (dumpling cooked with coconut and sweet potato, served with salted fish) and pumpkin soup.

The digital nomad visa

https://montserratremoteworker.com/

Name of visa: Montserrat Remote Work Stamp

Length of stay: One year

Visa fee: Application fees are required before application processing. These fees are non-refundable.

  • Single Applicant
  • USD$500 (£400)
  • Families (up to 3 dependents): USD$750 (£600)
    Additional family member: USD$250 (£250) each

Can I extend my stay? No, but you can reapply using the standard process

Requirements:

  • Works for an employer that is registered in a foreign country and they have a contract of work with that employer; or
  • Conducts business activity for a company that is registered in a foreign country and of which they are a partner/shareholder; or
  • Offers freelance or consulting services mostly to clients, whose permanent establishments are in a foreign country, and with whom they have contracts; and
  • Has health insurance with valid Montserrat and Covid-19 coverage.

Minimum salary: $70,000 (£56,858)

How to apply: Online at https://montserratremoteworker.com/

It takes seven days to process once the application is received.

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Grenada https://smallbusiness.co.uk/digital-nomad-visas-caribbean-grenada-2572896/ Thu, 21 Sep 2023 09:28:55 +0000 https://smallbusiness.co.uk/?p=2572896 By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

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By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

digital nomad visa

The average temperature in Grenada is 28 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for going to the Grand Etang National Park for a hike. Who knows? You might even spot iguanas, osprey and herons when you’re out and about.

It ranks #53 out of 152 on Speedtest, so again, the internet speed should be pretty decent.

The same could be said for the lower living costs. Numbeo has these figures:

  • Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant: 215.62EC$ (£64.37)
  • 1 litre regular milk: 5.02EC$ (£1.50)
  • 500g loaf of fresh white bread: 4.07EC$ (£1.20)
  • One-way ticket on public transport: 3.00EC$ (90p)
  • Basics for an 85m2 flat: 471.95EC$ (£141) per month
  • One-bedroom flat in city centre: 1,764.31EC$ (£527) per month

Traditional menus in Grenada feature bakes and fishcakes (fishcake sandwiched in fried bread); oil down (salted meat, callaloo, breadfruit, other vegetables steamed in coconut milk); and pelau (chicken, rice, peas, carrots, coconut milk and caramelised brown sugar). For afters, try nutmeg ice cream or a rum punch.

Speaking of which, Grenada is dubbed as Spice Island, rich in nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and vanilla. It also boasts a booming chocolate industry with boutique shops on the island.

The digital nomad visa

https://grenadaembassyusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Grenada-Visa-Requirements-for-Applicants-of-Visas-Prior-to-Arrival-in-Grenada-as-of-Mar-2018.pdf

Name of visa: Remote Employment Act

Visa fee: The application fee for an individual is $1,500 (£1,200), and the application fee for an individual and up to three dependents is $2,000 (£1,620). It costs $1,400 (£1,135) to renew the visa and an extra $200 (£162) per dependent.

Length of stay: Up to one year

Can I extend my stay? Yes

Requirements:

  • Provide evidence of a passport that is valid for the period for which the remote-work permit is intended to apply
  • Provide proof of the grant or application for, a visa, if a visa is required
  • Provide proof of a health insurance policy valid for the period for which the remote-work permit is intended to apply
  • Provide a police certificate

Minimum salary: Provide proof of an actual annual income of not less than EC$100,000.00 (£30,000) generated outside of Grenada, and proof that the actual income is intended to continue for the period for which the remote-work permit is intended to apply

How to apply: Print out and fill this application form: http://gov.gd/index.php/documents/application-visa/viewdocument/88. Post it to:

1701 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE., N.W.
FAX. (202) 265–2468 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20009

It will take ten days to process from date of receipt.

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Dominica https://smallbusiness.co.uk/digital-nomad-visas-caribbean-dominica-2572893/ Thu, 21 Sep 2023 09:25:14 +0000 https://smallbusiness.co.uk/?p=2572893 By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

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By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

digital nomad visa

English is the official language of Dominica so carrying out business communications shouldn’t be an issue.

What’s more, the island is four hours behind GMT so you can keep relative pace with your clients back home. An average annual temperature of 27 degrees Celsius makes for a pleasant climate too.

Ranking #54 of 182 on Speedtest means that the internet will be pretty decent for those who work with video or other multimedia.

Non-working hours are made for adventuring around ‘nature island’. Explore the rainforests, hike up the mountains or plunge underwater to see the coral reefs.

Check out Boiling Lake – a flooded fumarole. It’s a bubbling cauldron of greyish blue water measuring 200-250ft across. Boiling Lake is the second largest hot lake in the world, behind New Zealand’s Frying Pan Lake.

Eastern Caribbean is the currency in Dominica, but some places may accept British pounds as well as euros.

Living costs are low (if you don’t drink milk, that is), so it could be a great destination to build up some savings. According to Numbeo:

  • Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant: 162.15EC$ (£48.40)
  • 1 litre regular milk: 13.50EC$ (£4)
  • 500g loaf of fresh white bread: 6.88EC$ (£2)
  • One-way ticket on public transport: 3.50EC$ (£1)
  • Monthly rent for one-bedroom flat in city centre: 900.01EC$ (£268.50)

Callaloo is a big deal in the Caribbean, particularly in Dominica – in this case it’s used in a leafy green soup with coconut milk, salted meat, yams, onions, peppers, green bananas and dumplings. You could also sample Caribbean reef chicken (chicken, dark rum, ginger, mango chutney, hot pepper sauce, garlic, cinnamon, cloves, lime juice, brown sugar, salt and pepper). And for dessert, conconete, which are traditional cookies made with grated coconut, cinnamon and ginger.

The digital nomad visa

https://windominica.gov.dm/

Name of visa: Work in Nature Extended Visa Stay programme

Visa fee: US$100 (£81) application fee (non-refundable)

  • Single Applicant: US$800 (£650)
  • Family Application: US$1,200 (£975)
  • One Business, Multiple Applicants: US$800 plus US$500 for each additional employee for a business applying for four or more employees

Length of stay: Up to 18 months

Can I extend my stay? Not stated

Requirements:

  • You are at least 18 years old
  • You are of good character, without a criminal record
  • You are able and willing to make the required financial contribution
  • You can work remotely
  • You can expect to earn an income of US$50,000 (£40,500) or more over the next 12 months and/or have the means to support yourself, your spouse/partner, and their other family members accompanying you during your extended stay in Dominica

If you’re self-employed, proof of income must be in the form of one or more the following documents:

  • Bank letter and recent bank statement
  • Certificate of good standing

Minimum salary: You’re expected to earn an income of US$50,000 (£40,729) or more over the next 12 months and/or have the means to support yourself, your spouse/partner and their other family members accompanying you during your extended stay in Dominica

How to apply: Online at https://apply.windominica.gov.dm/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2F

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Bermuda https://smallbusiness.co.uk/digital-nomad-visas-caribbean-bermuda-2572884/ Thu, 21 Sep 2023 09:22:24 +0000 https://smallbusiness.co.uk/?p=2572884 By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

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By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

digital nomad visa

Bermuda is a British island territory stretching to 21 square miles, with lots of pink-sand beaches.

Be warned: the island life comes at a price. According to Numbeo:

  • Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $150 (£121)
  • 1 litre of regular milk: $4.06 (£3.30)
  • 500g loaf of fresh white bread: $7.78 (£6.30)
  • One-way ticket on local transport: $4 (£3.20)
  • Basics for an 85m squared apartment: $264.17 (£213)
  • Monthly rent for one-bedroom flat: $3,315.62 (£2,673.50)

You’ll find co-working spaces in Hamilton but Bermuda doesn’t rank on Speedtest so your connection could be a tad patchy.

Expect to find fish chowder; a Bermuda Breakfast of codfish, potatoes, boiled eggs, avocado and banana; peas and rice; bread pudding; shark hash (sauteed shark liver with sherry peppers); and cassava pie.

The digital nomad visa

https://www.bda.bm/work-from-bermuda/

Name of visa: Work from Bermuda certificate

Visa fee: $263 (£213)

Length of stay: 12 months

Can I extend my stay? Renewable on a case-by-case basis.

Requirements:

You must:

  • Be at least 18 years old and pay the application fee
  • Not have been convicted of a crime in Bermuda or elsewhere
  • Possess valid health insurance coverage
  • Demonstrate employment with a legitimate company or your own company registered and operating outside of Bermuda, in the case of a remote worker
  • Provide evidence of enrolment in a Research, Undergraduate, Graduate or Doctorate Programme, in the case of a student

For self-employed need the same kind of paperwork, plus a certificate of incorporation, if applicable.

Minimum salary: None stated – ‘must have substantial means and/or have a continuous source of annual income’

How to apply: Online at https://www.bda.bm/work-from-bermuda/

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Barbados https://smallbusiness.co.uk/digital-nomad-visas-caribbean-barbados-2572878/ Thu, 21 Sep 2023 09:19:47 +0000 https://smallbusiness.co.uk/?p=2572878 By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

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By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

digital nomad visa

Barbados has been described as ‘166 square miles of happiness’, with a claim to fame as Rihanna’s birthplace. The whole capital, Bridgetown, is a UNESCO world heritage listed site.

Cost of living isn’t the cheapest, as you can see:

  • Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant: BBD$200 (£80.50)
  • 1 litre of regular milk: BBD$7.52 (£3)
  • 500g loaf of fresh white bread: BBD$5.22 (£2.10)
  • One way ticket on local transport: BBD$3.50 (£1.40)
  • Basics for 85m squared flat: BBD$339.84 (£137) per month
  • Rent for one bedroom flat in city centre: BBD$1,623.64 (£654.50) per month 

The island is home to a handful of co-working spaces and cafés that you can work from.

When you’re not working, you could be swimming with turtles, going to the Shark Hole beach or watching the cricket at the Kensington Oval.

Cou cou and flying fish is the dish of Barbados. Okra slush is added to cornmeal, rolls of fish, vegetables and gravy. On restaurant menus you might find roasted breadfruit filled with butter and other toppings, yellow split pea rice and saltfish gravy, Bajan chicken soup, conkie (pumpkin, coconut and spices wrapped in a banana leaf), pickled chicken feet, sweet bread and guava cheese (a popular sweet).

On Speedtest it’s sitting at #44 out of 182 – better than the UK! So if you edit video or upload a lot of images, you might want to head to Barbados.

Apply to bring your pets with you. Dogs need rabies injection at least 35 days before you arrive.

The digital nomad visa

https://www.visitbarbados.org/barbados-welcome-stamp

Name of visa: Welcome Stamp

Visa fee: Individual – $2,000 (£1,600)
Family Bundle – $3,000 (£2,400)

Length of stay: Up to 12 months

Can I extend my stay? Yes

Requirements:

  • Passport sized photograph Principal Applicant and all other members of the Family Group over the age of 18 (if applicable).
  • Bio data page of passport – Principal Applicant and all other members the Family Group (if applicable).
  • Proof of relationship of Principal Applicant to all other members of the Family Group.

Minimum salary: At least USD$50,000 (£40,500) over the 12 months you intend to have the travel stamp.

How to apply: Online at https://www.visitbarbados.org/barbados-welcome-stamp

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Curaçao https://smallbusiness.co.uk/digital-nomad-visas-caribbean-curacao-2572889/ Thu, 21 Sep 2023 09:15:51 +0000 https://smallbusiness.co.uk/?p=2572889 By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

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By Anna Jordan on Small Business UK - Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

digital nomad visa

You’ll find Curaçao just off the Venezuelan coast. Its Dutch influence can be seen on Handelskade street with townhouses and a spread of cafés, bars, souvenir shops. But the island still retains its Caribbean culture through its festivals, art and cuisine.

For such a warm climate, there are many soups and stews to be discovered. Try yambo (okra soup), creole beef soup, beef stew and goat stew. It’s also worth having a go at lionfish, tutu (Caribbean polenta mixed with beans, coconut milk and sugar), pumpkin pancakes and cashew cake.

Activities-wise, go diving, swim with dolphins or relax on one of over 35 beaches. Alternatively, take a 1,000-foot mini submarine ride into the deep sea. For something a little more chilled out, head to the original Curaçao liqueur distillery in the capital, Willemstad.

Living costs are pretty cheap. One thing you should know is that the currency in Curaçao can go by different names: Dutch Guilders (ANG) and Florins (NAf). It’s all the same though. US dollars are widely accepted too if you’ve got any going spare.

  • Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant: 140 NAf (£63)
  • 1 litre regular milk: 2.92 NAf (£1.30)
  • 500g loaf of fresh white bread: 3.82 NAf (£1.70)
  • One-way ticket on public transport: 2.85 NAf (£1.30)
  • Basics for 85m squared flat: 361.43 NAf (£163) per month
  • Monthly rent for flat in city centre: 1,123.28 NAf (£506) per month

The island doesn’t rank on Speedtest so the internet is likely to be slower than the UK.

The digital nomad visa

https://athomeincuracao.com/remote-workers/

Name of visa: @Home in Curaçao

Visa fee: $294 (£238)

Length of stay: Six months

Can I extend my stay? Yes, by another six months.

Requirements:

You must prove that you can work independent of location in telecommunications technologies. You must also fit one of the three categories:

  • You work for an employer registered in a foreign country and you have a contract with that employer;
  • You conduct business activity for a company that is registered in a foreign country and of which you are a partner/shareholder;
  • You offer freelance or consulting services to clients, whose permanent establishments are in a foreign country, and with whom you have contracts.

It can be public or private sector.

Minimum salary: None stated

How to apply: Online at https://athomeincuracao.com/remote-workers/application-remote-workers/

Once received the application will take around two weeks to process. Please note that Dutch is the sole language in legal and administrative matters.

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