Competition is heating up between countries to attract remote workers, writes the economic headline Bloomberg, acknowledging the sustainability of this new organization of work. Because these teleworkers represent a lucrative market. According to a study by MBO Partners, there were 15.5 million American digital nomads in 2021, an increase of 112% since 2019.
Thus nearly thirty countries have created special visas to attract digital nomads, and twelve others, including Colombia, are preparing to do the same. Bloomberg presents an overview of the steps to take to reach some of these new fashionable destinations.
Antigua and Barbuda
These two Caribbean islands offer a two-year digital nomad residency program. You have to apply online, the answer comes between five and seven working days and the rates are as follows: 1,500 dollars (1,569 euros) for a person, 2,000 dollars (2,089 euros) for a couple and 3,000 dollars ( 3,136 euros) for a family.
Argentina
Last May, the country announced the creation of a digital nomad permit that allows foreign workers to stay there for up to six months, with the possibility of extending their stay for another six months. The program is only accessible to countries whose inhabitants are already authorized to enter Argentina without a tourist visa. Applicants can apply to consulates to obtain this document by providing proof of employment at least forty-five days before departure. It will cost 250 euros plus tax.
The Bahamas
Since 2020, the archipelago offers the possibility of living there for a year. You have to apply online, then pay 25 dollars (26 euros) for the application, finally fill out a permit of about 1,000 dollars per applicant and 500 dollars (523 euros) per dependent.
Barbados
The Welcome Stamp visa allows you to settle down with your whole family but requires applicants to earn at least $50,000 per year. It will cost $2,000 for one person and $3,000 for a family.
Cayman Islands
This is the most expensive destination for digital nomads. The Global Citizen Concierge program requires candidates to have an annual income of at least 100,000 dollars (104,433 euros) for individuals, 150,000 dollars (157,011 euros) for couples and 180,000 dollars (188 490 euros) for families with dependents. It allows you to stay working for a maximum of two years.
The Dominican Republic
The country offers a Work In Nature (WIN) extended stay visa allowing individuals and families to work remotely for up to eighteen months. Candidates must present letters of employment, health insurance and a bank reference letter. The application costs 100 dollars (104 euros), then 800 dollars (835 euros) of visa fees for a single person and 1,200 dollars (1,257 euros) for a family.
Mexico
Mexico offers a temporary resident visa that allows digital nomads to live and work remotely in the country for up to four years. Volunteers must present a document proving that they have a bank balance of at least 43,000 dollars (45,000 euros) over the past year and that they earn at least 2,500 dollars (2,610 euros) per month.
It is necessary to complete an online visa application form before making an appointment at a consulate to submit the document. The fee is 48 dollars (50 euros).