The dream of working remotely from a tropical paradise is no longer just a fantasy. With the rise of digital nomad visas, Caribbean islands are increasingly hotspots for location-independent professionals. But with so many stunning destinations to choose from, picking the perfect island getaway can be overwhelming.
This guide dives into five of the most popular Caribbean islands for digital nomads (also called remote workers). I compare their island vibes, cost of living, internet infrastructure, workspace options, visa programs, tax benefits, and unique activities.
(As visa requirements and programs can change, I recommend double-checking the official government websites linked throughout this post to ensure you have the most up-to-date information before applying.)
Map of the Caribbean
1. The Bahamas
Digital Visa: Work and Virtual Study Visa. Apply to the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) program. See the Official Bahama Beats Website to check for prices, eligibility, etc.
Travel Stay: for up to 1 year. You don’t have to stay in one place. You’re encouraged to travel to all 16 islands!
Language: An English-based language called Bahamian Creole and a French-based language called Haitian Creole.
Known for stunning beaches and vibrant culture, the Bahamas offers an ideal place to work remotely while enjoying island life. Work from a beach chair by day, and explore turquoise waters on breaks.
- Take a boat tour to Pig Beach on Big Major Cay in Exuma and encounter a colony of friendly pigs that love to swim in the shallow waters.
- Explore Historic Sites and immerse yourself in Bahamian history at Fort Fincastle and the Queen’s Staircase in Nassau.
- The Bahamas boasts vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, making it a diver’s paradise.
- Popular dive spots include Blue Hole in Andros, Dean’s Blue Hole in Long Island, and Shark Shallows National Park in Exuma Cays.
Location
North of Cuba and south of Miami, The Bahamas is an island country in the Atlantic Ocean, within the Lucayan Archipelago of the West Indies. (source).
Island Life
The Bahamas offers world-class diving, snorkeling, sailing, and fishing at your fingertips. Take a walk on the beach, explore hidden coves, or soak up the sunset – all this disconnection can boost your creativity and focus when you get back online.
Cost of Living
Affordable living, reliable WiFi, zero income tax, year-long BEATS visas – work hard, beach harder, and keep more of your earnings. Island paradise awaits!
Co-Working Spaces in Nassau
- Incudesk – “I love the usage of colors and artwork in the lounge areas.”
- Venture Coworking
- Crypto Isle
2. Dominica
Digital Visa: The Work In Nature (WIN) Extended Stay Visa program. See the Official Dominica Work in Nature Website to check for prices, eligibility, etc.
Travel Stay: Individuals and families can work remotely in Dominica for up to 18 months. Children can attend school.
Languages: English and French Creole (kwéyòl) are the main languages.
Known as the Nature Island of the Caribbean, Dominica has beautiful landscapes and eco-tourism opportunities. The island provides a peaceful environment for focused work.
Location
Dominica is part of the Windward Islands chain in the Lesser Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean Sea. (source)
Island Life
Trade 9-5 commutes for volcanic hikes on this lush island! Stunning landscapes surround you, but reliable WiFi keeps you connected.
Explore rainforests and chase waterfalls. Island life slows the pace, boosting creativity.
Cost of Living
Budget-friendly paradise: Dominica’s cheaper than other Caribbean islands, letting you stretch your digital nomad dollars further.
With a high standard of living, good transport, hospitals and schools. The entire island enjoys excellent internet connectivity.
Listen to Hannah’s Story
3. Antigua & Barbuda
Digital Visa: The long-stay visa program is named the Nomad Digital Residence (NDR). See the official Nomad Digital Residence Website for eligibility, prices, etc.
Travel Stay: Valid for up to 2 years.
Languages: English is the official language. Some residents also speak Spanish.
Antigua & Barbuda is a beautiful island nation in the Caribbean that’s a popular destination for digital nomads. This picturesque destination boasts a reliable internet connection and a coastline perfect for soaking up the sun while staying connected.
Location
Antigua and Barbuda is a sovereign island country in the heart of the Caribbean. Where the Caribbean and the Atlantic meet, the islands are a thousand miles to the East of Jamaica.
St John’s is the capital city. Other islands include; Great Bird, Green, Guiana, Long, Maiden, Prickly Pear, York, and Redonda. (source).
Island Life
Antigua & Barbuda is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforests.
You can spend your breaks…
- Dive to underwater shipwrecks and coral reefs teeming with marine life
- Hike through lush rainforests and discover hidden waterfalls and vervet monkeys
- Visit Barbuda’s pink sand beaches
- Go horseback riding on the beach
- Duty-free shopping in St John’s
- Savor Antiguan cuisine – a delicious blend of African, European, and Caribbean influences.
Antigua & Barbuda enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. A great place to enjoy a slower pace of life and escape the cold winter months.
The islands have a good internet infrastructure, essential for digital nomads.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is higher than in some other Caribbean countries. But costs are lower than in the US, so you can stretch your budget further.
Antigua & Barbuda offers some tax benefits for digital nomads, such as an exemption from income tax on foreign income.
With beautiful beaches, great weather, strong internet, and a relaxed lifestyle, it’s a great place to live and work remotely.
4. Barbados
Digital Visa: The visa is called the Barbados Welcome Stamp. You can also bring your pets! Apply here and see more information on the official website.
Travel Stay: Up to 1 year
Language: English is the official language. The local Bajan dialect is also spoken.
Barbados, a captivating Caribbean island known for its white-sand beaches and vibrant culture, has embraced the digital nomad trend with the Welcome Visa that allows remote workers to live and work on the island while soaking up the sun.
Location
Barbados is an island country in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. The main city is Bridgetown.
Co-Working Spaces
- Regus: Situated in the western part of the island, Regus provides expansive communal workspaces.
- TEN Habitat: in Bridgetown, TEN Habitat offers a collaborative environment.
- Desktop.bb: Located in St. George, Desktop. bb boasts fully furnished and air-conditioned office spaces, ideal for those who prefer a more established setting.
Island Life
Picture working with turquoise waters and swaying palm trees as your backdrop. Take breaks for snorkeling, surfing, or simply relaxing on the pristine beaches.
The island has many activities with the rhythm of calypso music as your backdrop!
- Rum Distilleries
- Snorkeling with turtles
- Swimming at Bathsheba Beach
- Harrison’s crystallized limestone cave
- Hiking through Welchman Hall Gully to see wild monkeys
Enjoy consistent warm weather year-round, a perfect escape from chilly winters.
Barbados boasts reliable internet with some of the fastest speeds in the Caribbean, crucial for seamless remote work.
You’ll find a variety of accommodation options to suit your needs and budget, from beachside resorts to apartments and villas.
Cost of Living
The Barbadian lifestyle is known for being relaxed and friendly. While generally affordable compared to many Western countries, the cost of living in Barbados is higher than the other Caribbean islands.
With its stunning beaches, ideal climate, strong internet, and welcoming atmosphere, Barbados offers a fantastic digital nomad experience. It’s a perfect choice if you seek a beautiful work environment, a relaxed lifestyle, and the chance to explore a vibrant Caribbean island.
5. Anguilla
Anguilla, a jewel in the Caribbean known for its pristine beaches and laid-back atmosphere, is also becoming a hotspot for digital nomads.
Digital Visa: The Anguilla Digital Nomad Visa. Here is the official Government visa website.
Travel Stay: Between 91 days and 12 months
Language: English is the official language.
Imagine working with the sound of waves gently lapping at the shore and cooling trade winds as your background music. Anguilla boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean, perfect for post-work relaxation or weekend getaways.
Location
Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory and a part of the Lesser Antilles. Lying east of Puerto Rico, the island is flat and low-lying made of coral and limestone. It’s also tiny, 16 miles long and 3.5 miles wide (source). The territory also includes little unpopulated islands and cays.
Island Life
Anguilla is known for its laid-back vibe and friendly locals. It’s a perfect environment to de-stress.
Leave the cold behind and soak up the year-round sunshine. Anguilla’s tropical climate offers a welcome break from harsh winters.
- Popular snorkeling spots include Sandy Island, Shoal Bay, and Limestone Bay.
- Anguilla also boasts several shipwrecks that are fascinating to explore for certified divers.
- Set sail on a catamaran cruise and discover the beauty of Anguilla’s offshore cays and islets.
- Take a yoga class on the beach
- Don’t miss out on trying local specialties like johnnycakes (fried cornmeal dough), Anguillan lobster, and fresh conch fritters.
Staying connected is crucial for any digital nomad. Anguilla has good internet infrastructure with options for affordable high-speed connections. This ensures you can stay on top of your work without interruptions.
Finding a place to stay in Anguilla is straightforward. The island offers a variety of options, from luxurious five-star resorts to private villas, catering to different budgets and preferences.
Cost of Living
Anguilla has a higher cost of living compared to some other digital nomad destinations. Groceries and dining out is pricier.
Anguilla is a tax haven, with no income tax, capital gains tax, estate tax, or other direct taxes levied on individuals. This translates to keeping more of your hard-earned income.
Anguilla doesn’t have a robust public transportation system like buses or trains. Renting a car or using taxis might be necessary for getting around.
Anguilla has a limited selection of coworking spaces. However, some cafes and hotels offer co-working-friendly environments.
Overall, Anguilla offers a unique blend of stunning scenery, a relaxed atmosphere, and tax benefits, making it an attractive option for digital nomads seeking a beautiful work-life balance in the Caribbean. However, it’s important to consider the cost of living and limited public transportation options before making a decision.
Comparing Caribbean Islands for Digital Nomads
| Features | The Bahamas | Dominica | Antigua and Barbuda | Barbados | Anguilla |
| Island Vibe | Luxury, lively | Nature-focused, Untouched | Relaxed, Upscale | Relaxed, Lively | Upscale, Exclusive |
| Cost of Living | Higher | Moderate | Moderate-High | Moderate-High | High |
| Internet | Good | Moderate | Good | Good | Good |
| Workspaces | Some | Limited | Some | Some | Limited |
| Visa | Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) – 1 year | Work in Nature Visa – 18 months | Nomad Digital Residence Program (NDR) – 2 years | Barbados Welcome Stamp – 1 year | Work From Anguilla Certificate – 1 year |
| Activities | Beaches, Water sports, Luxury resorts | Hiking, Nature immersion, Whale watching | Beaches, Sailing, Diving | Beaches, History, Rum tours | Beaches, Snorkeling, Upscale dining |
| Unique Selling Point | Swimming pigs, Atlantis Resort | Lush rainforests, Whale watching | Historic Nelson’s Dockyard | Relaxed atmosphere, Crop Over Festival | Pristine beaches, Laid-back vibe |
P.S. Hi Friends – I hope this post ‘Caribbean Islands for Digital Nomads’ has benefited you and you’ve gained some insights.
Feel free to share your own ideas and if you have any questions, pop them in the comments below. I will get back to you ASAP.
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