Live and work from Antigua and Barbuda with a new two-year permit

Anyone seeking a change of scenery may be interested to learn that Antigua and Barbuda is the latest nation to offer digital nomads the opportunity to work from its sun-drenched beaches. It joins destinations like Georgia, Barbados, Estonia and Bermuda, all of which are offering remote workers the chance to experience a different way of life for a time.

Antigua and Barbuda is a dual-island nation, and it is launching a new "Nomad Digital Residence Programme" for those whose employers are based outside the islands. It is permitting remote workers earning at least $50,000 (€42,685) per year to live and work there for up to two years, providing they can demonstrate that they have the means to support themselves and any accompanying family members.

According to its prime minister, the Honourable Gaston Browne, the nation's telecommunications system and high-speed internet connections are top-notch, and allow computers, smartphones and other devices to connect to the internet wirelessly. "This means that you can work in any part of the world from Antigua as if you were in your office or home," he says, adding that the new workers can enjoy many levels of accommodation as well as restaurants, 365 beaches, historic sites, magnificent landscapes, gyms, water sports, fishing and deep sea diving.

An aerial view of Antigua and Barbuda — Digital nomads can move to Antigua and Barbuda for up to two years © Westend61/Getty Images

Antigua is quintessentially Caribbean, full of candy-colored villages, a rum-infused mellowness and engaging locals who greet visitors with wide smiles. Barbuda has extraordinary white sand beaches and pristine reefs for snorkelling. It is prudent to note that they were both impacted by hurricanes in 2017. The program comes as many people are working from home indefinitely due to the COVID-19, which means that it may appeal to workers from a variety of industries.

The cost for a single applicant to the program is $1500 (€1280), a couple will pay $2000 (€1707), and for a family of three or more, it's $3000 (€2561). Further information is available on the website here.