You Can Live And Work In These 15 Countries If You Have A Remote Job

Go beyond your neighborhood coffee shop. I dare you.

There's more to remote work than working in your pajamas and making droolworthy lunches. With the right job, you can literally work from anywhere.

NBC / Via Giphy / giphy.com

I know, I know, your home office is supercomfy but if you never leave your desk, you'll miss out on one of the biggest perks of remote work — working poolside from Bali or clocking in from a hip apartment in Barcelona.

In fact, there are a handful of countries going out of their way to welcome people who have a job (or, in some cases, money in the bank) and are looking for change.

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I mean, why stay home when you could be clocking in from Bermuda or Iceland? To get you started, Remote.co highlighted countries around the world (including Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean) that are using their beautiful locales to lure people who have the freedom to work from anywhere.

Just keep in mind that most of these programs require proof of employment (or money in the bank) and have minimum income requirements. And before you book your ticket, make sure to get approval from your company (some organizations have restrictions on where in the world you can work and for how long) and chat with a tax professional to make sure you don't break any US tax rules.

1. Antigua and Barbuda

@antiguaandbarbuda / Via instagram.com

These Caribbean islands are known for their rainforests and reef-lined beaches — and now, their Nomad Digital Residence Programme. If you qualify, you could land a two-year visa that allows you to come and go as you please. 

To be part of the next cohort of digital nomads, you'll need proof of employment or self-employment, and an expected income of at least $50,000 a year. And make sure to budget for the application fee, which costs $1,500 if you're single, $2,000 for a couple, and $3,000 for a family of three-plus.

2. Bermuda

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In addition to welcoming remote workers through their One Year Residential Certificate, Bermuda has opened its borders to students enrolled in a research, undergraduate, graduate, or doctorate programs. To get the stamp of approval, you'll need to prove employment or enrollment, and show that you have a continuous source of income and health coverage. The application fee is $263.

The cherry on top? If you're loving life one year later, you can fill out a new application and request another year of beachfront work or schooling.

3. Iceland

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Tropical islands aren't the only islands hopping the remote work train. Up north in Iceland, remote workers can apply for a long-term remote work visa that's good for up to 180 days (6 months). The trick is that you'll need to make a hefty 1,000,000 ISK per month (around $8,000) and more if you want to bring along family members. You'll also need to provide proof of health insurance and pay a 12,200 ISK (around $100) application fee.

4. Aruba

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Aruba's One Happy Workation program is a cross between a workcation and a long-stay remote work program. Basically, you can stay anywhere from 1 week to 90 days in a resort, villa, or condo (at a special rate) while enjoying free Wi-Fi and all-inclusive food and drink options. (Plus, they welcome cats and dogs.)

To qualify, you have to be self-employed or employed by a company in your home country and sign up for Aruba Visitors Insurance, which covers COVID-19 treatment and care.

5. Barbados

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Imagine living near the beaches of Barbados (home to excellent surfing) for an entire year. It's a reality with the country's 12 Month Welcome Stamp program, a visa that allows you to live and work in Barbados for a full year. 

To qualify, you'll need a job outside Barbados (you can't work for a local company) and medical insurance. If you're approved, you'll have to pay a one-time application processing fee: $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a family. 

6. Country of Georgia

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Chances are you haven't been to or maybe even heard of the country of Georgia — and that's exactly why this opportunity is so amazing. The country sits at the intersection of Europe and Asia and has beautiful mountain villages and Black Sea–adjacent beaches. 

The country's Remotely from Georgia program, which is available to employed residents of 95 countries (including the US), grants applicants a one-year visa. To qualify, you'll need a monthly income of $2,000 and health insurance.

7. Cayman Islands

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Trading in the concrete jungle for the Cayman Islands isn't a hard sell but you'll need to meet some specific criteria to be accepted into the country's two-year Global Citizen Concierge program. For starters, you'll need a high salary of at least $100,000 a year (it goes up based on your number of dependents), proof of health insurance, and 6 months of bank statements. In return, you'll get a coveted 2-year visa allowing you to travel in and out of the islands as often as you want (you have to live on the islands for at least 90 days a year).

8. Curaçao

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Sitting off the coast of Venezuela — near to the island of Aruba — is Curaçao, a Dutch Caribbean island. As if the island's notorious dive spots and beach hangouts weren't enough, the country launched the @HOME in Curacao program. To apply for the 6-month visa (which is renewable), you'll need to show proof of work outside the island, health insurance, and pay an application fee (around $300). 

9. Dubai

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Dubai can feel otherworldly with its artificial islands and giant skyscrapers, but one thing you're practically guaranteed in Dubai is luxury. With a one-year virtual working visa, you'll have access to the country's standard resident services — meaning you can legally rent a home, open a bank account, buy a car, and use local schools. 

To land the visa, you'll need health insurance with UAE coverage and proof of employment showing at least $5,000 per month in income and bank statements.

10. Mauritius

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Off the coast of Madagascar is Mauritius, an African island that seems to have it all — beaches, rainforest, waterfalls, lagoons, and reefs. Island life can become your reality through the Mauritius Premium Travel Visa, which grants people with either hefty savings or an outside income the ability to live on the island for a year (with the option to renew). 

To nab the visa, you'll need to show proof of a return ticket, travel and health insurance, and proof that you have the income to pay for your time (at least $1,500 per month).

11. Dominica

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To live on the wild, stunning island of Dominica (a true dream come true), you'll need to earn at least $50,000 a year or show how you can financially support yourself during your stay. You'll also need to submit proof of health insurance and a bank reference letter, and pay an application fee of $100, plus a visa fee starting at $800 if you're single. 

The reward? Up to 18 months in paradise thanks to Dominica's Work In Nature (WIN) Extended Stay Visa.

12. Estonia

@juli_jul_jul / Via instagram.com

Estonia made headlines when it announced its nationwide free Wi-Fi program so it's no surprise they're on the forefront of the remote work revolution. If you have a remote job and can prove you make at least 3,504 Euros (around $4,200) a month, you can apply for the Estonia Digital Nomad Visa. The visa is good for one year and the process will cost you around $100.

13. Montserrat

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If you've been dying to explore the black sand beaches and coastal caves of Montserrat, now's your chance. The country's Remote Worker Stamp grants eligible applicants a one-year travel permit. To qualify for the year of a lifetime, you'll need to prove employment for a company outside Montserrat (or show proof of freelancer contracts and clients), valid health insurance, and a salary of  $70,000 a year, at least. 

14. Malta

@visitmalta / Via instagram.com

Sandwiched between Europe and Africa is Malta, a tiny archipelago just as well known for its history as its turquoise blue waters. The country's new Nomad Residence Permit gives non-EU remote workers the chance to clock in from the islands for up to one year (renewable) if they make at least 2,700 Euro a month (around $3,200). You'll also need to prove that you have a confirmed rental for your stay on the islands.

The permit application fee is 300 Euros (around $360) and grants permit holders access to the EU Schengen Area during their stay (so you can book that dream trip to Italy too!).

15. Madeira

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The Madeira islands are part of Portugal but sit closer to Morocco. Unlike most other remote work programs, which allow participants to live and work from anywhere in the country, the Madeira Digital Nomads project houses applicants in a "Nomad Village" in Ponta do Sol. The setup includes villa or hotel accommodation, coworking stations, and Wi-Fi. 

If you qualify, you can land a one-year temporary resident visa with the option to extend.

What do you think? Share where in the world you'd want to work remotely in the comments below.

And for more stories about work and money, check out the rest of our personal finance posts.