7 beach escapes offering remote working visas

Every office worker has fantasised about ditching the 9-to-5 grind and moving to a desert island. In today’s post-pandemic world, such ambitious dreams can very easily become a reality...

COVID-19 inspired us to reassess our views on many things, including the way we work. For some, it was a wake-up call and a reminder there is more to life than money and work. With almost all businesses abandoning their offices for months on end, home and remote working became ‘the new normal’, and it still remains extremely popular.  

As a result, increasing numbers of professionals are looking to move abroad to destinations that offer a healthier work-life balance and a more relaxed, pleasurable and sun-kissed lifestyle.

Tapping into the trend, many far-flung nations have launched their own digital nomad visas. These permits make it possible for freelancers, business owners and remote workers to live and work in places they previously could only have dreamed of, and intersperse tapping away on their laptop with unwinding on golden sands, exploring mountainous landscapes and cooling off in crystal clear oceans.    

Tempted? Here are seven of the most alluring and exciting places where you can join the digital nomad revolution. Prices correct at the time of writing.     

Bahamas 

Boasting miles and miles of palm-tree fringed pristine white sands, turquoise waters and some of the most impressive diving spots on the planet, this honeymoon destination can become your new home for up to three years with the Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) visa. Lasting initially for 12 months, it can then be renewed twice. Students are also eligible to apply.

Plus, unlike many other remote working visas, there isn’t a minimum income requirement. All you need to prove is that you have sufficient funds to support your living and travel expenses, and that the money comes from outside the Bahamas. Applying for your BEATS will set you back $1,000 (£861) for the permit and $25 (£21.50) for the application fee.

The infrastructure is well set up for remote workers, and the capital Nassau has a number of co-working spaces where you can meet other like-minded digital nomads and feel part of the expat community. Granting you permission to inhabit and explore 16 of the country's biggest islands, it's a perfect way to extend your Caribbean getaway.

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READ MORE: 10 Caribbean islands without the crowds

Bali

As one of the world’s trendiest spots for a yoga retreat, tropical beach break or backpacking adventure, the launch of Bali’s digital nomad visa made headlines. The Indonesian Government launched the B211A visa in January 2022. Open to most nationalities, it has so far proved particularly popular with British and German digital nomads. Proof of COVID-19 vaccinations must be provided and it costs around 2 million Indonesian Rupiah (£112/$128). The bad news is that it only lasts six months, however a five-year digital nomad visa is thought to be in the pipeline.

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Costa Rica

An eco-friendly paradise of tropical rainforests, gushing waterfalls and deserted beaches, Costa Rica is known for being one of the happiest places on Earth, and also one of the most sustainable. Over 50% of the island is covered in lush vegetation and its myriad enchanting and colourful wildlife includes monkeys, parrots and jaguars.

The digital nomad visa lets you spend a whole year working from anywhere from treehouses to hammocks and there's also the option to extend it for a further year when it comes to an end. Remote workers don’t have to pay any income tax, and they have permission to open a Costa Rican bank account to save on exchange fees. To apply, you must earn the equivalent of at least $3,000 (£2,608) a month from sources outside of Costa Rica, or $4,000 (£3,477) if you are bringing a family. All your submitted documents must be translated into Spanish.   

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Croatia

Home to the real King’s Landing and a heaven for Game of Thrones fans, Croatia offers endless scenes of terracotta-roofed ancient towns set dramatically against the bright blue Mediterranean Sea. Most Croatian beaches are rocky or pebbly, but you’ll struggle to find clearer or more stunning seas anywhere in the world. Now a popular remote working spot, you’re bound to find plenty of like-minded and travel loving entrepreneurs to join you for a boat party, or for a drink or two amongst the trendy bars of the glamorous coastal city of Split.

Offering a cheaper cost of living than many other European nations, the temporary stay visa lets you live and work in this charming nation for up to one year without paying any taxes. If you can't get enough of Croatia, you can reapply for another temporary stay visa six months after your first one expires. It’s open to all non-EU citizens who earn at least €2,300 (£1,976/$2,275) a month from a company (or companies) outside Croatia, and have health insurance and a criminal background check. 

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Greece

With over 6,000 beautiful islands and approximately 8,500 miles (13,680 km) of glorious coastline, Greece is an ideal destination for those who want to combine sunbathing and swimming with exploring fascinating heritage sights and historical wonders. From strolling through quaint whitewashed villages to sampling the country’s cuisine in picturesque beach tavernas, the Greek islands offer a slow-paced and peaceful way of life that is highly addictive. The capital Athens and equally vibrant coastal city of Thessaloniki are also popular spots for remote workers. 

The Greek Digital Nomad Visa is open to all non-EU citizens who have an income of at least €3,500 (£3,010/$3,461) per month coming from outside of Greece. The visa lasts a year and it can be extended another two years with a Digital Nomad Residence Permit. Plus, you don’t have to pay taxes as long as you work in Greece for less than 180 days a year. To get the visa, you need to pay an application fee of €75 (£65/$75), plus an administration fee of €150 (£130/$148).

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READ MORE: 7 Greek islands you've probably never heard of

Mauritius

An idyllic Indian Ocean escape with an adventurous streak, the enchanting island of Mauritius is nirvana for water sports enthusiasts. The diving is out of this world, while sailing, paddleboarding and kayaking with dolphins are other popular pastimes. Away from the luxurious resorts and unspoilt beaches you’ll be surprised and delighted by its enticing mix of luscious national parks, dormant volcanoes, exhilarating hikes, gushing waterfalls and grand temples.

The Mauritian Premium Visa invites tourists, professionals and retirees to explore this unbelievably enthralling landscape for a whole year, provided they have $1,500 (£1,300) of monthly income coming from outside the county, plus proof of funds and accommodation in Mauritius. You can apply before or after you arrive, the visa can be renewed when it expires and you don’t have to pay taxes for the first six months. Best of all (and rather unbelievably), obtaining a remote working visa for this sun-soaked dreamland costs absolutely nothing.  

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UAE

Famous for its towering skyscrapers, lavish brunches, glittering malls and hedonistic boat parties, the UAE lets everyone have a taste of the high life. While the cost of living isn’t the cheapest, the wages are generous and the year-round sunshine and booming economy makes it one of the most popular choices for British expats. While previously residency visas were strictly only granted to those employed by a UAE-based company, the remote working visa invites employees and business owners from across the world to come and live and work in the UAE tax-free, provided they earn a minimum of $5,000 (£4,334) a month.

Co-working spaces are commonplace and, as Abu Dhabi and Dubai are both built largely across coastline and islands, it’s unlikely that you will ever find yourself more than a 30-minute drive from a golden stretch of sand or a glamorous beach club. The pristine and upmarket area of Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi is particularly special, and so are its precious populations of dolphins and sea turtles. The UAE remote working visa can be yours for $287 (£250), plus processing fees.  

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READ MORE: Explore Dubai: the best places to visit, what to do and where to stay

Lead image: PhotoSunnyDays/Shutterstock