Ah, remote working. What used to be peculiar is now the norm amid a pandemic. Even though the idea of working from home has been a reality since about the 70s, its widespread implementation today has stemmed from the surging cases of the pandemic.
What this has done is shocked a society that isn’t used to working from home as the standard. The once half-heartedly implemented concept has now been embraced by big and small corporations and businesses alike. As such, if you are currently looking for destinations to work remotely from, you are certainly in good company.
Remote work has been a great way for businesses to maintain operations during the state-mandated shelter in place guidelines. This will remain the case even in the coming future. Back in the good old pandemic free days, people unable to work from home as they would like would often fantasise about becoming digital nomads.
Of course, for many, this would have meant quitting their office job in place of remote work in an exotic, far-flung destination. But that’s not the case anymore. These days, remote work is no longer seen as an indulgence but rather a requirement. Nowadays, at least 2/3rds of the country’s workforce is working remotely.
As such, if you have always fancied the idea of becoming a digital nomad, the state has been set perfectly for you. Even though a lot of countries in the world are still adjusting to the outbreak, which has thus far curtailed international travel greatly, you wouldn’t believe just how many opportunities there are in store for people dreaming of working remotely abroad.
More and more countries have started creating programs designed to lure travellers looking to relocate and work in another country. Many of these countries have suffered immeasurable losses and have suffered financial challenges resulting from reduced travel amid the contagion. As such, longer-term travellers looking to work remotely would be a great boost to the local economy.
So if the idea of working remotely in another country sounds appealing to you, here are 5 destinations that you can work from remotely during the pandemic:
Las Vegas
Tired of the monotony of working from home? Then why not give Vegas a shot? Remote working vacations are big business in Sin City. So much so that resort casinos such as MGM have even launched "Viva Las Office" packages designed to offer remote workers a spirited workweek in the world’s favourite adult playground.
Like many top travel destinations across the world, Vegas has been badly hit during the pandemic. Resorts and hotels have therefore been forced to come up with such creative strategies in an effort to make up for the lost revenue caused by cancelled conventions and events.
Barbados
Barbados has one of the most inviting environments for remote workers yet. The Caribbean island even has a program referred to as the Barbados Welcome Stamp, that allows remote workers to stay in the country for up to a year. But there is a twist.
For one to qualify for the program, you must prove that you have an annual income of at least $50,000. This will demonstrate that you have the means to support yourself during your stay. Applicants will also be required to pay an application fee of $2,000 and $3,000 if one is moving with a family.
Bermuda
Like Barbados, Bermuda also has a similar program known as the “One Year Residential Certification”. The program allows remote workers to stay and work on the island for up to a year. Remote workers can take jobs from any part of the world and are not limited to employment opportunities on the island.
This way, remote workers can work in the pink sandy shores of paradise without displacing local workers’ jobs. Bermuda is a great choice for international remote workers because most parts of the island are still relatively unoccupied.
Whether you are looking for a quiet area to peruse that marketing book you’ve been holding on to or you need the perfect backdrop for your zoom meetings, you can’t go wrong with Bermuda’s island vibe.
To be considered for the program, you must part with an application fee of $263. You must also prove that you have eligible employment to support yourself during your stay. Once you are approved for the program, you can leave and re-enter the country as you wish, which is great news for anyone leaving family members back home.
Mexico
Mexico has had its doors open for travellers for some time now. Mexico has always been a great choice for digital nomads arriving from the States due to its proximity. Digital nomads can stay in Mexico on a tourist visa for at least 6 months.
Anyone wishing to stay for longer than 6 months can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa that will extend the stay to one year. If you like your stay in Mexico so much and would like to make it more permanent, you can extend the temporary visa up to 3 times. However, you must prove that you are capable of taking care of yourself financially during your stay.
Georgia
Like many countries on this list, Georgia also has a program designed to lure digital nomads. Georgia’s program, “Digital Nomad Visa”, was created for remote workers from all parts of the world. The program was created specifically for freelancers and self-employed foreigners interested in settling down at the now capped mountain destination.
Remote workers must supply proof of employment before they can be considered for the program. Upon arrival, they must Alsip quarantine themselves. Once the self-isolation period ends, the nomads are free to move around the country and work for up to a year. Digital nomads on the program also get 90 days of travel throughout Europe’s borderless 26-country Schengen region. If that’s not the perk of a lifetime, what is?
Final Thoughts
Remote work had been picking up steam before the pandemic. Now, however, the growth of remote work has accelerated at an alarming rate, which means anyone looking to work remotely abroad has numerous opportunities and destinations to choose from.
Whether you are a seasoned digital nomad or are working remotely for the first time, you will be spoilt for choice by the number of countries ready to open the doors to you and your iPad. So go forth, and explore!
nb. this bog was written before the third national lockdown in January 2021. Please do not travel against government advice and use the ideas in the article for future plans when the world is a safer place once more.
