Share the article
Last updated
The Caribbean is one of the dreamiest regions in the world.
Whichever country or island you choose, you are virtually guaranteed crystal clear waters and immaculate scenery.
For digital nomads, five-star all-inclusives may be out of the question unless you’ve hit the jackpot, but there’s a lesser-known island that’s affordable for remote workers who want to work freely on the beach.
After browsing $264 to apply for a digital nomad visa the process is simple to plant your flag in paradise.
No longer do you have to use Zoom’s virtual backgrounds to fake it until you make it. Curacao is both affordable and feasible.
The affordable, lesser-known paradise of the Caribbean
When I visited Jamaica last year, I was surprised to find San Diego prices even in Kingston, a city where dilapidated buildings are commonplace.
However, Jamaica is not alone.
There are few places in the Caribbean that pass the vibe check for budget travelers, including digital nomads.
Many of these beautiful destinations have premium prices aimed at arrogant holidaymakers who want to treat themselves.
Digital nomads may have the same ambitions, but sometimes our salaries don’t match our travel goals.
Curacao is the exception to the rule as it is quite affordable for all travelers, so digital nomads can benefit from this as well.
Better yet, it’s more cultural than you might think, so you’ll always find something engaging to pique your interest in between your work tasks.
Curaçao is a Dutch island that combines the perfect combination of European culture and relaxed Caribbean atmosphere.
According to Realtor.comNomads can score spacious 2-bedroom apartments under $750, a bargain for the Caribbean!
Curacao’s vibrant capital, Willemstad, received high marks for fast Wi-Fi throughout the city, many English-speaking residents and an overall sense of being welcome in the community, according to Nomad list.
The downside is that hurricane season usually runs from July to October.
Feel good ‘@ Home’ in Curaçao
The islands ‘@ At home in Curaçaoprogram is their version of a digital nomad visa, where remote workers can stay here for six months, with the option to extend for another six months.
Best of all, Curacao’s DN visa is one of the easiest to qualify for.
Whether you’re living on minimum wage or Ben Franklin’s bankroll, you’ll pass with flying colors because there’s no income requirement.
That’s right. If your last paycheck was an error, you can still come to Curacao for the next six months as long as you pay more than $264 to sign up and submit the following, according to Nomads Embassy:
- Valid passport – Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay
- Work remotely – Must earn a living wage by working for a company, owning a business or having freelance clients outside from Curacao
- Health insurance – Must have valid health insurance in Curaçao
- Clean criminal record – No marks registered
- Hold address in Curaçao – Rental agreements for hotels or apartments must be booked/signed in advance
After submitting your application, you can expect a decision within 2 weeks of the submission date. Please also note that applicants have the right to bring their spouse and children (if applicable).
You can’t escape death, but you can escape taxes
While your funeral director may be happy to have you one day, the IRS is a different story.
In Curaçao, gatekeeping is a dirty little secret. (Shhh! Don’t tell the IRS!)
American digital nomads can escape to Curacao for a whole year of tax-free income. While we’re certainly not here to give tax advice, this is certainly a nice perk for digital nomads who tend to be on a tight budget.
Although you may still be liable for certain U.S. taxes, you will not have to pay local taxes while living in Curacao.
This is how the tax benefit works:
Once approved under the @ Home Curacao program, you may live in Curacao, but are not necessarily considered a resident.
As such you are don’t have to pay local taxes. It’s always wise to consult a tax professional to keep things straight, but Curacao highlights this benefit as a clear advantage to entice more digital nomads to come here.
As if fewer crowds, beautiful beaches and a laid-back lifestyle weren’t enough appeal.
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
