This little-known island is the most underrated destination for digital nomads in the Caribbean

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Think you know the Caribbean? Think again!

Here at Travel Off Path we’ve come across a Fort Knox-level secret island that even us seasoned travelers probably couldn’t point out on a map if we tried.

As a destination with real map points, don’t be fooled by the fun size. It’s impressive, especially for digital nomads looking for new places to ‘work’ with a backdrop of pristine blue water, swaying palms and a cocktail just far enough out of sight of your webcam.

Financial experts at Investopedia has released an insightful guide to visas for digital nomads, with some golden nuggets that remote workers may have missed.

While much of the US and Europe have completed their winter wonderland phase, if you’re ready for endless sunshine in paradise, all you have to do is 7 days to process your application to make the dream come true in Montserrat.

Where in the world is Montserrat located?

If you’ve never heard of it Montserratyou are not alone. In fact, it’s unlikely that anyone on our team has had the pleasure of visiting us, despite our literal global footprint.

This small island, surrounded by Guadeloupe, Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Kitts & Nevis, a cultural duo of lesser-known gems in itself, is located in Montserrat in the open sea.

But as isolating as it may be, some of us don’t always enjoy the social interactions of the 9-to-5 work life.

Sometimes what might seem like a snoozefest to others is just what the doctor ordered for you — and if you’re anything like me, you don’t let societal norms dictate your every move.

Instead, you make your own way, and that’s what’s so enticing about the mention of a pristine island that even regular travelers would struggle to get the facts about.

That said, you can trust me on this. Let’s list some fun facts so you know what Montserrat is about:

• Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory
• English is the official language
• One of the safest Caribbean destinations
• Nicknamed “The Emerald Isle of the Caribbean” (due to its strong Irish heritage and lush landscape)
• The only Caribbean island where St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated
• Soufriere Hills Volcano buried the capital Plymouth in the 1990s (now a dark tourist attraction)
• Beaches usually consist of black sand due to past volcanic activity
• Only about 5,000 people live there, making it one of the least inhabited Caribbean islands
• Montserrat launched their first digital nomad visa in January 2021

Considering that their capital has practically melted, it is not surprising that the population is so low. But that just means that you will definitely be welcomed with open arms and you will be able to mingle with friendly locals more than with well-known destinations.

How affordable is Montserrat?

A big question mark for digital nomads is the cost of living. That’s why every time I see someone working on a laptop in a cafe in San Diego where I live, I know he or she isn’t living the nomadic life.

Sometimes prices can be off-putting in budget destinations, meaning they never see the number of tourists you might otherwise expect, but that can’t be said here.

It’s not St. Bart’s, but it’s not Punta Cana either. It’s a real tweener.

According to Expatianfurnished apartments can be found starting at $555 and as high as $1,480 if you choose upscale neighborhoods.

Internet (obviously a must) will only cost you $44 a month, and you can get a hearty local meal for less than $10.

Obviously, watching reruns on Netflix at home can get really boring, so you’ll probably find yourself in a cafe that doubles as an office every now and then.

There is no better place than Hilltop coffee house – and it won’t remind you of Starbucks prices at home, and it probably won’t.

What you need to know about Montserrat’s ‘Remote Work Stamp’

Okay, so you’ve decided to forego the soundtrack of screaming kids on vacation here, in favor of quiet serenity, but how can you sign up?

Montserrat needed the following to qualify for them Remote working stamp program:

• Annual income of $70,000
• $500 fee for solo travelers
• $750 fee for families with up to 3 dependents ($250 per dependent thereafter)
• Valid health insurance
• Police registration
• Passport photo
• Copy of passport
• Proof of employment

Best of all, the application takes just 7 days to process. You know how we travelers are: we want to pack yesterday!

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.

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