Bermuda is a contemporary destination, consisting of over 181 islands. With beautiful pink sand beaches and affordable cost of living, this British island territory is the perfect example of a laid-back lifestyle.
Bermuda has become widely famous among the digital nomad community over the recent years. Its rich culture, natural beauty, and well-developed infrastructure play a huge part in its popularity.
Nomads can enjoy its easily accessible location and explore the rest of Britain with Bermuda Island as their base. Let’s discuss some main aspects of the digital nomad visa of this country and if it’s possible for you to go there.
Does Bermuda have a Digital Nomad Visa?
One of Bermuda’s best features is its accommodating visa policy. Requirements vary depending on an individual’s home country and nationality, but there are plenty of good options for everyone.
Launched in 2020, the Bermuda digital nomad visa (also known as the “one year residential certificate” is a great option for remote workers and digital nomadas. As explanatory by its name, this visa validates visits for up to a year, allowing applicants to move in and out of the territory and temporarily enjoy the island lifestyle without making any permanent commitments.
The Bermuda digital nomad visa program also offers renewal options and great benefits.
Who can Apply for the Bermuda Digital Nomad Visa?
There are a few factors to consider while evaluating your eligibility for this visa. There are no restrictions on citizenship and nationality so if you fulfill the checklist given below then you can easily get Bermuda’s digital nomad visa.
Eligibility requirements
- Remote workers, employed in foreign countries
- Freelancers, providing services to foreign employers and foreign companies
- Foreign nationals who are not associated with local businesses
- University students enrolled in online courses
- Be over 18 years old
- enrolled in a research/undergraduate/graduate/doctorate program
- Meet the minimum income requirements
How do you apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Bermuda?
Here is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to applying for a Digital Nomad Visa in Bermuda.
- Submitting the application
The authorities and government of Bermuda allows you to submit applications through accessible means. You can complete the entire visa application process online through their official website.
- Fill out the online application form.
This step includes a lot of intricate details. Hence, the necessary amount of attention should be given. Since you’re applying on the official Bermuda government website, you’ll be directed to the application form automatically and you’ll need to fill it out before proceeding to the next step. You can easily get it online and print it.
- Gather the documents
Before you start the visa application process, make sure to gather all the required documents for Bermuda’s Digital Nomad Visa. Make sure to double-check them before submitting.
- Pay the fee
Once you have applied, you’ll have to pay the non-refundable visa application fee. It can be paid via bank transfer or credit card.
- Wait for feedback
Now that you have done everything from your side, you need to wait for feedback. Upon the submission of your visa application, the relevant authorities will process it at their earliest convenience and notify you regarding the result.
How Much Does it Cost?
Bermuda’s new digital nomad visa; a one-year residential certificate in this context, typically costs $263 per applicant (this is a non-refundable fee that is levied whether or not your visa application is approved). However, additional costs will be incurred if you need to get your documents sorted out.
Costs are bound to change if you are bringing dependents including spouses, children, and other family members.
Bermuda Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
If you’re someone who is thinking about applying for a Bermuda digital nomad visa then these are the applications and documentation you should start gathering.
Required Documentation
Remember that you’ll need to arrange the following documents.
- Passport holder: a valid passport that will remain as such for the entirety of your intended stay
- Proof of employment: you’ll need this if you’re a foreign remote worker. This is to prove your employment status and show that you are not involved in any local company or business activity. Proof of remote work is imperative for your application.
- Proof of sufficient funds: you need to submit evidence that shows you are fulfilling the minimum income criteria for eligibility. You can prove it by submitting bank statements, pay slips, or tax documents. Proof of substantial means is required as well.
- Valid health insurance coverage: Proof of health insurance must be provided. It should last as long as you plan to stay in Bermuda and it must be valid in Bermuda (it can be either travel or private health insurance).
- Proof of enrollment: you must prove that you are currently enrolled in a foreign university or college.
- Clear criminal record: you need to prove that you haven’t been convicted of any crimes in your country of evidence or otherwise. It can be done by submitting certificates acquired from local police stations.
Financial means
Bermuda’s visas that offer similar benefits require you to submit proof of financial stability and fulfill minimum income requirements. In order to be deemed eligible, your bank account must have sufficient balance. The minimum requirement is not specified but it must be “sustainable”.
Essentially, you need to prove that you can support yourself during your time in Bermuda and that you have a continuous source of annual income.
You can submit bank statements, payslips, and income tax returns to meet the specific requirements.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bermuda Digital Nomad Visa?
There is no standard processing time for this new application process but it can be estimated to take 5-10 business days. Ideally, your digital nomad visa application will be processed within the first week of submission and you’ll receive feedback. You’ll receive an answer as soon as possible. As for the application process, you can complete it within 30 minutes.
However, you should keep in mind that the time will vary based on a case-by-case basis and factors such as the accuracy of your application, the competency of the departments, the amount of burden they are dealing with, and perhaps even some government policies.
Benefits of the Bermuda Digital Nomad Visa
Fast internet
The good news for remote workers is that Bermuda has great internet connections. The internet speeds are fairly decent and perfectly suitable for remote work. The country experiences average download speeds of 107.4 Mbps which shows that digital nomads can keep a remarkable work-life balance. You can depend on Bermuda’s reliable internet speeds to meet last-minute deadlines and strive at work!
You can also get local SIM cards upon landing in the country. If you wish to take an extra step towards reliability then local providers are your best option. Furthermore, almost all the coffee shops, restaurants, and coworking spaces offer free and fast wifi so that’s a bonus too.
Tax exemption
Another great thing for non-residents is that they are not subject to local taxes. You can work remotely and enjoy your income. If you are visiting the country on a visitor visa, you won’t be allowed to work locally, and hence, you won’t have any taxable income. However, you’ll still be liable to the tax obligations in your home country, if that is what they require.
Affordable cost of living
The territory of Bermuda is cheaper than most popular destinations, European countries, and major cities. You can enjoy great value for money and access a ton of modern amenities for low costs. You can live here on a tight budget and make the best out of your time. However, please note that the cost of living is defined by an individual’s spending pattern and lifestyle.
Rich culture
This country is nothing short of a cultural tapestry, filled with a rich heritage and an abundance of traditions. The locals hold their culture in high regard which is why it is depicted in numerous components. From art and music to literature and events, the local culture is found everywhere. There are plenty of cultural sites and activities to understand it properly.
Do Digital Nomads Pay Tax in Bermuda?
Bermuda has a great tax policy that accommodates remote workers and digital nomads to great extents. As a digital nomad in Bermuda, you won’t be required to pay income taxes, capital gains tax, or withholding tax in the country. However, make sure to comply with your home country and familiarize yourself with their policies as some authorities require their citizens to pay taxes on global worldwide income.
Renew Digital Nomad Visa Bermuda
One of the best things about a Bermuda digital nomad visa is its renewal policy. The government and Bermuda Tourism Authority allow you to renew this visa and extend your stay after the initial 12-month period. Even though the originally granted duration is 1 year, you can renew the visa and get an additional year, making up 2 years in total.
You can only apply for renewal if you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some other visa options in Bermuda?
Apart from the one-year residential Bermuda certificate program, some other great options include tourist visas or a multi re-entry visas (MRV).
Do EU citizens require a visa to enter Bermuda?
Citizens of the following European Union countries do not need a visa to enter and stay in Bermuda: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Estonia, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia.
What is the difference between a one-year residential permit and a work-from-Bermuda certificate?
The two options; one-year residential permit and a work from Bermuda certificate are the same thing. While the names are interchangeable, the characteristics remain the same. These are the names for the Bermuda digital nomad visa.
Why is a Bermuda digital nomad visa better than a tourist visa?
A Bermuda digital nomad visa is better in various aspects. Since the tourist visa is a short-term solution, it only grants entry for 90 days. A one-year residential permit, on the other hand, allows entry for up to 2 years.
What’s the duration of a Bermuda digital nomad visa?
Bermuda’s digital nomad visa is designed to remain valid for 12 months. However, you can apply for renewal after that and prolong your stay in the country.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we can agree that Bermuda is one of the best destinations in the North Atlantic Ocean territory. If you have made up your mind about moving here, you certainly won’t be disappointed.
From a vibrant atmosphere and low cost of living to modern amenities and natural beauty, this archipelago has it all. You can settle here as a remote worker and call this place your home.
This article discussed the digital nomad visa in Bermuda and the process that concerns it. We hope it answered all your questions and helped you evaluate the visa policy of this British territory. If you have any further queries, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
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