Digital nomads are definitely not a homogenous group.
They have their own backgrounds and professional aspirations, and sometimes their traveling style differs drastically, depending on budget and preferences, but there is a well-defined set of factors that seem to unite them as a community.
They have a professed love for destinations that are less bureaucratic to relocate to, even if temporarily, warmer climates, and most importantly, places with fewer tax burdens, especially when coming from the ‘Global North’ (read the United States, Canada or Europe).
No nomad years into their journey will willingly pack their bags and go on an international adventure to have it way ‘worse’ than they would in their home country: they are often seeking a better life-work balance, safety, and the freedom to grow their business.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, this Caribbean island that seems to tick all of these boxes is surging in popularity with remote workers lately:
Why Is The Bahamas So Trendy With Nomads?
The Bahamas is an archipelagic nation made up of over 3,000 islands, few of which are permanently inhabited, in the heart of the Caribbean.
Though it’s always been a popular port call for cruisegoers, with most international Caribbean cruise lines having Nassau in their itinerary, it’s been attracting more than just short-term visitors and daytrippers lately.
Expats are flocking into the Bahamas, with as many as 30,000 Americans holding habitual residence in the archipelago.
While it’s difficult to establish how many of them would fall in the digital nomad subcategory – the definition is rather fluid itself – we can see how the Bahamas sounds like a no-brainer for the average young entrepreneur looking to escape their country’s shackles.
First of all, it is a Caribbean country, meaning for the most part, it is sunny and warm regardless of season.
Secondly, the Bahamian way of life is a lot more slow-paced and relaxed than the big city restlessness most of us have sadly grown accustomed to.
Tropical Beaches And Tax Exemption
Residing in the Bahamas, nomads have easy access to the beach, arguably some of the most beautiful in the world, with soft white sands that are hugged by teal-colored waters, pristine nature parks, and paradisaical, deserted islets that are just a short boat ride away.
Granted, it’s not maybe somewhere you would reside permanently, as it lacks the commercial appeal, and abundance of coworking centers and urban infrastructure you would find in major global metropolises that have converted into nomad hotspots lately, but it’s still one amazing ‘workcation‘.
Nassau, the national capital, is easily the best place to be based in the Bahamas, as it is a fast-growing urban center home to 70% of the country’s entire population, and it’s where you will find the most accessible acommodation and most reasonable consumer prices.
This brings us to an important topic:
How Expensive Is The Bahamas?
The Bahamas is not a budget destination, and by extension, it does not have a low cost of living.
Most nomads relocating to The Bahamas would be earning between US$6,000 and US$7,000, as estimated by NomadList (median expenses totalling US$6,759), and they would have a well-developed business and stable source of income.
On the brightside, Americans find it easy to settle in and integrate in The Bahamas, as the official language is English, which immediately removes the most important barrier, and there is already a thriving community of expats on these islands, which will help you not feel alone.
In terms of safety, The Bahamas is probably one of the safest and most-developed nations in North America, ranking 14th in the continent for GDP and being considered the most stable nation in the Caribbean subgroup.
When residing in Nassau, Freeport, or other major conurbations in The Bahamas, nomads should simply exercise ‘greater caution’, as they would at home, due to crime.
Nevertheless, this is pretty standard advice on the State Department’s part, which also considers numerous traditionally low-risk destinations, such as Mexico, France, and the United Kingdom as Level 2 destinations for different reasons.
Tax-Free Residency, Anyone?
Finally, the most attractive aspect of The Bahamas as a medium to long-term homebase is its zero-tax policy encompassing remote work.
When residing in The Bahamas officially as a remote worker (or digital nomad), you will not be liable to income or capital gain taxes in The Bahamas, meaning you get to keep all your earnings and invest in yourself or your business.
Fulfilling the criteria for a Bahamian Digital Nomad Visa, or how they officially call it, BEATS (Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay), is extremely easy.
Any workers with proof of employment or self-sufficiency qualify, and even students with a valid student ID looking to take a sabbatical year in the Caribbean are eligible.
The primary fee is quite exorbitant – US$1,000 per applicant, with US$500 added for every accompanying dependent such as children – but processing times are shockingly fast, with visas issued in as little as five business following request (if approved).
More information can be found here.
Visa-Free For 8 Months
Alternatively, Americans can simply fly to The Bahamas as tourists, and remain in the country visa-free for an unusually-long 8 months.
Normally, third countries only grant Americans a three-month stay, making The Bahamas one of the most tourist-friendly, and less bureaucratic destinations in the world.
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