The Caribbean is one of the dreamiest regions of the world.
No matter which nation or island you choose, you’re all but guaranteed crystalline waters and immaculate scenery.
For digital nomads, 5-star all-inclusives may be out of the question unless you’ve hit the jackpot, but there’s one lesser-known island that’s affordable for remote workers who desire to work freely beachside.
After forking over $264 to apply for a digital nomad visa, the process is easy peasy to plant your flag in paradise.
No longer will you have to use Zoom’s virtual backgrounds to fake it ’til you make it. Curacao is both affordable and attainable.
The Caribbean’s Affordable Lesser Known Paradise
When I visited Jamaica last year, I was surprised to find San Diego prices even in Kingston, a city where dilapidated buildings are commonplace.
Jamaica is not alone, however.
Few spots across the Caribbean pass the vibe check for budget travelers, including digital nomads.
Many of these gorgeous destinations come with premium prices catering to uppity vacationers looking to treat themselves.
Digital nomads may have the same aspirations, but sometimes our paychecks don’t match our travel goals.
Curacao is the exception to the rule as it’s quite affordable for all travelers, so digital nomads can take advantage too.
Better yet, it’s more cultural than you’d imagine, so you’ll always find something captivating to pique your interest between work tasks.
Curacao is a Dutch island blending the perfect combo of European culture and laid-back Caribbean vibes.
According to Realtor.com, nomads can score spacious 2-bedroom apartments under $750, a steal for the Caribbean!
Curacao’s vibrant capital city, Willemstad, has received high marks for speedy wifi across the city, many English-speaking locals, and an overall sense of being welcomed in the community, according to Nomad List.
The downside is hurricane season tends to run from July to October.
Feel Right ‘@ Home’ In Curacao
The island’s ‘@ Home in Curacao‘ program is their version of a digital nomad visa, welcoming remote works to reside here for 6 months at a time with the option to renew for another half-year.
Best of all, Curacao’s DN visa is one of the easiest to qualify for.
Whether you’re eeking by on minimum wage or bankrolling bookoos of Ben Franklins, you will pass with flying colors since there’s no income requirement.
That’s right. If your last paycheck was a dud, you can still flock to Curacao for the next 6 months as long as you fork over $264 to apply and submit the following, according to Nomads Embassy:
- Valid Passport – Must be valid for full duration of your stay
- Work Remotely – Must earn a livable wage working for a company, own a business, or have freelance clients located outside of Curacao
- Health Insurance – Must obtain valid health insurance coverage in Curacao
- Clean Criminal Record – No marks on record
- Hold Address in Curaçao – Hotels or apartment leases must be booked/signed in advance
After filing your application, expect a decision within 2 weeks from the submittal date. Also, keep in mind, applicants are entitled to bring their spouse and kiddos along (if applicable).
You Can’t Escape Death, But You Can Escape Taxes
While your mortician may be happy to have you one day, the IRS is another story.
Curacao is gatekeeping a dirty little secret. (Shhh! Don’t tell the IRS!)
U.S. digital nomads can escape to Curacao for a full year of tax-free earnings. While we’re certainly not here to provide tax advice, this is certainly a nice perk for digital nomads who typically adhere to a tight budget.
While you may still be liable for certain U.S. taxes, you won’t have to pay any local taxes while living in Curacao.
Here’s how the tax perk works –
Once approved under the @ Home Curacao program, you may reside in Curacao but are not considered a resident per se.
As such, you’re not required to pay local taxes. It’s always wise to consult a tax professional to keep your ducks in a row, but Curacao highlights this perk as a clear-cut benefit to entice more digital nomads to come here.
As if lesser crowds, stunning beaches, and a chill lifestyle weren’t enough of a draw already.
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