Bermuda Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

Discover Bermuda’s digital nomad visa requirements, application process, and why it was a top remote work destination before its closure in 2025.

Bermuda, a picturesque island in the North Atlantic, became a sought-after destination for digital nomads during the global shift to remote work. Its Work from Bermuda (WFB) Certificate, launched in 2020, allowed remote workers and students to live and work on the island for up to a year. However, the program officially ended on February 28, 2025, marking a shift in Bermuda’s immigration and economic policies. This article explores the Bermuda digital nomad visa, its requirements, application process, benefits, challenges, and the reasons behind its closure. It also provides insights into alternative residency options for those still interested in calling Bermuda home.

What Was the Bermuda Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa is a temporary residence permit designed for remote workers, freelancers, entrepreneurs, or students who earn income from outside the host country. Unlike traditional work permits, these visas typically do not require local employment and often exempt holders from paying local income taxes. Bermuda’s WFB Certificate, also referred to as the Bermuda digital nomad visa, was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to attract remote workers and students to the island. The program allowed participants to live in Bermuda for 12 months, with the option to extend, while working or studying remotely.

The WFB initiative was a response to the global rise in remote work, offering a tropical paradise with robust health measures, high-speed internet, and a vibrant community. Approximately 1,800 individuals participated in the program, with around 250 applying to extend their stay. The visa was marketed as an easy-to-obtain option, with a streamlined online application process and a quick five-business-day turnaround for approvals.

Why Bermuda Was a Top Destination for Digital Nomads

Bermuda’s appeal as a digital nomad destination went beyond its turquoise beaches and pink-sand shores. The island offered a unique blend of professional and lifestyle benefits that made it stand out:

• High-Speed Internet: Bermuda boasts a reliable telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring digital nomads could work efficiently without connectivity issues.
• Sophisticated Environment: Unlike some tropical destinations with a heavy focus on leisure, Bermuda balanced a business-oriented atmosphere with a relaxed island vibe, ideal for productivity.
• Tax Benefits: WFB certificate holders were exempt from paying local income taxes, allowing them to continue tax obligations in their home countries or business jurisdictions.
• Quality of Life: Access to world-class healthcare, reliable public transportation, and a safe environment made Bermuda a desirable place to live.
• Vibrant Community: The island fostered a growing community of digital nomads and expatriates, offering coworking spaces in Hamilton and networking opportunities.
• Natural Beauty: From snorkeling to exploring crystal caves, Bermuda provided endless opportunities for relaxation and adventure after work hours.

However, the high cost of living was a significant drawback. Housing, groceries, and dining in Bermuda are notably expensive, requiring nomads to have substantial financial resources to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

Bermuda Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

To qualify for the WFB Certificate, applicants had to meet specific eligibility criteria. These requirements ensured that participants could support themselves without relying on local employment or resources. Below is a detailed breakdown of the requirements:

Additional Notes:

• Family Applications: Spouses and dependents could apply, but each family member required a separate application, submitted simultaneously.
• Language: All documents had to be in English or accompanied by certified translations.
• Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of $263 USD was required per application.

These requirements made the WFB Certificate accessible to a wide range of remote workers and students, with no stringent income thresholds or complex documentation.

How to Apply for the Bermuda Digital Nomad Visa

The application process for the WFB Certificate was designed for efficiency, allowing digital nomads to apply entirely online. Below are the steps involved:

1. Gather Required Documents:
   • Colored scan of the passport photo page.
   • Proof of employment (e.g., contract, business registration) or education enrollment (e.g., acceptance letter).
   • Proof of health insurance valid in Bermuda.
   • Evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, income records).
2. Complete the Online Application:
   • Visit the official Bermuda government website (www.gov.bm).
   • Fill out the WFB application form, which typically took 15 minutes to complete.
   • Upload all required documents in digital format.
3. Pay the Application Fee:
   • Submit the $263 non-refundable fee via the online portal.
4. Await Approval:
   • The Bermuda Department of Immigration processed applications within five business days.
   • Applicants received approval or denial notifications via email.

The streamlined process was a significant draw, as it minimized bureaucratic hurdles and allowed nomads to plan their relocation quickly.

Why Did Bermuda End the Digital Nomad Visa Program?

On February 28, 2025, Bermuda officially discontinued the WFB Certificate, ceasing to accept new applications. Current certificate holders were given 90 days from their visa’s expiration to settle their affairs and depart, unless they applied for alternative residency options. While the government did not provide an exhaustive explanation, several factors likely contributed to this decision:

1. Declining Demand:
   • As global travel restrictions eased post-pandemic, the demand for Bermuda’s digital nomad visa may have waned. With over 50 countries now offering similar visas, nomads had more options, some with lower costs or longer durations.
2. Economic and Housing Priorities:
   • Bermuda’s government emphasized aligning the closure with long-term economic and housing policies. The influx of short-term residents may have strained housing availability, driving up costs for locals.
3. Shift to Multi-Year Residency:
   • The government announced a return to multi-year residency applications, suggesting a preference for attracting long-term residents who contribute more sustainably to the economy.
4. Global Competition:
   • Other destinations, such as Portugal, Costa Rica, and Thailand, offer digital nomad visas with lower living costs or pathways to permanent residency, potentially making Bermuda less competitive.

This decision reflects a broader trend of countries reevaluating digital nomad programs as global mobility patterns evolve. Bermuda’s focus is now on fostering economic growth through more permanent residency options.

Alternative Residency Options in Bermuda

For those still interested in living in Bermuda, several residency pathways remain available, though they may require more financial or professional commitments than the WFB Certificate. Below are the primary options:

1. Permission to Reside on an Annual Basis

• Eligibility: Open to current WFB certificate holders and new applicants who meet specific criteria, such as financial self-sufficiency and a clean criminal record.
• Duration: Up to five years, subject to approval.
• Application: Must be submitted 1-2 months before the WFB certificate expires (for current holders) via www.gov.bm.
• Cost: Varies based on duration and applicant circumstances (typically higher than the WFB fee).
• Purpose: Allows individuals to reside in Bermuda without local employment, ideal for remote workers with stable external income.

2. Standard Work Permit

• Eligibility: Requires sponsorship from a Bermuda-based employer.
• Process: Employers apply through the Bermuda Department of Immigration, proving the role cannot be filled by a local.
• Duration: Typically 1-3 years, renewable.
• Cost: Varies based on job type and duration (employer typically covers fees).

3. Residential Certificate (Long-Term Residency)

• Eligibility: Aimed at individuals with significant financial resources or investments in Bermuda, such as real estate or local business ties.
• Requirements:
  • Proof of financial self-sufficiency (no need for local employment).
  • Evidence of substantial ties to Bermuda (e.g., property ownership).
• Duration: Indefinite, subject to compliance with immigration rules.
• Cost: Application fees and investment requirements can be substantial.

4. Business-Based Residency

• Eligibility: Entrepreneurs or investors who register a business in Bermuda or participate in government-approved investment programs.
• Process: Involves setting up a legal business entity or meeting investment thresholds.
• Cost: High, including business registration fees and potential capital investments.

These options cater to individuals committed to a longer-term presence in Bermuda, aligning with the government’s economic strategy.

Internet Connectivity for Digital Nomads in Bermuda

A stable internet connection is critical for digital nomads, and Bermuda excelled in this area. The island’s telecommunications infrastructure supported high-speed internet, making it easy for remote workers to stay connected. Below are the primary options digital nomads used to access the internet:

Recommended Option: Holafly eSIM

The Holafly eSIM was a popular choice among digital nomads due to its ease of use and affordability. Users could select data plans tailored to their stay, purchase online, and activate instantly without visiting a physical store. This option was particularly convenient for short-term residents under the WFB program.

Mermaid Chart: Bermuda Digital Nomad Visa Application Process

Below is a flowchart illustrating the WFB Certificate application process, created using Mermaid syntax for clarity.

This chart outlines the linear process, highlighting the simplicity and speed of the application.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Bermuda Digital Nomad Visa

The WFB Certificate offered significant benefits but also came with challenges. Below is a summary:

Advantages

• No Local Income Tax: Nomads paid taxes in their home country or business jurisdiction, notAscension Island, for example, has a digital nomad visa program that allows remote workers to live and work on the island for up to a year.
• Family-Friendly: Spouses and dependents could apply, and children had access to public or private education.
• Flexible Travel: Nomads could enter and exit Bermuda without restrictions.
• Community and Resources: Access to coworking spaces, a vibrant nomad community, and high-quality services.
• Cultural Experience: Exposure to Bermuda’s unique culture, landscapes, and activities.

Disadvantages

• High Cost of Living: Housing, food, and services were expensive, requiring substantial funds.
• Application Fee: The $263 non-refundable fee was a barrier for some.
• Limited Duration: The 12-month visa, while extendable, was shorter than some other countries’ programs.

Other Countries with Digital Nomad Visas

With Bermuda’s program closed, digital nomads can explore similar visas in other countries. Below is a list of some destinations offering digital nomad visas:

These countries offer diverse options, from affordable living to long-term residency pathways, catering to different nomad preferences.

FAQs About the Bermuda Digital Nomad Visa

Conclusion

The Bermuda digital nomad visa was a game-changer for remote workers and students seeking a tropical haven with modern amenities. Its straightforward requirements, fast application process, and tax benefits made it a top choice for nearly 1,800 participants. However, the program’s closure on February 28, 2025, reflects Bermuda’s shift toward long-term residency and economic sustainability. For digital nomads, alternative residency options in Bermuda or other countries with active visa programs offer new opportunities. By staying informed about global visa trends, nomads can continue to combine work and travel seamlessly.

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