Dominica for Digital Nomads
It allows remote workers from all over the world to live on this tropical island and enjoy sun, sea, and sand as a digital nomad, valid for one year. In this article, you will learn about the following aspects of this program.
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There are plenty of benefits to relocating to Dominica. Here are the top advantages:
- Ease of obtaining a digital nomad visa: The government has implemented a friendly policy for digital nomads that allows them to obtain a digital nomad visa within seven days.
- Low cost of living: Prices in Dominica are relatively low compared to the rest of the Caribbean countries, the US, and UK.
- Beautiful landscapes: The island boasts beautiful, spacious beaches that are quiet and serene. You should definitely visit Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Trafalgar Falls, Boiling Lake, and many other sightseeing spots.
- Warm weather: Dominica has a pleasant tropical climate, hot and humid all year round.
- Perfect location: Dominica is very close to the USA. You can reach the US within an hour.
- Appetizing and delicious cuisine: Dominican cuisine is Creole in nature, but also British and French-influenced. Using a combination of domestic and imported ingredients, the island’s restaurants create flavorful dishes with freshly caught fish and locally grown fruits and vegetables.
- Various leisure activities: You can try cricket, rock hiking, diving, and, of course, canyoning, among many other unforgettable experiences.
In March 2021, the Government of Dominica launched the Work in Nature (WIN) visa program. It offers digital nomads an opportunity to work remotely while enjoying the beautiful nature of this Caribbean island.
Key facts
- The digital nomad program in Dominica is officially called the Work in Nature (WIN) visa.
- This visa allows digital nomads to work remotely in Dominica for a maximum of 18 months.
- The application process costs $900 for individuals. There is also a Family Bundle that costs $1,300.
- You need to pay only $100 before the application is approved. Other fees must be paid within 30 days after approval.
- The application process is quite fast, and approval is received within 7 days in most cases.
- There are no limits on the number of persons admitted under this visa category.
Eligibility requirements
You must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the Work in Nature program:
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Have no criminal record;
- Prove that you can work remotely;
- Earn an income of $50,000 or more over the next 12 months and/or have the means to support yourself, your spouse/partner, and their other family members accompanying you during your extended stay in Dominica.
What documents are required to apply?
To apply for the Dominica digital nomad visa, you must provide the following documents and upload this documentation for yourself and any family member who is accompanying you, where relevant. Be aware that for documents not in English, a translated and certified copy is required!
- Bio data page of valid passport (for yourself and all your family members, if applicable).
- Proof of relationship of your family members, if applicable. Proof of relationship can include, for example, a marriage, birth, or adoption certificate, depending on which family member is joining you.
- Police record (for yourself and all your family members over the age of 18). Please note that a police record must be obtained from all the jurisdictions in which you/your family member lived in the past five years.
- Bank reference letter.
- Passport-size photo.
- Employment letter. Please note that If your income is not from a regular employment salary, you must also provide a recent bank statement and certificate of good standing and/or credit report.
- Travel Visa to Dominica (only if you/your family member is a passport holder of a country where a visa is required for entry to Dominica)
- Health insurance valid in Dominica for you and your family members, if applicable.
Application process and timeline
Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for the Work in Nature program:
- Gather all required documents: You should prepare the necessary documents in advance as well as translate them into English if necessary, as it is the only acceptable language;
- Complete and submit application: The application must be submitted online via a specially developed e-platform of the Government of Dominica. Your application must be clear and accurate. Please note that no broker or other representative can sign the application on your behalf.
- Pay the application fee: You must pay the fees in two stages. When applying, you must pay the WIN Application Fee of $100 per person.
- Wait for approval: The processing time is usually seven days. If your application is approved, you will receive an approval letter via email.
- Pay the visa fee: After your application is approved, you must pay the WIN Visa Fee within 30 days. This is $800 for an individual and $1,200 for a family. You must arrive in Dominica within 90 days after approval of your WIN Visa application.
Brief history of Dominica
Dominica’s first inhabitants, the Ortoroids, arrived from South America around 3100 BC and remained on the island until around 400 BC. Next came the Arawaks, who settled in about 400 AD. On November 3, 1493, the island was sighted by Christopher Columbus. This day being a Sunday, Columbus named it Dominica (Latin: dies dominica, “the Lord’s day”).
In 1632, the first French colonists came here to become planters. In the 18th century, Great Britain and France agreed to treat the island as neutral ground and leave it to the Caribs. From that time until 1805, Dominica passed back and forth between France and Britain.The French made a final assault on the island in 1805, and, although they burned the capital, Roseau, they were forced to withdraw. After that, this territory remained part of Great Britain’s colonies.
On November 3, 1978, the island attained its independence from Britain. The new era of freedom and independence brought increased challenges as well as economic and political struggles. However, by the mid-1980s, Dominica had settled down as a stable and peaceful country. The success of the banana trade, the island’s major export, brought economic buoyancy to the island.
Nowadays, Dominica is focusing on tourism to drive economic development and attract many visitors annually.
Accommodations
There are a variety of accommodation options available in Dominica – luxury five-star hotels, guest houses, apartments, and homes.
Renting in Dominica is, on average, 60% lower than in the United States. You can, for example, find a one-bedroom apartment in the city center for $300 and a three-bedroom apartment for $800. Outside the city center, rents are even cheaper: a one-bedroom apartment costs $200 and a three-bedroom apartment costs $400. However, you may find many luxury options in Dominica for different tastes.
Healthcare in Dominica
There are both primary and secondary healthcare services in Dominica. There are four hospitals in Dominica, three government-owned and the other privately owned. The Princess Margaret Hospital has the island’s lone intensive care unit, meaning it is best equipped to deal with emergency situations. The other three are not as prepared, so in an emergency situation, you may be evacuated to the US for specialized help. It’s important to make sure evacuation coverage is included in your health insurance.
You can find a wide variety of drugs at the well-provisioned local pharmacies around the island. However, please note that prescriptions must be written by a local doctor. Thus, if you need some special medications, you should consult the nearest general practitioner to obtain a prescription.
Cost of living in Dominica
For a single person, the estimated monthly cost of living, without rent, is about $800, while for a family with four members you can expect expenses of $3,000. This is relatively low compared to most Caribbean countries, the US, and UK. Local groceries, dining out, transport, and rent are also low-cost. However, please note that almost all imported products, such as milk and clothing, are much more expensive than the average.
The prices for most products in the grocery stores and utilities can be found on NUMBEO.
Leisure activities
Besides enjoying the beach and swimming in the ocean, there are a variety of land and water activities and tours to experience all around the island. The year-round warm, comfortable weather favors outdoor activities. The most popular sport in Dominica is cricket. Dominica offers many hiking options for both beginners and professionals. Diving and snorkeling tours are also available for visitors. Bird watching is popular, too.
Many people travel to Dominica specifically to try canyoning, as Dominica is home to some of the most spectacular canyons in the world. You can learn more about leisure activities in Dominica via this website.
Transport
There is both public and private transport across the island. Public transport services run daily around the island, though schedules vary depending on the location. Bus rotation is fairly frequent throughout the day, but this method of transportation is not suitable for night travel.
Several taxis and rental companies are also available. However, please note that before you get on the road, you will need to obtain a local driver's license, which costs $12. You must be between 25 and 65 years old, with at least two years' driving experience, to qualify for a driver's permit. Traffic uses the left side of the road, and most roads are well maintained.
Tax matters
Digital nomads are not required to pay Dominica income tax during their stay under the Work in Nature Visa. However, if you are a citizen of certain countries, such as the US or the UK, you are still required to file an annual tax return each year to your respective tax authority.
Please note that within the first three months after obtaining a WIN Visa, holders may import to Dominica personal and business-related items, tools of trade, and household items free of Import Duty and Value Added Tax (VAT).
Dominica is a small island located in the lesser part of the Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean Sea. There are several towns to choose from::
- Roseau: With a population of just under 15,000, Roseau is the capital of Dominica and is significantly larger than other towns on the island. Roseau is on the Caribbean (western) side of the island. The site of Dominica’s largest port, it is also the entryway for the majority of the country’s imported goods and trade infrastructure. Thus, you may find many types of goods here. Roseau is known for its gracious French colonial buildings, sophisticated and vibrant restaurants, and nightlife.
- Marigot: This town is located near the north-coast beaches, where you can relax and snorkel among incredible marine wildlife. The Sari-Sari waterfall is nearby. There are many cafes and restaurants in this town.
- Portsmouth: The second largest town in Dominica, Portsmouth is the best choice for people who like diving, boating, and whale-watching. This area has the most beautiful beaches on the island and is known for its fantastic coral reefs, which allow for impressive snorkeling trips. Portsmouth is surrounded by extinct volcanoes and the Cabrits National Historical and Marine Park, which is ideal for digital nomads who love nature and sports activities.
HI’s Digital Nomad Suitability Score (HI-DNS score)
Considering various factors, here’s our assessment of Dominica as a destination for digital nomads, based on the HI’s Digital Nomad Suitability Score (HI-DNS score).
|
CRITERIA |
SCORE |
|
Ease of obtaining a visa |
Excellent |
|
Cost of visa |
Average |
|
Index of happiness |
Good |
|
Duration of visa |
Excellent |
|
Safety |
Excellent |
|
Cost of living |
Good |
|
Healthcare |
Average |
|
Internet Infrastructure |
Poor |
|
Taxes |
Excellent |
|
Infrastructure |
Good |
|
Incentives from the government for digital nomads |
Good |
Dominica is a unique destination for digital nomads, with many advantages, including a facilitated visa process, perfect weather, and beautiful nature. If you are interested in relocating to Dominica, contact our team. We can make the process smooth and painless for you!
If you are interested in changing your surroundings and trying something different while working remotely, consider relocating to Dominica, an island country known for its beautiful and untouchable nature as well as favorable visa requirements for digital nomads. Here you can truly recharge and catch your breath during these hectic times!
Contact our team, and we will be glad to match you with your dream country, prepare the required documents, and successfully file an application for a digital nomad visa. We will make the application process convenient and easy for you! Our team can also assist you in other tasks such as looking for optimal healthcare insurance, translation of documents, preparation and validation of your documents, etc.
If you still have any questions that are not covered in our article, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to help!