Announced in August 2022, the Anguilla digital nomad visa offers remote workers the chance to live and work in the Caribbean-based British Overseas Territory for up to 12 months. 

Anguilla was one of the early adopters of the digital nomad visas in response to the drop in tourism following the global pandemic. To recoup lost revenue on the island, the digital nomad visa, open to both remote workers and students, was launched to attract long-term visitors to the island. 

With white sand beaches, high-end accommodation, fine dining, and some of the bluest water you’ll ever see, Anguilla is a prime destination for luxury-loving remote workers—with the price tag to prove it.

From the entry requirements and application process to the visa fees and healthcare issues—find out everything you need to know about the Anguilla digital nomad visa in our guide to remote working on the island. 

What is the Anguilla Digital Nomad Visa?

The Anguilla digital nomad visa opens up the opportunity for remote workers to live and work on the Caribbean island for between 91 days and 12 months. 

Launched in August 2020, the digital nomad visa was one of the first examples of a remote working visa, created in response to the pandemic. With a drop in tourism experienced on the island, the visa was part of an initiative launched to recoup income lost from the drop in tourism. 

Individual remote workers are permitted to apply for the nomad visa with their families, although additional application costs will be incurred for any spouse and/or dependents included. Students may also apply for the digital nomad visa, which may be appealing to those who study online full-time.

The digital nomad visa has a maximum stay length of 12 months for remote workers with no option to renew. However, remote workers can simply reapply for the visa if they feel that their 12 months passed way too quickly.

Why is the Anguilla Digital Nomad Visa Better Than a Tourist Visa?

One of the main benefits of the Anguilla digital nomad visa lies in the length of time that can be spent in the overseas territory. 

Typically, visitors arriving in Anguilla are only permitted to stay for a maximum of 30 days and although an extension may be possible, long-term stays are not. However, the digital nomad visa offers remote workers the opportunity to live and work in Anguilla for a maximum period of 12 months. 

During the 12-month stay, remote workers will not be required to pay taxes, provided that they are tax-paying residents of a different nation. This is, of course, in addition to the permission for applicants to apply with any family and/or dependents. 

For students, the Anguilla digital nomad visa is one of the few long-term visas that can be applied for globally. With a range of higher education courses focused entirely on remote teaching, Anguilla offers a fantastic opportunity that otherwise may not be possible. 

Anguilla Digital Nomad Visa Requirements 

The Anguilla digital nomad visa may sound too good to be true, but it’s not available to all. The following requirements must be met by all applicants for a successful submission: 

• Valid Passport: The applicant's passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of application.
• Proof of Remote Work / School Enrollment: All applicants must show evidence of either remote work (for digital nomads) or school enrollment (for students). 
• Entry Visa: If applicable, applicants must first apply for and provide an entry visa to Anguilla when submitting the documents for the digital nomad visa.
• Health Insurance: Applicants must show proof of health insurance with coverage in Anguilla.
• Clean Criminal Record: All applicants must show evidence of a certified clean criminal record check dated within the last six months.

How to Apply 

Applying for the Anguilla digital nomad visa is simple and can be done entirely online from the official government website. Below is our step-by-guide for a successful application for the Anguilla remote working visa. 

Step 1: Collect all Necessary Documents 

The first step in applying for the Anguilla digital nomad visa is to collect all of the documents necessary for the application. Applicants will be required to provide the following when submitting their forms online: 

• Copy of a Valid Passport (Minimum Six Months Validity)
• Entry Visa (If Required)
• Proof of Remote Work or Enrollment (For Students)
• Proof of Health Insurance
• Certified Criminal Background Check (Dated Within the Last Six Months)
• Copy of Birth Certificate
• Letter of Intent During the Stay in Anguilla
• Confirmation of Accommodation Booking in Anguilla

When applying for the Anguilla digital nomad visa as a family, the list of application requirements lengthens with applicants required to provide the following additional documents: 

• Copy of Passports (Minimum Six Months Validity for all Dependents)
• Copy of Birth Certificates (For all Dependents)
• Proof of Relationship (To all Family Members)
• Proof of School Enrollment (For all Children)
• Letter of Intent (Describing Nature of Work for all Adults)

Applicants should then digitize all documents, scanning where necessary, to create a digital folder comprised of all necessary documents.

Step 2: Complete the Anguilla Digital Nomad Visa Application

After collecting and digitizing all necessary documents, applicants are then able to complete the visa application form. The entire process can be completed online by visiting the official website before selecting the “Work From Anguilla - Digital Nomad” visitor form. Applicants must create an account when applying for the digital nomad visa to submit and track their applications. 

As of October 1, 2022, proof of a negative COVID-19 test is no longer a requirement to travel to Anguilla. An application fee must also be paid by all digital nomads at this stage. This is broken down in the following manner: 

• Individuals and students: $2,000 USD Application Fee
• Families of four (Applicant, spouse, and two children under 26): $3,000 USD Application Fee
• Every additional dependent: $250 USD Additional Application Fee

Step 3: Await Approval

After submitting the nomad visa application, the processing time to receive a verdict currently sits between just 7 and 14 days. After receiving the visa confirmation, nomads are free to travel to, live in, and work from Anguilla.  

Why Choose Anguilla for your Next Remote Working Trip?

Anguilla is unlikely to be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a remote working trip—nor is it an island that too many have heard of.

With a population of a little over 15,000, Anguilla is one of the least populated areas for nomads to visit—perfect to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With 33 different beaches to choose from, you’re guaranteed to get some sun in privacy with the stunning nature surrounding your secluded spot. 

If you prefer to choose to live life a little louder, there are countless opportunities for active adventures and diverse nightlife on the island. From golf and tennis to water sports and boat racing, you might be surprised by what you can find during your stay. Food and drink are another huge part of living in Anguilla with casual eats, fine dining, and beach bars forming the perfect trio for everyday life. 

Remote Work Culture in Anguilla

Thanks to the early launch of the digital nomad visa in Anguilla, remote working has become more popular. Coworking spaces are hard to come by on the island, but the reliable internet connections in cafes, restaurants, and bars prove to be a popular choice among digital nomads. Opting for spacious accommodation is another great option for remote workers, although this does sacrifice the connections with a digital nomad community on the island. 

Cost of Living and Quality of Life in Anguilla 

The cost of living in Anguilla is high, in no small part due to the tax situation in the territory. There is no income tax, investment tax, or corporate tax on the island. The government, therefore, generates revenue with duties on imported items, through tourism tax, and via fees for official documents (such as visas) on the island. 

This, combined with the exclusivity of living on the Caribbean island, leads to some eye-watering expenses for day-to-day living. It is estimated that a single digital nomad should budget between $4,000 USD and $5,000 USD per month in living expenses to experience the full island experience. 

Naturally, with such expensive living costs, the quality of life is high. Fine dining restaurants, stunning scenery, and beautiful beaches are just some of the finer things to look forward to when visiting the island. 

Healthcare in Anguilla

Healthcare is one of the main talking points about living long-term in Anguilla with the island offering a good system for non-emergency situations. Treatment for non-serious injuries or illnesses can be received at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. The island cannot, however, offer cutting-edge treatment for life-threatening medical emergencies and in these cases, patients are often transferred via air ambulance to St. Martin, Puerto Rico, or Miami. 

Proof of health insurance with coverage in Anguilla is one of the main requirements that must be satisfied when applying for a digital nomad visa. All applicants should ensure that they invest in quality health insurance, covering all eventualities when living and working on the island.

Conclusion 

Anguilla has long been a top Caribbean vacation destination, but with the 2020 launch of the digital nomad visa, the island’s doors have been officially opened to remote workers, too. With white sand beaches, high-end resorts, and surprisingly fast and reliable internet connections, Anguilla should be a must-visit for luxury-loving digital nomads. 

Long-term stays in the territory aren’t available to all and a short list of requirements (valid passport, clean criminal record, proof of remote work, etc.) must be satisfied for a successful application. But it’s the application fees and the cost of living on the island that prove to be the biggest hurdle.

At $2,000 USD for individual remote workers (increasing to $3,000 USD for a family of four), the initial cost can be a bitter pill to swallow. Spread the total cost over a 12-month period and the prices don’t sound so bad—but the cost of living (estimated at $4,000 to $5,000 USD per month) can add up over the long-term stay. 

Ultimately, it’s going to be wise to have a little extra saved up before applying for the Anguilla digital nomad visa.