Launched in April 2021, the Dominica digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live and work in the country for up to 18 months. Announced in wake of the pandemic, Dominica joins other Caribbean countries (including Anguilla, and Antigua & Barbuda) in offering a digital nomad visa opportunity. Known as the Dominica Work in Nature Program, the remote working visa is designed to allow freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote employees to enjoy life on the island.

With beautiful beaches, conquerable mountains, and lush rainforest the English-speaking country of Dominica has everything that nature lovers could ever wish for. But there’s more to the country than its breathtaking natural wealth and incredible food, vibrant culture, and flurry of events that give the country its unique personality. 

There is, however, a catch—not everyone will meet the qualifying criteria that open the door to the Caribbean paradise. From the minimum income requirements to the application and visa fees, find out everything you need to know about the Dominica digital nomad visa.

What is the Dominica Digital Nomad Visa?

The Dominica digital nomad visa, known as the Dominica Work in Nature (WIN) Program, allows remote workers to live and work in the Caribbean country for up to 18 months. 

The WIN Program was designed in response to the pandemic, citing that after the period of shuttered cities, lockdowns, and strict travel restrictions, the country is thrilled to welcome visitors once more. With a focus on adventure, the abundance of nature, and enriched vibrant culture, the Dominica digital nomad visa is perfect for adventurous nomads searching for an island getaway. 

Why is the Dominica Digital Nomad Visa Better than a Tourist Visa?

The main benefit of the Dominica digital nomad visa over the traditional tourist visa lies in the length of time that can be spent in the country. The majority of visitors will have up to 21 days visa-free in the country before an additional visa is required to remain on the island. U.S. citizens will, however, find an exemption to the rule and are able to spend up to six months in Dominica without the need for a visa.

Remote workers holding the Dominica digital nomad visa are also able to bring their spouse and any dependents along with them with a successful application. This allows the whole family to spend up to the maximum 18-month period in the country. In addition to the basic overview, remote workers are also entitled to a number of discounts after receiving their WIN visa. Offers range from discounts on tours and rental cars to free drinks at local restaurants. 

Dominica Digital Nomad Visa Requirements 

The Dominica remote working visa is not open for all to claim and all digital nomads must satisfy the following series of requirements for a successful application: 

• Valid Passport: The applicant's passport must be valid at the time of application submission.
• $50,000 USD Minimum Annual Income: Applicants must prove a minimum income of at least $50,000 USD annually. This can be completed by providing bank statements. 
• Work Remotely: Applicants must provide evidence of remote work with a letter of employment. For freelancers, and business owners, a recent bank statement and certificate of good standing must be provided.
• Health Insurance: Applicants must show proof of health insurance with coverage in Dominica.
• Clean Criminal Record: Applicants must provide a clean police record from all the jurisdictions in which the applicant has lived in the past five years.

How to Apply 

Although remote working visas can be a confusing business, the Dominica remote working visa can be applied for entirely online.

Step 1: Collect all Necessary Documents

The first step when applying for any digital nomad visa is to collect all necessary documents ready for submission. For an independent digital nomad, the following documents are required:

• Copy of Valid Passport (bio data page)
• Passport Sized Photo
• Police Record (from all jurisdictions lived in over the past five years)
• Bank Reference Letter
• Letter of Employment (a recent bank statement and certificate of good standing and/or credit report must be provided if income is not from regular employment)
• Proof of Health Insurance
• Visit to Dominica (only if the applicant requires a visa to enter the country)

When applying with a spouse, children, and/or dependents, the following documents must also be provided for all members when applying for the digital nomad visa:

• Copy of Valid Passport (bio data page)
• Passport Sized Photo (for all aged 18+)
• Proof of Relationship 
• Police Record (from all jurisdictions lived in over the past five years, for all aged 18+)
• Bank Reference Letter
• Proof of Health Insurance
• Visit to Dominica (only if the applicant requires a visa to enter the country)

All documents must be provided in English. Where this is not possible, a translated version of the documents must be provided. 

Step 2: Submit a Visa Application

Once all documents have been gathered, digitized, and translated (where necessary), applicants are then able to begin their visa application. The visa application form, available online, can be accessed once applicants have created an account on the WIN website. The on-screen instructions can then be followed, filling out the required form with all personal details. Once complete, all applicants must then make payment of the application fee. The fee currently stands at $100 USD and is non-refundable. 

Step 3: Await Digital Nomad Visa Approval

After completing the digital nomad application, applicants are then simply required to await the verdict of their submission. Waiting times currently range between 14 and 28 days for the departments to review and respond to the application.

Step 4: Make Payment of the Visa Fee

Once the Dominica digital nomad visa has been approved, the final step is for successful applicants to make payment of the visa fee. The fee is currently $800 USD for individual remote workers or $1,200 USD for a family.  Once paid, applicants have just 30 days to arrive in Dominica. All applicants should ensure that they keep their Work in Nature agent informed of their plans to enter the country. 

Why Choose Dominica for your Next Remote Working Trip?

Although traditionally known as a tourist destination, Dominica may just be the perfect destination for remote workers searching for their latest laptop location. The Work In Nature Program really lives up to its name with rainforests, beaches, mountains, and natural hot springs, located on the island. Not to mention, luxury hotels, boutique shopping, unique culture, and delicious food are also on offer.

Remote Work Culture in Dominica

Despite the push for the digital nomad visa, Dominica is not known for its remote work culture or as a hub for digital nomads. There are no notable coworking spaces easily found on the island and those that do choose to work remotely do so from either their own accommodation or from laptop-friendly cafes, restaurants, and bars. The internet speed in the country is rated as good with an average fixed broadband download speed of 75 Mbps and an upload speed of 52 Mbps, perfect for remote workers. 

Cost of Living and Quality of Life in Dominica 

The cost of living in Dominica is estimated to be 7.5% lower than in the United States with the rental prices noted to be more than 71.5% lower than equivalent properties in the US. This translates to an estimated monthly spend of $860 USD (without rent) for an individual remote worker or $3,220 USD (without rent) for a family of four. There is minimal information surrounding the quality of life in Dominica, although the country is expected to have a similar moderate rating to other Caribbean countries. 

Healthcare in Dominica

Dominica is home to a total of five hospitals, one of which is privately owned with the remaining four offering state healthcare from the government. The Princess Margaret Hospital, the main hospital on the island, is well-equipped to deal with emergency situations, although the other four are not. 

All applicants of the Dominica digital nomad visa are required to provide proof of healthcare coverage in Dominica as part of the necessary documents. We would recommend that all remote workers invest in good, nomad-specific health insurance for the best service. 

Conclusion 

The Dominica digital nomad visa, known as the Dominica Work In Nature Program, is one of the most exciting for island-loving remote workers. Digital nomads and their families are able to spend up 18 months on the island, living in and experiencing the rainforest, mountains, rivers, and beaches that Dominica has to offer. But there’s more to the WIN program than the nature that surrounds the island—great food, friendly locals, and vibrant culture and just some of the benefits of living life on the island. 

It’s a true paradise and a dream come true for qualifying applicants, but not all will make the cut. A minimum income of $50,000 USD per year, a visa fee of $800, a clean criminal record check, and proof of remote work are just some of the criteria that must be satisfied by all applying nomads.