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For Charlotte Fraser-Prynne, swimming with seals in the sea off Cape Town was the highlight of her time in South Africa.
“It was a little cold in the sea as there was an Antarctic current but that for me was the best memory of a beautiful country,” said the British company director.
Ms Fraser-Prynne, managing partner at lobby company International Policy Group, spent five weeks with her fiancé Elder Barbosa visiting the wildlife parks, swimming in the ocean and enjoying the inexpensive but excellent food.
“We went to at least three restaurants which should have Michelin stars but Michelin does not extend to Africa,” she added.
Cape Town is seen by many as the best location for digital nomads in Africa because of its warm climate, mix of sea and wildlife, and the fact that it is relatively safe and inexpensive.
But anyone who fancies escaping the grey skies of Britain in January for somewhere warmer as the pandemic drags on could try these countries, which have specially designed visas for remote workers.
Barbados
The Caribbean island that recently became a republic launched a Welcome Stamp scheme in 2020 to attract more digital nomads, who can work there for up to 12 months.
To qualify, a person must be employed outside Barbados and must prove they are earning more than $50,000 (£37,210) per year or have financial means to support themselves.
More on Working From Home
It costs $2,000 (£1,483) for a single person or $3,000 (£2,229) for families. According to the government, it takes ten minutes to apply on its website. Applicants must supply a passport-sized photograph and a copy of their passport. The stamp should be ready within a week. British citizens do not need a visa for stays of less than six months.
Read more at Visit Barbados.
The Bahamas
Crystal clear waters, white beaches and 16 islands to explore: what’s not to like? Like other Caribbean islands, the Bahamas has created its own nomad visa to attract foreign workers. The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (Beats) can be applied for online and allows students to study remotely using some of the University of the Bahamas’ facilities.
To qualify you need a valid passport, health insurance covering the Bahamas, and proof of employment for remote workers – which can include proof of self-employment and student ID.
Read more about immigration to the Bahamas.
The Seychelles
Fancy something a little off the beaten track? This beautiful French-speaking archipelago has launched its Seychelles Work Action Program. It only requires a valid passport, proof of employment or being a business owner and income and health insurance. The visa costs €45 (£37) and lasts 12 months.
Read more on the Seychelles government website.
Spain
Closer to home, Spain launched a digital nomad visa last month that allows remote employees to work in the country for five years paying a non-resident tax rate of 24 per cent, which is lower than the rate paid by residents.
It applies to nationals from all Non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries, including Britain. People with EU passports or those arriving from Schengen area countries can already work in Spain for six months without having to register with authorities. To qualify, you must prove monthly income of €2,151 (£1,805).
To apply, visit Spanish consulates in the UK or read more about Spanish visas.
Portugal
If you fancy stunning beaches, surfing and perhaps the chance to gorge yourself on the less than healthy franchesina (a ham, sausage and cheese sandwich with a tomato and beer sauce), then Portugal might be your thing.
The country has been a magnet for digital nomads for years since setting up two visas for independent workers and entrepreneurs, one called D2 and another called the Portugal passive income visa or D7. Both are valid for one year but can be extended for up to five, after which there is an option to extend this to permanent residency.
The visa costs €83 (£70) and the resident permit is €72 (£61). To qualify, applicants must only prove an income of €600 per month, but this can come from various sources.
Read more about living in Portugal here.
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