Discover Yourself while Living and Working Remotely on the Caribbean Island of Montserrat!

If you are a remote worker and have a flexible role that allows you to work from anywhere in the world, then the beautiful Caribbean Island of Montserrat could be the perfect option for you. The Government of Montserrat, has created an enticing new permit called the Montserrat Remote Work Stamp, to attract remote workers from across the world.

The details of how you can apply for this temporary resident permit were discussed recently during our ‘Discover Yourself while Living and Working Remotely on the Caribbean Island of Montserrat!’ webinar. The session also included extensive information about why Montserrat is an ideal destination for digital nomads and remote workers to live.

The speakers at the webinar were:

• Joseph Easton Taylor-Farrell, Premier, Government of Montserrat
• Rosetta West-Gerald, Director Of Tourism, Montserrat Tourism Division
• Cherise Aymer, Market Development Officer, Montserrat Tourism Division
• Kathleen Bennett, Executive Producer, Code And Theory
• David Cort, Associate Dean Of Diversity, Equity And Inclusion, University Of Massachusetts Amherst
• Veta Wade, Founder/ CEO Fish ‘N Fins Inc

Why YOU should choose Montserrat

During the webinar, the speakers discussed some of the wide range of features that makes Montserrat the perfect destination for remote workers and digital nomads to live. These included:

• Easy communication: English is the official language in Montserrat. This allows English-speakers moving to Montserrat to integrate into life there more easily than other destinations, including interacting with and meeting local people, using local services, exploring the island, and generally successfully integrating into Montserratian life. English is also the language that is used for business.
• Incredible Nature: Montserrat’s stunning beauty extends down from its mountains, to its beaches and then underwater to its vibrant coral reefs. You will be able to explore and enjoy stunning sandy beaches, all but one of which, boast an unusual colour palette ranging from sparkling black to different shades of gray, incredible unspoiled rainforest-covered hillsides, dramatic soaring peaks, and healthy coral reefs. It is also an amazing location to see rare endemic plant and animal species. The Centre Hills for example is one of the best places to go birdwatching in the Eastern Caribbean

• Culture and Arts: Montserrat is a melting pot of culture, creativity and talent that can be seen and heard in all of its many vibrant and exciting festivals. Montserrat is the only country outside of Ireland to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as a national holiday, and in the lead up to March 17 there is the St Patrick’s Festival, a 2-week long celebration highlighting Montserrat’s African and Irish heritage. Festival highlights include outdoor soca and reggae concerts, street parades, pub crawls and food fairs. Land and sea tours, hikes and a road race round out the list of activities that make this a truly unforgettable 2 weeks. There is also the Calabash Festival in July, the Cudjoe Head Festival in August, the Alliouagana Festival Of The Word (Literary Festival) in November, and the Montserrat Carnival (Year-End Festival) which begins mid December and ends on January 1st.
• Outdoor activities: Montserrat is a fantastic place to be able to enjoy a wide range of wonderful outdoor activities throughout the whole year. Hiking is one of the most popular recreational activities on the island, especially with such an incredible landscape full of unspoiled natural beauty, with the opportunity for hikes of varying difficulty, length, and scenery. As an island destination surrounded by the stunning blue Caribbean Sea, Montserrat is also an excellent place to enjoy water activities such as scuba diving to explore vibrant coral reefs, kayaking, snorkelling, stand-up paddle-boarding, jet-skiing, and coastal boat tours. Outdoor yoga is a ‘must do’ activity while on the island, and there are several yoga specialists and spa and wellness centres available.

• Climate: The island has a warm, tropical climate, with plenty of sunshine throughout the year. The average temperature throughout the year is a very pleasant 26 °C (78.8 F), with very little variation between the coolest and warmest periods of the year. Winter and Summer temperature ranges between 24 and 32 °C (76 to 88 F) with a constant breeze from the sea and mountains. This makes it an ideal destination to enjoy year-round outdoor activities, perfect for when you need a break from working at your computer. You will also rarely need to wear anything warmer than shorts and t-shirt.

• Speedy Application Process: The application process for the Montserrat Remote Work Stamp only takes 7 working days, and once it has been approved, it will allow you to stay on the island for an entire year!
• High-speed internet: Montserrat has reliable high-speed fiber internet services available with download/upload speeds up to 20 Mbps and 3G mobile services. Free Wifi is available throughout the island in the restaurants, bank, hotels, supermarkets , public library and buildings.

The Montserrat Remote Work Stamp

The Montserrat Remote Work Stamp enables holders to retain their current employment based in another country whilst legally residing in Montserrat and working remotely. A 12-Month travel permit for a non-national who is employed in a country other than Montserrat, and who is employed by a company registered and operating outside of Montserrat (not carrying on business in or from Montserrat).

Eligibility Criteria:

Escaping the hustle and bustle of city life for up to a year is as simple as filling out an online Montserrat Remote Workers Stamp application form, for review by Montserrat Immigration. Approval can take up to 7 working days and once your payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation letter to show upon entry into Montserrat. It really is that simple!”

• Works for an employer that is registered in a foreign country, and they have a contract of work with that employer; or
• Conducts business activity for a company that is registered in a foreign country and of which they are a partner/shareholder; or
• Offers freelance or consulting services mostly to clients, whose permanent establishments are in a foreign country, and with whom they have contracts; and
• Earns an annual income of USD$70,000 (this currently in the process of being revised downwards); and
• Has health insurance with valid Montserrat and COVID-19 coverage.

Additional Information:
For the first category, the legislation does not distinguish between public or private sector employers. So you will be eligible whether your employer is a private company, a public sector agency (e.g. government or regulatory body), or a not-for-profit entity. What is important is that you have a contract of employment with the employer and you are able to work remotely using telecommunications technologies.

The other important eligibility requirement to be aware of is the income threshold, which is meant to provide evidence of how you will support yourself during your time in Montserrat. Currently, the annual income threshold is US$70,000.

Before Starting:

Ensure you have the following:

• Proof of valid health insurance
• Passport Size Photograph
• Proof of Employment/Business Incorporation Certificate
• Proof of annual income
• Copy of Passport Biographical Data
• Police Record

Stamp Fees:

Application fees are required before application processing. These fees are non-refundable.

• Single Applicant:USD$500
• Families (up to 3 dependants): USD$750
• Additional family member: USD$250 each

If you would like to learn more about Montserrat’s Remote Work Stamp permit, and apply for it, click here.