Bermuda has announced that it will end its Work From Bermuda Certificate this week, a program that allowed digital nomads and remote workers to live and work on the island for up to a year. The initiative, launched in 2020, was part of a wave of remote work visas introduced by various countries during the pandemic to attract high-earning professionals.
However, after nearly four years, the government has decided to discontinue the program, though existing visa holders remain unaffected for now. The decision aligns with a broader trend of countries reevaluating the long-term sustainability of digital nomad programs as global mobility patterns shift.
Why Is Bermuda Closing Its Digital Nomad Program?
While Bermuda has not provided a detailed explanation, several factors may have contributed to the decision:
🔹 Declining Demand – As travel restrictions eased and alternative remote work visas became available worldwide, Bermuda may have seen a drop in applications.
🔹 Economic Priorities – The government may be shifting its focus to more permanent residency options or policies aimed at long-term economic growth.
🔹 Rising Housing Costs – Like many tourist destinations, an influx of short-term residents could contribute to higher living expenses for locals, leading policymakers to reconsider the visa’s impact.
🔹 Competition from Other Countries – With over 50 digital nomad visas available globally, other destinations may now be more appealing due to lower costs, fewer restrictions, or more permanent residency pathways.
Can You Still Stay in Bermuda?
If you are a current Work From Bermuda Certificate holder, your visa remains valid until its expiration date. However, if you wish to stay beyond that, you may need to consider alternative visa options. Here are some possible routes:
1️⃣ Standard Work Permit
If you secure employment with a Bermuda-based company, you may be eligible for a work permit. This process requires sponsorship from an employer and approval from the Bermuda Department of Immigration.
2️⃣ Residential Certificate (Long-Term Residency)
For those with independent means or investments, Bermuda offers a Residential Certificate, which allows individuals to reside indefinitely on the island. To qualify, applicants typically need to demonstrate:
🔹Financial self-sufficiency (no need to work locally).
🔹 Real estate investment or substantial local financial ties.
3️⃣ Reapplying via Business-Based Residency
Entrepreneurs or remote business owners may explore options such as:
🔹Registering a business in Bermuda (which may open the door to residency pathways).
🔹Applying for investor programs if the government offers incentives for foreign business activities.
What’s Next for Digital Nomads in Bermuda?
The closure of the Work From Bermuda Certificate doesn’t mean digital nomads are completely unwelcome—it simply indicates a shift in policy focus. For those committed to staying, alternative residency options exist, but they may come with additional financial or employment requirements.
For nomads considering their next move, this is a reminder that visa landscapes are constantly evolving. Keeping an eye on policy changes and having a long-term residency plan is key to maintaining location independence in 2025 and beyond.
Check out our other articles in our Global News section for more updates and guides on the latest digital nomad trends.
Benefit from Heavnn's fusion of expert knowledge and innovative technology by clicking the button below.
