Live and work abroad

This item appears on page 5 of the September 2020 issue.

Many countries are restricting visits by US residents. However, employed Americans who can work remotely may apply for “nonpermanent resident” status in some countries, providing opportunities for them to then travel to countries closed to US residents.

• The Caucasus country of GEORGIA introduced a new entry visa in July that would allow foreigners who are employed outside of Georgia and working remotely to reside in that country.

According to the country’s Minister of Economy, anyone wanting to take advantage of the visa would be required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and live in the country for a minimum of six months. The visa is available even to those living in countries with a significant number of COVID-19 infections. As of press time, only 1,179 COVID-19 cases had been identified in Georgia.

• The island of BERMUDA, a British Overseas Territory east of Florida, on July 17 announced a new residency program that allows qualified foreigners to live on the island for one year. To qualify, a potential resident must be at least 18 years of age, have a sufficient source of income from outside Bermuda and have health insurance. For anyone taking advantage of this program, a certificate of residency will cost $263.

• The Caribbean island nation of BARBADOS introduced the Barbados Welcome Stamp on July 26, allowing foreigners who are working remotely to gain residency on the island for 12 months. In order to qualify, a person or family must prove they earn at least $50,000 a year from a job located outside of Barbados. They also must have full health insurance and pass a security screening.

A Welcome Stamp costs $2,000 per person or $3,000 for a family. Visit www.barbadoswelcomestamp.bb.