This Unknown Island Is The Caribbean’s Most Underrated Digital Nomad Destination

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Think you know the Caribbean? Think again!

Here at Travel Off Path, we’ve stumbled upon a Fort Knox-level secret island even us seasoned travelers likely couldn’t point out on a map if we tried.

As a true-map-dot destination, don’t let its fun-size stature fool you. It packs a punch, especially for digital nomads seeking new shores to “work” with a backdrop of pristine blue waters, swaying palms, and a cocktail just far enough out of sight from your webcam.

Financial experts at Investopedia released an insightful guide on digital nomad visas with some golden nuggets remote workers may have missed out on.

While much of the U.S. and Europe finishes off its winter wonderland phase, if you’re ready for endless sunshine in paradise, it only takes 7 days to process your application to live the dream in Montserrat.

Where In The World Is Montserrat?

If you haven’t heard of Montserrat, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s unlikely anyone on our team has had the pleasure of visiting despite our literal global footprint.

This tiny island, wrapped by Guadeloupe, Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Kitts & Nevis, a cultural duo of lesser-known gems in their own right, is located in Montserrat in the open sea.

But hey, as isolated as it may be, some of us don’t always enjoy the social interactions of 9-to-5 work life.

Sometimes what may seem like a snoozefest to others is just what the doctor ordered for you — and if you’re anything like me, you don’t let societal norms dictate your every move.

Instead, you forge your own path, which is what’s so enticing about calling an unspoiled island home, even mainstream travelers would have trouble reeling off facts about.

That said, you can trust me on this one. Let’s reel off some fun facts of our own so you know what Montserrat is all about:

• Montserrat is a British overseas territory
• English is the official language
• One of the safest Caribbean destinations
• Nicknamed “The Emerald Isle of the Caribbean” (given its strong Irish heritage and lush scenery)
• The only Caribbean island to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
• Soufriere Hills Volcano buried the capital Plymouth in the 90s (now a dark tourism attraction)
• Beaches mostly consist of black sand due to past volcanic activity
• Only approximately 5,000 people live here, making it one of the least inhabited Caribbean islands
• Montserrat launched their first digital nomad visa in January 2021

Considering their capital practically melted, it’s not surprising to see such a low population. But that just means you’ll surely be welcomed with open arms and be able to mingle with friendly locals more so than household-name destinations.

How Affordable Is Montserrat?

A big question mark for digital nomads is the cost of living. That’s why anytime I see someone working on a laptop at a San Diego cafe where I live, I know they’re not living the nomad life.

Sometimes prices can be off-putting in low-ket destinations, which is why they never see the amount of tourists you would otherwise expect, but that can’t be said here.

It’s not St. Bart’s, but it’s not Punta Cana either. It’s a true ‘tweener.

According to Expatisan, furnished apartments can be found as low as $555 and as high as $1,480 if you opt for ritzy neighborhoods.

Internet (obviously a must) only runs you $44 per month, and a hearty local meal can be had under $10.

Obviously, it can get boring real quick watching reruns on Netflix at home, so you’ll likely find yourself at a cafe from time to time serving as your office.

There’s no better spot than Hilltop Coffee House — and it won’t remind you of Starbucks’ prices back home, nor will it.

What To Know About Montserrat’s ‘Remote Work Stamp’

Okay, so you’ve decided against having the soundtrack of screaming kids on vacation in favor of quiet serenity here, but how do you apply?

Montserrat required the following to be eligible for their Remote Work Stamp program:

• Annual income of $70,000
• $500 fee for single travelers
• $750 fee for families of up to 3 dependents ($250 per dependent thereafter)
• Valid health insurance
• Police record
• Passport photo
• Copy of passport
• Proof of employment

Best of all, the application only takes 7 days to process. You know how us travelers are — we want to pack yesterday!

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.