Digital nomads, what are they?

Let’s start by defining the term. Digital nomadism is above all a promise: to be able to work wherever you want, whenever you want. It’s a lifestyle. Moreover, digital nomads don’t hesitate to remind us of this by posting photos, videos, and articles from places as far away as they are paradisiacal. As if to remind us how much they lead the “good life,” and conversely how much ours lacks relief. Typically, any office employee struggling in the Parisian greyness would dream of imitating them. Digital nomads are a species that appeared with the advent of the Internet and therefore the wave of dematerialization that followed. By definition, a “digital nomad” is an individual who travels around the world while working on their computer with a simple Wi-Fi connection, either on their own or for a company. It is therefore a new way of thinking about work, made possible by technological developments in the digital field. All a digital nomad needs is their computer and a good internet connection. Goodbye office, crowded public transport, and discussions around the coffee machine about last night’s TV program. What seemed completely surreal yesterday has now become commonplace with the Covid era, which imposes new standards such as teleworking or social distancing.”. According to an article by Le Figaro, 74% of French people could adopt teleworking if they had the opportunity. This could mean that there are many digital nomads who don’t even know it yet! I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Digital nomads, who are they? Which brings us to the question, ‘but who are these digital nomads?’. Of course, they are rather young, but not only that, they work in Tech, in the Web or any other ‘dematerializable’ sector. According to studies on the subject, digital nomads are generally men aged on average 35 years old. Most of them are business leaders or entrepreneurs. They usually work in IT or communication.

They have their own website, nomadlist.com where destinations are rated according to different criteria such as the quality of the Internet connection or the cost of living. Thus digital nomads can easily bounce between different destinations that they find welcoming.

The preferred destinations of digital nomads

Digital nomads are turning very largely towards Europe or Asia. But many countries are trying to attract them with tax benefits and residence facilities. In Europe, Estonia is a pioneer with an ‘E-Residency’ that offers many advantages to digital workers and business leaders who want to settle there.

Portugal: the government has decided to go all out to attract digital nomads. The internet connection is excellent, the climate is mild and taxes are non-existent. Zero taxes on income from abroad and 0% tax on cryptos. Lisbon is one of the most popular cities among digital nomads, with rents 63% cheaper than the European average.

Costa Rica: Costa Rica has just adopted a law to attract foreign workers. No taxes on income from abroad, access to local banking services. But even before that, Costa Rica was already among the most popular destinations for NDs.

Malta: The island has launched its Nomad Residence Permit which allows a visitor to keep their job in another country while living in Malta for a renewable year.

Spain: The Spanish government is preparing its digital nomad visa which will allow visitors to stay for twelve months, extendable to twenty-four months.

Digital nomads in the Caribbean

In the Caribbean, Barbados is considered a “paradise” for digital nomads . The island offers a specific visa for digital nomads. In exchange for $2000, it is possible to stay and work there. It is even possible to create your own business under advantageous conditions. All of this just two hours away from Miami.

In Martinique ?

On paper, Martinique has all the assets to attract those who are interested in this new form of business tourism. First of all, the infrastructure with a satisfactory internet network. The deployment of fiber optics has begun and should be completed by 2023. The island also has a significant hotel offer, even though digital nomads prefer Airbnb. But what will really make the difference is the promise of a favorable climate. Warm and pleasant temperatures all year round, sunshine, and paradisiacal beaches. Digital nomads also appreciate visiting countries that have remained authentic. This is the case in Martinique, and in addition to its rich culture, the gastronomy is fantastic. In conclusion, Martinique has all the assets to attract digital nomads. But maybe they are already there, not making too much noise to keep the destination secret for as long as possible.