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Bermuda, Georgia are the latest to offer a remote working abroad option

July 25, 2020
4 min read
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Bermuda, Georgia are the latest to offer a remote working abroad option
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While countries are busy debating over opening themselves to tourists, there's a growing trend of opening to remote workers who could stay for a longer period of time.

After Barbados amended its immigration rules to allow foreigners to live there and work remotely for a year, Bermuda and Georgia decided to follow suit.

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Colorful homes and hotels on a hillside in Hamilton, Bermuda. (Photo by andykazie / Getty Images)

Bermuda's government is offering a year-long residency certificate for any digital nomads and students seeking to either work or study remotely in Bermuda starting Aug. 1.

Related: The best credit cards for digital nomads and long-term travelers

An applicant has to pay a $263 fee and meet the following criteria:

  • Be over the age of 18
  • Demonstrate good character and not have conviction for an indictable offense
  • Possess valid health insurance
  • If a remote worker, demonstrate employment with a company or own firm registered and operating overseas (should not operate in Bermuda)
  • If a student, provide evidence of enrollment in a post-secondary education program
  • Demonstrate sufficient means and/or continuous source of income

As part of the changes, Bermuda is also extending its tourist visa stay from 90 days to 180 days.

Related: How Amex is saving me money on a trip to Bermuda

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Tbilisi, Georgia's unique and intriguing capital city. (Photo by Shutterstock)

While Georgia has not fully developed its plans, it too is planning to offer its own residency programs for foreigners hoping to conduct remote work there. The project, according to the government's news site, is specifically targeting freelancers and self-employed foreigners.

While the application has not been released, foreigners hoping to apply can expect to provide personal information, a certificate of employment, proof of travel insurance (valid for six months) and acknowledgement of a 14-day quarantine at their own expense.

Travelers must submit the application and obtain relevant confirmation documents prior to arriving in Georgia. It is expected to show on the Ministry of Economy website once the application goes live.

The country's new policy comes as it hopes to reopen to tourists by July 31, as reported by Travel Off Path.

Related: 5 things to love about Tbilisi, Georgia

Traveling while doing your day job, referred to as destination coworking, isn't such a remote concept. But in this day and age of border restrictions and quarantine requirements even for domestic traveling, stepping outside the front door can be a daunting task.

As a way to encourage tourism while protecting public health, countries are using these long-term residency programs as a way to support their tourism industries. The idea is to bring much-needed economic activity by offering foreigners the chance to leave their current surroundings without having to sacrifice any short-term public health measures such as quarantines.

However, not all workers may want to tinker with the idea for reasons like technological issues. In that case, some countries are still opening up for short-term visitors with many conditions attached — which TPG has been covering since the onset of the outbreak.

Related: Country-by-country reopening guide

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4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Annual Fee

    $325
  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.