Remote work is here to stay. Whatever becomes of the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing is clear: many professions can operate in a hybrid or solely remote environment. The options for remote work are seemingly limitless, with many small countries and US cities offering incentives to entice remote workers to come live, long-term vacation, or visit their location.
US cities paying people to live there
Tulsa, Oklahoma: Tulsa has been offering remote workers $10,000 and free co-working spaces to remote workers who come to live there for a full year. According to the publication Tulsa Remote, the program recruited 375 workers in 2020.
Morgantown, West Virginia: Known as a college town, Morgantown has lots of excellent outdoor activities. For remote workers who commit to living there an entire year, the program pays $10,000, including free co-working spaces and rentals on gear such as kayaks and mountain bikes. If you stay an additional year, you can net an extra $2,000.
Fayetteville, Arkansas: Like the aforementioned cities, Fayetteville also offers a $10,000 stipend to remote workers who move there for a year. They’ll also throw in a new mountain bike for those who enjoy the outdoors.
Topeka, Kansas: The Choose Topeka program offers $10,000 to any remote workers who wish to move to town and buy a home. If you decide to rent, you can receive up to $5,000.
International locations offering remote work accommodations
Montserrat (Caribbean Island): The Montserrat Remote Workers Stamp is a new visa to entice remote workers to the island for up to a year. The remote worker must provide proof of full-time employment and pay the visa costs. The island isn’t allowing many short-term tourists, but this special visa is the way to enjoy island life for an extended stay.
Antigua and Barbuda (Caribbean islands): Antigua and Barbuda created a Nomad Digital Residence program that allows remote workers to live and work there for up to two years. Applicants must make over $50,000 annually and have health insurance to be accepted into the program.
Iceland: The Work in Iceland program allows remote workers to stay for up to six months. You cannot work for an Icelandic company, you must have health insurance, and you must make at least $88,000 annually to qualify for the program.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai created a visa for remote workers and their families to stay for up to a year, working for companies that are based overseas. If approved, workers can get a local phone number, enroll their kids in school, and live like a local during their stay. They must be able to prove they make at least $5,000 a month and have medical insurance that is accepted in the United Arab Emirates.
No matter if you’re looking to move somewhere to get a cash incentive and live affordably or if you are looking for an international island escape, working remotely offers an option and a location that will intrigue any digital nomad.