Seychelles launched its digital nomad visa called the “Workation Retreat Program” April 2021. This program allows digital nomads to live and work remotely in Seychelles for up to one year.
Seychelles, with a score of 2.53, currently ranks 27th in the VisaGuide Digital Nomad Index of destinations for remote workers.
Seychelles: Quick facts
How to Apply for a Seychelles Digital Nomad Visa?
You apply for a digital nomad visa online, at least 60 days before you plan to enter Seychelles. Here is the detailed step-by-step application process:
Step 1: Prepare the required documents
Before you even start, you have to prepare digital copies of all the required documents (see the list of documents in the following section.)
Step 2: Apply for the Visitors Workation Permit (VWP)
Next, apply for the VWP through this link. You have to complete the application form, and attach the required documents. After you apply, you will get an email regarding the outcome of your VWP application.
Step 3: Complete the Seychelles e-Border application form
Then, once you have approval for the VWP, go to the Seychelles e-Border online portal, and complete the application form.
Step 4: Pay the processing fee
After you complete the e-Border application form, you must pay the processing fee, which is €10 for standard processing or €30 for premium processing. You will complete the payment online via credit or debit card.
Step 5: Await the decision
Depending on which processing fee you choose to pay, you will receive your decision after 6 or 24 hours and be notified via email.
Documents Required for a Seychelles Digital Nomad Visa
When you apply for the digital nomad visa for Seychelles, you must have electronic copies of the following documents:
- Your valid passport. You must have scanned copies of the information pages on your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after you depart from Seychelles and have at least two blank pages.
- Proof of your employment. You have to submit a document that proves your employment status.
- If you are an employee, submit an employment letter from your employer and a remote work authorization.
- If you are a business owner, submit your business registration documents and recent bank statements showing your business’ income.
- If you are a freelancer or contractor, submit a certificate of good standing.
- Proof of accommodation. As proof of accommodation, you can submit either a hotel booking, lease, or rental agreement, depending on your situation.
- Proof of financial means. You need proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Seychelles. You can submit either bank or investment statements.
- International health insurance. You need to provide health insurance designed for digital nomads to cover your medical expenses while staying in Seychelles.
- A booked flight ticket.
Validity of a Seychelles Digital Nomad Visa
A Seychelles digital nomad visa is valid for a year, and depending on your situation, you can renew it for an additional six months or longer.
The Cost of a Seychelles Digital Nomad Visa
To get a Seychelles digital nomad visa, you have to pay a processing fee:
- €10 for standard processing which is around 24 hours.
- €30 for premium processing which is within 6 hours.
Processing Time for a Seychelles Digital Nomad Visa
The Seychelles digital nomad visa is processed within 6 hours (with premium processing) or 24 hours (standard processing), depending on the fee you choose to pay.
This is one of the shortest processing times for a digital nomad visa.
Paying Taxes in Seychelles as a Digital Nomad
As a digital nomad in Seychelles, you are exempted from paying taxes. You are also exempted from paying tax and custom duty on work equipment and personal effects.
Can I Get a Job in Seychelles With a Digital Nomad Visa?
No, you are not allowed to get a job or engage in business activity in Seychelles with a digital nomad visa. You can only work for employers or clients outside of Seychelles.
Pros and Cons of Working as a Digital Nomad in Seychelles
The pros and cons of working as a digital nomad in Seychelles include:
| Pros | Cons |
| High quality of life | High cost of loving |
| Warm temperatures all year round | Limited infrastructure |
| Low crime rate | Limited access to specialized medical care |
| Clean air | Prone to natural disasters, e.g., cyclones, flooding |
| Beautiful natural landscapes | |
| Low visa fee | |
| Short visa processing time | |
| Tax exemption |
Cost of Living in Seychelles
The living costs in Seychelles for a family of four members is around €3,344.4 (per month) without rent, whereas for one person, the monthly costs are €944.5 without rent. Other prices you will come across as a digital nomad in Seychelles are:
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant – €17.06
- Meal for 2 people – €64.15
- Milk 1l – €1.94
- Bread – €1.77
- One-way ticket – €0.82
- 1 bedroom apartment in the city center – €1,073.23
- 1 bedroom apartment outside of city center – €756.91
- 3 bedroom apartment in city center – €1,975.69
- 3 bedroom apartment outside of city center – €1,482.81
Prices are taken from Numbeo