Overview
Launched on 9 August 2020, the Work From Bermuda Certificate let remote workers and university students live on the island and work or study remotely for a year; about 1,800 people took part. The Government ended it on 28 February 2025: no new applications are accepted, and holders had 90 days from their certificate's expiry to settle their affairs and depart.
The Government moved back to multi-year residency applications. Those wishing to stay may apply for Permission to Reside on an Annual Basis, which may be granted for periods of up to five years; certificate holders had to apply one to two months before expiry. Applications go to the Department of Immigration with the residence application form and supporting documents.
Editor's note — The official fee for permission to reside for up to one year is US$275. Multi-year fees and processing times quoted by law firms are not published on gov.bm: ask the Department of Immigration before you budget.
Who is eligible
- Former certificate: remote workers and university students, one year — closed since 28 February 2025.
- Permission to Reside on an Annual Basis: application to the Department of Immigration with a police certificate, character references, passport and financial support information.
- Medical clearance for first-time residents.
- Remote work for employers outside Bermuda; no local employment without a work permit.
- Spouses of Bermudians and of Permanent Resident Certificate holders have separate categories.
Income & financial requirements
Permission to reside for up to one year (gov.bm fee list).
Permission may be granted for up to five years.
Former certificate holders had to apply before expiry.
28 February 2025.
gov.bm publishes no income figure for Permission to Reside; applicants supply financial support information with the application. Bermuda's living costs make the practical bar high.
Costs & fees
- US$275 for permission to reside in Bermuda for up to one year (official fee list).
- Budget for health insurance and very high housing costs.
Taxes
Bermuda levies no personal income tax; payroll tax applies to employment in Bermuda. Your home-country tax obligations continue.
How to apply
Confirm your basis
Visitor stay or Permission to Reside on an Annual Basis.
Prepare the file
Application form, police certificate, medical clearance, references, passport and financial support information.
Apply to the Department of Immigration
With the US$275 fee for up to one year.
Plan the term
Permission may be granted for up to five years.
Duration & renewal
The certificate no longer exists. Permission to Reside on an Annual Basis may be granted for periods of up to five years.
Bringing family
The residence application can include sponsored dependants, with financial support information and relationship documents; spouses of Bermudians and of Permanent Resident Certificate holders have their own category.
Pros & cons
Advantages
- No personal income tax
- Low official fee (US$275 for up to a year)
- Permission possible for up to five years
Considerations
- Nomad certificate ended in 2025
- No published income figure: assessed case by case
- Very high housing costs