Seychelles Digital nomad visa – Everything you need to know

The Republic of Seychelles, sometimes known as Seychelles, is an archipelagic island nation in the Indian Ocean made up of 115 islands. Seychelles is an island nation with lovely beaches, welcoming locals, and a calm and laid-back way of life. Many travelers, including tourists, expats, and remote employees, have been drawn to Seychelles.

Since the Seychelles government realized there are many remote workers looking to live there, they launched their Workcation Retreat Program in an effort to entice digital nomads to come explore the country. As a result, nomads can now live and travel to the Seychelles from all over the world. This guide will provide all the information you need to know about the Seychelles digital nomad visa, including how to apply, the required documents, and the application process, allowing digital nomads to work and explore the country’s natural beauty simultaneously.

Basic Things about Seychelles you need to know

Population – over 100000

Capital – Victoria

Form of government –

Climate – Tropical Climate

Languages – English, French, Seychellois

Currency – Seychellois rupee (SR)

When was the Seychelles digital Nomad visa launched

The Seychelles digital nomad visa, which is officially known as as the Workcation Retreat Program, was announced in April 2021.

Who Can Apply for the Seychelles Digital Nomad Visa?

The Seychelles option is available to international workers and freelancers who can work remotely, as well as self-employed tourists who own a business outside of Seychelles, just as most digital nomad visas.

Requirements for the Seychelles Digital Nomad Visa

• Current passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months before you apply for a visa.
• Present proof of your employment (a letter of employment) / Provide proof that you are a business owner or that you are self-employed.
• Provide evidence of wealth or income, with a minimum income sufficient to cover your living expenditures.
• Maintain a valid health and travel insurance policy: If you’re a digital nomad or remote worker who lives abroad, you will require health insurance before visiting the Seychelles.
• A transitory onward ticket valid for the entire visit.
• Temporary proof of confirmed lodging: You will need a hotel reservation, a lease, or a rental contract.
• Covid-19 health insurance coverage
• A negative PCR test certificate (for the HTA): Testing centers, laboratories, and pharmacies may issue COVID certificates for persons who have tested negative for COVID-19

Seychelles digital nomad visa application process

You must apply for a Seychelles digital nomad visa online through the Workation Retreat Program website. You must do the following:

• Compile the required documentation; see the list under “Requirements for Seychelles Digital Nomad Visa” above.
• Submit an application for a Visitors Workation Permit: In order to take part in the program, you must submit an application for a Visitors Workation Permit (VWP) at least 60 days before to traveling to Seychelles. You can apply online: https://seychelles.govtas.com/
• Submit an application for a health travel authorization: Once your VWP has been approved, you can submit an application for a health travel authorization (HTA) to finish your admission application to the Seychelles.
• Pay the application fee: The combination VWP and HTA application has a one-time fee of €45.
• Obtain the unique THA document. The ‘Seychelles Workcation Retreat’ program logo, ID number, and amber color code will all be present on the THA document.

How Long Is The Seychelles Digital Nomad Visa Valid For?

The Seychelles digital nomad visa allows you to reside in the country as a digital nomad for one year.

How long does it take to get the Seychelles digital Nomad visa

The processing time for a digital nomad visa in Seychelles is unknown. However, you can expect the application to be processed in a matter of weeks.

How Much Is The Seychelles Digital Nomad Visa Fee?

There is a one-time processing fee of €45 when you apply for the Seychelles digital nomad visa.

Recommended places to live in Seychelles as a digital nomad

Praslin Island: Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, which are frequently included among the top beaches in the world, are just two of the magnificent beaches on Praslin Island. The island is ideal for digital nomads searching for a quiet setting to work in because it has a more laid-back atmosphere than Mahé. The island offers a variety of lodging alternatives, including self-catering apartments and guesthouses.

Mahe Island: The largest and most developed island in the Seychelles is Mahé Island. It offers a range of lodging choices, from opulent resorts to affordable guesthouses. There are several restaurants on the island serving both local and foreign food, and the nightlife is thriving. The Beau Vallon beach area has cafes and restaurants with free Wi-Fi if you’re searching for a peaceful location to work.

Digital nomad life in Seychelles

Accommodation: Depending on the area and type of lodging, lodging costs may vary in the Seychelles. You might anticipate paying a premium if you’re looking for an opulent mansion or an apartment near the beach. Shared apartments or guesthouses are two more economical choices that are available.

Mobility: The cost of transportation in the Seychelles can be high, particularly if you depend on taxis. But there are also less expensive alternatives, including taking the bus or renting a bicycle.

Food: Although the Seychelles are well-known for its fresh seafood, there are also lots of vegetarian and vegan options available as fresh vegetables is widely available at reasonable costs in local markets. Eating out can be pricey, however there are many options that are reasonably priced but consider making your own meals if you’re on a tight budget.

Activities you should not miss out on

Snorkeling: Snorkeling enthusiasts will find paradise in the Seychelles which includes a variety of marine life like vibrant fish, sea turtles, and even sharks,that can be seen in the pristine waters. Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue Island and the St. Anne Marine Park on Mahe Island are a couple of the top locations for snorkeling.

Hiking: There are a number of hiking paths in Seychelles that provide breathtaking island views. Numerous trails in the Morne Seychellois National Park on Mahe Island lead to the highest point in the Seychelles and a well-liked hiking route that provides expansive views of Victoria and the nearby islands is the Copolia Trail.

Forests: A must-visit location for nature lovers is the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The world’s largest seed, produced by the native Coco de Mer palm tree, is found there. A number of hiking trails in the reserve also lead to beautiful viewpoints.

Beaches: Some of the world’s most stunning beaches may be found in the Seychelles. For beach enthusiasts, Anse Georgette Beach on Praslin Island is a must-visit. It’s the ideal location to unwind and enjoy the sun with its turquoise waters and fine beaches. Anse Lazio Beach on Praslin Island and Beau Vallon Beach on Mahe Island are two more well-liked beaches.

Advantages of Choosing Seychelles

• English is widely spoken in Seychelles, which is advantageous for English-speaking digital nomads.
• Safety and Stability
• The international community for good networking as Seychelles is a tourist destination.

Coworking Spaces

Regus Seychelles: The main city of Seychelles, Victoria, is home to the well-known coworking space known as Regus Seychelles. For both individuals and teams, it provides a variety of office spaces, conference rooms, and coworking spaces.

Nouv Paye: A coworking space called Nouv Paye is situated in the Seychelles’ Bel Ombre district. For both individuals and teams, it provides a variety of office spaces, conference rooms, and coworking spaces. High-speed internet, printing, and scanning equipment, as well as a food area, are provided in the room. Additionally, Nouv Paye provides business support services including accounting and legal counsel.

Seychelles Entrepreneurs Network: The Seychelles Entrepreneurs Network (SEN) is a coworking space with the mission of assisting Seychelles startups and business owners. It provides a variety of services, such as office space, conference rooms, and administrative support. High-speed internet, printing, and scanning equipment, as well as a food area, are provided in the room. Regular workshops and events are also held by SEN for business owners and startups.

Seychelles Investment Board: A coworking space called the Seychelles Investment Board (SIB) was created with the goal of assisting overseas investors and businesspeople in Seychelles. It provides a variety of services, such as office space, conference rooms, and administrative support. High-speed internet, printing, and scanners are available in the space.

What Are The Financial Requirements For The Seychelles Digital Nomad Visa?

The digital nomad visa for the Seychelles has no minimum income criteria. However, you will have to present evidence of your income or wealth.

Do digital nomads pay taxes in Seychelles?

As a digital nomad in Seychelles, you are not required to pay any local income tax, personal income tax, or business tax. Moreover, you are exempted from paying tax and custom duty on work equipment and personal effects.

VAT in Seychelles

All taxable supplies that are not zero-rated, made by a taxable person, and on taxable imports made by any person are subject to the standard VAT rate of 15%. A person who is registered for VAT or who is required to be registered under the Act is referred to as a taxable person.

What Is The Cost Of Living In Seychelles?

Family of four estimated monthly costs are 3,358.9$ (3,014.9€) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 950.5$ (853.2€) without rent.

What Is The Internet Speed In Seychelles?

Internet access is essential if you want to work remotely as a digital nomad. In recent years, Seychelles has made considerable improvements to its internet infrastructure, making it an attractive location for digital nomads.

In the Seychelles, the average internet speed is 10 Mbps. Even if it might not be as quick as in some other nations, most digital nomads nonetheless have access to enough internet.In Seychelles, the majority of hotels and places to stay have free WiFi, while the connection’s quality can vary, it is advised to confirm with your lodging provider that they have a reliable internet connection before making a reservation. To get a quicker and more dependable internet connection, you might want to consider renting a co-working space. A number of coworking spaces in Seychelles provide high-speed internet.

Can the Seychelles digital Nomad visa be extended

The visa is good for one year and it is extendable for another six months.

Conclusion

The Seychelles Digital Nomad visa, in conclusion, opens up a world of opportunities for daring souls seeking both work and recreation in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. This trip gives you the leisure to visit the beautiful islands while continuing your busy work schedule. Imagine balancing work and leisure in this tropical paradise while lounging on the sun-kissed beaches and swimming in the blue waters. With this visa, you are invited to travel to the Seychelles for an extraordinary voyage of personal development and unrivaled leisure.