Remote working at Indian beaches could soon be a reality

Why settle for a cramped and fluorescently lit cubicle when you can have a hammock on the beach in India? Goa is stepping up its efforts to establish India as a digital nomad hub and inviting people to work on their warm beaches.  

The western state, famous for its beaches and hippy communes, has been promoting the country’s potential as a remote work destination for some time. Last July, Rohan Khaunte, the Minister of Tourism and IT launched his Workation Goa campaign. Since then Goa has been actively developing coworking spaces in beachside areas like Ashvem, Morjim, and Benaulim.

Currently, India does not provide a specific visa for digital nomads; however, the Goan government is taking steps to change this. They introduced a homestay policy to enable locals to earn additional income while offering tourists a taste of the local culture. Although India currently provides a long-term, multi-entry visa, it is for tourism purposes only. 

The e-Tourist visa allows stays of 30 days, one year, or five years as long as travelers leave the country every 90 days. The visa fee ranges from $10 for 30 days to $80 for five years for most nationalities.

Is India a suitable destination for digital nomads?

India looks to become a hub for budget-conscious digital nomads due to its low cost of living and high quality of life. The country also has many English speakers, making it easy for visitors to communicate and travel to explore its beautiful beaches and bustling cities like Mumbai and New Delhi.

Goa heavily invests in infrastructure for remote workers and is poised to provide all the necessary resources for working from a beach on a budget, all while getting your tan on!