Seychelles Nomad Visa

Is the Seychelles digital nomad visa still open?

Not at the moment. The Seychelles Workcation Programme still appears on the government's Seychelles Electronic Border System, but the Workcation application type is switched off there, so you cannot start an application. The programme's own website on seychelles.travel no longer loads.

We found no official announcement that the programme has ended, and no date for reopening. We have marked it as paused and will update this page if applications open again.

What was the Seychelles Workcation Programme?

Launched in 2021, according to news reports at the time, the Workcation Programme let remote workers live in Seychelles for 30 days up to one year while working for employers or clients abroad. It was open to employees and to self-employed people such as freelancers and business owners, as long as their work and income came from outside Seychelles.

Applicants asked for a Visitors Workcation Permit on the e-Border portal at least 60 days before arrival. The last archived copy of the programme's website, from June 2023, listed a one-time application fee of €45.

What did you need to apply?

The e-Border portal still lists the documents the permit required:

• A passport valid for at least six months from the date of application.
• A letter of employment or proof of business ownership showing your occupation.
• Proof of income or funds sufficient for the stay, such as bank statements.
• Valid medical and travel insurance.
• A provisional onward ticket or flight itinerary.
• Provisional proof of confirmed accommodation in Seychelles.

No fixed income figure was ever published. If the programme reopens, expect a similar list.

Can Nigerians still visit Seychelles?

Yes. The Department of Immigration and Civil Status says no visa is required to enter Seychelles, whatever passport you hold. Every visitor must get an Electronic Travel Authorisation through the e-Border app or seychelles.govtas.com before leaving home.

On arrival you are given a visitor's permit if you have a return or onward ticket, confirmed accommodation and enough money for your stay, which the department sets at a minimum of US$150 a day.

How long can you stay on a visitor's permit?

The first visitor's permit is free and lasts up to three months. You can extend it in blocks of up to three months, to a maximum of 12 months in total, as long as you still meet the conditions. Each extension costs SCR 5,000 and can be requested online at permits.ics.gov.sc or at Independence House in Victoria.

The visitor's permit is described for holidays, business visits and seeing friends or family. The official pages do not say whether remote work for a foreign employer is allowed on it, so ask the Department of Immigration and Civil Status before you rely on it for a long working stay.

Do you pay tax in Seychelles as a remote worker?

We found no official guidance from the Seychelles authorities on how Workcation or visitor permit holders are taxed. Check with the Seychelles Revenue Commission and keep your Nigerian tax position in mind. This is general information, not tax advice.

What are the alternatives?

If you want a remote-work visa in the Indian Ocean or Africa that is taking applications now, look at:

• Mauritius: the free Premium Visa for up to a year, renewable. Nigerians apply after arriving.
• Cape Verde: the Remote Working Programme, open to ECOWAS citizens including Nigerians, for six months plus one renewal.

Seychelles is on UTC+4, three hours ahead of Lagos. Whichever country you choose, you will need a foreign employer or clients first; our remote jobs board is a good place to look.