You may have heard home office from the comfort of your home but is that really the best comfort or a better option is available? The answer is Seychelles’ ‘workcation’: vacation during remote work in Seychelles.

Can I really work remotely from Seychelles and if yes, how long will be my vacation?

Yes, you can work remotely from Seychelles and have your own small home office in paradise. The Seychelles islands just launched on April 15, 2021, their new remote working program called ‘workcation’ – which aims to combine the attributes of work and vacation. Remote workers from all around the world can do their home office work from Seychelles a.k.a paradise and easily enjoy this amazing tropical environment while working. The workcation program allows you to do remote work in addition to enjoying a vacation in Seychelles from 30 days up to a maximum of 1 year.

You can relocate your home office to these beautiful islands for a long-term escape from the hassle of the pandemic. As the home office has become the new normal for the majority of us, the workcation program is really unique in providing the opportunity to enjoy a vacation-like environment during remote work.

Who is eligible for workcation or remote working in Seychelles?

The workcation program is designed for remote workers or anyone who is able to perform their duties outside of a traditional and physical office. You can also bring your own family with you, or you can be a single worker or a couple. The program is open to all valid passport holders. You will be expected to comply with health guidelines in Seychelles. Other requirements include having valid medical and travel insurance for the entire period of stay in Seychelles.

What are my vacation benefits of remote working in Seychelles under the workcation program?

You can get a permit to stay and work in the home office in Seychelles for up to 1 year, which was not possible before. Part of the benefits is discounted rates on hotels, guest houses, activities, locals services, car rentals, food, and restaurants. Many different packages are also offered for the long-term remote workers from the different destination management offices. Following are some of the key features of the workcation program: –

• Minimum 1 month and a maximum 1 year of stay in Seychelles
• ‘Visitors Workcation Permit’ (VWP) with a minimum administration fee
• No tax and customs duty on work equipment
• No personal income tax
• Special deals and discounts are available
• ‘Workcation’ permits can be extended to family members
• Special discount packages extendable to family members
• Ability to visit and stay on different islands

What are the criteria to get a remote working permit?

• Valid passport
• Proof of documents of being an employee
• Proof of income or wealth
• A valid medical and travel insurance policy
• Needs to conform to Public Health Authority guidelines

How can I apply for the Workcation Program?

In order to apply for the ‘workcation’ program, one must visit https://workcation.seychelles.travel.

7 Quick tips for working remotely from Seychelles

1. Check your internet speed before you go

In Seychelles, you can not be sure that your accommodation or guesthouse will provide sufficient internet connectivity. So before you book, check the category of your accommodation. The accommodations participating in the workcation program are divided into three different categories: Basic, Premium, Premium Plus. The difference between those categories is the internet speed and desk availability.

To be on the safe side after you book an accommodation, ask your host to perform a broadband speed test (e.g. http://speedtest.mybroadband.co.za) and send you the results. In case the broadband speed is not sufficient for you, the program also offers very good discounted internet packages.

2. Have a backup power bank for your laptop ready

Pack a power bank as a backup power supply for your stay in Seychelles. On some islands, you may sometimes experience extended power cuts. Usually, these power cuts only happen on a temporary basis due to maintenance, but it is better for you to be prepared. Working remotely on an island in the middle of the Indian Ocean also can motive you to work on a remote beach far away from your accommodation where you will enjoy the view and the beach. In this case, you will also need an extra power bank for your laptop.

3. Have a backup internet connection ready in Seychelles

Get 4G access as a backup internet source. Even if you will have a good WIFI, the speed can fluctuate depending on how many people are using the WIFI connection at the same time. This is a common situation that can happen anywhere around the world with the WIFI connection and especially in the times of home office. To avoid frustration, pack your 4G internet as a secondary option. It’s very easy to purchase a sim card in Seychelles, but remember you will need your passport when doing so. Using Cable & Wireless as your service provider seems to be a very good option and they have very good coverage, especially in the more rural areas. Topping up your data is possible at almost every shop on the island during opening times.

4. Pack a travel plug converter

Not all accommodations provide plug converters, so be sure to pack one, as they can be hard to find than you might think in Seychelles. Seychelles uses a type G plug.

5. Get a small fan

Unless you plan on sitting in an air-conditioned room all day during your home office, get a small fan to use while sitting outside. This small fan will help keep your computer cool and flying insects at bay. You will feel great, relaxed and can enjoy the surrounding. It is true that the tropical climate is great when on a vacation so don’t get excited and distracted by it when you should be focusing on work.

6. Get a dry bag

This small bag keeps your valuables dry, e.g. on the beach or in the rain. In Seychelles, the weather can sometimes be unpredictable and there is no surety about the rain. Therefore it is good to keep one big dry bag handy with you when you are working on the beach, far from your accommodation.

7. Rent a Car

If you are planning to stay on Mahe island, you should rent a car for your entire stay. You can access most places via the bus in Seychelles but the waiting times for the bus can really swallow up your valuable work time. Taxies are also available, but they are very expensive and in some places, not easy to get. At present Uber is also not there in Seychelles. At times you may also feel like hopping in the car to drive to a nice coffee shop or beach where you can work remotely as this is what the workcation program is all about – work combined with pleasure and vacation! If you are looking for reliable car rental have a look here on the web page: CAR RENTAL SEYCHELLES.

To find the best spots/ beaches to do your remote work in Seychelles, do check our article on “20 best beaches in Seychelles”