How to Move to Bermuda in 2022

For many people, living life on their own terms means moving to a new place where they can experience new cultures, see the world and make new friends. Bermuda is an island located in the Atlantic Ocean with 54 square miles (140 square km).

Bermuda has a lot of things to offer those who are willing to pack up things and move there as expats. If you’re planning to move to Bermuda as an expat, below are the simple ways.

1.    Get a Job

When thinking about moving overseas, one of the first things that come to mind is earning money. That’s no longer an issue for expats in Bermuda, where the economy is driven by the tourism industry, international business, and re-insurance. Although there are several opportunities available for expat professionals, it makes sense to have a job lined up before moving.

2.    Choose an Expat-Friendly Destination

Not all countries are created equal when it comes to their friendliness towards foreigners. For example, Bermuda is one of the wealthiest nations – not just in terms of its GDP but also per capita. This means that there’s less competition for jobs, and living expenses are lower than you might expect them to be if you moved there from Europe or North America.

3.    Get a Residence Visa

It’s easier to get a working visa in Bermuda than it is in most other countries. After obtaining a work permit, expats can apply for an open-ended resident visa that allows them to stay and work in Bermuda for as long they like. This is a great deal for those who want to set down new roots and make the island their home.

4. Get a Good Accountant

For expats, having a good accountant can help them avoid breaking any laws or overpaying taxes. Many accountants in Bermuda offer competitive rates for expats. Those who plan on living there long-term can also benefit from tax planning and investment advice to help them grow their wealth.

4.    Build A Good Social Circle

The best way to settle into a new country is by making friends with expats that already live there as well as locals who share the same interests and values as you do. Expat clubs and organizations exist in Bermuda to make it easier for expats to meet like-minded people. Some social gatherings and clubs invite everyone in the community – making it easy for newcomers to make friends.

5.    Learn Local Traditions

In addition to enjoying a low cost of living, Bermuda also has a rich culture and variety of traditional arts that make it a culturally interesting place to live in. These include festivals, parades, and even activities such as boat rides and visiting the zoo. Expats interested in learning local history can join a lecture series and learn more about Bermuda’s past.

6.    Get Medical Insurance

Although the cost of living is low compared to most Western countries, but it’s still important for expats to get international health insurance before moving to Bermuda. This way, they can be at ease should something serious happen to them during their stay on the island. In fact, there will be proper care and treatment available at medical facilities without having to pay hefty medical bills.

7.    Join Expat Clubs

After getting to know locals, expats should join one or more local Bermuda clubs that offer similar people the opportunity to meet up for social activities and even volunteer work.

There are sports (golf, cricket), arts (music, dancing), heritage (historical sites), and other clubs as well as those that focus on nationalities so you can meet up with other people from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and South Africa for example.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Bermuda

You have finally decided to move to Bermuda. There are tons of pros and cons that you will want to consider before making this big move. The following article is filled with useful information that will help you prepare your movement here.

Pros

Affordable Living

Relocating to Bermuda is a great way to make your money stretch. Because of the low living costs, you will find more money left over at the end of each month. With all of the affordable things to do on the island, you’ll never feel bored either.

Great Location

The island is close to other major cities. You can travel to the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean Islands at any time. Plus, you are less than one hour away from Miami by plane. Also, since Bermuda is made up of a chain of islands, there are tiny communities nearby where residents can escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Wallet-Friendly Property Market

Prices for buildings and homes to buy on the island are very low. This is due, in part, to the fact that there is a limited amount of land available for construction. With such a small area, the real estate market has not boomed in other parts of the world.

Great Climate

The weather is year-round warm without any harsh extremes. You can swim in the ocean during winter, spring and summer. Because of Bermuda’s proximity to the equator, you can enjoy tropical landscapes without dealing with bugs or humidity levels too high for comfort.

Stable Government

Bermuda has a stable economy, clear rules and regulations, and low crime rates. This makes it the perfect place to raise your children. Since there are not too many distractions, kids can achieve their full academic potential here.

Cons

Cost of Living

Whether you’ve just started making the big bucks or are already a high earner, moving to Bermuda can be expensive. As it turns out, living on an island in the North Atlantic isn’t exactly cheap. The median home price is USD 724,831.

Rent for a one-bedroom apartment would either be $1,200 or USD 3,000 a month (I can’t remember which). And since the country is only 21 miles long and 7 miles wide across the widest point (not including all those pesky islands), there isn’t exactly an abundance of places to live.

Driving on the Left Side

It may seem like a no-brainer, but just remember that it’s best to practice this one before you arrive. Driving on the left side of the road may sound like a bother, but it might make more sense once you realize cars drive on the left, not right.

In other words, all traffic comes at you from your right rather than your left. But if you’re planning on driving in Bermuda, just remember that the roads are steep and narrow. You’ve been warned.

Limited Employment Opportunities

The job market in Bermuda is relatively small, with only 1,000 jobs to go around for its 55,000 residents. That’s not a lot of choices when it comes to work, but don’t worry, the average wage is around USD 38,000. That’s more than enough to live comfortably on if you’re willing to live frugally. But if you want to make more, the only other option is teaching; and the annual salary for that profession is USD 40,000.

Expensive Education

Private school is pricey in Bermuda, with the average tuition being around $41,000 USD a year. If that’s not doable for you, then prepare to spend $8,000 to $15,000 a year on tuition at the public schools. Your best bet would be home-schooling since courses like English and Maths are taught in that environment for free (and of course Science).

Expensive Alcohol

Want a drink? Prepare to pay the price when you move from your home country to Bermuda. You’ll quickly learn that this isn’t the island to come to if you want cheap booze. If you’re still thirsty after all of that, you can always cross the border into Hamilton and party for half-price at any one of the many bars there.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a new place to live or just want to move somewhere new and exciting, moving to Bermuda is always an option. Whether you prefer city life or quiet beaches and solitude, there’s something here on the island for everyone. Nonetheless, check this guide for more information on how to move to this wonderful country.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

According to recent studies, Bermuda is one of the best countries where expats can live. With a small population and healthy political environment, it’s no wonder so many people are heading there to take up new jobs. If you’re thinking about moving to Bermuda as an expat, then there are some things you should know.

Everyone knows that Bermuda is an island, but what you might not know is that it’s the largest of the British Islands. This means it has plenty things to discover and enjoy. The locals are warm and welcoming – as long as you know where they’re from! If you want to become a local, then brush up on your Bermudian words and phrases such as ‘wuss goin on?’ and ‘time to Ron Da Island.’

Bermuda is also famous for its pink sand beaches, including Horseshoe Bay and Elbow Beach. If the thought of sunbathing on a beach filled with baby-pink sand gets you excited, then you’ll want to know that this is only possible between October and April.

Currently, hiking is one of the most popular sports in Bermuda – thanks to scenic spots like Spittal Pond Nature Reserve. And if you’re keen on hiking yourself, why not join a group? Strolling around with others provides an easy way to make new friends, especially if you have kids or pets.

However, we have compiled this article to meet your requirements regarding Bermuda. In fact, we will walk you through the pros and cons of moving to this Island. Not only is that, but also to explain the different ways and things to know about moving to Bermuda as an expat. Continue reading to know more!

What to Know about Moving to Bermuda

Moving to Bermuda is a great life change. It’s the kind of lifestyle change many of us dream about, where you get to live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. And if you think it sounds like heaven, that’s because Bermuda literally means “Heaven” or “Paradise.”

Moving to Bermuda can certainly be an amazing experience, but there are a few things you should know before you go all-in and move to that gorgeous island.

There is a Lot of British Influence

Bermuda has been under the rule of Britain for centuries, and it still has strong ties with England—so much so that Bermudian dollars are tied directly to the British pound. This means that if you want to live in Bermuda, it may be helpful to embrace some British culture.

Besides, try drinking tea or reading Shakespeare, for example. Also, if you’re coming from America, don’t be surprised if things are a little different than what you expect. For instance, roads on the left side of the road and cars drive on the left as well.

Bermuda Is a Great Place to Retire

Bermuda is a great place to retire because it has many tax incentives for residents 65 years of age or older, including a discounted income tax rate. In addition, if you’re going to be living in Bermuda for at least 183 days out of the year, you can claim tax exemption for your home country. Also, if you’re already receiving a pension, it may be possible to claim tax exemption.

Public Transportation is Limited

Once you move there, you will realize that this beautiful island isn’t very big—and that means public transportation can also be limited. If you don’t want to rent or buy a car, walking and biking are your only transportation options. However, if you don’t mind biking everywhere and want to save some money, consider buying a used bike (or even better—a scooter!) as soon as you move there.

The Job Market Is Not Great

The job market in Bermuda is not great for those who are only looking for jobs on the island. This is because many of the jobs in Bermuda are filled by immigrant workers. Therefore, if you want to work on the island, it’s best to focus on a career that is in high demand and has lots of job openings.

The Weather Is Gorgeous

Though there is no such thing as perfect weather anywhere else on Earth, Bermuda definitely comes close. As a matter of fact, it’s the only place in the world where you are guaranteed to have good weather for 365 days out of the year. The average temperature is 77 degrees Fahrenheit all year round, and it almost never rains on the island.

There’s No Shopping Like British Shopping

In Bermuda, shopping isn’t quite like it is in America. The island has a very small population, and it can be hard to find things you’re used to—especially if you enjoy going to big-box stores or malls. However, there are a few things that will make your transition easier.

First, shipping is very cheap and even free—so if you can’t find something in Bermuda, just order it online. Second, try to embrace the British culture as much as possible—while this may seem difficult at first, you might find yourself enjoying certain aspects of British society more than American.

This also means that while there aren’t a lot of big box stores, there are a lot of small specialty shops where you can get anything from electronics to clothing. Also, while there are some supermarkets on the island, it can be helpful to patronize smaller markets or stores where you can get all of your shopping done in one place.

Bermuda is Expensive

Bermuda is pricey—that’s just something you’ll need to know before moving there. If you want to buy a house, rent an apartment, or even get a hotel room, then it can be helpful to bring lots of cash with you when you arrive in Bermuda.

Also, if you want a car, you might need to have a job lined up before you move there because owning/renting a car is very expensive. If you don’t mind taking public transportation or having a bicycle, then it can be helpful if you can hold off on buying a car until after you’ve been living in Bermuda for at least six months.

Why You Should Move To Bermuda

Getting a visa to live in Bermuda can be way easier than you think. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, just show up and apply at the airport. For being such a strict country, they have a hands-off policy for foreign workers.

They also accept gay marriages and all that jazz which is not something many countries can boast. But for one reason or another, Bermuda is not a very popular destination for expats. Here are seven reasons why you should move to Bermuda now.

1.    The Weather Is Fantastic

Tropical temperatures, clear blue water, and a relaxed atmosphere make Bermuda a perfect place to live. Being an expat on this island also means that you won’t have to deal with the cold of normal winters. When it gets too hot there, Bermuda takes a step back from the equator, which is obviously something you won’t have to worry about.

2.    The Pace of Life Is Relaxed

You’re not on vacation, though, so don’t think that this island is only full of retired people with nothing better to do than walking around in Bermuda shorts while drinking piña coladas. Bermuda is a part of the United Kingdom which means that English law is in full effect on this island. There are pubs, nightclubs, and amazing restaurants with fine cuisine, all within walking distance.

3.    The Working Culture Is Great

With its relaxed pace of life, Bermuda established itself as a major financial hub in the Atlantic Ocean. Because of that, you can find anything from an entry-level job to crazy high-flying careers on this island.

If you only want to work for two weeks a month or make six figures doing something you love, you can make that happen in Bermuda. With almost zero taxes to pay on any income, moving to Bermuda might be the best career move you’ll ever make.

4.    The Island Itself Is Stunning

Bermuda is small enough that you can drive around the whole thing in only a few hours but also big enough for there to be deserted beaches all around it. You can experience first-class dining without ever leaving the island, and if you feel like a little change of pace, a ferry trip to one of the small islands around Bermuda will give your day a real boost.

5.    The Locals Are Generally Friendly

Although most locals speak with a British accent, there is definitely an interesting mix of people living in Bermuda, making for some great interactions and conversations with people you just meet. Bermuda might be a small island, but it’s big enough for anyone to feel welcome and enjoy their favorite places and activities without ever feeling bored.

6.    A Great Place to Live As a Digital Nomad

The weather here makes for perfect working conditions. Add the low cost of living, and you can see why Bermuda is a haven for internet entrepreneurs. If you’re not into working from your laptop, there are plenty of international corporations on this island, which means that you’ll never have a shortage of job offers.

7.    The People Are Welcoming

If you’ve ever been to Bermuda, you know that the locals love it when tourists come to visit. And while they might be a bit reserved at first, once you make local friends and show interest in learning about their culture and history, everyone will become open and accepting of you as an expat. It might take a while to make friends with the locals, but once you do, they’ll become your best asset in Bermuda.