Working from the Seychelles? Here’s the Real-Deal Guide

So, you’re picturing it: laptop open, toes in the sand, the turquoise water of the Seychelles just a few feet away. I get it. I’ve spent a ton of time there, not just for vacation, but digging into how things actually work for a client. I learned that while the postcard fantasy is real, making it your office requires a solid plan. The dream of working from a hammock is totally possible, but it rests on a foundation of paperwork, realistic budgets, and knowing the unwritten rules.

Most guides show you the stunning beaches and fancy resorts. They don’t tell you about the unpredictable Wi-Fi on the smaller islands, the sticker shock you’ll get buying imported cheese at the supermarket, or the hoops you jump through to open a business bank account. This guide is different. We’re skipping the fluff and getting straight to the practical, on-the-ground info you need to know.

Your Golden Ticket: The Official Workation Program

For a long time, working remotely from the Seychelles was a bit of a gray area. You were either a tourist (and not supposed to be working) or you needed a full-blown work permit, which is a massive headache. Thankfully, the government smartened up and introduced the ‘Workation Retreat Programme’—basically a digital nomad visa. Understanding this program is your absolute first step.

The logic behind it is simple: they want to bring in folks who will spend money locally for months at a time, rather than just for a week. A nomad renting an apartment and buying groceries is a bigger boost to the economy. The program is designed to be pretty straightforward, but they are careful to make sure you can support yourself without taking a job from a local.

Getting Your Application Right

The whole process is online, which is great. You can find it by searching for the official “Seychelles Workation Retreat Programme” government portal. But here’s a heads-up: a common mistake is rushing the application and submitting incomplete documents. That can set you back weeks. So, let’s get it right the first time.

First, check if you’re eligible. You’ll need:

• A passport that’s valid for your entire planned stay.
• Proof that you make your own money (from a job, a business, whatever). The government doesn’t list a specific number, but from my experience, you should be able to show a consistent income of at least €2,000 a month. Bank statements from the last three months are perfect.
• A confirmed flight ticket out of the Seychelles.
• Proof of accommodation for at least the start of your trip.
• Comprehensive health and travel insurance. Don’t cheap out on this—we’ll get to why later.

Once you have digital copies of all that, you can start the application on the official portal. The fee is a reasonable €45. They say it takes about a week, but I’d apply at least a month before you plan to fly, just in case they have questions. A friend of mine got delayed by ten days because his bank statement didn’t clearly show his name and the bank’s name on the same page. Seriously, make sure every document is crystal clear.

Paradise on a Budget: What It Actually Costs

Let’s be real: the Seychelles is not Southeast Asia. It’s a remote island nation, and a lot of things are imported, which means they’re expensive. Being mentally prepared for the cost of living is crucial.

Your Internet Lifeline

For any of us working online, internet is everything. The good news is that it’s gotten much better. The main islands (Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue) have fiber optic service from providers like Cable & Wireless and Airtel.

• Fiber Internet: If you’re renting long-term on Mahé or Praslin, you can get a solid connection. Plans for 25-100 Mbps will run you about 1,000 to 2,500 Seychelles Rupees (SCR) a month, which is roughly €65 to €165. A word of warning: installation can take a few weeks, so plan for that.
• Mobile Data: This will be your best friend when you first arrive or as a backup. You can grab a SIM card right at the airport. A monthly plan with a good chunk of data (say, 30-50GB) will cost around 700-1,000 SCR (€45-€65).

Quick Tip: When you buy your SIM card at the airport, don’t leave the kiosk until it’s installed and working in your phone. The staff are super helpful, and it saves you a massive headache later. I learned this the hard way on a work trip to Praslin when a storm knocked out the Wi-Fi for two days and I didn’t have a backup. I missed a huge deadline. Now, I always have a separate mobile data plan. It’s a non-negotiable.

Your Realistic Monthly Spending

So, what does a month in paradise actually cost? Here’s a rough breakdown for one person living comfortably on Mahé.

• Rent: Your biggest expense, for sure. A one-bedroom apartment in a regular neighborhood could be 12,000-18,000 SCR (€800-€1,200) per month. For a quick currency check, the rate hovers around 15 SCR to 1 EUR, but always look it up for the latest.
• Groceries: Budget about 6,000 SCR (€400) if you cook and eat local. If you need your imported cheese and brand-name pasta, that could easily double. To put it in perspective, 1,000 SCR at the big supermarket might get you a loaf of bread, some local fish, rice, a few veggies, a carton of milk, and maybe one small block of local cheese. A block of imported cheddar alone can be €10.
• Getting Around: Renting a small car long-term is the way to go and will probably cost about 9,000 SCR (€600) a month. The bus is cheap but slow.
• Utilities: Plan for about 2,000 SCR (€130) for electricity, water, and your internet.

Total Estimated Monthly Cost: You’re looking at a baseline of €1,900 – €2,300. And that’s before you start eating out, island-hopping, or picking up hobbies.

Where to Set Up Shop: Choosing Your Island

Your choice of island will completely define your experience. They each have a very different vibe.

Mahé is the practical hub. It’s the main island with the capital, the airport, and the best infrastructure. If you need reliable services and lots of options, this is your spot. The trade-off? Traffic is a real thing, especially around the city of Victoria. It’s best for professionals who prioritize stability.

Praslin offers a beautiful balance. It’s a short trip from Mahé but feels a world away. The pace is slower, the nature is jaw-dropping (hello, Anse Lazio beach), but the internet is still reliable enough for video calls. To be honest, it’s my personal favorite. It’s perfect if you want nature at your doorstep without sacrificing connectivity.

La Digue is the quiet escape. Here, bicycles are the main way to get around. It’s incredibly peaceful and ideal for deep-focus work like writing or coding. But—and it’s a big but—the internet can be spotty and you’ll likely need to take a ferry to Praslin for a big grocery run. I wouldn’t recommend it if your job involves constant online meetings.

Oh yeah, and speaking of island hopping… Heads up, the Cat Cocos ferry from Mahé to Praslin will set you back about €60 one-way, while the tiny 15-minute flight is around €100. It’s a real budget factor you need to plan for!

Getting Settled: Your First Week Game Plan

Once you land, the first week can feel a bit overwhelming. Here’s a simple checklist to get you on your feet:

• Get that local SIM card at the airport.
• Figure out the bus route to the nearest supermarket, or get your car rental sorted.
• Find your go-to local takeaway spot for cheap and delicious Creole food. It’s a lifesaver on busy days.
• Walk around your neighborhood and just get a feel for the rhythm of life. The slow pace here is called ‘moula moula.’ If you try to rush things, you’ll just get stressed. Embrace it!

How to Find a Place to Live

Okay, so how do you actually find that long-term rental? It’s not always as simple as hopping on a major rental site. Your best bets are local resources. Look for Facebook groups with names like ‘Seychelles Long Term Rentals’ or ‘Seychelles Properties for Rent.’ You can also connect with local real estate agents on Mahé, but be prepared for their fees. Word of mouth is also powerful, so don’t be shy about asking around once you’re there.

The Offshore Angle: Is a Seychelles IBC for You?

A lot of people are drawn to the Seychelles because of its reputation as an offshore hub. Setting up a Seychelles International Business Company (IBC) can be a smart move, but it’s not a magic trick to stop paying taxes.

Basically, an IBC is designed for business you do outside of the Seychelles. If your clients are anywhere else in the world, it can be a good fit, offering privacy and zero local tax on foreign-earned profits. The key is that you MUST use a licensed Registered Agent to set it up for you. You can’t do it yourself.

Pro Tip: To find a legitimate agent, search for the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA). Their official website lists all the licensed corporate service providers. Be very wary of anyone promising guaranteed bank accounts—they aren’t being honest.

The biggest challenge? Opening a corporate bank account. It’s tough. Banks are under huge pressure to prevent money laundering, and a Seychelles IBC can be a red flag. Be ready for a long process and tons of questions. Many people end up using financial tech solutions or banks in other countries instead.

Crucial Disclaimer: This is just educational info. I am not a lawyer or tax advisor. The tax rules for an IBC are incredibly complex and depend on your home country. You absolutely must get professional advice from tax experts to make sure you’re following all the laws.

Health, Safety, and Fitting In

A few final, but important, points.

For healthcare, you’ll be using private clinics. The main one on Mahé is Seychelles Medical. It’s good for general stuff, but for a serious emergency, you’d be flown to another country. This is why that comprehensive health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is ESSENTIAL. An emergency airlift can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Safety-wise, the Seychelles is very safe, but use common sense. Petty theft happens, so don’t leave stuff on the beach or in your car. The roads are narrow and windy, so drive carefully. And be smart about the ocean—the currents can be very strong.

Finally, embrace the culture. The local people, Seychellois Creole, are wonderful. Learning a few words of Kreol like “Bonzour” (Good day) and “Mersi” (Thank you) goes a long way. Remember ‘moula moula’—patience and a friendly smile are your best tools. Show respect, and you’ll have an experience that’s so much richer than a simple vacation.