Bermuda with Kids: Pink Sand, Real Costs and the US$125,000 Visa Question (2026)

Bermuda for Families: Why We Looked Past the Triangle 🌊

🔎 A researched guide: we haven’t been to Bermuda yet. Visa rules and prices checked September 2026.

I grew up in Queensland hearing a lot about the Bermuda Triangle. For years, that was all Bermuda meant to me: a patch of ocean where ships and planes supposedly vanished. It turns out the mystery doesn’t stand up to the evidence, but it made me curious about the island itself.

We haven’t been to Bermuda. This guide is our research into one question: could a family like ours actually live there? We’ve looked at the visa rules, the real costs, schools, and what daily life might look like with a nine-year-old and a toddler.

The short answer is that Bermuda can work for some families, but not many. The digital nomad visa closed in 2025. The remaining residence route needs a family income of US$125,000 a year, and Bermuda is one of the most expensive places we’ve researched.

If that rules you out, you’re in good company, and we’ve linked more affordable island options along the way. For the record, Bermuda is still high on our own list. Warm water and island life are my favourite environment, so we’re not writing it off, just being realistic about it.

Not the Caribbean, and Different Because of It

Most people assume Bermuda is in the Caribbean. It isn’t. This British Overseas Territory sits alone in the North Atlantic, about 1,035 kilometres east of North Carolina.

Think pastel cottages above turquoise bays, pink-tinged beaches and a busy international finance sector. Bermuda is also small: about 54 square kilometres of land spread across 181 islands, most of them linked by bridges and causeways.

Bermuda sits in the most expensive bracket of our Caribbean and Atlantic guides. This page covers the current visa options, what life is likely to cost, and which families it could realistically suit.

Can Your Family Still Live in Bermuda? The Visa Picture in 2026 🛂

Bermuda’s digital nomad visa is gone. The Work from Bermuda Certificate closed to new applicants on 28 February 2025, and the government has returned to longer-term residency options.

The main route left for remote-working families is Permission to Reside on an Annual Basis. It’s a residence permission, not a work permit, and the difference matters.

What the Department of Immigration’s Guide Says

• You can’t work for a Bermuda employer or look for a job on the island.
• You need an annual income of at least US$75,000. The guide accepts “employment that is not based in Bermuda” as proof of income.
• Your partner and children under 18 can be included, but the income bar rises with each dependant.
• You need private health insurance for your whole stay.
• Permission is typically granted for one year. You must live in Bermuda at least 90 days per calendar year.
• The fee is US$275 for up to one year, per the government’s residence permit page.

Income Required, by Household

Source: Permissions to Reside in Bermuda, Department of Immigration, checked September 2026. Euro and AUD figures are approximate, at mid-2026 exchange rates.

Let’s be honest about what this means. For a family of four, US$125,000 a year rules out a lot of nomad families, including many who live comfortably on remote income elsewhere. Bermuda is a realistic long-stay option for high earners, not for families stretching a budget.

The other route is the Economic Investment and Residential Certificate. It requires an investment of at least US$2.5 million in Bermuda, so it’s aimed at a very different audience.

Visiting First

Visitors need to complete the free Bermuda Arrival Card before they land. Only use the official government link, as copycat sites charge fees.

Travellers from countries on Bermuda’s visa list need a multiple-entry visa for the UK, the US or Canada. Check the government’s entry visa page for your passport before booking. Most flights connect through the US, Canada or the UK, so check the transit rules for wherever you change planes too.

If you fly in via the US on the Visa Waiver Program, time in Bermuda usually counts towards your US 90 days. We learnt how strict that rule is the hard way, in our Hawai’i guide.

Before you plan anything: check the current rules with the Bermuda Department of Immigration. Ask directly how your type of remote work is treated. Rules here have changed twice in five years.

👉 More background: Visas for Digital Nomad Families, How Nomad Visas Have Evolved and How to Stay Longer Without a Nomad Visa.

Why Bermuda Still Works for Some Families

The visa change matters, and so does the cost. Both make Bermuda unsuitable for most nomad families. For those who qualify and can afford it, though, there’s a real case for it.

A Calm, Orderly Island

Bermuda has a reputation as a calm, well-run place, and many families are drawn by the idea of older kids having more independence. Crime still happens, as it does everywhere, so read current travel advice rather than relying on reputation.

No Personal Income Tax (With a Big Caveat)

Bermuda has no personal income tax. For high earners, that can soften the cost of living. But living in Bermuda doesn’t automatically end your tax obligations at home.

Tax residency depends on your home country’s rules. Australians and Dutch residents, for example, need to check whether they’re still tax resident at home. US citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless. Get advice from a tax adviser who understands both countries.

Infrastructure That Mostly Just Works

Bermuda runs a major reinsurance and finance sector alongside tourism. That shows in the infrastructure: reliable internet in most areas, a main hospital, established schools and professional services.

After places where every errand needs a workaround, that reliability is part of the appeal. The trade-off is that you pay for it in almost every bill.

The Natural Side

The south shore beaches have the soft pink tinge Bermuda is known for, thanks to tiny red marine organisms mixed into the sand. There are limestone caves, clifftop trails and some of the northernmost coral reefs in the Atlantic. For a family that loves the water, it’s a big draw.

Where to Live in Bermuda with Kids

Bermuda is only about 35 kilometres from end to end, but the parishes feel different from each other. With a speed limit of 35 km/h and no family car, where you live shapes your whole day. Here are four areas families tend to look at.

🏙 Hamilton and Pembroke Parish: Close to Everything

Hamilton is one of the world’s smallest capitals, but it’s where the shops, offices, restaurants and main bus and ferry terminals are. Very few families live in the city itself. Most look at Pembroke Parish, which wraps around it.

What works for families:

• Short trips to schools, the hospital, supermarkets and services
• The main bus terminal and ferry dock are close by
• A harbourfront walk and plenty of places to eat
• Easier to manage without a car than the outer parishes

The trade-off: homes here are in high demand and priced accordingly. You also get more traffic and less beach on your doorstep.

🏖 Southampton Parish: South Shore Beach Life

Southampton is home to Horseshoe Bay, one of Bermuda’s best-known beaches, and a string of smaller coves along the south shore. It suits families who want the beach to be part of every day.

The appeal:

• Close to Horseshoe Bay and the south shore beaches
• Quieter and more residential than the Hamilton area
• Coastal walks and part of the Railway Trail nearby
• Gibbs Hill Lighthouse is in the parish

Worth weighing up: Southampton is a longer bus ride from Hamilton. Without a car, school runs and errands take more planning, which is harder with little ones.

🏰 St George’s Parish: History at the Eastern End

St George’s was Bermuda’s first capital, and the historic town and its fortifications are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Narrow lanes, old churches and forts give it a completely different feel from modern Hamilton.

Good for families who like:

• History on the doorstep, which makes it a strong worldschooling base
• A smaller-town feel with its own local identity
• Beaches such as Tobacco Bay, a popular spot for snorkelling
• Rents that may be lower than central Hamilton or the south shore

Good to know: St George’s is at the far eastern end of the island, near the airport. Getting to Hamilton by bus takes a while, so check travel times and the ferry timetable before choosing it.

🌿 Paget and Warwick Parishes: The Middle Ground

Paget and Warwick sit between Hamilton and the south shore. For a family without a car, this central belt is probably the most practical base in Bermuda.

Why it’s a practical choice:

• Reasonable access to Hamilton by bus or ferry
• Close to south shore beaches such as Warwick Long Bay
• Warwick Academy is in Warwick, and the Botanical Gardens are in Paget
• A wider mix of residential rentals than central Hamilton

If we were choosing a base, this is where we’d start looking. It’s the best balance of beaches, schools and getting around with young kids.

Daily Life in Bermuda with Young Kids

A More Formal Kind of Island Life

Island life in Bermuda isn’t the barefoot, slow-time version many people imagine. Business runs on a professional footing, and people tend to dress smartly for work and formal settings. For some families that’s a plus. For others it may feel less relaxed than they hoped.

Getting Around Bermuda with Young Kids

In Bermuda, cars are restricted. Residents are limited to one car per household. Visitors can’t rent a normal car, only scooters or small two-seat electric minicars. For a family of four with a toddler, a two-seater doesn’t solve much.

That leaves buses, ferries, taxis and your own legs. The island-wide speed limit is 35 km/h, so the roads are calmer than many places we’ve been. They’re also narrow and winding, with plenty of scooters. Helmets are compulsory for riders and passengers.

In Ninh Binh, in Vietnam, we tried scooters with the boys for the first time. Marty took Leo in front of him, and Louie rode on the back of mine. Marty’s longer legs (and lack of a dress 😄) made him the obvious choice for the toddler. The quiet roads made it feel doable, but it was still a bit scary.

Bermuda’s roads are calmer than most of Vietnam’s, but rental scooters carry just one passenger. We couldn’t find an official minimum age for child passengers, so we’d check that before putting Leo on one. For everyday life with a two-year-old, we’d lean on buses, ferries and taxis, much as we rely on cars and walking in Da Nang.

The Railway Trail Is Where We’d Start 🚲

As a half-Dutch family, we can’t look at a car-free path along an old railway line and not want to ride it. The trail follows the route of Bermuda’s railway, which ran from 1931 to 1948. About 29 kilometres of it is open to walkers and cyclists, split into sections with road crossings in between.

With Louie on his own bike and Leo in a child seat, we’d pick one or two sections at a time rather than trying to ride end to end.

Weekends and Seasons

A typical weekend might mean a ferry to the Royal Naval Dockyard, a morning at the beach or a trip to St George’s. Late winter and spring bring humpback whales past the island, and the two-day Cup Match cricket holiday in late July or early August is one of the biggest community events of the year.

A Small Place Where People Know Each Other

On an island of around 64,000 people, school, sport and neighbourhood networks matter. Families who join clubs and turn up to community events are likely to find their feet faster than those who keep to themselves.

The Challenges of Living in Bermuda

Honesty is more useful than enthusiasm here. Bermuda has bigger hurdles for nomad families than most places we’ve researched.

Costs Are Among the Highest in the World

Bermuda regularly sits at or near the top of Numbeo’s cost of living rankings. Most goods are imported, and the standard customs duty rate on personal imports is 25%, with other rates for some categories. Rent is the biggest single cost, and school fees come next if you use them.

The Visa Bar Is High

The accessible Work from Bermuda Certificate no longer exists. Permission to Reside needs US$125,000 a year for a family of four, plus health insurance and proof of your finances. Get the details confirmed by the Department of Immigration before you commit to anything.

Housing Is Tight

Land is scarce, and good family rentals move quickly. Non-Bermudians face restrictions on buying property, so renting is the realistic option for most newcomers.

Life Without a Car Takes Planning

Buses and ferries cover a lot, but services can be reduced on Sundays and public holidays, so check timetables. Taxis add up fast. With a baby or toddler, every outing needs a bit more thought.

Getting Off the Island

Bermuda is isolated. There are direct flights to the US East Coast, Canada and the UK, and New York is roughly two hours away. But there are no nearby islands to hop to, so budget for flights whenever you want a change of scene.

Family Accommodation in Bermuda

The rental market in Bermuda needs realistic expectations from the start. Stock is limited, prices are high and good homes don’t sit empty for long.

What Rent Is Likely to Cost

Published averages and local guides put a two- to three-bedroom home outside central Hamilton at roughly US$4,000 to US$7,500 a month (about €3,500 to €6,500, or AUD 5,700 to AUD 10,600). Central Hamilton and ocean-view homes cost more, and a house with a garden and pool can go far beyond that.

These are estimates, not quotes. Rents vary a lot by parish, size and furnishing, so check current listings before you set a budget. Most rentals don’t include utilities.

Tips for Finding a Home

• Join Bermuda expat and community groups early. Some homes are found through word of mouth.
• Use a local real estate agent who knows the rules for non-Bermudian tenants.
• Ask about electricity costs. Power is expensive, and air conditioning in summer adds up.
• Check the walk to the nearest bus stop or ferry. Without a car, it matters more than a sea view.
• Book a short-term rental first, then look for a longer lease once you know the parishes.

👉 See our full guide: Accommodation for Digital Nomad Families

Remote Work in Bermuda

Internet

Bermuda’s internet is generally good for remote work, with fibre available in many areas and decent mobile coverage. Local mobile providers include One Communications and Digicel. As always, check the actual speed at a property before you sign, and keep mobile data as a backup.

Where to Work

Coworking options in Hamilton are limited and change over time, so check what’s currently operating. Most remote-working families are likely to work from home, which makes a spare room or quiet corner worth paying for.

Time Zones

Bermuda runs on Atlantic time and uses daylight saving, so it’s usually one hour ahead of New York. That’s easy for US and Canadian clients. For Europe it’s workable, but Australia and Asia mean very early or very late calls.

Remember the Visa Rules

Permission to Reside bans working in Bermuda. Keep your work, clients and employer outside Bermuda, and confirm with the Department of Immigration that your setup fits.

👉 See our full guide: Remote Work for Digital Nomad Parents

Schools, Home-Schooling and Childcare in Bermuda

Private Schools

Most expat families who use school choose a private one. Fees are high, so check each school’s current fee page before budgeting.

• Saltus Grammar School: co-educational, in Pembroke. Tuition for 2026-27 is US$27,820 a year (about €24,200).
• Bermuda High School: a girls’ school, with boys admitted in the senior years. Tuition for 2026-27 is US$27,500 to US$28,500 a year, depending on year level.
• Warwick Academy: co-educational, in Warwick, offering IGCSE and the IB Diploma. The latest fee on its website is US$22,590 for 2024-25, so ask for the current figure.

Somersfield Academy in Devonshire offers Montessori and IB programmes and is worth a look too. Bursaries exist at some schools, but don’t count on them when budgeting.

Public Schools

Bermuda has a free public school system. Eligibility and places for children of non-Bermudian residents depend on your status, so contact the Ministry of Education directly before assuming a place.

Home-Schooling and Worldschooling

Our understanding is that home-schooled children need to be registered with the Ministry of Education. We couldn’t confirm the details on an official page, so contact the Ministry before you arrive. Our worldschooling legal guide explains why this step matters.

For worldschoolers, Bermuda has a lot to work with: colonial history in St George’s, maritime history at the Dockyard, limestone caves, coral reefs and a very local story of enslavement, emancipation and self-government. The Bermuda Triangle is a ready-made lesson in myth versus evidence, too.

Childcare

Nurseries, nannies and childminders are available, but at Bermuda prices. Ask other parents for recommendations, and get current quotes rather than relying on published averages.

👉 See our full guide: Education and Childcare for Digital Nomad Families

Healthcare and Health Insurance in Bermuda

King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Paget is Bermuda’s main hospital, and there are private clinics and specialists across the island. For some specialist or complex treatment, patients are referred overseas, usually to the US.

Insurance Is Required

Permission to Reside requires private health insurance for your whole stay. Healthcare in Bermuda is expensive, so check that your policy covers Bermuda specifically and includes medical evacuation.

Premiums vary widely with age, cover and insurer, so get quotes before you set your budget. Our health insurance guide for nomad families explains what to look for.

Staying Well

Outdoor life is a big part of Bermuda: swimming, snorkelling, sailing, walking and cycling the Railway Trail. The subtropical climate means some outdoor time is possible all year, though winter water will feel cool to anyone used to Queensland.

Things to Do in Bermuda with Kids

Bermuda is small, but a long stay gives you time to go beyond the big-name beaches. Many of the best things for families are outdoors and free or low cost.

Trips Off the Island

Direct flights link Bermuda with New York, Boston, Toronto, London and other cities, with New York roughly two hours away. City breaks are possible, but flights aren’t cheap, especially for four. If long flights with little ones worry you, our story of flying 24 hours with a toddler might help.

What Does It Cost to Live in Bermuda as a Family?

Bermuda is expensive by almost any measure. Numbeo’s crowdsourced data puts everyday costs for a family of four at about US$8,300 a month before rent. That figure comes from a small number of contributors, so treat it as a rough benchmark, not a promise.

We’ve built our estimate from that benchmark plus rent, and kept health insurance and school fees separate. That way you can add the pieces that apply to your family.

Where Bermuda’s Economics Can Work in Your Favour

• No personal income tax in Bermuda. For high earners who are no longer tax resident elsewhere, this can make a real difference. Check your home-country rules first.
• Home-schooling saves a lot. Private school fees are one of the biggest costs, so worldschooling families start well ahead.
• Many of the best things are free. Beaches, parks and the Railway Trail cost nothing.

Practical Ways to Manage Costs

• Cook at home most nights. Eating out adds up very quickly.
• Buy local fish and produce where you can, as imported goods carry duty.
• Use buses and ferries rather than taxis for regular trips.
• Ask about a property’s electricity use before signing a lease.
• Travel off-island less often, and book flights early.

Finding Community in Bermuda

Bermuda’s expat community is smaller and more specific than in most places we write about. It’s closely tied to reinsurance, finance and law. The Work from Bermuda years brought in more remote workers, but there isn’t a big nomad or worldschooling scene to plug into.

Where Connections Form

• School communities: parent networks are a natural starting point if your kids attend school.
• Sports clubs: cricket, football, sailing, rugby, tennis and running clubs give families a regular place to meet people.
• Community events: Cup Match, Bermuda Day and local festivals are good ways to meet Bermudians, not just other expats.
• Churches and volunteering: both are active across the parishes and are an easy way in for some families.

Home-schooling families may need to work harder to find others doing the same. Ask in local parent groups before you arrive, and come and say hello in the Worldly Tribe Facebook Community too. 🌍

Practical Tips for Arriving in Bermuda

Before You Fly

• Check your eligibility for Permission to Reside with the Department of Immigration, and get advice if your situation is complicated.
• Arrange health insurance that covers Bermuda and includes evacuation. You’ll need proof of it for your application.
• Check the transit rules for the country you’ll change planes in. Most routes go through the US, Canada or the UK.
• Contact schools early if you plan to use one, or the Ministry of Education if you’ll home-school.
• Book a short-term rental for your first few weeks rather than signing a long lease sight unseen.

When You Arrive

• Complete the free Bermuda Arrival Card before landing, using only the official government link.
• Get a local SIM or eSIM so you can check bus times and maps on the go.
• Try the buses and ferries in your first week to see how your planned area really works without a car.
• Visit a few parishes before committing to a lease.

With Kids

• Bring helmets that fit your children if you plan to ride scooters or bikes, and check the rules for child passengers first.
• Pack a supply of any regular medicines, as imported brands can be hard to find and expensive.
• Talk about the Bermuda Triangle before you go. Kids love a mystery, and working out why it doesn’t hold up is a great little project.

Bermudian Culture and Living Lightly

Understanding Bermuda’s Story

Bermuda’s history runs deep for such a small place. English settlement began after a shipwreck in 1609. Enslaved Africans were brought to the island, and slavery was abolished across the British Empire in 1834. Cup Match falls around Emancipation Day, which gives the holiday real meaning beyond the cricket.

Today Bermuda is a self-governing British Overseas Territory, with a mix of British, American, African and Caribbean influences. Learning even a little of that history before you arrive helps you understand the place better.

Everyday Courtesy

Greetings matter in Bermuda. Saying good morning or good afternoon before asking a question is expected, not optional. Dress a little more formally for churches, government offices and business settings.

Treading Lightly on a Small Island

• Use buses and ferries where you can. It saves money and reduces traffic.
• Be careful with water. Many homes collect rainwater from their white stepped roofs, so supplies aren’t endless.
• Support Bermudian-owned cafés, shops and artists.
• Protect the reefs: use reef-safe sunscreen, don’t touch coral and follow local snorkelling guidance.
• Recycle and dispose of rubbish carefully, as space for waste is limited.

Is Bermuda Right for Your Family?

More than most places we cover, Bermuda suits a narrow type of family. Here’s how we’d think it through.

Bermuda Probably Isn’t Right for You If…

You’re on a moderate budget. Rent and everyday costs alone are likely to exceed the visa’s minimum income.

You were counting on a simple nomad visa. That option closed in 2025.

You want a base for regional travel. There are no nearby islands, so every trip means a flight.

You have very young children and want to drive everywhere. Life without your own car takes more planning with babies and toddlers.

Bermuda Could Suit You If…

You earn well from work based outside Bermuda. You clear the income threshold comfortably, not just on paper.

You value an orderly island with reliable infrastructure. You’re happy to pay for it in almost every bill.

You want one long stay rather than constant moving. Bermuda rewards families who settle in, join clubs and get to know people.

You home-school or have budgeted for school fees. Either way, education is planned before you arrive, not after.

If Bermuda isn’t the one, compare it with more accessible islands such as Anguilla, Aruba and Curaçao.

Bermuda with Kids: FAQs

Does Bermuda still have a digital nomad visa?

No. The Work from Bermuda Certificate closed to new applicants on 28 February 2025. The main option now is Permission to Reside on an Annual Basis, which has much higher income requirements.

How much income does a family need to live in Bermuda?

Under the government’s current guide, a family of four needs a base income of at least US$125,000 a year. That’s about €109,000. You also need private health insurance and proof of your finances.

How much does it cost a family to live in Bermuda?

Our estimate for a family of four is about US$12,300 to US$15,800 a month (about €10,700 to €13,700) for rent and everyday living. That excludes health insurance and school fees. Private school adds roughly US$2,300 a month per child.

Can we home-school or worldschool in Bermuda?

Our understanding is that home-schooled children need to be registered with the Ministry of Education. We couldn’t confirm the details on an official page, so contact the Ministry before you arrive.

Do we need a car in Bermuda?

You can’t rent one. Residents are limited to one car per household, and visitors can only rent scooters or two-seat minicars. Most families would rely on buses, ferries and taxis, especially with small children.

Does time in Bermuda count towards the US 90-day limit?

Usually, yes. On the US Visa Waiver Program, time spent in Bermuda generally counts towards your 90 days if you entered the US first. We learnt how strict this is the hard way in Hawai’i.

Is Bermuda in the Caribbean?

No. Bermuda is in the North Atlantic, about 1,035 kilometres from North Carolina. Winters are noticeably cooler than in the Caribbean. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November.

Our Takeaways: Bermuda Is on Our List, Just Not as a Base (Yet)

We’d love to go to Bermuda. Warm water, beaches and island life are my happy place, and I’d happily trade a Queensland childhood of Bermuda Triangle stories for the real thing.

But we try to be honest with ourselves, and with you. As a place to live, Bermuda asks a lot: a family income of US$125,000 or more, some of the highest costs we’ve researched, and daily life without your own car. For most nomad families, including many who live well elsewhere, those numbers don’t add up.

As a place to visit, it’s a different story. If we go, we’d plan it for the warmer months, since Bermuda is subtropical and winters are cooler than I’d like. We’d ride the Railway Trail first (we’re half Dutch, after all 🚲). And we’d let Louie test the Triangle legend against the evidence.

If you’re weighing up Bermuda, here’s what we’d suggest:

• Check your income against the official thresholds before anything else.
• Visit first, in the season you’d actually live there.
• Work out your budget with and without school fees.
• Think honestly about getting around with young kids.

If Bermuda isn’t the one, our Caribbean guides are a good next stop. Some islands have far more accessible visas and costs. 🌊

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