Moving to Barbados in 2022

So, you have your Bajan lover, want to move in with them, or just want to live in Barbados? You’ve done your research and know that non-nationals can live in Barbados. But what are the different options? What are they exactly? How do you apply for each one? Is there a difference between the types? Find out here!

It’s possible to move to Barbados as a retiree, investor, or business visa. You can also become a permanent resident on a spousal visa if you’re married to a Bajan. There is no limit on how many of these visas you can apply for at any one time.

Barbadian Retirement Visa

The retirement visa is for 55 years or older who have a monthly income of around USD 3,000 or own assets over USD 100,000.

To apply for this type of visa, you must be able to demonstrate that you can support yourself financially, have fully paid for your medical insurance, and have a place to live. You should also provide two referees who are Bajan citizens or permanent residents of Barbados.

Investor Visa

The investor visa is for those who wish to invest in Barbados. The government specifies that you must invest at least US$200,000 in Barbados. There are no restrictions on the type of investment you make; it can be either personal or business-related.

Like all other visas that allow non-nationals to live in Barbados, this visa also allows you to work and study whilst living on the island. You must, however, gain approval from the Barbados Immigration Department to work.

Business Visa (Exemption)

This type of visa is included in the list because it is another common form of immigration into Barbados. The business visa allows you to live in Barbados if your company operates there and you are seen as an essential part of that operation. It’s technically called an “Exemption Visa” and is valid for three years.

Spousal Sponsorship (Permanent Resident)

If you’re married to a Bajan, then you may be able to live in Barbados as a permanent resident by applying for a spousal sponsorship visa. You must either be married or have been married to the person before they turned 21 years old.

This visa allows you to remain in the country even if your marriage ends, whether through divorce or death. As with all other visas that allow non-nationals to live in Barbados, this visa allows you to work and study whilst living on the island. You must gain approval from the Barbados Immigration Department to work.

The Permanent Resident visa is also known as the “PR” visa. It allows you to live, work and study in Barbados indefinitely. This means you never have to renew your visa or leave Barbados for extended periods. You must have held a Spousal Sponsorship visa for one year before you can apply for this type of visa.

You must also demonstrate that you’re integrated into Barbadian society. This includes having a primary school-aged child, speaking English, and being familiar with the culture. You will need to prove your employment status and have at least Bajan $15,000 in savings. If you’re self-employed or a business owner, you must demonstrate that your company is making a profit.

Again, as with all other visas that allow non-nationals to live in Barbados, this visa also allows you to work and study while living on the island. You must gain approval from the Barbados Immigration Department to work.

Ways to Move to Barbados In 2022

Everybody loves Barbados. It’s beautiful, charming, and tiny – just 90 square miles of paradise. What has made it so appealing? The crystal blue ocean with the perfect powdery white sand you’ve ever seen, the unspoiled nature, and its laidback vibe.

Many people want to live here and with good reason: the coastal strip of sun-soaked beaches, the never-ending summer with its warm sunny days and balmy nights, not to mention the amazing food. Barbados is also a tax haven. It has no capital gains or personal income taxes; there are only some small company taxes – if you choose to pay them at all.

The island is a popular offshore financial center. In particular, the government is trying to attract entrepreneurs with its Start-up Incentive Act. New businesses receive tax exemption on corporate profits for the first three years, and they enjoy a ten-year tax holiday thereafter.

This has led many people to relocate here – especially those who run online companies or consult internationally. If you are considering moving to Barbados or starting a new business, there are many things to consider. Here are five simple steps that will make your relocation process easier!

Step 1: Find Out If You Need a Visa

No visas are required for EU citizens. Americans and Canadians can stay in the country without restriction too. However, other foreigners have to apply for a visa in advance. See the Barbados Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the requirements.

The next step is finding a place to stay. You can either rent or purchase property – it’s entirely up to you. If buying, consider that the housing market is currently in an unusual situation with little inventory available and high prices, but it remains to be seen if this will continue.

Step 2: Find a Job

The unemployment rate is currently 10.10% – about the same as in Canada. However, Barbados has very high underemployment (estimated at 30-40%), where many people who are ostensibly employed have jobs that provide little income.

If you already have a job offer, great! If not, your best bet is to network and attend career fairs and similar events organized by the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC), the largest national investment promotion agency. For more tips on finding employment in Barbados, check out this recruitment agency.

Step 3: Learn the Language

English is the official language of Barbados – but they also speak their own dialect. It’s definitely not as easy to learn as French or Spanish, which you might’ve heard of already. You will most likely be fine with English-speaking friends, but if you are serious about life in Barbados, it would be worth your time to learn Bajan.

Step 4: Prepare For Cultural Differences

There are lots of cultural differences between Barbados and Canada. One example is driving – people drive on the left side of the road here! It might sound dangerous at first, but it’s quite easy to get used to.

The first thing you will notice is that the Barbadian dialect is melodic and lilting compared to standard English – it might sound like a different language altogether. Another notable difference is how many people greet each other with “Good morning” or “Good afternoon,” which they say before or after you say it to them.

Step 5: Make Friends and Network

One great way to make local connections is through social media platforms. There are currently more than 8,000 members in over 400 groups which makes the site an excellent place for networking. You can join any group that resonates with you, such as expats living in Barbados or the self-development group, and start meeting people.

According to expats on Reddit, another good website for making friends is Internations. This social site puts you in touch with many other foreigners living and working all over the world – including Barbados! As a final tip, don’t forget that there are multiple Facebook groups specifically for expats and immigrants who want to move to Barbados.

Frequently Asked Questions about Moving to Barbados

What do I need to move here?

You’ll need your passport, a valid driver’s license (or an international one), some cash to last you for the first few months once you arrive, and someone with whom to cohabitate. There are no visa or work permit requirements if you intend to stay less than 180 days. If you plan to stay longer, check with your local Barbadian consulate.

How much money will I need?

You can live cheaply in Barbados. It costs about US$5500/CAD$6997 for a couple to live comfortably here per month. That’s less than what most people spend on rent or mortgages back home, but it allows for car rental, eating out at restaurants, trips to the grocery store, and occasional beers.

What does it cost?

A local beer will set you back around $3.50CAD$, a meal in a restaurant would cost about $20CAD$ or more. A beer can is $1.35CAD$, a bottle of rum from $15CAD$-20CAD$. Domestic beer in a supermarket is around $2.55CAD$, a rum and coke at the bar are around $6.50CAD$.

Where do I live?

There are many different housing types available in Barbados, from apartments to condos, from high-rises to gated communities. You can even get a villa with a pool these days if you’ve got the money! There are also many choices in rural Barbados.

Conclusion

So, you’ve decided to move to Barbados? Well, that’s great news! Moving to a new country can be one of the most exciting experiences in your life. Of course, it will also come with its fair share of stress and worry, but if you plan correctly, this might be a move that you will never regret.

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

Have you ever wanted the sun to shine every day while still being able to afford a good lifestyle? When it comes to finding a new home that ticks all of your boxes, Barbados could be the golden ticket. The island is beautiful, with plenty of things to do!

But before you go ‘vacationing,’ it’s worth considering the logistics of moving to Barbados and the steps you’ll need to take. Moving to Barbados as an expat can be difficult but rewarding. As a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean Sea, Barbados is hot, has a sunny year-round, with coastal plains that rise into rainforest hills and then jagged mountains.

The island’s coasts are lined by coral reefs, accessible only by boat. Since it is a British territory, and English is the official language of Barbados. This is very important to consider when moving here because many locals speak with a lovely Caribbean accent that can be hard for outsiders to understand.

In Barbados, you will also see some influences from African and Indian traditions in local food and music. Another popular cuisine, often offered at restaurants, is called “flying fish.” When driving, remember that Barbados drives on the left side of the road. If you move to Barbados as an expat, it’s a good idea to rent a house or apartment for a couple of months before purchasing a property.

There are many beautiful houses and condos available to rent here, and many are located right on the beach. Not to worry, we have compiled this article to explain how to move to Barbados. That being said, you’ll understand the options available for expat. Would you love to know more? Read further!

Best Places to Move to in Barbados

Before we proceed, are you aware that Barbados elected its first-ever president to replace Britain’s Queen as head of state? Of course, the election was held in October 2021. Moreover, when you’re thinking about moving to Barbados, chances are you’re wondering the best places to move to.

The Caribbean’s pearl of the north is a little piece of heaven on earth with white sand beaches, beautiful blue water, and a lush, green landscape dotted with small towns and good old-fashioned hospitality. But there are several notable cities in Barbados to pick from. Here are some of the best places to move to Barbados, in no particular order.

1.    Bridgetown

Bridgetown is known as the capital city of Barbados, and there’s a reason why it’s one of the most popular places to move to Barbados. It’s not only located on the southern coast of the island, where most of the best beaches are located, but it’s also home to several institutions like Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

It has a vibrant nightlife that never seems to end and is one of the biggest shopping areas in Barbados. Bridgetown is not only home to luxury resorts like The Crane, Hilton, and The Bajan Beach Club, but also historical attractions like the Gunpowder Plot Site in Saint Philip and several art galleries, museums, and theatres.

Barbados is home to some of the top universities in the world, like The University of West Indies, Cave Hill Campus. If you’re moving to Barbados for work, you may want to check out the job market in Bridgetown.

2.    Holetown

Moving to Barbados is a wonderful idea, but you have to ask yourself, where are the best places to move to Barbados? What makes Holetown stand out from the rest of the cities in Barbados? Well, there are several reasons why Holetown is one of the best places to move to Barbados.

Not only is it home to luxury resorts like The Crane, Hilton, and Bajan Blue, but also shopping centers like Sherbourne Commons. This coastal town located on the west coast has several historical sites worth seeing, including St James Parish Church in Saint James and Fort Harrison in Dover.

Holetown is also home to surfing, biking, and exploring James Bond Beach. While Holetown is a great place for luxury resorts and shopping malls, there are also some companies you can work for in Holetown if you’re interested in working abroad while living in Barbados.

3.    Oistins

Oistin’s is one of the most well-known towns in Barbados. Not only is it one of the country’s biggest fishing towns, but Oistins is also home to several bars and restaurants with great food. The beach near Oistins is one of the most popular areas for tourists visiting Barbados.

It has many great luxury resorts like Carlisle Bay, The Crane, and Sandy Lane while also being a top location for surfing. The Christ Church Nichola Town Parish in Oistins is home to some of the oldest churches in Barbados named a UNESCO Heritage site. While Oistins is great for seafood lovers, there are other companies you can work for in Oistins if you’re looking for work in Barbados.

4.    Speightstown

Moving to Barbados isn’t always about living on the beach, sometimes finding a home further inland with beautiful mountains right out your window is what you think about when moving to Barbados. If that sounds more like you, then Speightstown might be one of the best places to move to Barbados for you.

Not only is it surrounded by lush fields and the Atlantic Ocean, but Speightstown has several historical sites like The Old Courthouse and St Nicholas Abbey. It’s also home to one of the best golf courses in Barbados: Sandy Lane Golf Course. Speightstown is a little town on the west coast of Barbados with a lot to offer.

It’s also one of the oldest towns in Barbados and has several educational institutions like The Cave Hill Campus of the University of West Indies. While Speightstown is a small town, there are several job opportunities for those looking to work abroad while living in Barbados.

5.    Christ Church

This coastal town has some of the most beautiful and luxurious resorts in all of Barbados: Carlisle Bay, The Crane, and Sandy Lane, just to name a few. It’s also home to one of the best golf courses in Barbados: Sandy Lane Golf Course.

The Christ Church Nichola Town parish is also home to several historic sites, including St Michael’s Cathedral and Bathsheba, a plantation house that served as a focal point for Barbados’ slave trade. This historic town has a lot to offer not only in terms of resorts but also activities like hiking through the Crane Wildlife Reserve and bird watching on Crane Beach.

While there are many resorts and restaurants in Christ Church, there are several companies that hire staff from outside Barbados to work abroad while living in Barbados.

6.    Saint Lawrence Gap

Saint Lawrence Gap is considered one of the most popular coastal towns in Barbados, and it’s easy to see why. Not only does it have some of the top luxury resorts like Carlisle Bay, The Crane, and Sandy Lane, but there are also plenty of great bars and restaurants within walking distance from each other. It’s no wonder Saint Lawrence Gap is one of the best places to move to Barbados.

Several historical sites can be seen in Saint Lawrence Gap, including St Elizabeth Parish Church in Mount Pleasant, Villa Park Cottage in Saint James, and The Charles Duncan O’Neal Sugar Mill Ruins in Dover. If you’re moving to Barbados for work, there are several call center jobs in Saint Lawrence Gap you can choose from.

7.    Saint Philips

Saint Philip is not only one of the biggest parishes in Barbados, but it’s also one of the most popular neighborhoods to live in as well as work in. If you’re moving to Barbados for work, Saint Philips is a great neighborhood because there are several call center jobs available, including Omniplex Outsourcing Solutions, QQube, and BPO Solutions.

Even though you can work in Saint Philips, there are many places to visit once you’re finished with work. Several historical sites are located in Saint Philip, including The Gunpowder Plot Site in Saint Philip, Oistins Fish Market, and the Crab Hill Nature Reserve. If you love history, then you’re going to love living in Saint Philip. So why should you move to Barbados?

Well, there are plenty of reasons including the fact that it’s one of the most beautiful countries in the world with amazing luxury resorts and beaches. It also has some great shopping malls too while still being a relatively inexpensive country to live in. Plus, there are also plenty of activities to do in Barbados, like hiking, diving, and snorkeling. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your move to Barbados today.