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.

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

Barbados is an island country located in the Caribbean. Like many island countries in the Caribbean, it is known for its golden and white-sanded beaches, rich culture, exotic tropical beauty, and curious national treasures. Barbados was a British colony until she gained her independence in 1966.

For this reason, much of Barbados’ culture and customs mirror that of Britain than any of the African or Afro-European cultures present in the country. This cultural blend contributes to why Barbados remains one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the Caribbean.

But for the expat who wishes to spend a lot more time than a regular tourist, it becomes necessary to know just how much a high-quality life in Barbados would cost. Barbados is unarguably one of the most expensive places to live in the world, but this is all for a good reason.

Even though different reports on Barbados’ cost of living conflict, there is a standard range these costs fall into, and this article will give you an idea of what to expect as an expat living in Barbados. Does that sound interesting? If you answered YES, read further to know what we have unleashed for you.

Barbados Visa and Traveling Expenses

As a British citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Barbados. This doesn’t mean you can stay for a long time without a visa. If you plan to stay for longer than the specified period granted you on your entry, you’ll need to apply for an extension at the Barbados Immigration Department at a specific cost. But 180 days is the longest time permissible.

If you’re a foreigner (Americans and Canadians included), you need to get an entry visa to be able to enter Barbados. Some of these visas are valid for up to six months, after which you would either apply for an extension or apply to be a legal resident.

A single entry visitor visa costs $104, while a multiple entry visitor visas cost $208. With a single entry visa, you can only enter the country once and would need a new visa to return once you leave its shores. Still, with a multiple entry visa, you can enter and leave as frequently as you’d like, with every visit limited to a certain number of days. Your visa would take at least two weeks to be processed.

If you’re worth at least $5 million or you’re a retiree who owns property in Barbados, you can simply apply for a Special Entry Permit that gives you legal residency for 10 years (if you’re below 60) or indefinitely (if you’re above 60). To apply, visit the Barbados Consulate or Embassy closest to you and get the process started.

Accommodation

Barbados offers a wide array of affordable and luxury housing options for expats, foreigners, and whoever’s interested. The real estate scene in Barbados features residential homes, condos, townhouses, luxury apartments, properties on the beachfront, retirement homes, houses in gated communities, tiny apartments, villas, etc.

The cost of renting or buying a house in Barbados depends largely on which area you decide to live in. Barbados real estate is spread across three coasts; the East Coast, West Coast, and the South Coast. Housing prices along these parts depend on factors like their proximity to certain amenities.

The East Coast, for example, is where you’ll find a lot more affordable accommodation because it is far from the shopping malls, the stadium, etc. This part of the island is more rugged and wild and appeals to those with a knack for adventure. Some neighborhoods in that area are Bottom Bay, Long Bay, Ocean City, etc.

The South coast houses some of the nicest neighborhoods on the island, but even though they cost more than houses on the East coast, they are affordable. Living on the South coast is great if you have to travel a lot because it’s the coast closest to the airport. Some of the most popular areas on the South coast include Rockley, Worthing, Durants, Dover, Elizabeth Park, etc.

Now, the West Coast in Barbados is the pricey, luxurious side of the country. Its nickname -Platinum Coast- is befitting because there, you’ll find some of the most luxurious beach resorts, villas, and hotels. All of the good stuff is on this side of Barbados, which is why it’s so pricey. The areas on the West coast include Oistins, Port St. Charles, Heywoods, Sandy Lane, Bridgetown, Royal Westmoreland, etc.

The typical range for a rental property in Barbados can be as low as $1,000 and as high as $10,000 per month. Like we mentioned before, the price depends on 1) the area, 2) the size of the property you wish to rent, 3) the amenities you want access to, like a swimming pool, etc.

If buying a property outright is your plan, then you should know this. As a foreigner/non-resident, you have equal property rights with citizens of Barbados, but you need to get permission from the Exchange Control Authority before buying a property. The funds must also be transferred to the Central Bank of Barbados before you can buy the property.

The process can be very time-consuming and stressful, but with the help of a good real estate agent and lawyer, you can have it all settled in three months. Prices per square foot usually start from $1,000. Some houses cost as much as $3 million in Barbados, but of course, you can get a mortgage for 50-70% with a maximum of 15 years.

Utilities and Connectivity

The resources needed to generate power do not come in handy on this island. Therefore, don’t be alarmed when you discover that the electricity bill is higher than what you are used to. The Barbados Light and Power Company power the properties on the island, and you can even get an estimate of what your light bill would cost in certain areas before moving there.

You can also install solar panels to power your home like many households in Barbados already do. Water is, of course, supplied by the Barbados Water Authority. Although the water is treated to be suitable for drinking, many expats prefer to drink bottled water.

The National Petroleum Corporation will also supply natural gas. At the end of the month, the total of these bills would range between $100 – $130. Your internet, cable, and mobile telephone services would cost around $25.

Food

Unlike most places, food can get very expensive in Barbados, even when you want to stick to homemade dishes. This is because a good majority of the food items are imported from other countries, and upon their entry into Barbados, they are heavily taxed. A particular product you buy in the U.S. is usually almost three times its original price when it gets to Barbados. 

Regardless, there are certain stores where you can buy food at lower prices. If there’s one thing Barbados has an abundance of, it’s the fish. So, if you enjoy eating fish, you can get them at low prices in a local fish market. 

Eating Out

Because Barbados caters to thousands of tourists every year and food is one of the ways people like to experience new places, eating out can get very expensive. Restaurants in the city’s center and those that cater to main tourists sell costly food. Even fast food is expensive. Nevertheless, there are local restaurants that serve local cultural delicacies. Because they cater to a more localized audience, food can be bought at lower prices.

Healthcare

Barbados boasts of one of the best healthcare systems in the Caribbean. Despite its small population and high population density, the healthcare policies and provisions are on par with some of the best ones worldwide.

As an expat, your healthcare priority, once you move to Barbados, is to sign up for international health insurance. It does not matter how young or healthy you think you are; signing up will only do you good. Private healthcare can be costly, and if you do not have insurance, you might find yourself paying thousands of Barbados dollars for a mere migraine.

As research disclosed, 65% of the healthcare facilities belong to the public health sector while the remaining 35% are private. While the government has made public healthcare significantly cheaper than their private partners, it’ll still cost a ton.

If you suffer from a chronic illness, there is also a way you can save drug money when you’re in Barbados. The initiative is called the Barbados Drug Service, where those suffering from chronic illnesses are entitled to free medicine. Apart from the issues your health insurance can cover, a few minor health concerns that need urgent attention may surface.

For example, a regular cold medicine like Tylenol, coldrex, etc., can be gotten for 10%. 12 doses of antibiotics (a box) cost $16. A visit to a private doctor could cost you a few dollars too. Just get your health insurance, and you’ll be just great.

Leisure and Entertainment

Barbados is not one of the best tourist destinations in the world for only its beaches. There are so many recreational activities you could engage in that would keep you entertained and relaxed.

Barbados has a bustling nightlife and party scene. A lot of these parties and clubs are free to enter. Beer is one of the cheapest commodities in Barbados, so you’ll have plenty to drink (if you’re into that). If you want something a bit fancier and put together, you can go out on dinner dates.

While a regular night out in the local pub can cost you $20, dinner at an Italian, Chinese, or other high-end restaurant might cost you anything from $100 to $300. You can buy tickets to the movies too for nothing over $20.

If playing sports is your way of relaxing, this small island has you covered too. Barbados is called the sporting capital of the country because of the different activities you can engage in. You can go bowling, cycling, go-karting, horse riding, horse racing, hiking, walking, etc. You can team up with other expats or new friends to play golf, polo, tennis, and even rugby.

Watersports like body surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and many more are not left out. As a tourist, you might need to employ a guide to help you experience these things, but if you decide to stay for the long term, you can experience them at your own pace. Some of these activities come at zero cost, while certain others could cost you a few hundreds of dollars.

For more inexpensive enjoyment, you can go sightseeing, reveling in Bridgetown’s museums and enchanting botanical gardens. You will find several caves you can also explore on your own. Do note that even if you’re without a professional guide, you might still be charged a small entrance fee to access these places.

One thing you should keep in mind while spending on your entertainment is that you can find true relaxation by simply walking and letting the breeze wash over you. Unless it’s something that means something to you, there’s no need to splurge your budget on just the fun times.

Self Care

If it’s not locally sourced, it is expensive. Like we mentioned earlier, most things are imported from outside the country, and the government places an insane amount of tax on it. If you’re coming from a place like the United States, it might be a bad idea to leave all your toiletries, makeup, accessories, clothes, and personal effects shopping till you get to Barbados. That would be a terrible move because although you’ll find the same quality of products here, they’ll be sold three to five times the original price.

A great tip for saving a considerable chunk of shopping money will be to bring everything you believe you’ll need into the country. Do not hesitate to pack bags filled with clothes, shoes, personal effects, and even toiletries when you’re relocating. You should only seek to replace these things when you run out.

Apart from buying things costlier than they should, some expats have also complained about not having the selection and availability opportunities they would typically have in other places. So, if there is something you really like back at home, bring it in its dozens to Barbados.

Studying in Barbados

Since Barbados was colonized by the British, their education system followed the British model. For the expats still pursuing education, international schools are the best option because they make transitioning easy. Instruction and evaluation are also presented mainly in the English language.

Now, Barbados’ schools provide the highest quality of learning, but it comes at a very high cost. Even the local schools are considered expensive, but if it’s any consolation, the system is of the highest quality—tuition rates for elementary and secondary school range between $1,500 – $7,000 per term.

It might help you to know that Barbados is 98% literate.

Transportation

Like most island countries, a car might be an unnecessary expense. It’s a small country, and unless you want to go on a ride somewhere far, you can walk anywhere. Many expats prefer to leave their cars parked in their homes while taking public buses to their destinations. Public transport will get you anywhere you need to go conveniently, in and out of the city center.

One trip usually costs under $2, regardless of the distance. Carpooling is also commonplace in the expat community because they live not too far from each other. So, if you need to be somewhere in the city, chances are there’s someone with a car going in that direction. If you cannot import your car from your home country or purchase a new one, you can rent a car.

Many tourists do this, but for an expat who plans on staying for a long time, it might not be feasible. Renting a car costs between $500 to $600 per month. You can also rent for one day if there’s somewhere essential you need to be, and it usually costs about $50 per day.

There are no e-hailing services in Barbados yet, but there are traditional cabs that would drive you anywhere you need to be for a fair price, usually starting from $20. If you don’t move around too much, you can spend a little over $150 every month on transportation. If you need to move a lot, you might want to consider investing in a four-wheeled vehicle.

Average Cost of Living in Barbados

As a single person living in a modest rented apartment in Barbados, you can live on $1,500.

Without paying rent, a family of four could conveniently live on $5,000 every month. On average, the cost of living in Barbados is 34% higher than that of the United States.

Earning in Barbados

Many expats, especially retirees, move to Barbados, intending to live on their savings. Through smart budgeting, a lot of these retirees make it work. Some of them also receive their pensions from outside Barbados, and this is sufficient to live on.

There is another set of people who permanently reside in Barbados – they are called the digital nomad community. During the pandemic, the government of Barbados initiated a program designed to welcome remote workers from all over the world to live and work in Barbados for 12 months.

The Barbados Welcome Stamp visa opened the doors for a community of remote workers contributing to the economy. If you work remotely already, you can move your business to Barbados and continue to fund the lifestyle you can afford. If it interests you, you can pick up a few interests in Barbados that could quickly turn into side hustles and reduce the financial burden.

Barbados is ripe with investment opportunities. You can take advantage of this to grow your income and earn your keep. Tourism is a great money maker, and you can eat out of that pie if you know your way around it.

If you have any experience running a business, you can put that knowledge to work by starting a business. Look around your immediate community and find a problem that you could solve for people. Barbados is very supportive, and governmental policies are designed to favor small and local businesses. So, don’t hesitate to start something up.

Note: As a non-national, you cannot work in Barbados unless you have a work permit, and the Barbados Immigration Service grants these permits.

Living in Barbados on a Budget

Although life in Barbados can get very expensive, especially when you’re not earning enough to take good care of yourself and your household, there are a few ways you could cut back on some expenses and save some money. Here are some little tips and tricks to help you live that high-quality life on a budget.

1.    Book Your Flights Early

You can save a lot of money (as much as $400) on your flight costs if you book them early. It can get costly if you wait till the last minute.

2.    Eat Local Food

You might have to reinvent your palette, so it stops craving your homemade dishes and start adjusting to the local food in Barbados. Anything that has to be imported into Barbados will be expensive. To save money, eat more local food and cook them yourself too.

3.    Choose Practicality Over Luxury

There is a lot of room to live a luxurious life in Barbados truly, but if you’re living on a budget (with no constant source of financial reprieve), then you’ll need to set your priorities right and choose practicality. This means choosing home-cooked food to eat out, taking public buses instead of renting a car every day or hiring a driver to take you around town, and so on.

Conclusion

For all the incredible beauty, entertainment, and wonder that living in Barbados has to offer; it is no wonder that the cost of living is above average. Overall, it’s a great move if you believe you can afford it. You’ll definitely get more than your money’s worth as soon as you see your quality of life improving.