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.

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

The complexities and uncertainties of COVID-19 have resulted in why many expat move around the world. And with this, a lot of people still want to live on the island paradise in the Caribbean. Why do you think people love that? Well, somehow, the beaches, the sun, and the climate are of major draws.

Meanwhile, the cultural aspects, cuisines, and music are one of the essential things to expect. While much of this is true, there are many factors that could make you think twice about this country. Of course, if you’ve thoroughly considered moving to Barbados, it’s something you should be happy about.

Although some could decide to live in this country all year round, while others live there during the winter months to escape the cold dark days at home. Regardless of the reasons you’d love to relocate to Barbados, there are few things to consider. The location, cuisines, cost of living, and many others are crucial!

Have you been thinking about relocating to the Caribbean in 2021? Or you’ve been longing for a change of pace and dreaming of quiet mornings by the beach? Look no further as you’ve landed on the right platform. All you need now is to read this guide with full concentration and avoid misleading information on the internet. This is because; teams of experts in the field compiled this article.

However, we will walk you through the concepts of moving to Barbados in today’s 21stcentury. In this guide, you’ll understand the pros and cons of living here. Not only that, but we have compiled some of the things to know before moving to Barbados. Would you love to check it out? Read further for more!

Things to Know Before Moving to Barbados

Whether you want to add a second home or turn your Caribbean beach dream into a reality, it’s quite possible to move to the Caribbean. While relocating to this country could mean different things to different people, you still need to understand certain things before planning your move. In a way to make your relocation easier, below are the things you need to keep in mind while relocating here.

Densely Populated Island

While we describe it as a densely populated island, some would term it as a crowded and even overpopulated place. Notwithstanding, this small island nation, with an area of about 430 square kilometers, is home to around 280,000 people, making it the most densely populated country in the world. With that being said, you should know that it can be quite difficult to find a spot that you’ll enjoy.

An Extremely Expensive Place

If you’re willing to adapt to change, Barbados can be quite comfortable for you to live in. On the other hand, if you’re not, the cost of living can be prohibitive, thereby affecting your relocation to any part of this country. Since it’s an island nation, a lot of its needs must be met by import, and it can increase the cost of goods in the long run.

Life is Slower in the Caribbean

Of course, you might have heard people saying life is slower in the Caribbean. Yes! Barbados isn’t an exception today. And this is due to the fact that government documents, being billed at a store, and more could be extremely frustrating. This way, if you’re from the western world, you may find it difficult to adapt to this kind of environment.

Barbados Weather Isn’t Fun

It should be noted as an expat that this country’s weather isn’t fun. Admittedly, lots of expats love the Barbados weather, but there are also many who don’t find it friendly. Moreover, the country has two seasons, and the temperature throughout the year could go as 20˚C and 30˚C. Besides, the only difference between the two seasons is that rain could go from June to November and tiresome.

Know the Suitable Place

If you’re considering moving to a new place, one of the first things to consider is the right place for expat to live. Barbados is nature heaven, and there are lots of amazing places to visit. While you can visit the wonderful beaches, forests, parks, museums, and other places, consider the best cities suitable for you.

Home to the Best Nightlife

If you’re a fan of going out to clubs and enjoying the nightlife, Barbados is one of the best countries to offer you this cruise. The nightlife is mostly located in St. Lawrence Gap, and they offer live entertainment during the week and on the weekends. So, be rest assured of endless enjoyment here.

Unique English Language

This contributes to one of the most interesting things to know before moving to Barbados. Surprisingly, the official language is English, but it is quite different from British and American English. In fact, it’s called Bajan Creole or Barbadian Creole, and it’s a spoken language. So, if you’re coming from a Western nation, expect a slight change in the language.

Best Places to Explore in Barbados

Before we walk you through the pros and cons of moving to this country, it’s quite essential to know the best places to visit. However, most travelers relocating to Barbados don’t experience any problems because it is safe. Now, we have selected the best places to explore in Barbados. Take a look at it below.

Visit George Washington House

This historic structure was better known in Barbados as the Bush Hill House. This place is home to plantations where crops were grown in the olden days. Meanwhile, research made it known that in 1751, a young gentleman named George Washington and his half-brother Lawrence spent a short stay here. In the long run, they became the first president, and Barbados was the only place they touched.

Folkestone Marine Park

This is another place to visit during your stay in this country. It is located in Holetown, near St. James’ Parish Church, and you can easily identify the place when you get there. In addition, Folkestone Museum is a huge aquarium with sporadic forms of marine life with plenty of things to see about the country’s historical background.

Crane Beach and Resort

The crane beach and resort also made it to one of the best places to visit in Barbados. This beach, with its pink coral sand, was a boat nation and also surrounded by rocks since its inception. But as of today, it has its name as of the best beaches in Barbados. Moreover, you can visit this place if you enjoy sunbathing in the sun, surfing, and many others, to mention a few.

Harrison’s Cave, Barbados

Harrison’s Cave is a natural attraction in this country, and it’s also listed among the best tourist attractions in Barbados and the seven wonders of the island. This beautiful cave opens a wonderful world of stalactites and stalagmites, the oldest emerald lakes, clear water, and a small waterfall. This way, it emerges as one of the popular places on the mysterious island and throughout the Caribbean.

Exploring the Morgan Lewis Windmill

This beautiful arena was founded in 1727 in the northern district of St. Andrew, near the island’s eastern shoreline, where the last surviving sugar mill in Barbados found its place. More so, it’s among the list of the 7 wonders of the island. Not only that, but it has emerged as the only windmill in the world to grind sugar cane. So, if you’re looking to explore the best outdoor activities in Barbados, this is one of a kind.

Visit Emancipation Statue

The statue of emancipation is another must-see place in Barbados. This incredible statue is an iconic Barbados landmark created by Karl Broodhage. In literal translation, research made it known that this sculpture symbolizes the breaking of the chains of slavery. As history disclosed, the complete liberation of the subjects took place in 1838, with more than 70,000 local and African Barbadoses jubilating.

Visit the Carlisle Bay

A visit to Carlisle bay is another thing to put into consideration when you found yourself in Barbados. Besides, this place is perfect for all kinds of water sports and diving. Not only that, but the entrance is free, and all the beaches are open from sunrise to sunset on any day of the week.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Barbados

As we’ve disclosed earlier, Barbados is the most easterly island in the Caribbean, with a growing population of about 280,000 people. Limestone rocks form this island, and you should know that there are many things to enjoy here. While keeping what to want in mind, you should also consider some disadvantages of living in the country. Without further ado, below are the pros and cons.

Pros

1.    Enjoy Stunning Island Beaches

If you’re just visiting the island for the first time, we’re sure this wonderful place’ll carry you away. Barbados may not make the top list often when it comes to beaches but compared to other destinations, the beaches are easy to access, and they’re never too crowded. In fact, parking regulations are easy-going, so you can easily park somewhere and access many beaches in the country.

2.    Weather in Barbados

We can tell you that you’ll never have a bad vacation in this country because of the weather. This means sunny days and bright blue skies are generally the norms here outside of hurricane and rainy season. On the flip side, we advise that you wear a rash guard if you plan to swim a lot. And this is due to the fact that the sun is very hot, and sunscreen may not keep you from getting sunburned.

3.    Excellent Infrastructure

The beautiful and excellent infrastructure in Barbados is why a lot of people want to make it their next destination. In this country, you can drink tap water and not be as cautious about what it could result in the long run. While the island is made up of coral limestone, research revealed that the water is of high quality due to natural filtration. More so, you can rent a car and drive fairly easily on the road.

4.    No Language Barrier

One special thing you’d like about this country is the language aspect. Here in Barbados, the English language is widely spoken. This means you don’t need to stress out and learn a new language. However, you’ll see a lot of locals speaking conventional English but don’t be surprised if you hear the Bajan dialect, made up of sayings that are slightly different from how you pronounce English letters. That’s why we advise you to do thorough research and brush up on Bajan to be pompasettin to the locals.

5.    Development is Limited

It’s no doubt that development is limited in this country. And this is because the government would like to protect the environment. Compared to other places like Bali or Mexico, there aren’t new hotel development, and this also means less room inventory which keeps prices high and the island from being overrun.

6.    Security Measures

As of today’s digital age, we can tell you with full confidence that Barbados is pretty safe. Meanwhile you need to exercise precautions in some parts of the country as an expat. Moreover, people will try to sell drugs in some spots, but they’re not too pushy. On the flip side, violent crime is present but not very common because the locals are friendly, even after you bust them of trying to scam you.

7.    Incredible Tourist Attractions

If we’re talking about tourist attractions, Barbados is one of a kind. And this is because; there are many tourist attractions like Animal Flower Cave, Harrison Caves, sporting events, Rihanna’s House, and many others, to mention a few. So, if the beach is not your thing, there are many places to keep you busy.

Cons

1.    Airport Problem

Since no place is perfect, you should know that the Barbados airport can’t absorb all the passengers who arrive within a 3-hour time frame. This means you’ll need to plan to spend at least 1 hour going through the customs and immigration process. This same process can be done when you return to the airport to catch your flight back home. Also, be mindful that Saturdays could be the busiest days, and we’re unsure how this would be regarding the COVID-19 update.

2.    Lack of All-inclusive Accommodation

You can travel to Barbados on a budget, but research made it known that it’s not easy as other places because of its all-inclusive accommodations. And again, the local currency, Barbadian Dollar (Bds$), is pegged to the US dollar. However, this makes it a lot more expensive for food, car rental, and accommodation compared to other places.

3.    Expensive Food Scene

While Barbados is known for having a good and being called a food destination, don’t be surprised that you can be charged a different price for the exact same meal that was better the first day. However, if there’s one thing that has improved in Barbados as of today, we can tell you that it’s the availability of wine at various price points, and it’s always expensive.

4.    Cost of Living

While many services on the island are cheaper compared to the United States, things like imported goods might be expensive in Barbados. In the long run, we will walk you through the cost of living in our next blog post. Until then, always know that the cost of living in this country might leave you surprised.

5 Reasons You Should Leave in the Caribbean

Are you tired from the hustled bustle of city life, dealing with noise pollution, and the smell of carbon monoxide in the morning? Well, one of the ways to get away from this is to live in the Caribbean. Although we may picture this as a vacation, but it’s far beyond what you could ever imagined. Now, let’s quickly walk you through the ways or reasons you should live in the Caribbean.

1.    Enjoy a Subtropical Environment

One reason you should live in the Caribbean is because of the environment. And this is because it allows you to enjoy more time in nature and away from all the development and pollution of city life. Not only that, but you’ll enjoy the chirping of nighty crickets, interesting wildlife, and the mischievous green monkeys. On the other hand, you need to be careful while living in the Caribbean as an expat.

2.    A Unique Change of Pace

City life is usually fast-paced, the hustle and bustle, but in the Caribbean, the case is different. And instead, the pace here is slower, and the islanders take it one day at a time. So, if you’re coming to this country hoping things would get fast, you might have to think again, and don’t be surprised if things get delayed or stay longer than you expect.

3.    Promised a relaxed Lifestyle

A good way to enjoy the Caribbean is when you have a relaxed lifestyle. And this is one thing you’ll hardly get in the western world. Moreover, those retiring in the Caribbean can find all kinds of things to do here, including enjoying water sports, exploring the markets, and many others, to mention a few.

4.    Enjoy Lot of Outdoor Activities

If you love outdoor activities, the Caribbean is one of the best places to explore. Moreover, did you know that the world’s second-largest barrier reef is based within the Caribbean? Well, don’t be surprised because the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, known as the Great Mayan Reef, attracts a large number of tourists to the islands almost every year.

5.    Opportunity for Expats

We’re sure you’d be wondering what the golden opportunity could be? Well, we can tell you that the Caribbean is among one of the best places suitable for expats to retire. However, those who still have time before their retirement can find ample job opportunities across the islands. Also, you’ll enjoy tons of festivals all through the year, and this is one of its kind experience you can enjoy being an expat.

Frequently Asked Questions about Moving to Barbados

Is it expensive to move to Barbados?

From research and our personal experience, we can tell you that Barbados isn’t expensive to relocate as of today. Moreover, a family of four estimated monthly in this country are $4,132 respectively, without rent. So, be rest assured that the cost of living in Barbados is, on average, 43.67 percent lower than the United States of America.

Is healthcare free for expat in Barbados?

For the locals, they are all covered by Universal healthcare in the country. Also, the country has eight polyclinics throughout the country, 5 Geriatric hospitals for the elderly, and a network of Child Care facilities. This means, expat with the required documents can enjoy these benefits but can also use private hospitals.

How long can a UK resident stay in Barbados?

In Barbados, British nationals do not require a visa to visit Barbados. And instead, you’ll be granted a specified period of stay on arrival, which can only allow you to stay in the country for a maximum of six months. Meanwhile, if you wish to stay longer, you must apply and pay for an extension through the country’s immigration department.

Can I live permanently in Barbados as an expat?

Foreigners who wish to take up permanent residence in Barbados must provide tangible evidence that they’re not likely to become a threat or charge on the nation. Aside from this fact, you may need to go through the required immigration processes before the visa can be given. But, not to worry, the process is quite easy compared to other countries like the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

Can I buy Barbados citizenship?

Unlike other countries, Barbados doesn’t have direct citizenship by investment program. However, the residency by investment program is seen to be a pathway to citizenship by naturalization. On the flip side, we advise you to go through the visa requirement process to understand the Barbados visa process.

Conclusion

With the global pandemic occurrence, there’s a lot of paperwork involved in moving to Barbados. While it may cost you money, it’s quite beneficial to understand the pros and cons of moving to the country. As mentioned above, it’s one of the best countries to retire since it’s a tropical paradise that people dream of visiting. Nonetheless, refer to this guide to understand the process better.