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Barbados digital nomad visa gives its holders the right to live and work remotely in arguably one of the most popular and stunning Caribbean Islands. This island nation is known as a tourist hotspot with plenty of white beaches, crystal clear water and lush palm trees. However, Barbados has now opened its doors to the remote worker who, unlike the droves of tourists that visit the island annually, has a longer extended stay.

In response to the sluggish economy brought on by the pandemic, Barbados now receives digital nomads with the Welcome Stamp, a visa that allows its holder to stay in the nation up to twelve months. With excellent cuisine, world class resorts, a vibrant nightlife and a friendly population, Barbados is quickly cementing itself as among the top destinations for remote workers.

Does Barbados Issue Work Permits for Foreigners?

Barbados does allow foreigners to work on the island nation via the issuance of work permits —all non-nationals must register with immigration pursuant to Section 17 of the Immigration Act, CAP. 190. There are two types of work permits: short and long term. ¹

Short Term—These are issued for periods not exceeding eleven months. Requirements include a completed C-3 application form (in duplicate), cover letter (detailed) from the employer, a police report and a copy of the bio data of the passport.

Long Term—Long term permits are valid for up to three years and prospective employers must prove that a Barbadian citizen or resident is not able and willing to fulfill the job requirements. This  permit needs among other prerequisites completed C-1 , C-2 work permit forms (in duplicate), medical form that is completed and evidence of the applicant’s qualification. More information can be obtained from the prior link.

Application fees for these permits is typically US $150 but is ultimately dependent on the type of work and length of time requested to work.

Is It Possible To Work Remotely in Barbados?

Barbados recently launched its digital nomad visa aptly named the “Barbados Welcome Stamp” which permits remote workers, freelancers and entrepreneurs to live and work on the island nation for up to 12 months.

Courtesy : Photo by Kathryn Maingot on Unsplash  

What Is the Barbados Digital Nomad Visa Welcome Stamp?

With the onset of the pandemic, Barbados, which has been historically heavily dependent on tourism to drive its own economy, needed another way to attract visitors to the country—it quickly became evident and clear that a remote work visa was the answer. Many workers went remote which spurred a population growth of digital nomads, Barbados seized the opportunity and launched the Barbados Welcome Stamp in July 2020.

The Barbados digital nomad visa is valid for a year and allows its holder to bring dependents in the form of a spouse and children. Remote workers can live and work not only for a year, but have the option to extend and renew their visa should the lure of Barbados seem too much to resist. The dependents of the holder will have the same conditions and benefits as the holder of the visa.

Eligibility for the Barbados Freelance Visa

This visa is available to any remote worker, entrepreneur or freelancer that works online and has their income from a foreign source. As long as the applicant meets the prerequisites such as income requirements, they and their families can apply for the Barbados digital nomad visa regardless of nationality.

Requirements for Barbados Welcome Stamp (Document Prerequisites For the Remote Work Visa)

As with any digital nomad visa program, the Barbados government has placed several requirements for the visa from income thresholds to having a valid passport; however, unlike many of the other countries the requirements for the Barbados Welcome Stamp are few. ²

1. Applicants need to make a minimum of USD $50,000 for the duration they intend to stay in Barbados and will need to provide documentation proving the same. This places it on par with the Estonia digital nomad visa in terms of income requirement which may be steep for many.
2. Copy of bio data page of a valid passport for the applicant and dependents if applicable.
3. Proof of relationships of the dependents to the applicant such as birth or marriage certificates. 
4. Medical insurance coverage for the duration of stay in Barbados.

Courtesy: Photo by Denise Jans on Unsplash

Process To Apply for the Barbados Digital Nomad Visa

Applying for the Welcome Stamp online is straightforward and can be done conveniently from any part of the world. 

Additionally, remote workers who are not from a visa exempt country must apply for a separate entry visa to enter Barbados. Certain nationals such as U.S. citizens are not required to have a visa to enter Barbados, but just a valid passport. This list displays countries that are required to have a visa and those that are exempt. 

Fortunately, nationals of many countries are exempt from obtaining a visa due to many visa abolition agreements signed by Barbados and partly because several are commonwealth countries.

Contact the Barbados Immigration Department on instructions to obtain an entry visa—these applications are accepted at missions and consulates all across the world. ³

What Is the Cost and Validity of the Barbados Welcome Stamp

Applicants for the Barbados digital nomad visa do not have to pay for the visa until it has been approved. This is great news because the visa is priced on the steep side at US $2,000 for the applicant. The family bundle costs US $3,000. This fee must be paid within 28 days of approval. 

The Welcome Stamp is valid for one year but holders have the option to renew the visa while still being in Barbados for another 12 months.

How Long Does It Take To Get the Visa Approved?

The visa is typically approved within seven business days upon which the application fee becomes due.

What Should I Do if My Barbados Remote Worker Visa Is Denied?

Applicants do need to pay a fee when applying for the Barbados digital nomad visa. This means that if the visa is denied, they do not stand to lose their application which is a whooping US $2,000 for a single applicant. They should review their documentation and check what was missing since the requirements are very few and straightforward for this visa. 

Remote workers can re-apply for the visa once they have reassessed their documents.

Life in Barbados as a Remote Worker

Barbados has an excellent infrastructure in place to support the remote worker; these include a superior road network, high speed internet and a modern health care system. Additionally, the island nation enjoys year- round sunshine, some of the best Caribbean beaches and plenty of activities such as snorkeling, hiking, diving and windsurfing.

There is also a supportive digital nomad community that is growing and while Barbados is not the cheapest digital nomad location, it’s not very expensive and can be affordable for many remote workers.

Cost of Living of Living in Barbados

Barbados has a fairly high cost of living, on average 11% higher than it is in the United States—conversely, the average rental price in Barbados is half of what it is in the U.S. 

A single person should expect to fork out an US $1,000 for rent inside the city and US $500 – US $700 outside of the city center. Because Barbados has to import most of its food, the cost of food is high compared to the U.S. which contributes to the higher standard of living. 

An average of US $2,000 a month is enough to cater for the monthly living expenses including rent, utilities, food and entertainment. Ultimately, it comes down to how much money the remote worker makes and the amount they are willing to spend.

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Tourist Attractions in Barbados

Tourist attractions are the one thing that this Caribbean Island is not short of having established itself as a premier tourist destination in the region. The most desirable characteristic of the island as one can expect are the white pristine beaches. Popular beaches include Miami Beach Barbados, Dover Beach, Bathsheba Beach and Rockley Beach.

There are plenty of restaurants that dot the coastline and several activities to do such as swimming, snorkeling among shipwrecks and coral reefs close to shore, diving to view the incredible marine life like turtles, barracudas, stingrays and manta rays.

The island has plenty of walking trails and a visit to St. Nicholas Bay plantation is warranted as is enjoying Oistins Friday night fish fry when most vendors are open—for US $20, you can get a hearty meal of freshly caught fish and two sides.   

Other tourist attractions in Barbados include:

• Animal flower cave
• Hunte’s Gardens
• Carlisle Bay
• Andromeda Botanic Gardens
• Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Park
• Atlantis Submarine Day Tour

Courtesy: Photo by NEOM on Unsplash

Ideal Locations To Reside in Barbados

Barbados does not fall short in offering serene residential areas— where a digital nomad chooses to reside is all dependent on their income and what they’re willing to fork out on rent. Some other factors to consider include:

• Whether you are planning to rent or buy a car and what locations have ideal walking distances to access amenities.
• Requirement of whether to be close to entertainment spots such as beaches or nightlife areas.
• A need for the remote worker to be in close proximity to the airport due to frequent traveling.

In terms of long-term leases, the South Coast neighborhoods of Enterprise and Atlantic Shores are ideal with one- and two-bedroom units leasing for US $500 and US $750 a month. Freights Bay is a surfer’s favorite and is located in the area; living here is an easy stroll to Oistins which has several amenities such as supermarkets, eateries, gyms, shopping plazas and banks.

If planning to have a vehicle, then Fort George Heights is an ideal location with gorgeous homes, neighborhood parks and not too far away from the commercial district that is home to the U.S. embassy and the Sheraton Mall.

Other neighborhoods to consider in Barbados are:

• The Villages at Coverley
• Maxwell and Welches
• Worthing
• Rockley
• Hastings

Courtesy: Photo by Anthony Ingham on Unsplash

Tax Structure for Remote Workers in Barbados

Digital nomads are not required to pay taxes on foreign income while on the Welcome Stamp. This is because residents that are not settled do not need to pay income taxes except from sources from Barbados alone. Non-residents are taxed 12.5% on the first US $25,000 of Barbados derived income and a rate of 28.5% thereafter. 

Visitors are however subject to a 17.5% VAT on products they purchase on the island. If remote workers do nevertheless choose to start a business, they will pay a low and competitive corporate tax rate of 1% to 5.5%. Visit Invest Barbados to inquire about investment opportunities in the island. 

Amenities for Remote Workers in Barbados (Internet Connectivity, Coworking Spaces, Banking, Healthcare)

It is not practical to be all fun and play when living life as a digital nomad, an equal and more foundational component of digital nomad life is the work that allows remote work and freelancing—after all, it pays the bills and permits the lifestyle.

Therefore, the digital nomad requires the amenities that will support their remote office including reliable and fast internet and an excellent banking system to access their funds and salaries. Fortunately, Barbados has a modern infrastructure that is comparable to many industrialized nations to adequately support the freelancer.

Internet Access in Barbados

Barbados is one of most wired countries in the world as per rankings by the International Telecommunication Union, a specialized United Nations agency dealing in matters of IT and communication— as of 2023, it has an internet penetration of 85.8%. ⁴ The island nation also has very high data rates with download speeds averaging 99.82 Mbps for fixed broadband connections as per Speedtest.

Additionally, Barbados has plans to blanket the whole island with Wi-Fi access; nevertheless as it stands, free Wi-Fi is available at public spaces, hotels, apartments, coffee shops and guesthouses. On the other hand, it is reported that Barbado has the highest cost for internet in the Caribbean and remote workers should look out for residential and work areas that have Wi-Fi deals.

Courtesy: Photo by Bram Naus on Unsplash

Coworking Spaces in Barbados

The coworking space scene in Barbados is not as developed as other digital nomad hubs such as Portugal which freelancers and remote workers can travel to with the Portugal digital nomad visa. Most of the coworking spaces are located in Bridgetown, its capital but some are can also be found at the south and west coast. 

Some of the popular coworking spaces in Barbados include TEN Habitat and nhome Barbados. This list also contains popular cafes and restaurants that offer free Wi-Fi to work out of.

• TEN Habitat—TEN Habitat is a collaborative work space for entrepreneurs and digital nomads that charges a premium membership of US $150 a month and virtual $25 per month.
• nhome Barbados— nhome Barbados gives access to the Nhome South and West Work Spaces with dedicated Wi-Fi, free coffee and free printing depending on the membership. Daily, weekly and monthly rates are available.
• Regus One Welches in Welches— Regus One Welches in Welches has an outdoor terrace, an indoor that is air conditioned, furnishes free coffee and has a podcasting room among other amenities. It charges US $529 per month for membership.
• Artsplash Café
• Barbados Cruising Club
• Bliss Cafe
• Carib Beach Bar
• Copacabana
• Dragonfly Cafe
• Epic Surf Cafe
• Happy Days Cafe
• Sage Bistro
• Senses Marché
• Cafe 195
• Citrine Salads
• Open Kitchen
• Surfer’s Cafe
• The Restaurant at South Gap Hotel
• Tower Cafe and Bistro
• The Park Cafe

Banking in Barbados

The Barbadian dollar is the primary currency in the island nation and the Central Bank of Barbados (CBB) is the monetary authority for the banking system and other monetary matters in the country. ⁵ Commercial banking is provided by three Canadian banks and two regional banks. Only citizens and permanent residents have access to financing from Barbadian sources.

Some banks allow individuals with international accounts to open the account abroad—applicants will typically need two forms of valid government issued ID such as a passport and driver license and a proof residential address like a utility bill. 

Non residents of which digital nomads are will need to have a reference letter or current account statement from their home bank. Some banks will need the applicants to come into the branch to open an account.

Many banks have online and mobile banking services as expected from countries with advanced economies. There are several offshore banks under the country’s Offshore Banking Act that take foreign funds for deposit, make loans and investments. ⁶

Below is a limited list of U.S. banks and local correspondent banks operating in the Barbadian banking ecosystem: ⁷

• The Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) 
• Republic Bank (Barbados) Ltd 
• CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank 
• Caribbean Financial Services Corporation 
• Citicorp Merchant Bank Limited (Citi) 
• First Citizens Bank (Barbados) Ltd 
• RBC Royal Bank of Canada 

Healthcare in Barbados

Barbadians enjoy an astounding public healthcare system that is composed of 9 polyclinics, a public hospital, and several specialty clinics including a HIV clinic. ⁸ These polyclinics provide primary care to its citizens and approved permanent residents for free. 

Water borne illnesses are rare and it is safe to drink water from the tap because the island is made up of coral rock and other sedimentary materials that filter the water.

Digital nomads are required to have health insurance and the UK government warns of the island nation having a high risk of Zika virus transmission—visitors can refer to this list of English-speaking doctors in Barbados. ⁹

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Benefits of Working Remotely in Barbados

There are several pros to living as a freelancer in Barbados as a Welcome Stamp holder— these include not needing to pay taxes or access to advanced internet infrastructure; the full list appears below.

• Taxes— Remote workers are not required to pay taxes on foreign income and employers are not required to maintain a payroll.
• Quick Application— Applying for the Welcome Stamp is quick, taking only a few minutes to complete and is processed by the Barbadian government in 48 hours. A decision is issued five days after this window.
• No Non- Refundable Fees—Applicants are only required to pay for their visa once it has been approved. However, a downside is that these fees are steep at US $2,000 for a single applicant and US $3,000 when dependents are included.
• Advanced Internet—Barbados has one of the highest penetrations in the world and has high internet speeds to match this stat.
• Exquisite Cuisine— Known to be the “culinary capital of the Caribbean”, Barbadian cuisine known as Bajan food has African, Indian, Creoles, British and Irish influences making for a fusion of delicious strong, spicy and tangy tastes.
• Modern Health & Education System— Welcome Stamp holders and their children have access to a well-developed health system. Their children are automatically issued with student visas to allow them to continue in their studies.

Alternative Countries in the Caribbean That Offer Visas for Remote Workers

Other than Barbados, there are several countries that offer digital nomad visas—freelancers who are looking to continue exploring their Caribbean travels or would like to opt for other countries can turn to St. Lucia, Grenada and the Bahamas. Many of these visas are valid for one year with some having the option to renew.

Antigua & Barbuda— Antigua Nomad Digital Residence is one of the lengthier programs with the visa valid for 2 years and costing US $1,500, US $2,000 for a couple and US $3,000 for a family consisting of 3 or more members.

Bermuda —Work from Bermuda has a cheaper costing visa setting back the applicant US $263 and is valid for 1 year. Despite high living costs and slower internet, it offers stunning beaches and attractions for remote workers interested in a Bermuda digital nomad visa.

The Cayman Islands — The Cayman Islands’ Global Citizen Concierge Program is a costly visa with a fee of US $1,469, but is nevertheless valid for 2 years.

Anguilla — Anguilla’s digital nomad visa is valid for 1 year and is among the most expensive to acquire costing US $2,000 placing at par with the Welcome Stamp.

Montserrat — The Monserrat Remote Work Stamp costs US $500 for a single applicant and US $750 for a family of up to 3; it is valid for 1 year. This island nation offers Montserrat digital nomad visa holders a one-year stay on an island with stunning beaches and lush forests.

Dominica — Among the cheapest Caribbean locations in terms of cost of living, Work in Nature (WIN), the country’s digital nomad visa costs US $800 for a single applicant and US $1,200 for a family. It is valid for 18 months which makes it a good deal.

The Bahamas — This famous Caribbean destination launched a digital nomad visa named Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) and costs US $1,000 for a single applicant and an additional US $500 for each dependent.

Curaçao — Curaçao’s digital nomad visa dubbed the @ HOME in Curaçao costs US $294 and allows the holder only 6 months residence on this beautiful Caribbean Island.

St. Lucia — The St. Lucia Digital Nomad Visa costs US $75 for a single applicant and is valid for 1 year making the St. Lucia Digital Nomad Visa the cheapest option to attain in the Caribbean.

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The Barbados digital nomad visa gives freelancers and entrepreneurs and their families a chance to live and work in one of the most stunning islands in the Caribbean—the application process is simple and straightforward making this destination ideal for the remote worker.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is the Barbados Digital Nomad Visa Valid For?

The Welcome Stamp is valid for one year with an option for extension of twelve months.

Who Can Apply for the Remote Worker Visa in Barbados?

Anyone who meets the qualifications to acquire the visa is eligible with the main one being making US $50,000 annually.

Can the Barbados Welcome Stamp Be Extended?

Yes, it is possible to extend the Welcome Stamp and is done from the same portal where the initial application was lodged.

Is There a Refund if the Visa Is Denied?

Applicants are not required to pay any upfront visa application fee; they only pay once the application has been approved for issue of the visa.

Is Barbados an Ideal Location for Digital Nomads?

Yes, Barbados offers an average standard of living and offers the freelancer with world class infrastructure to support the remote worker. It is also an island of extreme beauty providing the perfect work and play mix.

Does Barbados Have Good Tax Rates for Digital Nomads?

Digital nomads are not required to pay any taxes on income earned from foreign sources.

Differences Between a Barbados Tourist and Freelancer Visa

The Barbados tourist visa is a temporary visa that allows the holder to stay up to 6 months in the country and cannot take up work—the nomad visa grants the holder and their family twelve months to live and work remotely in Barbados.

Can U.S. Citizens Live, Work or Retire in Barbados?

U.S citizens and other nationalities can apply for work permits to work in the country or apply for a digital nomad visa if they work remotely. Individuals who are over 60 and want to retire in the island nation must prove they have sufficient funds and apply for an immigrant visa. After 5 years, they are eligible to apply for permanent residence.

References

[1] Barbados., P. M.-D. (2011). Work Permits Section 17 of the Immigration Act, CAP. 190. Retrieved 2023, from https://immigration.gov.bb/pages/WorkPermit.aspx 

[2] Inc., B. T. (2023). Work Remotely in Barbados. Retrieved 2023, from https://www.visitbarbados.org/barbados-welcome-stamp 

[3] Department, B. I. (2023). Visa Requirement Information. Retrieved 2023, from https://immigration.gov.bb/pages/visa_requirements.aspx 

[4] Union, I. T. (2023). Barbados: Individuals using the Internet. Retrieved 2023, from https://datahub.itu.int/data/?e=BRB&c=701&i=11624 

[5] The International Trade Administration (ITA), U. D. (2023). Barbados – Banking Systems. Retrieved 2023, from https://www.privacyshield.gov/ps/article?id=Barbados-Banking-System 

[6] OFFICE, C. A. (2023). Offshore Banking Act, Cap. 325. Retrieved 2023, from https://caipo.gov.bb/legislation/offshore-banking-act-cap-325/ 

[7] The International Trade Administration (ITA), U. D. (2023). Barbados – U.S. Banks and Local Correspondent Banks. Retrieved 2023, from https://www.privacyshield.gov/ps/article?id=Barbados-U-S-Banks-and-Local-Correspondent-Banks 

[8] of, D. U. (2023). (Global) Community Health Clinical in Barbados! Retrieved 2023, from https://nursing.duke.edu/blog/ogachi/global-community-health-clinical-%C2%A0barbados 

[9] Government, U. (2023). Foreign travel advice : Barbados. Retrieved 2023, from https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/barbados/health