How to Move to Barbados – The 7th Heaven Properties Guide
Are you longing for a change of pace? Dreaming of quiet mornings by the beach, afternoons relaxing in the sunshine and balmy evenings sipping sundowners as the sun sets in a blaze of glory? Have you been thinking about relocating to the Caribbean? We put together this guide for people wondering how to move to the beautiful Eastern Caribbean island of Barbados.
This guide is a starting point for anyone thinking of making a move to Barbados, covering everything from why and how to move through to the best places to live on the island.
Find out how to move to Barbados in our relocation guide
Contents
Relocating – Is Barbados a Good Place to Live?
Temporary Residency – Barbados Welcome Stamp
Special Entry and Reside Permit (SERP) for Property Owners & HNWI
Permanent Residency in Barbados
Finding a Place to Live in Barbados – Where are the Best Places to Buy Property?
Find Out More About Moving to Barbados
Relocating – Is Barbados a Good Place to Live?
Boasting some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, rolling green hills and year-round warmth, Barbados is a great place to live. Besides stunning natural beauty and a welcoming climate, the people of Barbados are friendly and welcoming. There is plenty to see and do for all the family, from surfing and a variety of other water sports to golf on world-class championship golf courses, and from great shopping to fine dining at some of the region’s best restaurants and much more.
Find out more in our guide to Investing in Barbados
Temporary Residency – Barbados Welcome Stamp
In July 2020, Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced a new way for people to move to Barbados on a temporary basis.
The new 12 month Barbados Welcome Stamp, which has already begun accepting applications, allows qualifying individuals to live and work remotely in Barbados for 1 year.
Targeted at professionals who normally work from home, “Barbados’ new visa lets you work remotely in paradise for up to a year.”
Cost
The cost of the Barbados Welcome Stamp is as follows:
- $2000 for an individual
- $3000 for a family or couple
Duration of Stay in Barbados
The Barbados Welcome Stamp allows successful applicants to live in Barbados for a maximum of 12 months from the date of approval.
Requirements
To qualify, applicants must at least 18 years of age and be able to declare an expected income of at least $50,000 per year from a source outside Barbados or be able to demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and any spouse or dependents for the duration of the stay in Barbados.
Application Process
To apply for the Barbados Welcome Stamp, applicants should submit a completed application form together with the below documents here.
- Passport sized photograph – for the principal applicant and all other family members aged over 18 included in the application (if applicable)
- Bio data page of passport – for the principal applicant and all other family members included in the application (if applicable)
- Birth certificate – for the principal applicant and all other family members included in the application (if applicable)
- Proof of relationship of the principal applicant to all other family members included in the application (e.g. birth certificate, adoption documents, marriage certificate and any other relevant documents)
Special Entry and Reside Permit (SERP) for Property Owners & HNWI
The Barbados Welcome Stamp is not the only way you can live in Barbados.
The island also offers Special Entry and Reside Permits (SERP) to applicants (plus spouses and dependents) which allow qualifying individuals to enjoy residency in Barbados.
Who can apply?
Property Owners
Individuals who own a property in Barbados with a value of at least US $300,000 can apply for a Special Entry and Reside Permit. In the case of property owners, a SERP is issued for a period of 5 years and can be renewed thereafter. Should you apply via this route, you may not seek employment in Barbados, making this route ideal for those looking to retire in Barbados.
Fees are as follows:
- US $5,000 per adult for a 5 year period
- US $150 for minor dependents
High Net Worth Investors
High net worth investors (HNWIs) are also eligible for a Special Entry and Reside Permit. To qualify, an individual must be able to show evidence of making an investment in Barbados of at least US $2 million from funds sourced outside of the island as well as a certified statement demonstrating net assets of at least US $5 million.
Qualifying investments include rental real estate, property development projects, manufacturing, tourism, bank deposits, mutual funds, bonds and other
financial instruments.
The fees for an SERP range from US $3,500 to US $5,000 for an initial permit plus an additional US $5,000 for an indefinite permit which lasts a lifetime upon reaching 60 years of age.
Should you wish to work, there is an additional fee required for a work permit.
How to Apply
To apply for a Special Entry and Reside Permit, applicants must submit the following documents to the Barbados Immigration Department:
- Evidence of health insurance in excess of US $500,000
- Police Certificate of Character (PCC) from a country in which you have been resident for at least 6 months after the age of 16 (or an enhanced disclosure certificate in the case of British applicants)
- 1 x passport sized photo
- Birth certificate (original plus a copy)
- Certified copy of the bio-data page of the applicant’s passport
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of relationship to dependents where applicable e.g. birth certificates / legal documents
A spouse and children can be included in the application. There is an additional fee of US $150 for each spouse / dependent.
Permanent Residency in Barbados
After 5 years living in Barbados lawfully, individuals who can demonstrate the ability to support themselves financially can apply for permanent residency in Barbados.
Applications should be made to the Barbados Immigration Department.
Finding a Place to Live in Barbados – Where are the Best Places to Buy Property?
Barbados is a beautiful island and there are fantastic places to live across the island.
Traditionally, the most sought after destination is the “Platinum Coast” of the island. From the Parish of St Michael up to St James and St Peter, the West Coast of Barbados is fringed by pristine, powder soft white sand beaches and sandy coves offering idyllic views of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
For buyers in search of luxury homes for sale in Barbados, take a look at the world-famous Sandy Lane Estate, marina homes at prestigious communities such as Port Ferdinand and Port St Charles or elegant homes overlooking the golf course at Royal Westmoreland.
For buyers looking for condos for sale in Barbados, there are plenty of options on the West Coast too, as well as the South Coast. The residences for sale at The Crane offer access to a superb collection of resort amenities and a magnificent beach, while condos for sale at The Sands in Christchurch represent excellent value for those looking for a more affordable investment.
If you would prefer to get away from it all, the East Coast of Barbados is more tranquil, with dramatic views of breathtaking beaches on the Atlantic coast of the island. Buyers will find oceanfront beach houses perfect for enjoying a quiet island lifestyle.
Find Out More About Moving to Barbados
Would you like to find out more about moving to Barbados? Would you like to browse property for sale which would be ideal for living on the island?
We would be delighted to help. Explore Barbados real estate on our website.
Alternatively, contact 7th Heaven Properties, the Luxury Caribbean Property Specialist, to begin your property search and to discuss your options in more detail.