Barbados Welcome Stamp

The government recently created this new Barbados residency permit aimed at remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads. You can get a 12-month residency permit that allows you to live and work in Barbados. Your employer cannot be a company registered in the country. You are free to travel in and out of the country as often as you want.

You must show that you earn an income of more than USD50,000 from sources outside the country. This proof is in the form of a self-declaration that you make as part of the application.

The visa is renewable for two additional 12-month periods. The Welcome Stamp allows you to bring your family with you.

Work Permits

Section 17 of the Immigration Act, CAP. 190

All non-nationals desirous of working in Barbados are required to register with immigration prior to commencing employment.

The types of permits available to non nationals are:

- Short-term /Training attachment).

- Long-term

Short-Term work permits are valid for a period up to eleven months.

The employer or 'sponsor' has the responsibility to make the application on behalf of the employee.

Requirements for short-term work permits

- A detailed cover letter from the potential employer

- C-3 Application form (in duplicate)

- 4 passpo4 passport-sized photos

- A Certificate of Character from the Police of each country which you have lived for at least 6 months in the past 3 years.

- A copy of the bio-data page of applicant's valid passport

The same documents are required for the Training attachment which does not carry a final fee.

Long-Term Work Permits are valid for a period of up to 3 years. In order to become eligible for a long-term Permit, prospective employers must sufficiently prove that no resident or Barbadian national is capable and willing to fulfill the requirements of the position in question.

Requirements for a long term work permits:

- C-1, C-2 work permit forms (in duplicate)

- Completed Medical Form, including external X-rays which must be submitted in report form.

- 4 passport-sized photos

- 2 character references on applicant

- Evidence of applicant's qualifications

- A detailed cover letter from a potential employer outlining the nature of the business, the period of time in which the applicant will be employed, his category of employment and the reason for the request.

- Two character references on the applicant

- A Certificate of Character from the Police of each country in which you have lived for at least 6 months in the past 3 years.

- If you are an entrepreneur desirous of establishing a business in Barbados, please ensure to adhere to the following:

1) Proof of the transfer of funds for investment, which should be in keeping with the Central Bank regulations (bank transfer statements are acceptable).

2) Certificate of Registration/ Articles of Incorporation (Original and copy)

3) Related business licenses. Societies with Restricted Liability (SRL) and International Business Companies (IBC).

4) A copy of the bio-data page of applicant's valid passport

The application fee is 300 BDS but the final fee will vary depending on the category of work and the length of time requested and in accordance with the international standard code fee regulations.