Barbados Digital Nomad Visa

Here are the top reasons to consider a relocation to Barbados:

1. Ease of obtaining a digital nomad visa: The government has implemented a friendly policy for digital nomads that allows them to obtain a digital nomad visa within seven working days. You do not even need to provide proof of income.
2. High-speed internet access: Barbados has the fastest fiber internet and mobile internet services in the Caribbean. Free public WiFi is available at most restaurants, bars, cafes, and hotels around the island.
3. World-class amenities and beaches: Barbados boasts over 60 beaches across 70 square miles that all are open to the public. Crane Beach has consistently been recognized as one of the Top 10 Beaches in the world.
4. Superior road network: Since 2015, the Government of Barbados has allocated millions of dollars to create a modern road infrastructure that covers the whole island.
5. Various leisure activities: Everyone can find something for themselves in Barbados:  from a deep sea fishing excursion or a diving expedition to exploring the shipwreck capital of the Caribbean to an active nightlife in the birthplace of rum!
6. High-quality of life: Barbados is among the cleanest and most sustainable places in the world. Modern healthcare facilities, high-quality education, and developed infrastructure make the standard of living here very high. Interesting fact: Water in Barbados is among the purest in the world; it’s tasty and perfectly safe to drink from the tap.
7. Many co-working spaces around the island: Barbados offers everything from well-equipped executive boardrooms and training spaces to fully-furnished private offices and collaborative spaces located all over the island, such as Regus, etc.
8. Delicious cuisine: Barbados is known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. A tantalizing blend of the old and new, Bajan cuisine brings together the influences of African, Caribbean, West Indian, and European delights to create a unique and authentic culinary experience.
9. Year-round warm weather: Barbados has warm weather, with a low risk of hurricanes.

In July 2020, the Government of Barbados launched the 12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp program, which offers digital nomads an opportunity to work remotely while enjoying this beautiful Caribbean island.

Key facts

• The digital nomad visa in Barbados is officially called the Barbados Welcome Stamp.
• This Stamp allows digital nomads to work remotely in Barbados for a maximum of 12 months.
• The Barbados digital nomad visa can be reapplied.
• The application process costs $2,000 for individuals. There is also a Family Bundle (for two persons) that costs $3,000.
• You do not need to pay before the application is approved. Fees must be paid within 28 days of application approval.

Brief history of Barbados

Barbados was settled by Arawaks from South America, who became dominant in the 8-12th centuries; then, more war-like tribes, such as the Kalinago (Island Caribs) who arrived from South America, ruled in the 12th–13th centuries.

The first Europeans came to the island in the early 16th century, when Spaniards first visited Barbados. Portuguese explorers also touched on the island, which they named Barbados (“Bearded Ones”), either for its bearded fig trees or bearded men on the island. In the early 17th century, Barbados was colonized by Great Britain. Since the arrival of the English in 1627, Barbados has enjoyed a storied history as an important entrepôt and trading center in the Western Hemisphere. Barbados was also transformed by the plantation system and slavery. It was the world's number one sugar producer by 1650.

Barbados was under British rule until the second half of the 20th century, before the island achieved universal voting rights in 1943 and opted for full independence from the UK in 1966.

By then the island’s economy was expanding and diversifying, mainly as a result of the policies pursued by governments formed after the planter-merchant elite lost power.

Barbados is a member of the Commonwealth and continues to play a leading role in the establishment of regional cooperation.

Infrustructure

From Monday to Friday, stores in Barbados are traditionally open from 9 a.m. and close at roughly 5 p.m. On Saturdays, stores in the main towns typically close between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. However, shopping malls and larger supermarkets open till later in the night — until 8 p.m. in many instances. As most products are imported, it is sometimes hard to find groceries and goods that are commonly available in America or Europe.

Accommodations in Barbados

Barbados has a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly studios to beachfront luxury condos. Rental price depends on location. According to Numbeo, renting an apartment with one bedroom in the city center of Bridgetown costs around $645, while the same apartment in the outskirts costs $435 per month. A 3-bedroom unit can be found for under $1500 per month. Apartments that cost more than this offer a luxurious interior, swimming pool, and spectacular views of the sea. Please note that these prices indicate the renting cost for a long stay (more than six months).

You can also find inexpensive guest houses with bed and breakfast from under $40 daily for a single in the summer to luxury accommodations at some of the world’s best hotels at $1,600 in the prime season. There is a wide selection of luxury villas and cottages available for rent throughout Barbados. Many of these villas and cottages are located on or near the beach and provide all the facilities needed to make your stay in Barbados truly relaxing and enjoyable.

Healthcare in Barbados

You must have valid health insurance for the complete duration of your stay in Barbados. However, the Government of Barbados  provides medical insurance options on the island. The healthcare system in Barbados is world-class, comprising both public and private medical centers complete with highly trained staff to facilitate the care of those in need.

The main hospital is the Queen Elizabeth Hospital situated in Bridgetown, the capital, and provides emergency, surgical, and specialist treatment in areas such as radiology, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, and many more. There are also public polyclinics that are in operation around the island. The Winston Scott Polyclinic in Bridgetown is the only one that provides 24-hour service.

Digital nomads will also have access to various private medical practitioners on the island, as well as privately owned medical facilities and the state-owned primary acute medical facility.

Cost of living in Barbados

For a single person, the estimated monthly cost of living without rent is around $1,100, while for a family with four members you can expect expenses of $4,000.

To buy 1 liter of milk, 12 eggs, 500 g of local cheese, one bottle of mid-range wine, and a loaf of bread on average you may pay $35. The prices for most products in the grocery store can be found on NUMBEO.

Eating out for two people in a mid-range restaurant with three courses costs about $80. For the combo meal at McDonald's, you will pay $10. Drinking cappuccino in local cafes costs around $4.20 on average.

Basic utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85-square-meter  apartment cost around $130. Add to this the average cost of the Internet, about $100 per month. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the island at many places, including restaurants, cafes, hotels, shops, malls, etc.

• Homosexuality is illegal in Barbados, and in 2019, it was ranked as one of the world's most dangerous countries for LGBTQ+ travelers. These laws are rarely enforced, however, especially if you're a tourist.
• High cost of living.
• Gratuities (10%–15%) will be automatically added to the bill in almost all places.
• Some activities that are legal elsewhere are prohibited by law in Barbados, including wearing camouflage (or any similar clothes that hide your face) and the use of marijuana and other illicit drugs.

HI’s Digital Nomad Suitability (HI-DNS) Score

Considering various factors, here’s our assessment of Barbados as a destination for digital nomads, based on the HI’s Digital Nomad Suitability Score (HI-DNS score).

Barbados is a unique destination for digital nomads with many advantages, including a facilitated visa process, perfect weather, and developed infrastructure. If you are interested in relocating to Barbados, contact our team, we can make the process smooth and painless for you.

If you are interested in trying something different while working remotely, give some thought to Barbados, an island country that welcomes digital nomads and offers excellent living conditions. Contact our team, and we will be glad to match you with your dream country, prepare the required documents, and successfully file an application for a digital nomad visa. We will make the application process convenient and easy for you! Our team can also assist you in other tasks such as looking for optimal healthcare insurance, translation of documents, preparation and validation of your documents, etc.

If you still have any questions that are not covered in our article, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to help!