We are frequently asked by clients and friends about residency and visa requirements for Barbados. Barbados has so much to offer – a wonderful climate, fabulous beaches, turquoise waters, dreamy sunsets, golf, tennis, watersports, friendly people and amazing restaurants. It even now has Lime Grove, an elegant shopping mall in Holetown. Barbados is well served by flights from the United States, England and Germany.

Barbados Immigration Special Entry Permits:

It is now relatively easy for non residents to obtain a Special Entry Permit often known as an SEP which allow people who buy property on the island to come and go as they please, without the need to keep making applications to the Immigration Department. Costs of Special Entry Permits are fairly inexpensive and currently range from US$3,500 to US$5,000 for an initial permit and a further US$5,000 when you reach the age of 60 for an indefinite Special Entry Permit which will last a lifetime.

To be eligible for a Special Entry Permit you must either be:

A retired property owner (meaning you do not plan to work in Barbados) and have health insurance in place; or
A high net worth individual.
Prices for Special Entry Permits for property owners vary according to your age:

Over 60 years-if you are over 60 and own a property in Barbados with a value above US$150,000 then you can apply for an indefinite Special Entry Permit which will last for your lifetime. At present this costs in the region of US$5,000.
Aged 50 to 60 years– if you are between 50 and 60 then the cost of a Special Entry Permit is currently around US$3,500and this will last until you are 60 when you can apply for an indefinite SEP at a current cost of US$5,000.
Under 50 years– if you are under 50 then the cost of a Special Entry Permit is currently US$5,000 and will last until you are 60 when you can apply for an indefinite SEP at a current cost of US$5,000.
A Special Entry Permit, whilst allowing you to come and go as you please, will not allow you to work in Barbados and if you want to work you will need to apply for a work permit unless you are a high net worth individual.

If you are planning to set up a business in Barbados which will create jobs then you may also apply for immigrant status whatever your age.

See below the visa requirement for Barbados if you are a high net worth individual.

High net worth individuals:
Barbados has long been the home of many of the rich and famous and Barbados recognises the benefits of attracting these people to the island.
There are now attractive incentives for high net worth individuals investing in Barbados.
High net worth individuals are those with net global assets of at least US$5million who invest at least US$2million in property or tourism projects in Barbados. They may apply for a special entry retirement visa or SERP as it is often known.
Holders of SERPs who are over 60 are entitled to permanent residency and may work if they are prepared to pay the cost of a work permit.

Holders of SERPs under 60 are entitled to limited residency and may also pay for work permits entitling them to work in Barbados.
All SERP holders who are residents of Barbados can remit their foreign income to the island and pay an effective tax rate of below 3% in Barbados on that income.
The Tourism Development Act (2002) and the Special Development Areas Act is also offering a suite of concessions for investors in approved Tourism Development Projects, including: exemptions from import duty and value added tax. Tax deductions up to 150% of the interest paid on loans not exceeding USD$3.75 million; and carrying forward excess tax credits that cannot be written off in one year for a period of up to 15 years. The legal and tax framework for anyone considering investing in Barbados is changing all the time and investors should take their own detailed legal and tax advice before doing so.

For more information on the visa requirements for Barbados contact the Barbados Immigration Department.