Remote working in Barbados

Information on how to apply for the new 12 month welcome stamp visa, which allows you to apply to work remotely in Barbados

Are you fed up of the cold weather, are you looking to live somewhere with good weather all year round, beautiful beaches, well why not take advantage of the new welcome stamp visa that Barbados has introduced which is specifically aimed at remote workers who want to work and live in Barbados. 

There are pros and cons to living in Barbados. You'll find general utilities such as heating, electric, water and rubbish collection will cost you roughly 100% less than in the UK. However, when it comes to your mobile and internet plans, they will be nowhere near as competitive as what you're used to in the UK.  Your mobile plan will cost you approximately 70% more than an equivalent UK mobile phone plan, and your internet plans will cost you around 30% more. On the other hand, you should find that the rental market is a lot cheaper on average and you could save anywhere between 25% to 96% than on equivalent accommodation back home. When it comes to your monthly supermarket shopping, you'll notice that the prices are much dearer, this is because the majority of products are imported and taxed both on arrival as well as when sold. If you want to save money in this respect, then it's best to buy local produce. So if you can, try the local, fish, farmers, fruit and veg markets or a supermarket that has a good selection of local produce it'll be more beneficial to your pocket. The same applies to the cost of clothes shopping and buying cars, so be sure to factor this in. If you need to get around the island, the most cost-effective way will be to use public transport which will cost you approximately 100% less than what you're used to paying in the UK.

The Barbados welcome stamp visa is a new 12-month visa scheme which will allow you to relocate and work remotely on the beautiful Caribbean Island. To apply for the Barbados 12 Month Welcome Stamp visa, you'll need to complete the online application form and submit it electronically. You'll need to include the following documentation:

• The bio-data (personal details) page of the passport
• A Passport photo of all applicants
• You'll need to provide proof of the relationship of dependents.

You'll have to confirm that you expect to have an income of £37,000 or more over the next 12 months, or alternatively that you have the means to support yourself, your spouse/partner and the dependants who'll be joining you on your stay in Barbados.

Once you are approved, you'll need to make payment within 28 days. The following fees will be applicable, which it's important to note are non-refundable:

• Individual – A fee of approximately £1,500
• Family bundle – A fee of approximately £2,200