Expat Barbados

For those looking for a wonderful Caribbean paradise to call home, Barbados should be at the top of your list. Barbados is an extremely developed and stable commonwealth located in the Caribbean Sea. For those looking for year round sunshine, beautiful beaches and plenty of entertainment options, Barbados is a great expat choice.

Climate

The climate of Barbados is as near perfect as it comes. For the entire year, the temperature is comfortable varying from about 75 to 85 degrees with nights slightly cooler. It should also be noted that there is a trade wind that blows making it less hot during the day. While it rains in Barbados, most rainfall is quick and doesn’t last the entire day. There is plenty of sunshine all year round and the driest part of the year lasts from January to June. Barbados can be affected by hurricanes, but for most of the year, the weather is pleasant and comfortable.

Regarding water temperature, the water is warm year round and is clear and blue. The water surrounding the island is usually very calm and perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving and boating.

Government

Barbados is an independent state, but also lies within the British Commonwealth. Barbados has a parliamentary system modeled after Britain. For those Americans visiting Barbados, no visa is required, just a passport. You can stay on the island of Barbados for up to 28 days, if you would like to stay longer, you will need to complete and submit a request for visa or residency.

For more information on Barbados, visa requirements and residency requirements, please visit the Barbados Government Information Service.

Tax System

Barbados unfortunately is not considered a Caribbean tax haven and has one of the highest tax rates in the Caribbean and the Americas. The top individual income tax rate is 37.5 percent and corporate income tax rates are not that much better with a high tax rate of 30 percent.

Medical Care

Medical care is usually rated as adequate to very good. While there are a public hospitals, foreigners might want to opt for private hospitals for speedier and a higher quality of service. If you are coming from the United States, make sure that your health insurance plan is accepted in the Barbados before you arrive. If not, other options include purchasing a health care plan on the island or purchasing travel insurance that includes a health care component. Most private and public healthcare facilities expect payment at time of service which can be difficult for those without insurance or significant savings.

Real Estate

Purchasing property in Barbados is relatively straightforward; however you should consult with a lawyer or real estate agent on the island for more information on guidelines to follow as an expat. For the most part, you will need to either have a certificate of compliance or register with the government before your purchase can go through. Along with the necessary paperwork, there are also taxes that are levied on real estate purchases.

Prices for real estate on the island are moderate to expensive. For instance, beachfront property easily costs a half million dollars or more to start. Condos and apartments are far more affordable with some costing less than $200,000. If you are looking to rent an apartment or small house, you can find some with a monthly fee of about $600 and up, however most average size apartments are priced at about $1,000 per month.

Shopping

Shopping on the island can be a great experience for tourists, but can be problematic for those that live on the island long term. While tourist supplies are very easy to find, household goods can be hard to come by. For those looking for bargains, they can be found, but with a lot of hard work. Most items cost more than what is typically charged in the US or the UK due to the fact that they must be shipped in along with high duties.

For those looking for entertainment, there are plenty of great restaurants, clubs and bars available throughout the island. Barbados draws a lot of tourists year round and there are always many fun things to do and see. For those that enjoy water sports and beach activities, Barbados won’t disappoint. You can find plenty of water activities to enjoy year round such as scuba diving, snorkeling, boating and fishing.

Cost of Living

The cost of living on Barbados is usually moderate to high. Unfortunately taxes are high in Barbados, not only for individuals, but for companies to do business. In addition, real estate prices are higher than in the US and the UK, especially for beach front property. Another reason for the high cost of living is that all goods must be shipped in and most establishments cater to tourists with money to spend, squeezing most expats on a fixed income or a small budget.

Extradition from Barbados

The Extradition treaty between Barbados and the United States of America was signed on February 28 1996

This treaty was entered into force on March 3, 2000

Map of Barbados