Of sunshine and Vitamin Sea! Barbados is letting people move there to work remotely. Here’s how to apply

Barbados is now accepting applications for its recently launched 12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp visa. Those interested in living like a ‘Bajan’ for a year can visit here to apply for the opportunity to live and work remotely in paradise.

The visa offers new opportunities for anyone whose work is location-independent, which now includes entire offices, multi-disciplinary creatives, digital nomads and bold entrepreneurs. The country has worked to ensure that the application process is as simple as possible for applicants to complete electronically. The visa is valid for one year but may be re-applied for and applicants will not be liable for Barbados Income Tax.

COVID-19 has presented challenges to countries that are tourism-dependent and the island’s Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, said the pandemic is part of the impetus for the new visa. “COVID-19 has changed work globally, with a larger number working remotely from home. Now we can give you certainty for the next 12 months that you can work from here.”

The PM recognises that part of the challenge relates to short term travel. “Rather than coming for the usual week, or three weeks or a month, why not plan out your business? We have a mechanism that allows people who want to take advantage of being in a different part of the world, of the sun, sea and sand, and a stable society; one that functions well. Barbados is a perfect place for you to come,” he said.

Barbados has been commended for how it has handled the virus thus far and has effective contact tracing protocols in place. The country of more than 280,000 people has had just over 100 cases of the novel coronavirus and seven deaths. Even as it has re-opened its borders, Barbados has established a proper set of travel protocols with safety at the forefront of the measures in place.

Chairman of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) Sunil Chatrani said: “Recently Barbados was growing as a destination for millennials and it was firmly established as a leisure destination, but we can easily accommodate working from on-island. Barbados boasts the fastest fibre internet and mobile services in the Caribbean and with a range of different flexible office space locations the working environment in Barbados definitely enables you to get things done.”

Head of global markets at the BTMI, Petra Roach said that Barbados’ established multi-tiered tourism model has positioned it to easily accommodate the different types of remote workers. “Barbados as a destination has always been very much in demand, so we have a wide range of accommodation from budget-friendly studios to beachfront luxury condos. Added to our year-round warm climate, beautiful countryside, world class beaches and countless activities, this is an ideal backdrop for the more sustainable work-life balance many are craving for themselves and their families.”