Barbados Digital Nomad Visa: How to Apply [4 Steps]

In June 2020, remote workers could apply for the Barbados digital nomad visa, also known as the Barbados Welcome Stamp. 

In the height of the global wave of remote working, the Barbados government decided to offer remote workers and digital nomads the opportunity to live on the gorgeous island of Barbados for 12 months with the option to renew the visa. 

Located in the Caribbean, Barbados has an ideal climate for those who enjoy spending time in the sun and want to escape cold winters. It’s also perfect for digital nomads from North America as they can stay in the Atlantic time zone.

The application process is extremely easy because it’s all done online and doesn’t involve any interactions with embassies or consulates. In this article, we’ll cover the eligibility requirements of the visa and the step-by-step process to apply for it. 

Another benefit of this digital nomad visa is that you won’t be required to pay local income tax to Barbados. This is excellent news for digital nomads who have considered their tax situation thoroughly. 

Barbados joins other Caribbean islands in welcoming digital nomads to live and work remotely. Anguilla and Bermuda (while not in the Caribbean) also have their own versions of a digital nomad visa. 

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa is a temporary residency permit for remote workers. This visa permits you to stay in a foreign nation for a period ranging from six months to several years, depending on the country.

Those who qualify for a digital nomad visa must work remotely as a freelancer, entrepreneur, or employee for a firm located outside of the nation in which they wish to reside.

Most digital nomad visas do not require holders to pay local income tax, instead continuing to pay taxes to their home country or the location of their business.

It’s excellent for digital nomads who want to remain there for a while without having to worry about overstaying their tourist visas.

Barbados Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

As with every digital nomad visa, you must meet certain requirements to be eligible to apply. Luckily, the Barbados digital nomad visa doesn’t have many requirements, making it available to many remote workers. 

To be eligible for the Barbados digital nomad visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Valid Passport – You must have a valid passport for the duration of your visa
• Proof of Remote Work – You must either work as an employee for a company located outside of Barbados, be a freelancer with clients outside of Barbados, or own a business established outside of Barbados
• Earn $50,000/Year – You must meet the income requirement and earn this amount remotely
• Health Insurance Coverage in Barbados – You must have private health insurance that will cover you while in Barbados
• Proof of Family Status – If you intend to bring your spouse or children, you must prove their relationship to you

If you meet all of these requirements, then you can start your application for the Barbados digital nomad visa. 

Steps to Apply

As we mentioned earlier, it is pretty simple to apply for a digital nomad visa for Barbados. The entire process is done online. 

Step 1: Gather Documents

Before you begin the application process, you should gather the following documents to make it even easier. 

• Copy of Passport Biometric Page
• Passport Sized Photo
• Proof of Income
• Proof of Remote Work
• Birth Certificate 
• Proof of Health Insurance
• Proof of Family Status for Spouse/Dependents (if applicable)

These documents should be digitized so you can submit them with your electronic application. 

Step 2: Submit Application

Now that you’ve gathered the necessary documents, it’s time to fill out the application. 

You can find the application for the Barbados Welcome Stamp here.

It should take less than 15 minutes to complete your information, upload the necessary documents, and submit the application.  

If you wish to renew your visa after the 12 months are up, you can will so through this application again. 

Step 3: Wait for Approval

After submitting your application, you’ll receive an answer from the government on whether you were approved or not within seven business days. 

Step 4: Pay Visa Fee

Only once your application is approved will you pay the visa fee. That’s right! There is no risk of a non-refundable application fee with the Barbados digital nomad visa. 

The fee structure is as follows:

• Individual Applicant – $2,000
• Family Applicants – $3,000

While the visa fee is higher than most, it’s definitely worth it due to the quick processing time. 

Barbados for Digital Nomads

Who wouldn’t want to live on a tropical island with lightning-speed wifi connection, friendly people, and ideal weather almost year-round? 

Barbados has long been a favorite digital nomad destination, especially for those from North America. Now, with the new visa for remote workers, you can stay for a year and take advantage of the wifi, growing coworking spaces, and white sandy beaches. 

Known as the birthplace of rum, you can surely find the best rum-based cocktails on the island during your stay. From nightlife to day clubs on the beach to excellent cafes to work from such as ArtSplash Cafe and The Coffee Bean Cafe, you’ll enjoy one of the best years of your life living in Barbados while working remotely. 

While everyday expenses such as dining out or grocery shopping are a bit higher than other destinations with digital nomad visas, the rent in Barbados is fairly affordable for the location. 

You can also leave and return to Barbados as many times as you need during your 12 month Welcome Stamp, making it ideal for those who have to travel for work or simply want to escape from cold winters for a bit. 

Learn More About Digital Nomad Visas

More governments than ever before are implementing digital nomad visas and encouraging remote professionals to relocate to their country.

 Join the Nomads Embassy online community to stay up to date on the newest digital nomad visas and to ask questions about applying for them.

You’ll get updates on digital nomad news and be able to interact with others who share your interests. Plus, you’ll get access to more stories like this one, which is something no one can deny.

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