The Government of Barbados has begun a comprehensive review of its existing immigration policies that includes measures to make it easier for people of Barbadian descent around the world to return to Barbados and claim citizenship. In November 2019 Barbados Minister of Home Affairs, Edmund Hinkson, said “we will expand citizenship down to grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In other words, if you are a grandchild or great-grandchild of a Barbadian citizen, you will be entitled to Barbadian citizenship.”

The 12-Month Barbados Welcome Stamp is a visa for non-Barbadians who are employed in a country other than Barbados and who are tax-resident and employed by a company registered and operating outside of Barbados (not carrying on business in or from Barbados). The Barbados Government will revoke the visa if you work for a company in Barbados or otherwise fail to comply with the provisions of the visa.

Visitors to Barbados from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA and the European Union can stay in Barbados for up to three months without the need for an entry visa. A further three month extension is generally granted upon application to the Barbados Immigration Department. People work remotely while staying here without an entry visa, but of course you cannot be employed in Barbados.

Barbados offers a Special Entry Permit (SEP) to High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) who want to become resident in Barbados or to use the country as a base to launch international business. The Barbados Immigration Department is responsible for administering the SEP programme while Invest Barbados provides guidance on the procedure.