09 September 2020

Introduction 

On 30 June, 2020, the Government of Barbados revealed its new initiative and introduced the 12 month Barbados Welcome Stamp. This new remote work initiative establishes a visa to allow international visitors and/ professionals an opportunity to work remotely for a maximum of 12 months. Since 30 June, this new initiative has generated tremendous interest among persons from across the globe. Set out below are frequently asked questions which you may find useful.

Who is eligible to apply?

The 12-Month Barbados Welcome Stamp is a visa for a non-national and/ international visitor who is employed in a country other than Barbados and who is resident and employed by a company registered and operating outside of Barbados (not carrying on business in or from Barbados). Applicants must have an annual income of at least US$50,000, plus health insurance. Also to note is that persons can apply as individuals or as a family. 

Who can you bring?

• Your spouse or partner;
• Any dependents—This includes children under the age of 26 years or any other relative who is wholly dependent on the applicant by reason of age, medicial condition of body or mental condition of the mind for his or her subsistence.

Procedure: What do you need to apply? 

• passport sized photograph of the applicant and relatives accompanying the applicant (2 X 2 inches (51.51mm), head must be between 1-1 3/8 inches (25-35mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head);
• bio data page of passport of applicant and relatives accompanying the applicant;
• proof of relationship between applicant and relative (e.g. birth certificate and/or marriage certificate);
• entry visa (where applicable)
• non-refundable fees: US$2,000 for a single individual;

US$3,000 for a family; and

• completed Form C-5 (to be filled in electronically).

These documents are to be completed and submitted electronically with the requisite fee payment within twenty eight (28) days of the Welcome Stamp approval.

When does the 12 months commence?

Once your application has been approved, you will receive an electronic welcome stamp and on arrival into Barbados, the 12 month Welcome Stamp is physically issued and valid for 12 months from the date of your arrival. Therefore, if you are entering Barbados with your electronic Welcome Stamp which was received after your application was successfully approved, there is no need for a return ticket to enter Barbados.

Can you apply for your children to visit and can your children (between ages 5-16 or older) attend our schools (whether private, public or tertiary)? 

• Yes, children under the age of 26 years old may join their parent(s), and proof of relation must be shown in the application process;
• Education is compulsory in Barbados between the ages of 5-16 years. Therefore, children are permitted to attend any of our private schools or pay a small stipend to attend a state owned public school;
• For children older than 16 years, there are accredited tertiary education institutions including the University of the West Indies and the Barbados Community College.

Do you have to stay for the full 12 months or can you travel out of Barbados during those 12 months? 

Within 12 months of the date of the issuance of your visa, you must come to Barbados and thereafter, you may travel in and out of Barbados for that 12 month period. 

Will you be subject to paying Barbados Income Tax?

A non-national who has been granted a Barbados Welcome Stamp to work remotely from Barbados is deemed not to be resident in Barbados for income tax purposes. You will therefore, once approved for the visa, not be liable to pay income tax in Barbados. 

Will you be able to obtain medical insurance locally?

Valid medical insurance is a prerequisite for approval of your Welcome Stamp application. However, if you experience challenges securing insurance in your country of origin, Barbados offers an array of medical insurance  options for consideration.

Can the 12 month Barbados Welcome Stamp be revoked?

The Minister responsible for Immigration may revoke the Stamp of an individual who contravenes or fails to comply with the provisions of the stamp.

How long does the application process take?

Applications begin processing within forty-eight (48) hours of submission of a complete application. Thereafter, you will either be granted or denied the visa within five (5) working days or less.

Can a company apply for more than one of its employees? 

Short answer, yes. Applications can be made on behalf of multiple employees in your company.

We at FT Legal understand that relocating and building a life in a new country can be stressful. We have a network of trusted professionals in a number of spheres and will leverage these to your advantage (whether you are looking for a new home, office space or schools for your children. We are here to assist to make life easier for you. 

For further information please contact your usual contact at FT Legal or contact us at  info@ft-legal.com.