Living in Barbados as an Expat
How to Settle Into Living in Barbados
So, you want to bring your dream of living in Barbados to life. Well, you’re not alone! With a vibrant local community and an engaging, settled expat population, Barbados is a wonderful place to experience life – whether you’re looking for a long-term retirement residence, a place to settle as a digital nomad or something else entirely.
However, living here can be very different from the US or UK in terms of both climate and culture. So, here’s a handy guide to help you learn a bit more about Barbadian life – and some tips to help you hit the ground running.
Barbados living requirements
If you’re planning to live in Barbados in the medium- or long-term, there are a number of options available for you, ranging from Barbadian citizenship to permanent resident status and immigrant status.
Special Entry and Reside Permit (SERP)
Typically seen as the main route to long-term residency, SERPs are available in four categories, allowing qualified foreigners and their spouses/dependents to reside in Barbados long-term:
- Category 1: High Net-Worth Individuals.
- Category 2: Property Owner.
- Category 3: Skilled Professionals.
- Category 4: Parent or Grandparent of a Barbadian Citizen.
Find out more about your SERP eligibility.
Employment-based residence
Hired by a Barbadian employer? In this instance, you can typically obtain a work permit and residence status that is directly tied to your employment status.
Head to the GOV.UK website for more information about your eligibility to live and work in Barbados.
Barbados Welcome Stamp Programme
If you are a digital nomad, Barbados offers great access and benefits. The 12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp allows you to live and work remotely in Barbados for a year, provided you meet the usual visa requirements and your work is not location-specific.
What’s more, it’s suitable for both families and individuals – and if you love Barbados as much as our residents do, you can easily re-apply!
Head to the link above to find out whether you are eligible.
Residency through marriage
Foreign spouses of Barbadian citizens are also eligible to pursue residency – and eventually, citizenship – via family-based immigration pathways.
Discover more via the Barbados Immigration Department.
Adjusting to the Barbados lifestyle
When we ask people why they love living in Barbados as an expat, the pace of life is always one of the most popular answers. If you’re looking to settle somewhere where life is laid-back and slower than big cities in the US or UK, you’ll find it on our shores.
Modern-day Bajan culture has its roots in West African traditions, with lively music like calypso and soca bringing a vibrancy to local life.
However, you’ll also find a lot of British influence, dating back to the 17th century when Barbados was a British colony. Here, you’ll find a deep national love for cricket, widespread use of standard English and a sizeable expat community (more on that later!).
Adjusting to life in Barbados is easy with the support of the tight-knit local community. Here, you’ll find unity in everyday life with local churches, sports teams and performing arts groups often acting as focal points for people to meet and make new friends.
Bajan community
As Barbados is a very popular destination for expats, you’ll find it easy to meet like-minded people and enjoy a taste of your own local tradition in your new home.
The island boasts strong expat communities, with Facebook groups bringing people together and social clubs such as the Yacht Club and the British Women’s Club of Barbados fostering further connection.
However, you will enjoy a much more authentic and rich experience of island life if you also get involved with the locals and their way of life – sampling local food, embracing Bajan cultural celebrations and supporting local businesses is a great place to start.
Discovering Bajan food
If you like bold, spicy flavours, you’ll have no problem sampling every dish Barbados has to offer. Comforting, hearty and endlessly tasty, Bajan food is all about community, making use of the nation’s abundant natural resources.
Seafood lovers need look no further. Barbados’ national dish combines succulent steamed or fried flying fish with cou-cou, a cornmeal-based side dish, creating a Caribbean take on your usual fish and chips. Swap curry sauce for a spicy tomato gravy and you’ve got it.
There’s also a big rum culture, reinforced by the island’s legendary Mount Gay Distillery, where you can take tours of the historic, fully-operational rum production HQ.
Barbadian music, arts and culture
Music and arts are an integral part of Bajan culture, particularly Crop Over Festival: a three-month-long calendar of summer events marking an explosion of Barbadian art, culture, food and heritage.
Dating back to the 1780s, Crop Over culminates in Grand Kadooment Day, a national holiday in August with a focus on elegant, stylish costumes.
Find out more about Crop Over.
Tuk bands (sometimes called rukatuk bands) are another Barbadian staple, combining African rhythms with British military fife-and-drum music. Expect band members to be joined by vibrant costumed characters who bring the party to every show!
The most famous of all Barbados’ musical exports is, of course, Rihanna. The global megastar was born in Saint Michael and grew up in Bridgetown, our capital city. She remains a key ambassador and official ‘National Hero’ of Barbados to this day.
Settling into a Barbadian home
One of the main reasons people choose to settle here in Barbados is the quality of residences available for ownership, particularly through Royal Westmoreland.
Our townhouses and architecturally designed villas offer a seamless transition for expatriates looking to settle quickly in Barbados. Packed with modern amenities and prestigious mod cons, they’re the perfect option for somebody looking to transition to island life without the stress.
However, if you’re looking to bring your very own dream home to life, we can also help you to purchase your own plot of land and work with our architects and builders to deliver an entirely bespoke home that’s tailored to your needs.
Discover our land and build services and create your own perfect life in Barbados.
Getting accustomed to life in Barbados
- Ensure all legal paperwork is in check
If you plan to emigrate from the UK, you may be able to find help and support from the High Commission for Barbados in the UK, or the Barbados Immigration Department.
- Be prepared for the heat
Most people moving to Barbados for good have already visited as a tourist and know to expect the heat – but finding a suitable wardrobe is recommended before arriving here!
Be sure to find a comfortable residence with air conditioning and access to a pool. This way, it’s easy to find respite in those early days where you’ll still be getting used to your new climate.
- Get to know your local area
Wherever you choose to settle, make sure to take an active role in finding out what’s happening, how and where you can get involved, and what community groups are available for you to join.
- Introduce yourself to your new neighbours – don’t be shy!
In Barbados, community is everything. Chances are, they will be more than happy to help you settle in. You might even find a friend for life!
To find out more about experiencing Barbadian life at Royal Westmoreland, make an enquiry today.