There is a lot of paperwork involved in moving to Barbados and it will take time as well as costing you money. In order to stay in Barbados you will need a visa. Temporary permits are available for visitors and last up to six months. If you wish to stay longer than this then it will be necessary to obtain another visa which must be in duplicate and accompanied by 2 passport sized photographs. The fees payable for this vary as there are single and multiple access visas available.

In order to work in Barbados you will need a work permit. Work is usually reserved for native Barbadians unless there are no applicants with the necessary skills for the position. It is advisable to apply for permits before arriving on the island because of the time involved in getting them issued. The average wait for a work permit is 6 – 8 weeks, while study permits can take up to 6 weeks. A visitor permit takes an average of 2 weeks to be issued.

Permits can be obtained from Consulates. The cost of applying for a work permit is US$100 and obtaining the relevant permissions to work will cost US$400. Whilst staying on the island it will be necessary to provide evidence that you are able to support yourself.

Once the 6 month visa has expired it is necessary to apply for an extension which can be done at the immigration department. This requires a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph and the relevant application fee. Without a valid permit you are not permitted to enter employment during your stay.

When applying for residency it is necessary to have a police certificate from either your home town or if you have been in Barbados for 6 months from the police there. Those already on the island you will need a passport, birth certificate and the relevant fee. Those who are not yet in Barbados will need proof of name and address, valid passport and a set of fingerprints which have been officially obtained. There is also a small fee.

People travelling on British passports need to ensure that the passports have at least six months to run so it may be necessary to renew them early. Information on all aspects of emigrating to Barbados can be found on the Barbados Government web site as well as expat sites which are able to deal with a number of frequently asked questions regarding day to day living.