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Expat Exchange > Barbados

Barbados

  Coastal   Beaches  

Barbados is an island nation situated in the eastern Caribbean region, known for its rich culture, historical landmarks, and stunning natural beauty. It is the easternmost island in the Lesser Antilles and is relatively flat, with the highest point being Mount Hillaby at 340 meters above sea level. The climate is tropical, with a rainy season from June to November. Bridgetown, the capital, is a bustling city with colonial architecture and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The island's economy is driven by tourism, manufacturing, and offshore finance. Barbados boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with music, festivals, and sports playing significant roles in the daily lives of the locals. Cricket is particularly popular, and the island has produced some of the world's most renowned players. The cuisine of Barbados is a delicious blend of African, Indian, Irish, Creole, and British influences, featuring seafood, spices, and tropical fruits. The island's education system is well-regarded, with a high literacy rate and free education for citizens. Barbados has a rich history as a former British colony, gaining its independence in 1966, and in November 2021, it became a republic, removing the British monarch as its head of state. The island's natural landscape includes beautiful white-sand beaches, clear blue waters, coral reefs, and an array of wildlife, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking relaxation and adventure alike.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Barbados is considered high, especially in comparison to other Caribbean islands. This is due to the importation of goods, which can make everyday items and groceries quite expensive.

Weather

Barbados experiences a tropical monsoon climate with a wet season from June to November and a drier season from December to May. The island is generally sunny and warm, moderated by northeast trade winds. Hurricanes may affect the island during the wet season, but Barbados typically experiences milder effects compared to other Caribbean islands.

Educational System Barbados

The educational system in Barbados is highly regarded and follows a British-based structure, reflecting the country's history as a former British colony. Education is compulsory between the ages of 5 and 16 and is provided free of charge at public schools. The system is divided into four stages: nursery, primary, secondary, and tertiary. Nursery education begins at the age of 3 and is optional. Primary education starts at age 5 and continues until age 11, culminating in the Common Entrance Examination, which determines placement into secondary school. Secondary education lasts for five to seven years, and students are prepared for the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examinations, including the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). Students typically start secondary school at age 11 and graduate at age 16 or 18, depending on whether they pursue sixth form studies, which are equivalent to the British A-Levels. Barbados has a high literacy rate, and the government places a strong emphasis on education, with a significant portion of the national budget allocated to this sector. The quality of education is generally high, with a curriculum that includes traditional academic subjects, vocational training, and life skills. For families moving to Barbados, the education system offers a solid foundation for children, with opportunities for academic and personal development.

Best Places to Live in Barbados
Discover the top-ranked towns in Barbados. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.
Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.
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Visa & Residency

Obtaining a residency visa in Barbados involves several steps and can be considered an average challenge for expats. The most common type of residency visa for expats is the Special Entry and Reside Permit (SERP), which is designed for high net worth individuals who wish to reside in Barbados either part-time or full-time. To qualify for SERP, applicants must meet certain investment criteria, such as purchasing property worth at least USD 300,000 or having substantial financial resources. Another option for expats, particularly digital nomads, is the 12 Month Barbados Welcome Stamp. This visa allows remote workers and their families to live and work from Barbados for a period of up to 12 months. The application process for the Welcome Stamp is relatively straightforward and can be completed online. Applicants must provide proof of employment or self-employment and show that they earn a minimum annual income of USD 50,000 or have the means to support themselves during their stay. To apply for either visa, expats must submit the required documentation, which typically includes a passport valid for the duration of the stay, birth certificate, proof of financial means, and a police certificate of character. Additionally, for the SERP, evidence of the investment in property or other financial assets is required. The processing time for these applications can vary, but the Welcome Stamp can be processed within a few weeks, while the SERP may take longer due to the more extensive documentation and investment requirements. Overall, the difficulty of obtaining a residency visa in Barbados is average, as the country has established clear pathways for expats and digital nomads. However, the financial requirements and due diligence checks can pose challenges for some applicants. It is advisable for potential expats to consult with legal experts or the Barbados Immigration Department for guidance throughout the application process.

Living in Barbados

Healthcare in Barbados

The healthcare system in Barbados is a mix of public and private services. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and provides services to citizens and residents at low or no cost. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Bridgetown is the primary state-owned healthcare facility, along with a network of polyclinics providing a range of services across the island. Private healthcare is also available and offers an alternative for those seeking quicker access to specialists and more upscale facilities, albeit at a higher cost. The quality of healthcare in Barbados is generally considered good, with well-trained medical staff, though resources may be more limited compared to larger countries. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare once they are legal residents or if they contribute to the National Insurance Scheme, but many opt for private health insurance to cover private healthcare services.

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