Barbados

Cost of living

88

US = 100

Safety

66

0–100

Healthcare

70

0–100

English

Native

Visa types available to foreign nationals. Not all will fit every profile — log in for a personalised shortlist.

• Barbados Welcome Stamp

  Barbados's Welcome Stamp was one of the world's first digital nomad visas, launched in 2020. It requires a minimum annual income of $50,000 USD and costs $2,000 to apply. Valid for one year and renewable, it allows holders to live and work in Barbados while paying no local income tax on foreign earnings. Barbados is English-speaking, politically stable, and offers world-class beaches and infrastructure.

  Initial: 12 mo From $4,167/mo income
• Student Permit

  Americans enrolled at the University of the West Indies (Cave Hill campus) or another recognized Barbadian institution can obtain a student permit for the program duration. UWI Cave Hill offers fully English-medium programs in law, business, social sciences, and health sciences with strong regional accreditation. Barbados is consistently rated among the Caribbean's most stable and well-governed nations, with high literacy, reliable infrastructure, and an established expat community — and it also runs one of the region's pioneering digital nomad programs for those who wish to extend their stay beyond studies.

  Initial: 12 mo
• Family Dependency Permit

  American residents in Barbados can sponsor a spouse and dependent children for family dependency status through the Barbados Immigration Department. The sponsor must hold a valid residence permit and demonstrate adequate income and housing. English is the official language and the legal system follows British common law, making Barbados one of the most familiar Caribbean destinations for American families. Permanent residency is available after five years of continuous legal residence.

  Initial: 12 mo

Permanent residency

5 years

earliest after legal residency

Citizenship

5 years

earliest after legal residency

Estimated US population

~2,500

Overall expat scene

Moderate

From NYC

~4.5h

From LAX

~7.5h