Overview
Launched in 2020, the Welcome Stamp is “available to anyone who meets the visa requirements and whose work is location independent, whether individuals or families”. Applicants must make an annual income of at least US$50,000 over the twelve months of the stamp and must work for employers or clients outside Barbados.
Approval typically arrives within seven business days; the non-refundable fee is then payable within 28 days of approval.
Editor's note — The stamp exempts you from Barbados income tax but not from the 17.5% VAT on everything you buy on the island — and Barbados is one of the more expensive Caribbean bases.
Who is eligible
- Location-independent work for employers or clients outside Barbados.
- Annual income of at least US$50,000 over the twelve months of the stamp.
- Passport bio-data page and passport-sized photographs for the applicant and family members.
- Proof of relationship for family bundles (marriage and birth certificates).
- Payment of the non-refundable fee within 28 days of approval.
Income & financial requirements
Over the twelve months of the stamp.
Non-refundable, due after approval.
Covers spouse and dependants.
Typical, business days.
The official page asks applicants to “make an annual income of at least USD $50,000 over the 12 months you intend to have the travel stamp”. A declaration is made in the application; supporting evidence such as contracts or statements is uploaded with the passport pages and photos.
Costs & fees
- US$2,000 for an individual or US$3,000 for a family bundle, payable within 28 days of approval.
- The official page lists no health-insurance requirement; cover for the whole stay is still prudent.
- Barbados living costs are high and VAT is 17.5%.
Taxes
Welcome Stamp holders “will not be liable to pay Barbados Income Tax and therefore will not be subject to any double taxation”. Home-country obligations continue.
How to apply
Apply online
Complete the Welcome Stamp form with passport bio pages, photos and, for families, proof of relationship.
Approval in about seven business days
You receive notice of approval and payment instructions.
Pay within 28 days
US$2,000 or US$3,000, non-refundable.
Travel
Present the stamp on arrival; you can reapply for a further year.
Duration & renewal
Twelve months. There is no formal renewal — “you can easily reapply” for a further year. The stamp does not count towards permanent residence.
Bringing family
The family bundle covers a spouse and dependants for US$3,000 in total; proof of relationship is required.
Pros & cons
Advantages
- No Barbados income tax
- Seven-day decisions
- Family bundle pricing
- English-speaking, stable, well connected
Considerations
- US$50,000 income floor
- US$2,000–3,000 fee per year
- High cost of living and 17.5% VAT
- No path to residence