When my family and I decided to leave the grey skies of Jersey behind, we didn’t take the decision lightly. Three kids, a dog, a house, and a business to think about… it wasn’t exactly a small move. But we wanted a better life — more sun, more freedom, more time together.
What made it possible? The Barbados Welcome Stamp.
You’d think moving to a Caribbean island would be difficult, but honestly? Getting the visa was the easy part. It was everything else that took the effort.
What is the Barbados Welcome Stamp?
The Barbados Welcome Stamp is a special 12-month visa that allows remote workers and their families to live and work from Barbados. It’s open to anyone who works for a company outside of Barbados or runs their own remote business — as long as you earn over $50,000 USD a year and have valid health insurance.
It was launched in 2020 to attract digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and remote professionals — and it’s still going strong.
The Application Process
I can’t speak for every immigration process out there, but this one? Genuinely straightforward.
A few emails to the Barbados government, upload some passport photos, ID, and proof of earnings — that was pretty much it.
The application fee is $2,000 USD for individuals or $3,000 USD for families (which covers your spouse and kids under 18). Once you’re approved, your Welcome Stamp is not active right away — something that tripped me up a bit.
Your visa actually activates the day you arrive in Barbados, not the day it’s approved online. So plan your travel dates accordingly.
The Hardest Part? Leaving Life Behind
While the visa itself was simple, the real work was getting our life in order to make the move happen.
We had to:
- Pack up the house
- Find someone to rent it
- Sell the cars
- Organise the kids’ schooling
- Sort out the dog’s travel paperwork
- Book flights and find a place to live in Barbados
It was full-on. But once we landed on the island, all of that stress faded quickly. Sunshine, sea breeze, friendly people — and suddenly, the decision felt absolutely right.
Life on the Island
Barbados is incredible. The beaches are stunning, the culture is vibrant, and the local community is warm and welcoming.
Plus, it’s got everything you need to stay productive:
- Fast, reliable internet
- Coworking spaces and cafes
- Great healthcare
- Plenty of family-friendly things to do
And the best part? No local income tax on your foreign earnings. As long as your business or job is based outside Barbados, your income isn’t taxed locally. That alone is a huge win for remote workers.
Things to Know Before You Move
Here are a few things I learned along the way that might help you:
- Start organising early — the admin of life (kids, dog, home, etc.) takes time
- The visa activates on arrival — not the approval date
- Accommodation can go quickly — especially near the beach, so book early
- You can renew — after 12 months, you can reapply if you want to stay longer
- The community is amazing — there are loads of remote workers, expats, and families here doing the same thing
Final Thoughts
If you’re working remotely and dreaming of something more — a better lifestyle for your family, more time outdoors, more balance — the Barbados Welcome Stamp is 100% worth looking into.
We did it, and we haven’t looked back.
If you’re serious about making the move, I’d love to help you. I’ve been through it all — the forms, the flights, the frantic packing — and I can help you navigate the process and settle into island life with less stress.
Get in touch, or start your application at barbadoswelcomestamp.bb.
Trade your office desk for a beach chair. You won’t regret it.