Barbados Welcomes You, and Your Investment

Barbados offers investors a secure, stable, and globally connected jurisdiction with strong economic fundamentals and a sophisticated, service-driven business environment. The island consistently ranks highly within the Caribbean and Latin America according to international benchmarking organizations, placing first in the Caribbean in the Global Innovation Index 2024 and third regionally (fifth in the Americas) in the 2025 Index of Economic Freedom, underscoring sound governance and investor confidence.

As the Caribbean island with the largest and one of the most developed and expanding Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) networks, Barbados provides a strategic advantage for efficient cross-border operations.

Strategically located at the eastern edge of the Caribbean, Barbados serves as a gateway between North America, South America, Europe, and the wider region, with strong air connectivity to major international markets. Supported by modern infrastructure, a highly skilled English-speaking workforce, competitive operating costs, and a transparent regulatory framework, the island offers an attractive platform for regional headquarters and international expansion.

Quick Facts

Map of Barbados 

Barbados is the easternmost of the Caribbean islands, located where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean.  Its nearest Caribbean neighbors are St. Vincent and St. Lucia. Barbados is approximately 1,600 miles southeast of Miami, Florida in the USA.

Key Economic Indicators

Why Barbados?

We’re confident that Barbados offers everything that your business needs, along with all that your heart desires.

Here’s why:

• Pro-Investment Government – A business-friendly environment for enterprises of substance, with a government committed to supporting investment and growth.
• Stable & Trusted Jurisdiction – A long history of political and social stability, with a legal system based on English common law that provides security for investment.
• World-Class Connectivity & Logistics – An international airport and modern seaport ensure efficient movement of people and goods.
• Skilled Talent Pool – Access to a well-educated and readily available workforce of qualified industry professionals.
• Advanced Digital Infrastructure – Reliable fibre-optic networks, Wi-Fi, and high-speed 5G connectivity across key business districts.
• Expanding Treaty Network – A growing network of international agreements providing clarity and certainty for tax planning.
• Exceptional Lifestyle Advantage – A beautiful island offering world-class sport, culture, dining, schools, healthcare, and an outstanding quality of life.

Learn more about Barbados and its Investment Climate: General Investment Brochure (pdf) - Invest Barbados - A Welcoming Investment Climate

Investment Incentives 

Barbados offers a range of incentives designed to support business growth and investment: 

Key Sectors 

 

Establishing a Company in Barbados 

You can incorporate a company in Barbados as a Regular Business Company (RBC) or a Society with Restricted Liability (SRL). Other entity structures include external companies and unincorporated businesses.

The following information and documents are required as part of the incorporation process:

• Name of the entity 
• The official address in Barbados where the share registers, minute books, and other statutory records will be kept 
• Contact details of the auditor, if applicable 
• Financial year-end 
• Minimum and maximum number of directors (an entity must have at least one director) 
• Details of the activities in which the RBC/SRL will be involved 
• Name, address, and registration/incorporation number of all related entities carrying on business, licensed, incorporated, registered, or organised in Barbados 
• Profile of each shareholder and director/manager, including academic qualifications, training, experience, corporate status, etc. 

Companies that earn 100% of their income in foreign currency are eligible for a Foreign Currency Permit (FCP). An FCP application fee of US$125 must be submitted to Business Barbados at the same time as the incorporation documents. In addition, the FCP application must be submitted to the Director of International Business.

Companies must also provide a statutory declaration from a director or manager certifying that 100% of the income earned by the RBC/SRL will be in foreign currency.

Below are some of the registration requirements for starting a business in Barbados:

Note: Some of these steps only apply to certain types of business.

Register for statutory obligations with:

Living and working in Barbados 

All are welcome and we believe that everyone has a role to play in our development.  Barbados offers specific programmes and visa opportunities for non-residents who wish to live and work in Barbados, a few of which are outlined here.

High Net Worth Individuals

High net worth individuals (HNWIs) and their dependents can take advantage of the Special Entry Permit (SEP) programme which allows you to live and/or do business in Barbados (work permit carries an extra cost). There is no obligation to live here, and SEP holders can come and go as they please.

The SEP is granted on an indefinite basis to eligible HNWIs aged 60 and over, while those under the age of 60 may be granted a permit for a defined period.

Digital Nomads – Barbados Welcome Stamp

Non-nationals interested in working remotely from Barbados, can apply for a Barbados Welcome Stamp – a 12-month remote-working visa, that can be renewed.  You need to be resident and employed in a country other than Barbados and continue to pay your taxes there. More details are available on the dedicated Barbados Welcome Stamp website.

More information on these and other visas and routes to residency can be found on the Barbados Immigration Department’s website: https://immigration.gov.bb

About Invest Barbados

Invest Barbados, an investment promotion agency (IPA) of the Government of Barbados, is responsible for attracting, securing and sustaining global investment for Barbados. The Corporation is also responsible for helping to develop and manage the Barbados business brand.