Thinking about moving to Barbados to live and work remotely? The working from home conversation has certainly heated up! Working remotely in Barbados is now a very real possibility with the launch of the Barbados Welcome Stamp visa program.

The initiative allows folks who have applied and been approved to work remotely from Barbados for up to one year at a time. If you love the living experience, the visa is renewable.

Let’s get this straight: “Keep my current role while living in the Caribbean?”

Indeed, you’ve read this correctly: you would not have to leave your job. Instead, you would transfer your digital toolkit to a new temporary home, in a different region. No waiting until retirement to wake up to island breezes…

Sounds amazing doesn’t it?

It absolutely could be. Certainly for the 1st month or so. You can liken it to the dynamics of a new relationship. The first several weeks of being courted by Barbados’ charm will be fabulous, yes Sir! The endless interesting activities to do in Barbados will certainly keep you on your toes.

Then, the glossy top layers peel away and the reality of everyday island living remains. That reality could be a phenomenal change for you. Exactly what your life needs right now.

Or, this idea could fall short of your expectations and lifestyle requirements.

Let’s have a look at if you were to decide to grab your laptop and go to Barbados. What exactly might you be signing up for?

Financial considerations for moving to Barbados

Off the bat, it is important to understand that Barbados is not a budget travel destination. Financial planning for housing, transport and daily essentials should be a big focus in your early research. The island is well-developed and residents here enjoy some of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean. To enjoy it, be prepared to spend. Your first trip to the supermarket will be…enlightening.

Logistical considerations of living and working in Barbados

Housing: There are extensive real-estate options on the island. Chances are your long-term accommodation will be pleasant but less glamorous than your plush vacation rental. After all, this is real life for one year vs. a fab 2-week getaway.

Digital Infrastructure: Regarding internet at home, high speed broadband is available island-wide. This makes it entirely possible to work as you do today in your home office set-up. However, access to public WiFi can be limited across the island. Along a similar vein, if you are conjuring up visions of wielding your laptop and heading to a beach-side cafe for a day of work, let’s pop that bubble now. The shared workspace concept and the supporting infrastructure – the type that draws so many digital nomads to parts of Asia, Europe, and Latin America – it does not exist in Barbados…yet.

Language and Communication: The official language of Barbados is standard English. Saying that, by the third month in you could find yourself expanding into the world of Bajan dialect! Still English, but (often hilarious) iterations of it. Perhaps you’ll find yourself referring to the island as “Bim” as locals affectionately call it.

Arriving and Settling in: Non-stop flights from North America, UK and Europe means Barbados is highly accessible. For North Americans, the proximity makes it an efficient option. Also convenient is the fact that Barbadian currency is closely pegged to the US Dollar. For the UK folks, they will be greeted by a sense of familiarity. Due to its colonial past, British influence on elements of Barbadian life is evident island-wide. For example, driving on the left side of the road and navigating the roundabouts will come with ease.

Reasons why you should move to Barbados. Or not.

Okay, that’s enough with the “how’s”. You should have a decent grip on financial and other logistical matters to start looking into.

Let’s look at the possible “why’s” or “why not’s” for moving to Barbados.

Embracing island time and the “too blessed to be stressed” mentality

The true appeal to living and working in Barbados is pace of life. At a time when we are all re-evaluating our personal and professional scripts, here is an opportunity to further refine those. There is a perpetual laidback vibe on the island. If you’re stressed out by the hustle and bustle of your present environment, then pay attention. This one could be a game-changer.

However, keep in mind that you commit to the full scope of the contract. You must acclimate to slower service in commercial institutions. That’s to say: bring a good Spotify list for those bank and supermarket lines.

Developing a Healthier Lifestyle  

Going off to live the cliché existence of  “sun, sand, and sea” is too simplistic a perspective when evaluating this type of commitment. Nonetheless, those aspects are legitimate and carry significant weight to the decision. The mental health benefits of operating in a sunny environment are undeniable. Access to the beach, whether it be during lunch break, after work or on weekends are not postcard tales. It is a reality. 

If you are seeking to remove yourself from a toxic environment, might a move to Barbados answer that need? Could it be a milestone achievement towards reaching your stress management goal?

Of course, it is not a “quick fix” for mental health issues nor does it shift the magnitude of job responsibilities. Your workload is not reduced.

Cultural Integration & Stimulation

Settling into a new place can be tricky. If you seek to connect with Barbadians, there is a much-loved institution where locals congregate and where you’ll always receive a warm welcome. It is the Bajan rum shop.

While serving up local rum or beer is the main attraction, many rum shops also double as food establishments. Given the complement of rich menu options and easy conversational environment, the rum shop adequately rivals big city boozy brunch for a fabulous afternoon out. It is also a networking paradise.

Days spent attending local and international cricket tournaments are also top happiness-inducing events in Barbados. And that includes fans of the game as well as those who couldn’t care less about sport.

While activity options are nowhere close to that of larger developed countries, variety nonetheless exists. For instance, an active weekend can mean engaging in group hiking activity, or even kite-surfing.

Read: Harrismith Beach, a Hidden Gem in Barbados

Personal Development

Considering my descriptions of the island so far, how different do you imagine this Caribbean environment to be from wherever you are now? Chances are it is quite distinct. Which makes this excellent for your growth trajectory. Living among and interacting with the Barbadian public will broaden your perspective and boost your mindfulness. Heightened consciousness should always be a north star!

Opportunity for Meaningful Contribution

Spending power is great, but can you bring even more value to the table? For example, sustainable living is a critical need. Barbados is significantly behind the curve on national environmentally-friendly practices. Initiatives are slowly growing around the island to promote eco-friendly processes. Collaborating with local individuals or community groups spearheading such efforts is one way to potentially make an impact. 

By now you should have a fairly good sense of the vibe and what you need to look into further. And now you know that, yes, it is entirely possible to effectively work remotely from a “holiday destination” such as Barbados. Now, would your company allow it? And the biggest question of all: are you mentally, spiritually and financially ready to go for it?  

Are you ready to become an honorary Bajan?