Immigration. Travel. Living.

Working in Barbados as an expat

For foreigners looking for jobs, Barbados, a beautiful island, is a tempting option. There are numerous occupations available, including several in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The island remains a top tourist spot even though there is intense job competition there. If you’re a native English speaker, your job prospects improve.

An illustration of two business professionals, a woman and a man, shaking hands

Permit to work

To obtain a short-term work visa, lasting up to 11 months, your employer must apply on your behalf, along with the required documentation:

  • From your desired job, a thorough cover letter.
  • Duplicate of the C-3 application form.
  • 4 photographs the size of a passport.
  • Police certificates from nations you lived in for six months in the past three years.
  • A duplicate of your passport’s biographical page

You must provide the following documents in addition to the ones listed above if you want to apply for a longer-term work visa, one that lasts up to three years:

  • Forms for work permits C1/C2.
  • A medical record including exterior X-rays.
  • Two character references.
  • Proof of your credentials.

Your potential employer must provide a comprehensive cover letter explaining their company, job duration, your role, and why they need you.

Job vacancy

There are many employment openings in Barbados. Since there is a high prevalence of young unemployment there, many casual job openings are filled by locals. For long-term permits, employers must show efforts in recruiting locals, particularly the youth, due to the high youth unemployment rate on the island. They must also demonstrate that no one else can do a potential job as well as you. Note that owing to the focus on hiring locals, short-term employment in Barbados is often seasonal and may be difficult to locate. 

Making a job application

The cover letter and regular one-page CV should be enough. Barbados has numerous local employment agencies that can offer guidance on formatting and other job-related matters. Employment discrimination laws are in place to prevent unfair treatment based on race, sex, gender, religion, national origin, physical disability, and age by businesses. 

Training and credentials

Educational requirements can differ by industry in Barbados. Some professions, like nursing, necessitate qualifications equivalent to the UK. For example, nursing demands a General Nursing degree, a Barbados Nursing Council RN license, and relevant experience. Similarly, teaching at foreign schools in Barbados requires a teaching credential. However, having a TEFL degree isn’t particularly advantageous, given the nation’s official use of English. 

Apply for a visa/permit

Relocating to Barbados involves substantial paperwork, time, and expenses. A visa is essential for staying in the country. Visitors can obtain temporary visas for up to six months, requiring a duplicate application with two passport-sized photos. Costs vary for single- and multiple-access visas. To work in Barbados, a work permit is mandatory. Native Barbadians are often the only ones hired unless there are no other candidates that meet the position’s requirements. Because permits take time to obtain, it is advised to apply for them before traveling to the island. An application for a work visa typically takes 6 to 8 weeks. It is important to request an extension at the immigration department after the first 6-month visa has expired. 

Residency

To apply for residency in Barbados, you should initially get a police testament from your country or the nearby police office if you have been in the country for a very long time. If you’re as of now on the island, bring your visa, birth authentication, and enough cash. On the off chance that you haven’t shown up, ensure you have a legitimate passport, confirmation of recognizable proof, and legally obtained fingerprints. There is a modest cost as well. The Barbados Government website and expat websites provide information on many facets of moving there, as well as answers to many commonly asked questions about daily life.

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