New members of the Barbados forum, introduce yourself here

Thanks Julien.  Me and my husband. I am from the UK, hubby US, are planning to retire in Barbados.  We have downloaded the forms from the Barbados immigration website, and plan to come and visit Barbados and deliver the papers in October.  Right now we are still working.  From doing my homework, I choose here because it seems a good place to live.  One thing I would like to ask, would we need a property address before we ask to become residents?  Is there anything, documentation etc., that we would need to have for immigration that would help.  The last thing I would want is to get to their offices and be told this cannot be considered until you bring us this .....!  So any information to make the residential process easier would be much appreciated.  Also any tips on where as expats to choose to live, I would like to be around other expats.  Buying a car or importing one?  Furniture.  Choosing GP, dentist absolutely anything, anyone can help me with.  Hubby likes to dive and enjoys the gym, I jog, swim, gym.  Enjoy eating out, cinema, shopping.  Look forward to hearing from you.  Deborah

Hello All,
My husband and I are in our early 50-ties. We live and work in Canada. Life is pretty quiet now. Our mortgage is paid off and the kids are off the University, which means - no more tuition, no more big bills. While we still working, we would love to invest into a rental property in Barbados that will become our home in 8-10 years when we retire. Could someone let me know what should we be aware of before we make this big decision? Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thank You!

Deborahammond,

We are recent migrants to Barbados and we are from the US. We will be looking for permanent residency as well. We were given 3 months at immigration while at the airport. We will apply for another 3 months after that, but we will discuss permanent residency at the 3 month mark. Before we left the US, we were fingerprinted and brought the results of the fingerprints. We both have letters from our doctors attesting to our overall health. We are renting for a year, and we have a lease for a flat for a year. We have health care insurance, which seems important to immigration, and we have a means of support. We shipped a total of 177 Cubic feet, including two bicycles, and we are awaiting that shipment. We sold our furniture, but we shipped small appliances and electronics. Getting down to 177 cubic feet was a challenge, and I started by trying to get down to 100 cubic feet, but gave up after realizing we were getting rid of stuff, which we said that we would never leave behind. We rented a car for a week, but are without a car now. The buses are fine, and we have our bicycles to do the rest. It is expensive to ship a car, but that is a personal choice. The customs duty is pretty high for cars coming into the country. We have a Bajan neighbor back home and she felt that buying a car in Miami and having it shipped from there was a better idea, but not everyone is in agreement with her. You would be best to contact shipping in the UK, if that is where you are, and see what the rates are for shipping a car, and ask them about customs duties, once the car arrives at port. As you can see we just started the process of living here, so as we move through the process, I will let you know what we find out.

Hi all,
Had been living here on an off for last 20 years. Moved here in 2012 (Barbadian by decent) and still find it hard to adjust to the slow way things are done. Beautiful Island and glad got property here as deeds seem to be a big problem.

I have been planning on coming to Barbados because my state government is sending me there for training,so I want to know if I can do other school program as in PGD in engineering there

Hello, I'm a nigerian. I work as a medical doctor in my country. looking forward to travel to barbados for my annual leave. I want to meet people before arriving there. Heard the people are welcoming. Nice to be here on this forum. Cheers

(Moderated: off topic)

Hello, i am a Nigerian,I am a farmer and a care giver, am looking forward to come to Barbados for an holiday first but thereafter I may plan to relocate finally if I like the place but I will like to talk and discussed with many people before arriving.

My Name is David, i am living in Barbados

Hi my name is Krystal and i am from Barbados i have experience with working with children for 12 yrs  in the day care centers  i also have the Early Childhood certificate and currently looking for a job.

Good day!  This will be my second winter in Barbados, and my first flying solo.  I love it here - it is so ingratiating and friendly.  I am working on a project thru the University of West Indies , and I am looking for a living space until May, possibly repeating next year.  I would appreciate any tips you might have about finding a small, affordable and comfortable place. Thanks
Manfred

I am sure that you can find something in Cariblist.com online.

Hi my name is Troy Waldron I have three kids and I need a job desperately

Hi Iam a Private Bajan tour guide in Barbados in the winter months looking to head down to Barbados pretty soon , I am looking for an old van to buy , should be at least a 7 seater if anyone knows of any please .
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Julien wrote:

Hi all,

Newbie on the Barbados forum? Don’t know how to start?

This thread is for you

We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your expat projects in Barbados if you are planning to move there.

It will enable us to help you better but above all to wish you a warm welcome.

Welcome on board!

Thanks for the shout out Julien

Hi ALL!
I'm a Canadian Teacher with an undergrad in Early Childhood Education. I'm interested in relocating to Barbados! I am just an unhappily employed girl looking to happily employed in my field on beautiful Barbados!

Hi, everyone. I am Asya. I am originally from Russia, but lived at different countries. I moved to Barbados from Scotland taking a full-time position at UWI. It is not that I was dreaming about living in Barbados, but the working conditions are excellent and it is nice to have a chance to know this part of the world.

helow dear please share u r experience in Barbidose!!!!!!!

Greetings, My husband and I are both in our early 60s. We are semi-retired and considering where we want to move permanently within 3-4 years. I have visited Barbados in the past and it is high on my list of locations. He would like to continue working at least part-time. He has an extensive background in aviation operations and instruction. My background is tourism; I wouldn't mind working a bit either. I'm looking at real estate listings, and it appears that there are affordable properties in the 200-300K range. We'd rather live in a neighborhood with local people than in some gated ex-pat enclave. Is this feasible? We are planning to visit for a few week late in 2015. I would love to get to know people who live there now and plan to visit them when we can. Many thanks.

Hi, my name is Darren and my wife and I are moving to Barbados in Aug 2016. We are very much looking forward to it. I am an experienced Science, Maths and IT teacher ... Amongst my specialisms are both biology and chemistry to advanced level, including the UK A-level system exams and International Baccalaureate (IB) Chemistry. I am going to be teaching the IB and MYP at a private school in Barbados, hence our relocation.
My wife has a science degree and teaching qualification (Cert Ed) and she will be looking for opportunities once we have relocated to Barbados, possibly volunteer work or tuition in science or IT or Media (having worked in media herself many years ago).

Hi everyone. My name is Damien, and I'm from England. I arrived here recently on a two year contract working as an economist at CDB. Still finding my feet both in and out of work. Loving the sunshine, but soon will be looking to do other things than lounge on the beach.

Hello everyone am Anthonia and am in barbados now,casa grande and am in total isolation,please i need friends in barbados to communicate with.

Hi

I think it will be more of a dream than reality for me to move to Barbados. I do not have any ties to the UK and I hate the weather here. I visited Barbados in 1980 and 1981 and often think about it especially the lovely weather. I lived in Tenerife from 1999 - 2006 and again really loved the weather.

It is my dream to live in Barbados but I will have to work as I haven't won the lottery. I am an admin girl.

That is it from me. Thanks for reading.

Kirsty

Hi everyone, my name is Stephen at present I'm living in the UK and working in the building industry. I am a time served electrician and would love to live and work in Barbados.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Regards.
              Stephen.

Hi I'm Dianne I currently live in Toronto Canada. I have visited  Barbados yearly for the last 5 years. I would live to secure in a job in Barbados but I'm not too sure how to begin the process. The island is beautiful. Any suggestions? Thanks

What are your qualifications and experience ? It needs to be a specialized trade or profession
Barbados is a small country and to get a work permit you have to first get a job proposal  and then the employer applies for you , other than that you have to marry a Barbadian  or invest and open a CO that employs at least 7 Barbadians I think .

            http://gisbarbados.gov.bb/http://www.immigration.gov.bb/pages/WorkPermit.aspx

Hello David,
My name is Roza and I am from Russia but at the moment I live in London.
We are getting married in The middle if June in Barbados and looking for Russian speaking photographer ( it's not necessary for him or her to be professional) to take pictures for our memory.
Could you help us? My e-mail is: rozochka60[at]inbox.ru

Kind regards, Roza.

I am 12 generation Barbadian on both side of my family .

Hi again ,
   For all of you looking and wishing to live in Barbados , I can help  as I am 12 th Generation Barbadian I am a Barbados Private Tour Guide and barber and Boat Skipper , I know many people on the island even Immigration people /lawyers/Real Estate people etc...I know how things work here . I have acquired Barbados Passport for my wife from Thailand ,so I know the process   , there is a waiting period of Approx : 2 years . If you set up a business or buy a home or invest in a CO , things are a lot easier .If you invest a certain amount you will automatically get  work visas , and hire at least 7 people , or sometimes even less . I can help !

Hi, How it's going?

Just wanted to give a shout out and say hello to everyone. I moved to Barbados since 2011 and still adjusting to the life and culture here. I have some insight into how the immigration process works, and I'm living with my partner who is a local and knows the island inside out. I would be happy to help out with providing any info to anyone interested in moving here and possibly make some new friends with those who have already moved here.

-JB

Hi Anthonia, my name is Kenny, am a Nigerian from Imo State but lives in Toronto, Canada. Lets hook-up, okay.

Hello Vance.
                   I'm a time served Electrician and have worked in the building industry for over 30 years, I also have 10 years experience in kitchen installations.

I would love to come and live and set up a business in Barbados.
Any thoughts and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Regards.
                Stephen.

Hi everyone! My name is Gus, from Venezuela. I'm a Graphic Designer: my speciality is editorial design, web design, logos, packaging design, journals, 3D. Working with digital photography, etc. I'm also DJ (latin music + reggae-roots + electronic).

I'm in search of finding a job in Barbados!!! I appreciate your cooperation, please write me ;-)

Hello everyone,

My name is Kera but I'm not an expat, I would like to offer my cleaning services to any one who needs assistance. I have posted a flyer in the classifieds section with more details.

Have a great day everyone!

Hi everyone!

My name is Jeremy.  My wife and I and our childen (15 + 10) are planning to emigrate to Barbados this year.  I run an internet based marketing business selling on Amazon and also affiliate marketing, so I can work from anywhere.

I setup an IBC (International Business Company) in Barbados and submitted all the documentation for work-permits.  6 Months now it has been with immigration. No luck on getting any response 

Hi  all
I'm Rev minister called Clement Essien from  Ghana I have been pastoring for 12years in Ghana 2years in South Africa  as a pastor,im looking forward to share  good  news of   preaching  and ministering   to the people of Barbados and the world

Hi there

I am right at the beginning of my thoughts of moving to Barbados.
After reading various forums, it seems like it is going to be quite difficult which makes me sad.
I am from the UK and am white British.
I am to believe from what I have read, that I need a company to sponsor me to get any form of residency... however from your message you are renting for a full year, you have had your belongings shipped to Barbados and have 3 months granted currently.
What will you do to make sure you get another 3 months? Etc... are you just risking it and hoping for the best or do you know something I don't?
I thought I would just be able to come over, get a long term rental apartment and work there... ? Please help x