Barbados

Special Entry and Reside Permit (Category 2: Retired Property Owner)

The Special Entry and Reside Permit (SERP) Category 2 is a long-term residence permit designed for retired foreign nationals who own real estate in Barbados valued at a minimum of USD 300,000, purchased with funds sourced from outside the country. Administered by the Barbados Immigration Department under the Immigration Act, Cap. 190, the permit offers up to indefinite residence for those aged 60 or older. Category 2 holders are not eligible for work permits and may not engage in local employment — it is intended for financially self-sufficient retirees living on passive income, pensions, or investment returns.

• Foreign national of any nationality
• Ownership of qualifying real estate in Barbados valued at a minimum of USD 300,000 purchased with funds demonstrably sourced from outside Barbados
• Demonstrated sufficient financial resources to sustain themselves and any dependants for the full duration of the permit (bank statements, pension documents, investment income statements, or similar)
• No specific minimum income figure is prescribed; overall financial self-sufficiency must be evidenced
• Valid health insurance covering the full SERP duration: minimum USD 500,000 per year for applicants aged 60 or older, or USD 375,000 for those under 60
• Clean police record from all countries of residence for six months or more in the past three years
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required
• Employment is not permitted; applicants who wish to work should consider Category 1 or Category 3

• Completed Form B (Application Under Section 13(3) of the Immigration Act)
• Two recent passport-sized photographs
• Original and certified copy of birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable); divorce/death certificates where relevant
• Certified copy of valid passport bio-data page
• Police Certificate of Character from all countries of residence in the last three years (British citizens may provide Enhanced Disclosure)
• Property title deeds and recent land tax receipts proving ownership of real estate valued at USD 300,000 or more
• Proof of financial resources (bank statements, pension payment records, investment portfolio statements, rental income documentation)
• Health insurance policy valid in Barbados meeting minimum coverage thresholds
• Proof of relationship for any dependants (birth certificates, marriage certificates, adoption documents)
• Certified English translations of all non-English documents by an approved translator (Language Centre at Barbados Community College, UWI, or the relevant Embassy/Consulate)

Applicants aged 60 or older receive an indefinite (non-expiring) permit. Applicants under 60 receive a 5-year renewable permit; renewal requires a USD 5,000 per adult fee with full resubmission of documentation confirming continued compliance. Upon reaching age 60, the permit converts to indefinite and no further renewal is required. After five years of lawful residence as a SERP holder, applicants may apply for immigrant status; after a further five years as an immigrant, permanent resident status may be sought.

Spouses and dependent children may accompany the principal applicant. Each dependant pays a USD 150 non-refundable application fee. Minor dependants and students pay a one-time USD 150 fee covering the full SERP duration. Adult spouses pay the full SERP approval fee of USD 5,000. All dependants must carry valid health insurance meeting the same coverage thresholds as the principal applicant. Dependants enrolled at a Barbados university must submit evidence of schooling every 3 years.

Barbados does not levy capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax. Foreign-sourced income is not taxed unless remitted to Barbados. SERP holders who spend more than 182 days per year in Barbados become tax residents and are subject to income tax on Barbados-sourced income. Double taxation treaties exist with Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and over 30 other countries. Tax-resident holders should file a tax residency declaration with the Barbados Revenue Authority. Property owners are subject to land tax on their Barbados real estate. There is no mandatory minimum presence requirement under the SERP itself.

1. Obtain Form B from the Barbados Immigration Department website (immigration.gov.bb) or in person at the Immigration Department.
2. Submit the completed form with all required supporting documents and the non-refundable USD 150 application fee. Applications without fee payment are not processed.
3. An initial eligibility assessment is completed within approximately 5 working days. If additional documentation is needed, the applicant is notified.
4. The full review is conducted by the Chief Immigration Officer. Processing time ranges from several weeks to several months depending on volume and document completeness.
5. Upon approval, pay the SERP fee of USD 5,000 per adult.

For enquiries, contact ACIO Weekes at the Immigration Department: +1 (246) 434-4171.

Links

• https://immigration.gov.bb/pages/SpecialEntryPermit.aspx
• https://www.businessbarbados.com/articles/making-residency-a-reality-in-barbados
• https://immigration.gov.bb/pages/downloads.aspx

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