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Thinking of retiring in the Caribbean? Barbados should be high on your list. Known as “Little Britain” for its strong ties to the UK, this vibrant island combines tropical beauty with familiar comforts, making it a top choice for British expats. 

With its high standard of living, excellent healthcare, low crime rates, and English-speaking locals who even drive on the left, Barbados offers an easy transition into island life. Here’s 8 of the main reasons to retire to Barbados from the UK.

1. Year-round warm weather

Barbados has a tropical climate, which sees residents benefit from year-round sunshine, one of the main reasons people retire to Barbados. Summer and winter temperatures typically are between 28°C and 30°C, but it does occasionally drop to 20°C during the winter months. 

There is usually a light, pleasant breeze, and the island enjoys about 3,000 hours of sunshine every year. December to May offers ideal weather, with less rainfall and lower humidity, but still sunny and breezy. 

The country usually escapes any major impacts from the hurricane season, as it is located in an easterly portion of the Atlantic. Although direct hits are rare, Barbados can still experience stormy weather, often between August and October.

Many people with arthritis or respiratory issues benefit from retiring to Barbados, as the mild tropical air helps to ease joint stiffness and is gentler on the lungs. Retirees report better mobility and fewer flare-ups after relocating to Barbados, making the climate not just pleasant but potentially therapeutic.

2. Stable political environment

Barbados enjoys one of the Caribbean’s most stable political environments, making it a popular choice for retirees. It has had a parliamentary form of government since 1639, making it the British Commonwealth’s third-oldest parliament. 

It has experienced steady economic growth with a low rate of inflation. The World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report ranks its banking system as the 4th most stable in the Western Hemisphere.

Elections are free and fair, civil liberties are respected, and political unrest is rare. This long-standing stability offers expats peace of mind and contributes to the island’s overall sense of safety and order.

3. Excellent infrastructure and healthcare

Barbados enjoys a well-developed network of highways and roads, and it also offers excellent access to public transportation, making it easy to travel throughout the entire country. The island offers its residents access to safe, clean drinking water and good sanitation services. The Grantley Adams Airport in Seawell, Christchurch, meets high international standards and serves as a hub for various major airlines.

Healthcare services are also excellent in Barbados. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Bridgetown provides outstanding geriatric care and also treats minor injuries and illnesses free of charge.

4. Reasonable cost of living

While food shopping is around more expensive in Barbados than in the UK, since so many items have to be imported to this island nation, rental costs are up to 57.3% cheaper in Barbados. A one-bedroom apartment in the city will cost BBD $1,345.40 (£505.51) per month, whereas the same in the UK will cost you 105% more at £1,038.04.

Monthly utilities cost £98.63 in Barbados and £237.47 in the UK, seeing a hike of 140%. A monthly public transport pass costs just £19.54, compared to £70 in the UK. However, taxi fares are around 57% more affordable in the UK at £4 starting rate, compared to £9 in Barbados.

Overall, the UK is 4% cheaper than Barbados, but it offers a comfortable lifestyle, especially for those who are retired and mortgage-free. Here’s a comparison of the average cost of every day items in Barbados and the UK:

Item	Barbados	UK
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	BBD $200 (£75)	£65
Domestic Beer (Restaurant)	BBD $5 (£1.88)	£5
Local Cheese (1kg)	BBD $18.16 (£6.82)	£7.15
Chicken Fillets (1kg)	BBD $22.22 (£8.35)	£6.61
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	BBD $16.20 (£6.09)	£14.99
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	BBD $3.50 (£1.32)	£2.40
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	BBD $530.00 (£199.14)	£1,256.46

5. Beautiful scenic landscapes and beaches

Barbados has many beautiful scenic landscapes and beaches. Harrison’s Cave has some of the most amazing geological structures in the country, while the Flower Forest provides meandering trails that wind through exotic plants. The Welchman Hall Gully is the ideal location for hiking and viewing wildlife. The island is a haven for Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles, and there are also hundreds of bird species that make Barbados their home. Even though Barbados is a tropical country, there are no poisonous spiders or poisonous snakes to worry about.

The country offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Crane Beach is wide and features pink sand and turquoise waves, making it an ideal location for both swimming and sunbathing. Bathsheba’s beaches are ideal for surfing, while Silver Sands Beach is the best location for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Browne’s Beach is one of the country’s widest, and its calm waters make it perfect for snorkelling and swimming.

6. Tax-Friendly For Retirees

One of the main reasons many people choose to retire to Barbados is the fact that there is no tax on foreign income. The UK and Barbados have a DTA, which helps ensure you don’t pay tax twice on the same income. 

Barbados uses a remittance-based tax system for residents, so foreign income, like UK pensions or investment earnings, is not taxed in Barbados unless you bring it into the country. The country also doesn’t charge capital gain, inheritance, or wealth tax, making it attractive for retirees with investments. 

Income tax rates are also lower than in the UK, so you will pay 12.5% on up to BBD $50,000 (£20,000) and then 28.5% on anything above that.

7. Low Crime Rates

Barbados also boasts low crime rates and is considered one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. This is particularly true about areas that are popular with retirees, benefiting from gated communities, strong police presence, and friendly communities.

Barbados is generally safer than many parts of the UK, especially in terms of violent crime. The UK has higher rates of burglary, knife crime, and urban violence, particularly in major cities. Petty theft does exist in Barbados, but mainly in tourist areas. 

The island out of the Caribbean islands and has a crime index of 47.1. When we comapre this to the UK, the UK ranks 84th out of 142 countries, whereas Barbados is ranked the 79th safest country. 

8. Plenty of Retirement Visa Options UK to Barbados

Barbados does not have a specific retirement visa, but there are a few paths UK citizens can follow to retire in Barbados. UK passport holders do not need a visa to stay in Barbados for up to 6 months, allowing you to explore options before committing to a long-term stay. 

1. Barbados Welcome Stamp (12-Month Remote Work Visa):

Although originally designed for remote workers, many retirees have used the to live in Barbados for a year. It allows you to stay for 12 months and is renewable, so it’s ideal to explore the island to discover where you want to live. You must prove you have an annual income of at least £38,646 (BBD 100,000) for the 12-month period and have health insurance coverage.

2. Special Entry and Reside Permit (SERP):

For those seeking permanent or long-term residency, the is an ideal option. This permit allows you to reside in Barbados indefinitely and even enjoy some tax benefits. It is available to individuals over 60 (and their spouses) who can support themselves financially. You will also need to show proof of property ownership via your title deeds and your latest land tax bill. The will need to be completed, and you’ll have to pay BBD $300 to apply.

3. Permanent Residency via Property Ownership:

Buying property in Barbados doesn’t automatically grant residency, but it strengthens your application for long-term stay permits. A solid investment and evidence of financial self-sufficiency are key.

4. Marriage to a Barbadian

Marriage to a Barbados citizen lets you apply for “Ordinary Residence” and later on citizenship. You must live in Barbados for at least one year as a lawful resident before you can apply for permanent residency.

Once you’ve lived in Barbados for 5 consecutive years under the “Ordinary Residency” status (or after one year of marriage, depending on circumstances), you can apply for Permanent Residency.

Moving to Barbados From the UK

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