Barbados•North AmericaSpecial Entry and Reside Permit - Category 2 (Property Owner/Retiree)
At a Glance
Varies
Not confirmed
Check the official sourceVaries (Renewable for additional 5-year periods, can transition to permanent residency after 5 consecutive years)
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Residence permit for foreign nationals owning Barbadian property valued at US$300,000 or more, renewable in five-year terms or indefinite for applicants over 60.
The Special Entry and Reside Permit (SERP) Category 2 is a long-term residency program established under the Immigration Act, Cap. 190, specifically designed for foreign nationals who wish to live in Barbados without engaging in local employment. It fills the gap for retirees and property owners who seek a secure, high-quality environment for long-term residence. By requiring a minimum property investment, the program ensures that participants have a significant, tangible stake in the country, providing them with a stable legal status while maintaining the island's character as a residential and retirement destination.
This permit is for foreign nationals, particularly retirees and those with independent means, who own residential property in Barbados valued at a minimum of USD 300,000. The ideal applicant is someone looking for a peaceful, long-term, or permanent base in the Caribbean who does not need to work locally. A distinctive aspect of this category is its focus on property ownership as a gateway to residency; while it offers a secure path to live on the island, it explicitly prohibits the holder from working in Barbados, reinforcing its status as a program tailored for retirees and individuals who are financially self-sufficient.
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
BarbadosRequirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be a foreign national.
Ownership of property in Barbados valued at a minimum of US$300,000.
Property must be unencumbered (not subject to mortgage).
Evidence of financial self-sufficiency to support self and dependents for the duration of the permit.
Valid health insurance with minimum coverage of US$500,000 per annum.
KEY CRITERIA
Investment
300,000 USD
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Completed Form B.
Two passport-sized photographs.
Original and copy of birth certificate.
Certified copy of passport bio-data page.
Marriage/Death/Divorce certificates (if applicable).
Police Certificate of Character (from countries resided in for 6+ months in the last 3 years; British applicants use Enhanced Disclosure).
Title Deeds and most recent Land Tax Bills.
Proof of financial resources (bank statements, pension documents).
Proof of valid health insurance (minimum US$500,000 coverage).
Proof of relationship for dependents.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Indefinite residency for those over 60 years of age.
- Tax benefits (no capital gains or inheritance tax; foreign currency tax credits available).
- Includes spouse and dependents.
- Path to citizenship after 5 years of lawful residence.
- Ideal for retirees or those seeking a second home.
Worth Knowing
- Not qualifying for a work permit (cannot work in Barbados).
- Permit is renewable every 5 years for those under 60.
- Must declare tax residency to the Barbados Revenue Authority.
- Dependents over 18 must provide evidence of schooling every 3 years.
Application Process
Choose investment option
Select from real estate, business, bonds, securities, or bank deposit
Prepare application documents
Gather passport, financial documents, property/investment details
Submit application
Submit SERP application to Immigration Department
Complete investment
Finalize investment of minimum USD 300,000
Background verification
Immigration conducts background checks and verification
Receive SERP approval
Granted 5-year residence permit
Application Forms
| SERP Application Form | — |
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