Barbados’ tourism, financial services, and construction industries have been hard hit since the onset of the global economic crisis in 2008. Barbados’ public debt-to-GDP ratio rose from 56% in 2008 to 101% in 2015. Growth prospects are limited because of a weak tourism outlook and planned austerity measures.

Barbados is the wealthiest and most developed country in the Eastern Caribbean and enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in Latin America.

Barbados’ business environment is a diverse but stable one. Barbados is one of the most stable locations in the world for business. The island benefits from a long tradition of political and social stability, a highly-skilled and productive workforce, sophisticated international telecommunication services, and a superior infrastructure.

The service sector includes, among others, government services, tourism services, and finance and business services. The finance and business services industry is the largest component of GDP by industry since it accounts for 31.0 per cent of GDP.

Barbados has established special tax regimes and incentives to encourage direct investment and economic growth in both the international business and financial services sector and the domestic sector.

This site provides a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Barbados.

All businesses must register with The Corporate Affairs And Intellectual Property Office (CAIPO) located at 7th Floor, Baobab Tower, Warrens, St. Michael. There you must register your business as a sole proprietorship, partnership or a limited liability company.

The Companies Act 1982 legislates companies in Barbados. It was modelled on the Canadian Business Corporation Act. Company forms available under the Act are limited liability companies, companies without share capital (for non-profit purposes) and mutual insurance companies. 

The Corporate Tax Rate in Barbados stands at 25 percent.

For Barbados tax purposes, a company is subject to tax depending on whether the company is resident and/or domiciled in Barbados. A company is considered to be tax resident in Barbados if its central management and control is located in Barbados whereas it is deemed to be domiciled in Barbados where it is incorporated in Barbados.

The Personal Income Tax Rate in Barbados stands at 35 percent.

This site providesa table for personal income tax liability

The Sales Tax Rate in Barbados stands at 17.50 percent. Sales Tax Rate in Barbados averaged 16.25 percent from 2006 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 17.50 percent in 2011 and a record low of 15 percent in 2007. Sales Tax Rate in Barbados is reported by the Ministry of Finance, Barbados.

In the long-term, the Barbados Sales Tax Rate | VAT is projected to trend around 17.50 percent in 2020, according to our econometric models.

Every person entering Barbados, including all North American citizens (Americans and Canadians),should be in possession of a valid passport and a valid return ticket.

Comprehensive Information on Barbados Visa Requirements

151 tips on getting to and getting around Barbados from real travelers and locals.

By the time you reach your hotel you’re guaranteed to come across a bus – Barbados’ least expensive way to travel anywhere on the island.

Communications in Barbados refers to the telephony, Internet, postal, radio, and television systems

A brief commentary on the labor market in Barbados

A dated (2012) commentary on labor legislation in Barbados

A descripiton of laws related to employment dismissal and severence payments

A brief commentary on the labor market in Barbados

Average prices of more than 40 products and services in Barbados. Prices of restaurants, food, transportation, utilities and housing are included.

Cost of living comparisons in more than 1,600 cities all over the world. 

Barbados weather is generally warm and sunny all year round with an average daytime high of 30°C / 86°F. In fact, Barbados has over 3,000 hours of sunshine each year!

Monthyl weather forecast from the Weather Channel

This site provides suggestions for a safe visit to Barbados

Latest travel advice for Barbados including safety and security, entry requirements, travelwarnings and health

The education system in Barbados is modelled after the British system, producing one of the highest standards of education in the English speaking Caribbean. 

Barbadian schools are all English speaking and so children of expats have no problems with the language. Primary education begins at age 5 and secondary is from 11 to 16 years of age. Education is administered by the Ministry of Education and is free in Government schools.

Comprehensive list of National Bank Holidays that are celebrated in Barbados during 2016 with dates and information on the origin and meaning of holidays.

Overview of holidays and many observances in Barbados during the year 2016

See “People and Society” on this site

This site discusses the demographics of Barbados, including population density, ethnicity, education level, health of the populace, economic status, religious affiliations and other aspects of the population.

A few tips on proper business etiquette in Barbados

Barbados Customs regulations and procedures for importing and exporting goods at border. 

All freight imported into Barbados has to be cleared throughBarbados customs; different regulations apply depending on the nature of the item.

Barbados considers trade agreements as vehicles to obtain increased market access for its goods and services, at the multilateral, regional and bilateral levels.  

This site provides key information on Barbados’s participation in the WTO. Barbados has been a WTO member since 1 January 1995 and  a member of GATT since 15 February 1967.

Rent from people in Barbados from $25/night. Find unique places to stay with local hosts

Find 46,098 traveler reviews, candid photos, and prices for 99 hotels in Barbados.

Expert picks for your Barbados vacation, including hotels, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, top attractions, and more.

TripAdvisor has 172,070 reviews of Barbados Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Barbados resource