Real Estate Ads

Articles

WebLinks

Barbados, located just east of the Caribbean Sea andnortheast of Venezuela, is an independent island nation in the western AtlanticOcean.  Its total land area isabout 430 square kilometers (166 square miles). Barbados is English-speakingand has a population of about 279,000. Its capital is Bridgetown and its currency is the Barbadian dollar. Theisland’s climate is tropical, with constant trade winds off the Atlanticserving to keep temperatures mild with a rainy season from June to October.

In recent years, the Barbadian economy has diversified inthe industry and tourism sectors, with about three-quarters of GDP and 80% ofexports being attributed to services. The country enjoys one of the highest percapita incomes in the region and an investment grade rating which benefits fromits political stability and stable institutions.

The government continues its efforts to encourage directforeign investment, and privatize remaining state-owned enterprises. Exportcommodities include manufactures, sugar and molasses, rum, other foods and beverages, chemicals, electrical components.  Import commodities include consumer goods, machinery,foodstuffs, construction materials, chemicals, fuel, and electrical components.

Non-residents may purchase real estate in Barbados withforeign currency that has been registered with the Central Bank. Theconstitution also allows for acquisition of citizenship through registrationfor Commonwealth citizens after seven years ordinary and lawful residence.Citizenship can also be acquired through marriage. In an attempt to streamlinethe work permit and residency application process, the government announced in2007 that as part of a new International Business Charter, it would introduce asingle set of forms for work permits, student visas and spousal visas.