Barbados EOR & PEO
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DID YOU KNOW
- Barbados is renowned for its vibrant Crop Over Festival, a celebration with roots in the 1780s that marks the end of the sugar cane harvest.
- The island is home to Mount Gay Distillery, established in 1703, making it the world’s oldest rum distillery.
- Barbados boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its capital, Bridgetown, recognized for its well-preserved colonial architecture and rich history.
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Working in Barbados
Financial Year Dates
Barbados’s financial year runs from the 1st April until the 31st March
Minimum Wage
As of 2025, the national minimum wage is BBD $8.50 per hour, equating to BBD $340 per week for a standard 40-hour workweek.
Standard working hours
The typical workweek is 40 hours, usually spread over five 8-hour days. A typical workday is split into two parts, breaking for lunch in the middle of the day.
Overtime
Employees working beyond standard hours are entitled to overtime pay:
- 1.5 times the regular hourly rate for overtime on regular working days.
- 2 times the regular hourly rate for work on public holidays
Holiday Allowance
Employees are entitled to a minimum of three weeks (15 working days) of paid annual leave after one year of continuous service, as stipulated by the Holidays with Pay Act.
Sick Leave
After 12 months of continuous employment, employees are eligible for paid sick leave. The duration of leave depends on the length of service, and a medical certificate is typically required.
Maternity & Paternity Leave
Maternity Leave: 14 weeks for single births and 17 weeks for multiple births, effective June 2025
Paternity Leave: Three weeks of paid leave introduced in 2025, marking a significant step in family support policies
Public Holiday
Barbados observes several public holidays, including:
- New Year’s Day
- Errol Barrow Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- National Heroes Day
- Labour Day
- Whit Monday
- Emancipation Day
- Kadooment Day
- Independence Day
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
Social Contributions
Employers and employees contribute to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), which provides benefits such as pensions, sickness, and maternity leave.
- Employers: 12.75% of insurable earnings.
- Employees: 11.1% of insurable earnings
Additionally, a Health Service Contribution is required:
- Employers: 1.5% of insurable earnings.
- Employees: 1.0% of insurable earnings
Income Tax
Barbados employs a progressive income tax system:
- 12.5% on the first BBD $50,000 of taxable income.
- 28.5% on income exceeding BBD $50,000
Taxable income includes salaries, bonuses, and overtime pay.
Health Care
The island is home to two main hospitals and a broad network of medical centers, well-equipped clinics, diagnostic laboratories, pharmacies, and private practitioners. Medical services are available across a range of specialties, ensuring comprehensive care for both routine and emergency needs.
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), located in Bridgetown, is the primary public healthcare facility in Barbados. With 600 beds, QEH provides 24/7 emergency care and a wide array of specialized services, including surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, radiology, and psychiatry. As an accredited teaching hospital affiliated with the University of the West Indies (UWI), QEH plays a key role in training local and international medical professionals through its internship and pre-clinical programs.
The second-largest facility is the Bayview Hospital, a private institution located just outside Bridgetown. While smaller in scale, Bayview offers a range of specialized medical services, including ENT surgery, neurology, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and pastoral support. The hospital provides both private and semi-private accommodations and is known for its personalized care and comfortable, patient-focused environment.
Together, these facilities support a robust healthcare infrastructure, contributing to Barbados’ appeal as a destination for international talent and business operations.
Visas
Barbados offers several visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals:
- Work Permit: Required for foreign employees. Typically issued for up to 1–3 years and renewable. Employers must demonstrate that the role cannot be filled locally.
- Special Entry and Reside Permit (SERP): For high net-worth individuals and retirees.
- Barbados Welcome Stamp: A special 12-month remote work visa for international professionals and digital nomads.
Foreign nationals intending to work in Barbados must obtain a work permit. The application process includes:
- A valid passport.
- Completed application form.
- Police Certificate of Character.
- Job offer letter from a Barbadian employer
Barbados also offers the Welcome Stamp, a 12-month visa for remote workers, allowing professionals to live and work on the island
13th salary
There is no statutory requirement for a 13th-month salary in Barbados. However, performance bonuses and holiday incentives are common in the private sector.
Cultural Information
- Barbadians, or “Bajans,” are known for their hospitality, community spirit, and vibrant culture. The island boasts a strong British colonial heritage blended with Afro-Caribbean traditions, visible in its music, festivals (such as Crop Over), and cuisine.
- Popular local dishes include flying fish and cou-cou, macaroni pie, and pepperpot. Barbados also has a globally renowned rum industry, with Mount Gay being one of the oldest distilleries in the world.
- Business culture in Barbados is formal and relationship-driven. Punctuality and professionalism are expected, but meetings often begin with friendly conversation to build trust.