Barbados offers immediate, unconditional permanent residence to those who invest US$2 million (in any of a wide range of asset classes), and renewable 5-year residence permits to those who invest US$300,000.
Program participants of either category are eligible to apply for citizenship after five years of residence in the country. A Barbadian passport affords visa-free travel to 163 destinations (2022), including those in the Schengen area.
| Program Type | Golden Visa Program |
| Time to citizenship | 5 years |
| Time to permanent residency | Immediately upon approval |
| Minimum investment | US$300,000 |
| Physical presence requirement | None for PR purposes |
| Application processing time | 1 month |
| Citizenship grants visa-free travel to | 163 destinations, including Schengen countries |
| Contribution types available | Property Investment, Business Investment, Bond Investment, Fund Investment, Securities Investment, Bank Deposit |
General program requirements
The Barbados SERP Program offers two types of residence permits, both of which are called “permanent residence” but one of which is, in practice, conditional:
Category 1 SERP – Permanent Residence indefinite
Make a US$2 million investment from funds sourced outside of Barbados, and prove a net worth in excess of US$5 million.
Pay an application fee of US$3,500 for participants over 60 years of age or US$5,000 for those under 60.
If a work permit is desired, additional fees of US$15,000 (for those over 60) and US$20,000 (under 60) apply.
Category 2 SERP – Permanent Residence 5-year intervals
Make a US$300,000 investment from funds sourced outside of Barbados, and prove sufficient funds to sustain yourself and your dependents for the duration of the 5-year residence permit.
Pay a US$5,000 SERP fee to renew the permit every five years
Category 2 SERP holders are not eligible for work permits.
Dependents may include a spouse as well as children under the age of 18, or older children still attending university and financially supported by the main applicant.
Dependents are subject to an additional application fee of US$150 per person.
Program benefits
Requirements to qualify for citizenship
SERP Category 1 holders receive immediate, unconditional permanent residence, which needn’t be renewed, while Category 2 SERP holders must maintain their investment to renew their residence permit every five years.
Residents who have resided in Barbados for 5 of the last 7 years, and who have been physically present in Barbados for the 12 months immediately preceding the application, are eligible for citizenship.
To naturalize as citizens, residents must demonstrate a mastery of English language.
Legislation upon which this program is based:
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During Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit’s budget presentation in Dominica’s Parliament this week, several members of the United Worker’s Party, the island’s
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