Relocating to Barbados can be a wonderful decision. The island has many incredible amenities, golf courses, properties, and more. Further, Barbados beaches and Barbados all-inclusive resorts are some of the best in the entire world.

However, if you are relocating to Barbados, then there are a number of things that you need to know before you move. Here are some of the top things that are important to know before relocating to Barbados.

1. Work Permits

If you plan to work on the island of Barbados after you relocate, then you will be required to obtain a work permit. There are two types of work permits that are available for non-nationals who are relocating to Barbados: short-term permits, and long-term permits. Short-term permits are available for up to 11 months. Long-term permits are available for up to 3 years. Both types of permits can be obtained from the Barbados Immigration Department.

2. Shipping

Because Barbados is an island in the middle of the Caribbean, inhabitants of the island rely on shipping to obtain many goods. This means that it is important to know what your options are for shipping if you are relocating to Barbados. UPS, Amerijet, MyUS.com, IPSParcel.com, and the USPS, are all excellent options for shipping to Barbados. You can get shipping price quotes on the websites for these companies.

3. Vehicle Purchasing

There are car dealers in Barbados where you can buy vehicles. However, purchasing a car in Barbados can be significantly more expensive than it is in places such as the U.S. or the U.K. This is not only because shipping vehicles to the island is expensive, but also because there are no automakers on the island. So, prepare to pay as much as 2-3 times per vehicle than you would in the U.S. or U.K. If you are planning on driving in Barbados, you must also have a valid license and driving permit, insurance, and you must pay the road tax. You can contact the Barbados Licensing Authority to learn more.

4. Pets

If you are planning on bringing pets with you when you relocate to Barbados, then there are a number of regulations that you will have to comply with. The regulations vary depending on which nation you are relocating from. For example, it may be necessary for you to have your pets microchipped, vaccinated for rabies, treated for ticks and heartworm, etc. All pets must pass a veterinary inspection to obtain an official Veterinary Health Export Health Certificate. The Barbados Ministry of Agriculture handles pet regulations, and you can contact them or read their website to learn more.

5. School Options

There are many options for schooling on the island of Barbados. For example, there are 93 primary schools and 22 secondary schools in Barbados that are government-run. There are also a number of private school options. For example, The Codrington School, St. Winfred’s, Providence School and St. Gabriel’s are all excellent private school options. However, it is also common for expats and non-nationals to send their children to boarding school in their original country for secondary school. So, you will be able to choose from all of these options. All schooling in Barbados is done in English.