Steps on how to apply for a Barbados Temporary Residence Permit

Are you wondering how to obtain Barbado’s Temporary Residence Permit? If that is the case, this blog post offers much for you to learn.

Barbados temporary residence permit (T.R.P.) is an immigration document that allows foreigners to stay in Barbados for a period that is specified on the permit. While staying in the country on a T.R.P., you can work, study, or engage in any other permitted occupation.

Applying for a T.R.P. is similar to a permanent residence permit (P.R.P.). As such, the processes are also closely aligned with applying for an employment visa in Barbados.

This guide will inform who can apply for a T.R.P., what documents you need, how the application process works, and what costs to expect.

Who can apply for a temporary residence permit in Barbados?

Visitors cannot apply for a T.R.P. as residents of Barbados. Instead, only persons who have been resident outside of Barbados but would like to work or study in the country while remaining within their own country of residence can apply.

For example, an individual from the U.K. visiting Barbados on a tourist visa cannot apply for a T.R.P. However, if this U.K. resident has a valid work permit from their country of residence, they would be able to apply for a T.R.P. that would allow them to work in Barbados while resident in the U.K.

Those who are eligible to apply for a T.R.P. will have a valid passport from their country of residence and either:

A visa issued by the Immigration Division of the Barbados Police Force (BPD) allowing them to stay in Barbados for less than 30 days (such as a tourist visa)

Applying for a temporary residence permit in Barbados

If you are eligible to apply for a T.R.P., you can proceed by contacting the Immigration Division of the BPD. The application process will follow the same as applying for an employment visa in Barbados. These include submitting your application at an immigration office, submitting required documents at the corresponding division of the BPD, and attending an interview at the Immigration Division if your application is successful.

The process of applying for a T.R.P. in Barbados is relatively short, with the application being processed within seven days but no more than three months. This is relatively short compared to other countries that offer similar residency permits, such as Thailand, where it can take up to six (6) months to process a one-year extension of a non-immigrant B visa.

Required documents for a temporary residence permit in Barbados

The documents required for a T.R.P. will be similar to that of an employment visa in Barbados. These includes:

• Application form filled in by you and signed by an authorized representative (such as a lawyer)
• Passport copy
• Valid visa copy or stamp (if applicable)
• Letter of invitation from a licensed business owner in Barbados inviting you to apply for the permit [This is required from non-residents].
• Residence proposal – a document explaining where you will be living and how you will be supported while in Barbados (such as a lease agreement or sale deed)
• Photographs – three of yourself [One should have been taken within the last three months]
• You can get a medical certificate from a Barbados-licensed doctor attesting to your fitness for travel.

What is the benefit of a temporary residence permit in Barbados?

• As a holder of a T.R.P.T.R.P., you will be allowed to work in Barbados as well as open a bank account in Barbados. Holders of the permit will also be allowed to travel to and from Barbados an unlimited number of times.
• Once your T.R.P. has expired, you can apply for an extension of your permit for another year but will need your employer’s support. This includes showing that your employment has benefited the country through submitting financial statements or other evidence.
• Suppose you are successful in applying for a permanent residence permit in Barbados. In that case, foreigners will be granted citizenship of the country and will no longer need to obtain a visa when traveling outside of the country.

Other benefits of a temporary residence permit in Barbados include eligibility to apply for a property in the country and low international education and Health care standards. 

How to get a visa on arrival in Barbados

Those who are nationals of nations that accept visas upon arrival, such as the United States, you can obtain a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival in Barbados.

Those holding a permanent residence permit in another country can also obtain a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival. However, if your country does not allow a visa on arrival and you do not possess a valid passport from Barbados, you must apply for a tourist visa before traveling. This can be done through the Barbados Immigration Office or a consulate of Barbados located in the applicant’s home country.

Children who accompany both of their parents on a trip will be automatically granted a visa upon arrival in Barbados. However, children traveling with only one parent must present documentation proving they are legally recognized as a family. This may be accomplished by recognizing adoption, birth, or marriage certificates. 

How to apply for a permanent residence permit in Barbados

Those living in Barbados on a temporary residence permit who wish to apply for a permanent residence permit will be required to apply, including:

• An affidavit stating that you have been residing in Barbados legally and continuously for at least one year;
• A certificate evidencing that you have adequate Health insurance;
• Copies of financial statements or evidence of employment showing that you will be able to support yourself and any family members or love ones who will be residing in the country; and
• Proof of ownership of residential property in Barbados or evidence that you will be able to purchase property in the country. This may include a real estate contract or appraisal report.
• The above documents should be submitted with your application form, which can be obtained from the Immigration Officer at the airport or ports or downloaded online. You will also need to pay the application fee, Bds.$500 for individuals over 18 and Bds.$1,000 for families. The fee will be payable in cash only.
• The application will then be reviewed by the Barbados Immigration Officer, who will decide on the validity of your application. If approved, you will be granted a temporary residence permit valid for one year, which can be extended once for the same period. You will then be granted a residency card upon arrival in Barbados.

How long does it take to get a Barbados Temporary Residence Permit?

The Barbados Temporary Residence Permit (B.T.R.P.) allows eligible persons who wish to live permanently in Barbados to obtain a visa without leaving their country of origin. These permit holders to travel freely between countries within the region and enable them to access employment opportunities.

To qualify for a Barbados Temporary Residence Permit, applicants must meet certain requirements. Before applying, they had to be above 18 years old, single, and resident of Barbados for at least six months. Applicants must also provide proof of financial means, Health insurance coverage, and evidence of good character.

The application process is pretty simple and can usually be completed in less than two weeks.

However, some documents must be submitted before an applicant’s application is accepted. These include:

• Birth certificate or passport with photo page
• Proof of identity
• Evidence of residence in Barbados
• Medical examination results
• Police clearance certificate
• Passport sized photographs
• A letter from the employer stating a job offer
• A copy of your most recent bank statement showing sufficient funds

If you do not have all these documents, you may still be able to complete the application but may face delays in processing your application.

How much does a Barbados Temporary Residence Permit application cost?

A Barbados Temporary Residence Permit fee is USD 100.00 per person. You can pay this fee by credit card through our website. There is no charge if you pay by cash.

Also Read: Steps on Getting Barbados Permanent Residence Permit

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for a temporary residency permit?

Anyone who meets the following criteria can apply for a temporary residence permit:

•  Is 18 years of age or older
•  Has resided in Barbados for at least 6 months
• Single
•  Does not hold a permanent resident visa
•  Has sufficient financial means
•  Has Health insurance
•  Has no criminal record
•  Has no outstanding warrants
•  Has no pending deportation proceedings
•  Has no history of mental illness
•  Has no history or conviction of drug abuse
•  Has no history or conviction of fraud
•  Has no history in immigration detention
•  Has no history with the police
•  Has never had a B.T.R.P. revoked
•  Has not previously applied for a B.T.R.P.
•  Has not already obtained a permanent resident visa

What happens if my temporary residency permit expires?

If your temporary residency permit expires, you must reapply for a new one.

If you would really like to extend your stay beyond the 90 days permitted under the law, you will need to obtain a new temporary residency permit.

How do I renew my temporary residency permits?

Renewing your temporary residency permit is easy! Follow the steps below:

1) Visit their immigration website

2) Enter your details (name, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number, etc.)

3) Click “Continue.”

4) You will now see an online form where you can enter your address and other relevant information.

5) Click “Submit.”

6) Your request will be confirmed by email.

7) Print out this email and present it when you renew your temporary residency permit.

8) The cost of renewing your temporary residency permit will depend on your nationality. Please contact our office for more information about the costs associated with renewing your temporary residency permits.

9) Once the temporary residency permit has been renewed, you will receive an email informing you of the same.

10) You may also visit any Immigration Office in Barbados to renew your temporary residency permit.

Conclusion

In summary, the ability to remain, study, or work anywhere in the nation for up to three years is only one of the many advantages of having a valid Barbados residence permit.

Feel free to contact us for guidance and additional assistance if you are still unsure about applying for a Barbados residency permit.

You can also learn more about how to get a Barbados Visa, validity, and Fees.

Thank you for reading!