Business Barbados 2022

Barbados checked the box in all aspects. As a result, remote workers who meet the criteria for the Welcome Stamp visa are able to take advantage of the jurisdiction’s efficient air connectivity, year-round warm climate, politically and socially stable environment, and begin work immediately! Success Stories Continue The roster of ICT companies in Barbados continues to steadily expand. Through the years, investors who have chosen to establish businesses in Barbados’ ICT sector have keenly praised the jurisdiction for its intellectual talent as well as the work ethic of its people. Others have also commended the quality of the jurisdiction’s educational programmes. During 2021, Compliance Path, a new investor in the sector, successfully established a software development facility and was thoroughly impressed with the UWI graduates interviewed. “We have been blown away, frankly, by the quality of the candidates that we have interviewed … I think that speaks to the quality of the educational programmes in Barbados and the skill sets are definitely there.” Another investor, Ms. Simone Hildebrand of Geekseat, keenly praises Barbados for its intellectual talent and work ethic generally, as well in the ICT space. She manages an IT consulting firm and has recruited a number of highly educated persons, with plans to eventually expand to 80 employees including digital marketers and software developers. The investor’s global team comprises professions such as graphic designers, operations engineers and software testers, among others. Digitisation Thrust Prior to the global pandemic, Barbados started a drive to digitise public sector services. With the onslaught of Covid-19, the advance digital movement was further accelerated to ensure that the jurisdiction remained globally connected and competitive. Several government and non-governmental agencies came on board with this initiative, which has made accessing services across the public and private sector a seamless process. Currently, both individuals and companies can pay annual land taxes, renew driver’s licences and other professional licences, via the EZPay+ platform. Among the government departments that have automated its services is the Immigration Department. In addition to automated passport services, travellers to Barbados have been enjoying a contactless, hassle-free transit through the Grantley Adams International Airport, as they are able to complete their embarkation/disembarkation forms virtually. Another bold step for Barbados in the digital world was the announcement that it would be the first country to establish an embassy in the metaverse, as well as formally recognise digital sovereign land. The Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office (CAIPO), the first point of contact in establishing a business, has also embraced digitisation, and investors can now register business names and incorporate companies completely online. Phase 2 of the project will encompass post-registration processes. Fundamental to Barbados’ mandate is providing a world-class service that contributes to the ease of doing business. A Welcoming Investment Climate Awaits Barbados’ ICT sector offers many profitable opportunities. Future-focused with large aspirations in view, Barbados is on track to affirming its rightful place on the global stage as the jurisdiction of choice to live, work, raise families and invest. Invest Barbados, an economic development agency of the government of Barbados stands ready to assist with your establishment or expansion process. We also invite you to visit our warm and welcoming investment climate. Let us be your guides! BUSINESS BARBADOS 2022 100 A P P E A L I N G I C T I N V E S T M E N T O P P O R T U N I T I E S Barbados is on track to affirming its rightful place on the global stage as the jurisdiction of choice to live, work, raise families and invest.