grw

Good Morning I have just registered on the site, as we are hoping to move to Barbados in about 18 months.

We will probably retire there. I am looking to buy/rent a small apartment a buy a small yacht. Well thats the dream!

I am looking for help in finding the right area to live the and buy yachts and others things I should be aware of in moving to Barbados.

Grahame

Foxy_fromCanada

Finding the area that is right for you depends on what sort of lifestyle you're looking for. You mention retiring; does that mean you'll want a quieter atmosphere? Or perhaps you're the youthful retired type who is looking to rock out in the Gap 5 nights a week Just teasing.

Many people on this forum have great experiences to share, so if you can give a bit more detail on what you're hoping to gain from living in Barbados, we can all share our knowledge.

Unless you have citizenship, you'll need some sort of permit/visa to live in Barbados. There is someone on this forum who knows about that, but I can't remember who it is. Hopefully they will read your post and comment.

Good luck,
F

vikki85

I guess the west coast would be more suitable for you to live if you are wanting to do sailing.

In regards to moving over, I think (and I only say think) that as long as you are not wanting to work then residency would be the quickest route for you to go down. I have heard that as long as you are living on the island for 5 years you get it automaticly. I am sure that the regulars on here will be able to advise you further.

Sunniebgi

The length of time you live on the island has nothing to do with getting residency. I have 2 sets of friends who both have been here over 8 or 9 years, one set has children who where born here, and both sets have been denied residency.. soo.. nothing is a sure thing.

grw

I would say a quieter life. Places to eat and drink, not clubs

I have seen apartments at silver point in christchurch which would be near to barbados sailing club

Foxy_fromCanada

You may want to follow Vikki85's suggestion of looking around the wealthy west coast. Many nice hotels and restaurants there. Port St. Charles is a very ritzy place where people live and dock their yachts. If that's beyond your means, but you like the west coast, you're still not too far from the Yacht club on the south coast (not far from the Hilton).

Silver Point / Silver Sands is nice too - just in the other direction, near Oistins. You'd be roughly the same distance from the yacht club.

You may find it helpful to visit for a week or so and hire a real estate agent.
Good luck,
Foxy

grw

I know, but have been a few times and will be back next Feb. We usually cruise every two years. So we will be joining the ship and have a day and half in Barbados

G

Foxy_fromCanada

Oh, I see. Not a lot of time to go looking at places. I suppose you could find a few online that look good, and go see them during the day you're here? Makes for a busy trip, but might be worthwhile.

Another suggestion I (and others) have been making to potential newcomers is to move here and rent a place for a month. During that month, decide if you like the location etc. and then at the end of the month you can easily leave to go on to either a purchased property or a long-term rental. Visiting doesn't give you a clear picture as to what it's like to truly live here, and it would be unfortunate (not to mention inconvenient) to commit to an area/house and find out that you don't enjoy living there.

Best of luck,
Foxy

grw

Your thoughts are very helpful. Yes, I was thinking down those lines myself
There does not seem to be a government website to ask questions like how long can I visit, can I get residency if retired. I have seen an address and email for immigration but nothing else.

Would you rent around Bridgetown or go further northwest?

G

Serendipidy

Hi

When you say near Barbados Sailing Club do you mean Barbados Yachting club? If so Rockley and Rendezvous might suit you - its an older area but with still reasonable rents and is local to supermarkets post office and lots of lovely beaches.

Have a look into home exchanges as well cos some nice properties for short periods.

Dipidy

grw

Sorry yes the Yacht club. Thanks for that I will have a look. Is there a website for immigration details?

Grahame

Foxy_fromCanada

I'm sorry, I'm not sure how residency works for retired people. You'll likely have to give Immigration a call. Websites aren't used here to the extent that you might be accustomed to, so it's entirely likely that you won't find what you're looking for on the web. Best to give them a call.

In terms of staying as a visitor, it's customary to be approved at the airport upon arrival for 30 days (employment prohibited, of course). In the past, I've often been approved for up to 60 days at the airport, which is handy. They usually wanted to see proof that I was leaving again when I said I was - proof in the form of a return ticket.

Beyond that, there is always the possibility to get a Visitor's Extension by visiting Immigration after arriving. As I am not sure how residency works for retired people, I don't know if you'd ever have to go this route. I've been through the Visitor's Extension process. It's a pain, but saves you having to leave every 30 days.

Hopefully someone has info on retiring here and can give you some advice there.

F

cartoon

Hope you are over 65 otherwise you can't claim to be retired here.

My partner tried that ...(55) lol.

grw

I am not- only 59. Not sure I understand if I have a private pension and its paying us each month, why do I need to be 65 to retire

grw

Many thanks Foxy. Looks like a long phone call with Immigration. As I said before it will ne some before I wanted to move, so I time enough to get all the details

Grahame