Barbados
Expand your global workforce in Barbados
Your guide to the employment landscape, working customs and local labor laws in Barbados
Capital
Bridgetown
Currency
Barbados Dollar (BBD)
Languages
English
GDP per Capita
$22,406.80
Employer Tax
12.75%
Payroll Frequency
Monthly
Talent overview
Barbados is known to be one of the wealthiest and most developed country in the Eastern Caribbean. In recent years, the country has grown its economic development from agriculture to industrialization and service along with tourism.
Major economic hubs:
Bridgetown, Oistins, Holetown, and Speightstown
Skills in demand:
Digital Skills, People Management, Business analyst and Information technology engineer.
Top local universities in Barbados
Ross University School of Medicine
Ranking
Local: 1
World: 5,845
The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus
Ranking
Local: 2
World: 6,693
American University of Barbados
Ranking
Local: 3
World: 10,004
American University of Integrative Sciences
Ranking
Local: 4
World: 11,319
Top Local Job Boards
Jobisland, Jobconnect, Glassdoor, LinkedIn
Number of LinkedIn users
133,600
Top Recruitment Agencies
Where to find talent
Top Local Job Boards:
Top Local Job Boards
Number of LinkedIn users:
Number of LinkedIn users
Top Recruitment Agencies:
Top Recruitment Agencies:
Salary Data
The table below mentions the average salary data in Barbados
| Job Title | Average Monthly Salary (BBD) | Average Monthly Salary (USD) |
| Financial Manager | 6,490 | 3,216 |
| Information Technology Manager | 5,240 | 2,597 |
| Business Development Manager | 5,150 | 2,552 |
| Human Resource Manager | 5,100 | 2,527 |
| Business Analyst | 4,310 | 2,136 |
| Financial Analyst | 4,240 | 2,101 |
| Project Manager | 3,920 | 1,943 |
Employ in Barbados
Employing in Barbados
In order to hire an individual from Barbados, employers should have information about the employment laws and regulations in the country. This section provides such information.
Employee Contract
Employers must provide their employees with employment contracts in the official language of Barbados- English.
Probation Period
The probation period in Barbados may be stipulated in the employment contract. There are no statutory provisions.
Public and Provincial Holidays
| Date | Name | Type |
| January 1 | New Year’s Day | National Holiday |
| January 21 | Errol Barrow Day | National Holiday |
| April 18 | Good Friday | National Holiday |
| April 21 | Easter Monday | National Holiday |
| April 28 | National Heroes Day | National Holiday |
| May 1 | Labor Day / May Day | National Holiday |
| June 9 | Whit Monday | National Holiday |
| August 1 | Emancipation Day | National Holiday |
| August 4 | Kadooment Day | National Holiday |
| November 30 | Independence Day | National Holiday |
| December 1 | Day off for Independence Day | National Holiday |
| December 25 | Christmas Day | National Holiday |
| December 26 | Boxing Day | National Holiday |
Employee Leaves
| Type of Leave | Time Period | Mandatory |
| Annual Leave | 3 to 4 weeks | Yes |
| Sick Leave | No statutory law for sick leave | No |
| Maternity Leave | 12 weeks | Yes |
Leave Compliance
Public and Provincial Holidays
Payroll in Barbados
Payroll cycle
The payroll cycle is monthly in Barbados.
Minimum wage
The minimum wage in Barbados is BBD340 for 40 hour work week.
Overtime pay
The overtime pay is 150% above the basic rate on a weekday. It increases to 200% when overtime falls on public holidays.
How taxes work
Employer Payroll Tax
| Funds and Levies | Contributions % |
| National Insurance | 6.75 |
| Non-Contributory | 2 |
| Unemployment | 0.75 |
| Employment Injury | 0.75 |
| Severance | 0.5 |
| Training Levy | 0.5 |
| Catastrophe Fund | 0 |
| Health Service Contribution | 1.5 |
| Total | 12.75 |
Employee Payroll Tax
| Funds and Levies | Contributions % |
| National Insurance | 6.75 |
| Non-Contributory | 2 |
| Unemployment | 0.75 |
| Employment Injury | 0 |
| Severance | 0 |
| Training Levy | 0.5 |
| Catastrophe Fund | 0.1 |
| Health Service Contribution | 1 |
| Total | 11.1 |
Employee Income Tax
| Annual Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
| 0-50,000 BBD | 12.5% |
| Above 50,000 BBD | 28.5% |
VAT
The standard rate of VAT in Barbados is 17.5%.
Bonus
13th Month Pay:
There is no statutory law for the 13th-month pay.
Employee Benefits
- Old-age Pension
- Unemployment Benefit
- Employment Injury Benefit
- Survivor’s Benefit
Employee offboarding
The employment contract can be terminated by any party: employer or employee. However, the notice period is mandatory based on the years of service.
The notice period in Barbados is one week.
The Severance pay in Barbados is as follows;
| Years of Service | Severance Pay |
| 10 years of service | 1-month pay |
| 10 years to 15 years | 1 and half month pay |
| More than 15 years | 2 and half months |
Visa and
immigration
A foreign individual seeking employment in Barbados has to get a long-term visa to work in the country. The Long term visa is valid for three years, after which the individual has to renew it. The employment contract will be a primary document while applying for the visa.
Your employment toolkit for Barbados
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Overtime Pay
Minimum Wage
Overtime Pay
Visa and Immigration