Talent Wiki - Barbados
Your quick guide on talent and labor compliance norms in Barbados
Capital
Bridgetown
Currency
Barbados Dollar (BBD)
Languages
English
Payroll Frequency
Monthly
GDP per Capita
$20,003
Employer Tax
12.75%
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.
Local Universities
The top local universities of Barbados are as follows;
Ross University School of Medicine
Ranking
Local: 1
World: 5850
The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus
Ranking
Local: 2
World: 10926
American University of Barbados
Ranking
Local: 3
World: 10004
American University of Integrative Sciences
Ranking
Local: 4
World: 10180
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 BBD | 3228 USD |
| Information Technology Manager | 5,240 BBD | 2606 USD |
| Business Development Manager | 5,150 BBD | 2561 USD |
| Human Resource Manager | 5,100 BBD | 2536 USD |
| Business Analyst | 4310 BBD | 2143 USD |
| Financial Analyst | 4,240 BBD | 2108 USD |
| Project Manager | 3,920 BBD | 1949 USD |
Talent Sourcing Tips
Top Local Job Boards
Jobisland, Jobconnect, Glassdoor, LinkedIn
Number of LinkedIn users
123,900
Top Recruitment Agencies
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 is 30 days.
Public and Provincial Holidays 2023
| Date | Name | Type |
| 1 Jan | New Year’s Day | Public Holiday |
| 2 Jan | Day off for New Year’s Day | Public Holiday |
| 21 Jan | Errol Barrow Day | Public Holiday |
| 7 Apr | Good Friday | Public Holiday |
| 10 Apr | Easter Monday | Public Holiday |
| 28 Apr | National Heroes Day | Public Holiday |
| 1 May | Labor Day / May Day | Public Holiday |
| 29 May | Whit Monday | Public Holiday |
| 1 Aug | Emancipation Day | Public Holiday |
| 7 Aug | Kadooment Day | Public Holiday |
| 30 Nov | Independence Day | Public Holiday |
| 25 Dec | Christmas Day | Public Holiday |
| 26 Dec | Boxing Day | Public Holiday |
Employee Leaves
| Type of Leave | Time Period | Mandatory |
| Annual Leave | 15 days | Yes |
| Sick Leave | No statutory law for sick leave | No |
| Maternity Leave | 84 days | Yes |
Payroll
Payroll Cycle
The payroll cycle is monthly in Barbados.
Minimum Wage
The Minimum wage in Barbados varies from BBD200 to BBD340.
Overtime Pay
The overtime pay is 150% above the basic rate on a weekday. It increases to 200% when overtime falls on public holidays.
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
Taxes
Employer Payroll Tax
| Funds | Contributions |
| National Insurance | 6.75% |
| Non-Contributory | 2.00% |
| Unemployment | 0.75% |
| Employment Injury | 0.75% |
| Severance | 0.50% |
| Training Levy | 0.50% |
| Health Service Contribution | 1.50% |
Employee Payroll Tax
| Funds | Contributions |
| National Insurance | 6.75% |
| Non-Contributory | 2.00% |
| Unemployment | 0.75% |
| Training Levy | 0.50% |
| Catastrophe Fund | 0.10% |
| Health Service Contribution | 1.00% |
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%.
Offboarding & Termination
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.
