Applications have now opened for Barbados’ Welcome Stamp visa, which allows people from all over the world to spend a year in “paradise”.

The new 12-month visa is aimed at those who can work remotely – which, as the coronavirus lockdown has shown, applies to more people than previously thought.

While digital nomads constituted a relatively small percentage of the workforce pre-coronavirus, a huge number of workers have spent the last four months working from home.

With many companies downsizing offices or switching entirely to remote working in response to the pandemic, spending a year in the Caribbean just got more attainable.

The visa will cost $2,000 (£1,570) for individuals and $3,000 (£2,355) for families.

It lasts a year but applicants can reapply. They are also exempt from paying Barbados Income Tax.

The Welcome Stamp visa has been prompted by the changes brought about by the virus.

“Covid-19 has changed work globally, with a larger number working remotely from home. Now we can give you certainty for the next 12 months that you can work from here,” said Prime Minister, Mia Mottley.

“Rather than coming for the usual week, or three weeks or a month, why not plan out your business?

“We have a mechanism that allows people who want to take advantage of being in a different part of the world, of the sun, sea and sand, and a stable society; one that functions well. Barbados is a perfect place for you to come.”

For those worrying about catching coronavirus, Barbados’ figures are also reassuring.

The island nation of 275,000 people has had just over 100 cases of coronavirus and seven deaths to date, and has introduced an effective contact tracing programme.

Applicants for the new visa must submit two passport-sized photographs; the bio data page of their passport; the birth certificate of each applicant; proof of relationship of dependents where necessary; and entry visa where required.

Visit barbadoswelcomestamp.bb for more information.

Barbados is the easternmost of the Caribbean islands, offering more than 80 white-sand beaches, plantation houses and rum distilleries, plus capital Bridgetown and its Garrison, an Unesco World Heritage Site.

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