Starting a business in Barbados

Yes, there are some steps you have to follow. But we’ll be here every step of the way, offering advice and guidance. Below are some of the legal requirements for starting a business in Barbados. You’ll see that some of these steps only apply to certain types of business (such as medical services or insurance companies). 

Many of these registrations can now be done online for a quicker, more efficient process and corporate attorneys can of course assist with the paperwork and submissions. 

 

• Register with the Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office.
  Find out more about types of companies and the registration process.
  +1 (246) 535-2410 | caipo.general@barbados.gov.bb

 

• Apply to the Central Bank of Barbados to register foreign funds.             
  +1 (246) 436-6870 | info@centralbank.org.bb

 

• Apply to the Barbados Immigration Department for a work permit, if you are not a citizen of Barbados and would like to work on the island.         
  +1 (246) 535-4100 | immigration.department@barbados.gov.bb

 

• Register with the National Insurance Scheme for an employer’s national insurance number, and a personal one too if you’re going to be working in Barbados.
  +1 (246) 431-7400 | customer.service@bginis.gov.bb

 

• Register with the Barbados Revenue Authority. Registration can be done online through the Tax Administration Management Information System (TAMIS). You will be issued with a tax identification number (TIN) for income tax purposes.
  +1 (246) 429-3829 | bramail@bra.gov.bb

 

• Contact the Value Added Tax (VAT) Division of the Barbados Revenue Authority for guidance regarding their registration requirements.
  +1 (246) 429-3829 | Online contact form

 

• Contact the Planning & Development Department for building requirements and to apply for permissions.
  +1 (246) 535-3000 | contact@planning.gov.bb

• Medicinal cannabis: Apply to the Barbados Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Authority
  +1 (246) 421-4141 | clo@bmcla.bb 

 

• Global education: Apply to the Ministry of Education, Technological & Vocational Training
  +1 (246) 535-0600 | info@mes.gov.bb

 

• Childcare or elderly care: Apply to the Ministry of Health & Wellness
  +1 (246) 536-3800 | ps-secretary@health.gov.bb 

 

• Restaurants, bars or food processing: Apply to the Ministry of Health & Wellness
  +1 (246) 536-3800 | ps-secretary@health.gov.bb 

 

• Medical sector: Apply to the Para Medical Professionals Council, Ministry of Health & Wellness 
  +1 (246) 536-3906 | paramedical.council@health.gov.bb

 

• Global banks: Apply to the Central Bank of Barbados 
  +1 (246) 436-6870 | info@centralbank.org.bb

 

• Insurance industry: Apply to the Financial Services Commission
  +1 (246) 421-2142 | info@fsc.gov.bb

 

• Apply for a foreign currency permit from the International Business Unit (Ministry of Energy and Business Development including International Business) if 100 percent of your income will be in foreign currency. 
  +1 (246) 535-7200 | Contact form

 

• Manufacturers should register with the Approved Undertakings Division of the Barbados Customs and Excise Department if you will be applying for duty free concessions on imports.