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Returning Nationals

The Barbados Government has established a programme that provides concessions on import fees and duties for overseas nationals who are returning to Barbados to resettle. If
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Barbados Network Programme

A Barbados Networker (formerly Returning National) is defined as:

an individual who qualifies for Barbadian citizenship by birth, descent, registration or naturalization, and who is returning to Barbados to resettle after residing abroad for ten (10) continuous years.

Barbadians who meet the requirements may claim the following concessions:

Concessions on Importation of Household and Personal Effects

Household and personal effects, whether used or new, adequate to furnish a family residence, will be allowed into Barbados free of all duties and taxes. Appendix 1 contains a list of personal effects which may be used as a guide. Items not listed may be allowed in free of all duties and taxes, provided that, in the opinion of the Comptroller of Customs, the type and quantities of the items are such as would indicate that they are intended for personal and not commercial use.

Concessions on Importation of Motor Vehicles

One (1) motor vehicle per household, whether used or new, will be allowed in free of all duties and taxes. (Please see the Section on the Clearance of Motor Vehicles).

Concessions on Importation of Tools of the Trade

Tools of the trade, whether used or new, will be admitted free of all taxes and duties. Tools of the trade are defined as: “That type and amount of instruments, tools, equipment, devices and machinery as would be usually used in the normal course and scope of a person’s profession, trade or occupation without utilising additional labour.” Returning Nationals who wish to import tools of trade are advised to first submit a list of the equipment in question for approval by the Customs Department. Vehicles are not categorised as tools of trade.

Concessions on Importation of Bicycles

One bicycle per person will be allowed in free of all taxes and duties. Foreign Currency Accounts — Returning Nationals may hold foreign currency accounts with a limit up to the equivalent of BDS$100,000 provided that the funds credited to such accounts represent foreign currency earnings from abroad in the form of pensions, rental income, interest, dividends or other income.

N.B.: No concessions are offered on the importation of building materials.

Conditions for Retaining the Concessions Granted on the Importation of Motor Vehicles

In order to continue to enjoy the waiver of duties and taxes granted to them on their return to Barbados, Returning Nationals must:

Reside in Barbados after resettlement for a period not less than one hundred and eighty-three (183) days annually, for three consecutive years and present proof of this each year to the Ministry of Finance.
Retain their vehicle for a period of five (5) years following the grant of the concession and report each year to the Ministry of Finance to provide proof from the Licensing Department that the vehicle is still registered in their name. Insurance documents in respect of the vehicle must also be provided.

Failure to satisfy these requirements will result in the total duties and taxes waived becoming payable or the vehicle’s seizure by the Comptroller of Customs.

BARBADOS NETWORK PROGRAMME HANDBOOK

Barbados Network Programme Handbook
(Click image to open)

We have provided an informative handbook that explains how the Barbados Network Programme works and how it could benefit you.

You’ll find out what conditions and documents are required to establish eligibility, the various types of property that qualify for concessions, the procedures for getting started and much more.

Click here to read the handbook.