The recently concluded United Kingdom (UK) Investment Mission to Barbados, held in November 2025, was widely hailed as a success by participants. In its sixth year, the annual event brought together businesspersons from across the UK – including, for the first time, a group from Northern Ireland – to explore business and investment opportunities on the island.
The UK Investment Mission is organised by Invest Barbados, the country’s economic development agency responsible for attracting, landing, facilitating and sustaining global businesses, in collaboration with the Renfrewshire Business Network of Scotland. Over the years, the mission has become a staple on Barbados’ investment promotion calendar, fostering meaningful connections and opening doors for collaboration between Barbadian and UK enterprises.
The mission provides UK companies with a unique opportunity to establish operations in Barbados or partner with public and private sector organisations. It also allows companies to leverage the island as a strategic Caribbean hub to access opportunities across regional and international markets. Each year, interest among delegates continues to grow, reflecting the diverse and evolving range of business prospects available in Barbados.
Why Barbados?
While Barbados is globally recognised for its unspoilt landscapes, golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and warm tropical climate, the island offers far more than natural beauty. It is also a well-established international financial centre, providing a range of investment opportunities across key sectors including financial services, insurance, renewable energy, medicinal cannabis, research and development, life sciences and biotechnology, niche manufacturing, medical tourism and global education, among others.
The jurisdiction enjoys long-standing and stable economic and commercial ties with the UK, built over decades and strengthened through initiatives such as the UK Investment Mission. Beyond strong diplomatic relations, the UK remains one of Barbados’ primary source markets for tourism, a major trading partner and one of the island’s key investment target markets.
Barbados remains firmly committed to providing a supportive and dynamic environment for foreign direct investment. As such, the jurisdiction offers several advantages for discerning investors seeking to do business in or through Barbados.
These include a welcoming and business-friendly environment underpinned by a long history of political and social stability, as well as a legal system based on English common law. Investors also benefit from access to the right people for the job. With a literacy rate of 99.6 per cent, Barbados boasts a highly educated and skilled workforce, within the banking, legal, accounting and tax professions.
The island’s physical infrastructure further strengthens its appeal. An international airport and modern seaport position Barbados as a valuable logistics hub for trade and investment, supporting efficient connectivity to regional and global markets.
Barbados also offers an expanding international treaty network, with double taxation agreements in place with 40 countries. These agreements provide distinct advantages for investors utilising Barbados-resident entities to conduct business internationally.
Competitive tax rates are another key consideration. Barbados’ general corporate tax rate is 9%, with lower rates available for specific sectors, including 5.5% for approved small businesses; 0% to 2% for insurance entities, depending on classification; and 4.5% on income derived from intellectual property in Barbados.
Additionally, Barbados offers an enviable quality of life. A safe, welcoming environment, coupled with modern healthcare, reputable educational institutions and a wide range of recreational amenities, makes the island an attractive place to live, work and invest.
The Barbados Welcome Stamp provides an additional option for individuals seeking to live and work on the island. Digital nomads can apply for the 12-month remote-working visa, which is renewable for a further year. High-net-worth individuals and their dependents may also qualify for the Special Entry Permit Programme, allowing them to live and/or conduct business in Barbados without the obligation of permanent residency.
Ready to Get Started?
Establishing or expanding operations in Barbados is a relatively straightforward process. Invest Barbados offers comprehensive investment facilitation services, spanning market entry, establishment and aftercare.
To learn more about investment opportunities in Barbados and the support available, please visit www.investbarbados.org or contact info@investbarbados.org.
