Moving to Barbados from Netherlands

moving to

What to Expect

Everything you need to know before relocating from Netherlands to Barbados — costs, safety, healthcare, and practical first steps.

If you moved from Netherlands to Barbados, and you’d need to navigate life in English. You’ll also switch from driving on the right to the left.

Get free moving quotes to Barbados

We've teamed up with a vetted network of international movers to help MyLifeElsewhere readers plan their move with confidence. Tell us about your move and get up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes in under 2 minutes.

  • ✅ Up to 5 quotes from screened movers
  • ✅ Licensed and insured providers only
  • ✅ 100% free — you choose who contacts you

Key Indicator Comparison

Key indicators for anyone considering a move from Netherlands to Barbados.

Is it safe?

Homicide rate United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

per 100,000 people per year

NL
0.8
BB
15.3
Road traffic deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

per 100,000 people per year

NL
3.4
BB
10.0

Netherlands performs better than Barbados across all safety metrics.

How's the healthcare?

Healthcare spending per person World Bank, 2024

annual government + private spending per person

NL
$8,195
BB
$1,153
Doctors per 10,000 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

affects wait times and access to care

NL
39.1
BB
29.7

Netherlands generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Barbados leads in healthcare spending per person.

What about the environment?

Air pollution deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2019

deaths attributable to air pollution per 100k people

NL
13.0
BB
19.0
CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

NL
6.6t
BB
2.5t

Netherlands generally does better on environment, though Barbados leads in co₂ emissions per capita.

Will I have good infrastructure?

Broadband per 100 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work

NL
44.4
BB
37.6
Water stress level United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

higher means greater strain on freshwater supply

NL
16.1%
BB
87.5%

Netherlands performs better than Barbados across all infrastructure metrics.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate The World Factbook, 2023

percentage of the labour force without work

NL
3.6%
BB
8.0%
GDP per capita The World Factbook, 2023

a broad measure of economic output per person

NL
$69,300
BB
$17,400

Netherlands generally does better on employment & economy, though Barbados leads in top income tax rate.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy The World Factbook, 2022

average years of life at birth

NL
82.2 yrs
BB
78.5 yrs
Infant mortality The World Factbook, 2022

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

NL
3.4
BB
9.6

Netherlands generally does better on family life, though Barbados leads in education spending.

Data: Tax and Customs Administration - Belastingdienst, The World Factbook, United Nations SDG Indicators, World Bank

Visitor Visa Requirements

Short-stay tourist visa rules between Netherlands and Barbados. To live, work, or study long-term in Barbados, you'll need a separate residence or work visa — check Barbados's immigration authority.

Netherlands passport

Netherlands passport holder visiting Barbados

Visa Free
Netherlands passport holders can enter Barbados without a visa.
Barbados passport

Barbados passport holder visiting Netherlands

Visa Free
Barbados passport holders can enter Netherlands without a visa.

Data: Henley Passport Index. Check with the destination country's embassy for the most current requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely from Barbados?

Internet is rarely the blocker — Barbados has 37.6 fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 people. The real questions are legal: digital nomad visa eligibility, your employer's overseas-work policy, and tax residency in both countries.

Is Barbados safe for expats?

Netherlands performs better than Barbados across all safety metrics. The homicide rate in Barbados is 15.3 per 100,000 people, compared to 0.8 in Netherlands.

How is healthcare in Barbados compared to Netherlands?

Netherlands generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Barbados leads in healthcare spending per person. There are 29.7 doctors per 10,000 people in Barbados, compared to 39.1 in Netherlands. Barbados scores 77 on the WHO universal health coverage index (Netherlands: 85).

What language do they speak in Barbados?

The official language in Barbados is English. In Netherlands, the official language is Dutch.

Share this

At a Glance

NL BB
Population 17,400,824 302,674
Currency Euro (€) Barbadian Dollar (BBD)
Languages Dutch English
Driving side Right Left
Calling code +31 +1246
Time zones 1 1
Emergency number 112