Barbados

National Insurance contributions

Every individual between the ages of 16 and 67, who is gainfully employed in Barbados under a contract of service, must be insured under the National Insurance and Social Security Act. 

Contributions are determined as a percentage of insurable earnings up to a maximum of insurable earning of BBD 5,200 per month or BBD 1,201 per week. Employers must remit National Insurance contributions by the 15th day of the following month. Effective from 1 October 2018, the employee’s share is 11.1%, with the employer paying 12.75%. Self-employed individuals make quarterly contributions of 17.1% on earnings of up to a maximum of BBD 5,200 per month.

Consumption taxes

Value-added tax (VAT)

VAT is levied at the rate of 17.5% on the value of a wide range of goods and services imported or supplied in Barbados by VAT-registered persons.

See the Other taxes section in the Corporate tax summary for more information.

Stamp duty

Barbados imposes a stamp duty tax on various instruments, including written documents. The rates imposed vary depending on the document. Stamp duties applicable to documents for the transfer of shares, real estate, and mortgages are set out below:

* Any transfer of shares to a person who is resident outside of Barbados, whether or not the transferor is resident in Barbados, where the assets of the company concerned consists of foreign assets and its income is derived solely from sources outside Barbados, will not be subject to transfer taxes in Barbados.