Aerial landscape view of Bay Area of Carlisle Bay at Bridgetown, Capital of Barbados - international removals to Barbados with 1st Move International

International Removals UK to Barbados

Planning a move to the sunny Caribbean island of Barbados? We have been providing International Removals services from the UK to Barbados for over 25 years and are one of the largest independent relocation specialists in the UK.

Let 1st Move International handle all the details, from packing and shipping to customs clearance and delivery to your new home in Barbados. Get a free quote today and discover how easy it is to move your belongings from the UK to Barbados.

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Enjoy our comprehensive moving services, including UK-wide collection and packing, guaranteed weekly shipping direct to Bridgetown, and flexible insurance options. With 1st Move International, you can rest assured that your move will be seamless and stress-free.

Complete our quote form now to receive tailored information on our moving services and costs. Let us take care of the logistics, so you can focus on enjoying your new life in Barbados.

How Much Does it Cost?

How Much Do International Removals to Barbados Cost?

Quick Answer

As a guide, the average price of moving from the UK to Barbados in 2024 starts from £1,058 for a small move (shared container) and from £3,857 for a larger move (full 20ft container). The final cost will depend on the size of your move and your exact destination in Barbados.

See our table below to find out our moving costs to Bridgetown, Barbados.

International Removals Costs from the UK to Barbados 2024

Move Size Service Cost
Small Move / Boxes Groupage £625 - £725
Small Flat Shared Container £1508 - £1904
1-Bed House Shared Container £2224 - £2785
3-Bed House 20ft Container £3857 - £4173
4+ Bed House 40ft Container From £6,347

Important information about these moving costs

These shipping costs should be used as a guide only. For obvious reasons they do not include collection, delivery or packing/loading costs. For an accurate quote, please fill out our quote form and we'll get back to you with a detailed quotation tailored to your individual move size and requirements.

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What Are My Shipping Options?

Your Shipping Options for Removals to Barbados

No matter your move size, we have a service to suit you.

Loading a Shared Container with 1st Move Pallets

Shared Container Shipping to Barbados

This service is ideal for those "smaller moves", such as the typical contents of an apartment or a 2-3 bed home. Shared container shipping allows you to share container space, meaning you only pay for the space that you require for your shipment. This makes it the most cost-effective option when shipping personal belongings to Barbados.

Our bespoke packing not only provides the ultimate protection for your belongings, but allows us to ship alongside commercial goods, guaranteeing weekly shipping direct from the UK to Barbados.

More About Shared Container Shipping
Loading a Full Container with 1st Move Pallets

Full Container Shipping to Barbados

Larger moves may require a dedicated 20ft or 40ft container. This option is perfect for those shipping the full contents of a 3+ bedroom home and provides you with sole use of your own dedicated container.

Your container can either be loaded at your home (subject to access) or we can collect, pack and load your belongings back at our warehouse.

More About Full Container Shipping
Aerial landscape view of Bay Area of Carlisle Bay at Bridgetown, Capital of Barbados - international removals to Barbados with 1st Move International

Ready to Start Your Journey? Get Your Free International Removals Quote Today

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Why Choose 1st Move?

Unique Benefits of 1st Move International

Further Benefits

  • 25 years’ experience providing international moving services to Barbados
  • Members of the British Association of Removers
  • Members of the British International Freight Association
  • Modern fleet and fully trained packers and movers
  • Fully insured from your UK home to your destination in Barbados
  • Your own personal, dedicated move manager
  • Free UK storage up to the next scheduled sailing date
  • Electronic and Fast-Track customs clearance in the UK and Barbados
  • Faster weekly sailings to Barbados direct from UK ports
  • Track your transatlantic shipment live with 24/7 container tracking
Aerial landscape view of Bay Area of Carlisle Bay at Bridgetown, Capital of Barbados - international removals to Barbados with 1st Move International
135,000+ Happy Customers
9,240,000+ Cubic Feet Shipped
25+ Years' Experience
Our Unique Packing

How We Pack For Your Move to Barbados

After Before
Our Service

Our Removals Service to Barbados Includes:

Dedicated move manager

You will be appointed your own personal move manager who will guide you through the entire process and be on hand to answer any questions or help with customs procedures and documentation.

Meet Our Team

Full moving insurance cover

We have the lowest insurance claims record in the industry and provide three tiers of shipping insurance to suit your needs, ensuring peace of mind for our customers on their move to Barbados.

Our Insurance Options

Fast-track customs clearance

Our experienced team will handle all customs formalities, inform you of import regulations and ensure that all customs documents are completed correctly and on time. Our packing system also means you benefit from Fast Tracked customs clearance.

About Customs Clearance
Frequently Asked Questions

UK to Barbados Removals FAQ

The port to port transit time from the UK to Bridgetown is around 9 days and we offer weekly sailings on our shared container and full container services.

We offer weekly sailings from Portsmouth to the main port of Bridgetown.

We offer nationwide UK collection that covers all areas of the UK and we can arrange for onward delivery with our agents in Bridgetown allowing for a full door to door service.

We ship weekly to the main port of Bridgetown. Once your goods have cleared through customs you can collect your goods yourself or our agents can deliver to any of the 11 parishes in Barbados. We can arrange delivery to:

  • St. Michael: The most populous parish, home to the capital city, Bridgetown.
  • St. George: Known for its historical significance and beautiful beaches.
  • St. Andrew: A rural parish with lush landscapes and agricultural areas.
  • St. James: A popular tourist destination with stunning beaches and upscale resorts.
  • St. Peter: A coastal parish with beautiful beaches and a laid-back atmosphere.
  • St. Lucy: The northernmost parish, known for its secluded beaches and natural beauty.
  • St. Thomas: A rural parish with rolling hills and agricultural lands.
  • St. Joseph: A parish with a mix of urban and rural areas, including the historic town of Speightstown.
  • St. John: A quiet and peaceful parish with beautiful beaches and nature reserves.
  • St. Philip: The easternmost parish, known for its historical sites and agricultural lands.
  • Christ Church: A popular tourist destination with beautiful beaches, historical sites, and a vibrant nightlife.

We require the following documentation to ship your personal belongings from the UK to Barbados:

  • Copy of your passport
  • Copy of your residency visa
  • A written list / inventory of imported goods
  • Bill of Lading required by Barbados customs authorities. (This will be issued by 1st Move once your goods have left the UK.

All documents can be uploaded via our secure document transfer page.

If you are a returning national/resident, permanent, or new resident shipping household goods and personal effects to Barbados, you will not pay customs duties if the items have been in your possession for at least one year.

New items are subject to a 5% to 60% duty charge. Non-residents will face this duty charge on both used and new items.

You can find out more through the Barbados Customs and Excise Department's official portal .

Yes, you can track your shipment from the UK to Barbados using our container tracking service. We will provide you with a container tracking number and the name of the vessel.

Barbados generally welcomes pets, but there are specific regulations in place to ensure the health and safety of both your pet and the island's ecosystem.

Key requirements:

  1. Microchipping: Your pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip.
  2. Rabies Vaccination: Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies at least 35 days before your departure.
  3. Health Certificate: Obtain a health certificate from a government-approved veterinarian stating your pet is healthy and free from contagious diseases.
    https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/travelling-to-a-noneu-country
  4. Import Permit: Apply for an import permit from the Barbados Ministry of Agriculture.
    https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/blog/guidelines-for-importing-cats-dogs/

Holding a British passport allows you to live in Barbados for up to six months without a visa. For a longer stay, you would need to apply for a visa or residency permit, abiding by the Barbadian immigration laws and regulations.

If you’re considering a permanent move from the UK to Barbados, the immigrant visa may be the best option for you. To apply for this visa, you must be able to demonstrate that you have the means to support yourself without employment in Barbados. The application process involves presenting a thorough account of your financial resources, requires medical and health checks along with other necessary documents like passport-size photos and birth certificates.

Once approved, you’ll be granted immigrant status for an indefinite period, providing you with the freedom to live in Barbados without restrictions on your length of stay.

https://immigration.gov.bb/pages/Permanent_Residence.aspx
https://immigration.gov.bb/

Yes and you can apply for a Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa which was introduced in June 2020 to allow people to work remotely in Barbados for a maximum of 12 months. This digital nomad visa has become a really popular choice among remote workers globally and can be conveniently renewed to extend your stay.
You can apply for this visa here: https://www.visitbarbados.org/barbados-welcome-stamp

Barbados offers a Special Entry Permit (SEP) to High Net Worth Individuals or retired property owners. An SEP enables you as well as your family to obtain residency status in Barbados. With this visa you have no obligation to live in Barbados and can come and go as you please.

To qualify you must meet one of the following criteria:

  • People who make an investment in Barbados of at least US $2 million from funds sourced outside of Barbados in addition to evidence of high net worth in excess of US$5 million.
  • Retired property owners who are over 60 years of age qualify for an indefinite SEP that will not expire.
  • Retired property owners who are under 60 years of age qualify for a SEP that is valid until they reach 60 years of age. At that time, the SEP must then be renewed as an indefinite Special Entry Permit that will not expire.

You can apply for this visa here: https://immigration.gov.bb/pages/SpecialEntryPermit.aspx

Living in Barbados

Barbados is known for its high quality of life, with beautiful beaches, a friendly culture, and a strong economy.

Barbados has a national healthcare system, but many residents also opt for private health insurance for additional coverage. See: https://www.health.gov.bb/About

International Curricula: Barbados has several international schools that follow curricula such as the British National Curriculum, the International Baccalaureate (IB), and the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE).

Higher Fees: Private schools typically have higher tuition fees compared to public schools.

Quality Education: International schools often offer a high-quality education with smaller class sizes and a focus on academic excellence.

Top 3 International Schools in Barbados

Barbados offers a variety of excellent international schools for expatriate families. Here are three of the top-rated options:

  1. Codrington School: This prestigious school offers a comprehensive curriculum from Early Years to IB Diploma, with a strong focus on academic excellence and extracurricular activities.
    Website: https://codrington.edu.bb/
  2. Malvern College Barbados: As part of the renowned Malvern College group, this school provides a high-quality British education with a focus on academic achievement, co-curricular activities, and personal development.
    Website: https://www.malverncollegeinternational.org/
  3. Lockerbie College: This Cambridge International School offers a rigorous academic curriculum and a wide range of co-curricular activities, preparing students for success in higher education and beyond.
    Website: https://www.lockerbiecollege.com/

The cost of living can be lower in certain aspects of Barbados living like rent and utilities, it balances out with higher grocery prices due to import costs and restaurant prices. The monthly cost of living for a family in Barbados without accommodation costs is estimated to be £3,300 (BBD 8,858).

Tourism, finance and agriculture are the biggest industries in Barbados, with tourism making up a significant part of the economy. Unemployment rates are high at around 12% in 2024, with youth employment making up a large part of this. There are current opportunities in the tourism and healthcare sectors. Current job listings can be found on Caribbean Jobs, Jobsonline Barbados, and LinkedIn.

Your Pallets Packed - Posted Live on Facebook

Your life, carefully wrapped, beautifully packed, and protected for the journey ahead.

We are extremely proud of our unique packing process. We are the only international removals company in the UK that uses this tried and tested method to ship your treasured personal possessions overseas.

Visit our Facebook page to find a snapshot of each shipment captured as the final pallet is wrapped.