Nassau Caribbean Beach, Bahamas. Source: istockphoto

Dreaming of living in The Bahamas? These idyllic islands, renowned for pristine beaches, warm weather, and a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere, offer a stark contrast to the fast-paced realities of many modern lives. With a thriving tourism industry, the Bahamas presents exciting career opportunities in various sectors, while its close proximity to the United States maintains easy access to North American connections.

For those considering an extended stay, the Bahamas offers residency and work visa options. Before applying, here's what you need to know:

1. Permanent Residency

If you’re interested in unlocking the full benefits of being a Bahamian citizen, you might need to consider applying for a permanent residency. This program will allow you to travel freely in and out of The Bahamas, as well as work, open a business, or leverage the country’s tax benefits. 

Permanent residency is available to various categories only, including:

• Investors: Individuals investing in Bahamian real estate, particularly those purchasing property valued at BSD $1.5 million or more, receive expedited consideration.

• Workers: Staff / agents working for the Bahamian government for at least ten years.

• Family Ties: People with a Bahamian mother.

• Spouses of Bahamian Citizens: After five years of marriage, provided the marriage is subsisting and the couple cohabitates.

• Long-term Residents: Persons who have held legal status (work or resident permit) for more than 20 consecutive years.

Requirements: 

• A completed application form (Form IV).

• A non-refundable processing fee of BSD $100.00.

• Supporting documents, including a valid passport, medical and police certificates, financial statements, and character references.
  
  

2. Annual Residency Permit

The Bahamas Annual Residence permit is ideal for individuals seeking an extended stay in the country without committing to home ownership or permanent residency. This option is suitable for those renting or leasing property, as well as students pursuing studies in the Bahamas. Available to financially independent individuals, retirees, and professionals. 

To obtain this permit, you must submit an application to the Department of Immigration, along with supporting documents and the required fee.

Requirements: 

• Complete application form (you can skip the questions about employment if only applying for residence)

• Supporting documentation, including:

• A copy of the bio-data page of your passport

• Two passport-sized identical color photographs

• A recent police background check

• A recent medical certificate 

• Two written character references

• Fee:

• BS$100 for the head of the household 

• BS$25 for each dependent (spouse or child under 18)

3. Work Permits

If you are a foreign national and plan to work and live in The Bahamas for more than 90 days, you must first secure a work permit/visa from the Department of Immigration. For shorter stays of up to 90 days, a short-term work permit/visa is necessary.

Applications & Documentation:

This permit is typically employer-sponsored, requiring:

• A letter of request from the prospective employer stating reasons for the application, the position and the period of time required.

• Evidence that no qualified Bahamian is available for the position.

• A copy of the bio-data page of the applicant’s passport.

• 2 passport-sized identical colour photographs of the applicant, with the applicant’s name printed on the reverse side.

• A police certificate of character covering 5 years residence in the Bahamas (issued not more than six months prior to the submission of the application.

• A medical certificate dated not more than 30 days prior to the submission of the application.

• Written reference(s) from previous employer(s) (no more than 2 in total).

• Copies of certificates of examinations referred to in the application form.

• Copies of applicable job vacancy advertisements in the local newspaper, with replies and results from interviews, if any.

Relevant documents must be submitted to the Bahamian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

4. Digital Nomad Visa

The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) program allows remote workers and students to reside in The Bahamas for up to one year, with options to renew.

To apply, the applicants must demonstrate:

• Employment with a company outside The Bahamas or enrollment in a learning institution.

• Proof of sufficient income to support themselves during their stay.

Additional Considerations

• Application Forms and Submission:

• Permanent Residency applications: Form IV

• eVISA applications

• Processing Times: Processing times vary; applicants should contact the Department of Immigration's inquiries unit at (242) 502-0550 within 3 to 4 weeks for updates. 

• Fees: Ensure all fees are paid as specified; for example, the non-refundable processing fee for permanent residency is BSD $100.00.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Bahamas government website.

Conclusion

Retirees, professionals, and digital nomads alike can find their place in The Bahamas. Explore their long-term residency and work visa options today and discover how to make your island dream a reality.

Disclaimer

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of the data presented on this site. Information may change over time, and errors can occur despite our best efforts. Therefore, we strongly recommend verifying any critical details by consulting the official sources or websites. This additional step will ensure that you have the most reliable and current information available.

For more insights, visit:

https://www.internations.org/bahamas-expats/guide/moving-to-short

https://bahamasguides.co/

https://offshore-freedom.com/blog-articles/living-in-the-bahamas/