Guide to Residency in Bahamas

Obtaining a residency visa in Bahamas is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Bahamas gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Understand the Types of Residency
  • Permanent Residency: For individuals who wish to live in the Bahamas indefinitely.
  • Annual Residency: For individuals who wish to reside in the Bahamas on a year-by-year basis.
• Eligibility Requirements
  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Be of good character.
  • Have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any dependents.
  • Permanent Residency requires investment in real estate valued at a minimum of $500,000.
• Gather Necessary Documents
  • Valid passport.
  • Birth certificate.
  • Police certificate ( background check ).
  • Medical certificate.
  • Financial references ( bank statements, employment letter, etc. ).
  • Character references.
  • Passport-sized photographs.
  • Marriage certificate ( if applicable ).
• Apply for a Tax Identification Number (TIN)
  • Visit the Bahamas Department of Inland Revenue website: https://inlandrevenue.finance.gov.bs
  • Complete the TIN registration form online.
  • Print the confirmation page after submitting the form.
• Complete the Residency Application Form
  • Visit the Bahamas Immigration website: http://www.immigration.gov.bs
  • Download and complete the residency application form.
• Pay the Application Fee
  • The fee varies depending on the type of residency.
  • Payment can be made at the Department of Immigration or via bank draft.
• Submit the Application
  • Submit the completed application form along with all required documents and the receipt of fee payment to the Department of Immigration.
• Attend the Interview
  • You may be required to attend an interview at the Department of Immigration.
  • Bring all original documents with you to the interview.
• Wait for Approval
  • Processing times vary and can take several months.
  • You will be notified once your application has been processed.
• Register with the Department of Immigration
  • Once your application is approved, you will need to register with the Department of Immigration.
  • Bring your passport and approval letter to the registration appointment.

Important Notes

Residency permits do not grant the right to work in the Bahamas. A separate work permit is required for employment.

It is strongly recommended to consult with a local lawyer or immigration consultant to assist with the residency application process.

All documents that are not in English must be translated into English by a certified translator.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Bahamas?

"The Bahamas has both a visa and residency requirements for foreigners who wish to visit or stay. Visitors from certain countries must apply for a visa from a Bahamian embassy or online before traveling to the Bahamas; a valid passport is required for the visa application. To apply for a permanent residency, foreigners must submit a form to the Department of Immigration, along with a valid passport and supporting documents such as birth and marriage certificates. They are also required to pay the applicable residency fees and have their passport photograph taken. Applicants must also provide supporting documents that demonstrate financial stability, such as proof of income, and will be subject to a background check. Once approved, a resident’s permit is valid for five years and can be renewed," commented one member living in Bahamas.

"You must have a job to get a visa to live. The job must convince the government no Bahamanian can do your job before the residency/work visa is permitted. You can qualify for residency visa when you purchase a home for more than $350k-$500k. That number may vary depending on which island. this can be a very lengthy process," mentioned one expat living in Bahamas.