Bahamas Immigration and Residency

A non-Bahamian may enter The Bahamas as a visitor for an initial period of up to two months. It is during this time the visitor may apply for residency. There are three levels of residency available:

·          Annual Residence Permit;

·          Permanent Residence Permit; and

·          A Home Owner’s Card.

Generally applicants must be of good character and at least eighteen (18) years of age. However it should be noted that the success of any application is subject to the discretion of the Board of Immigration (the “Board”) and in the case of Home Owner’s Cards, the Director of Immigration.

ANNUAL RESIDENCE PERMIT

This permit is for non-Bahamians wishing to reside in The Bahamas on an annual basis. The Bahamas Government is responsive to applicants for annual residence, and although it is not a requirement for the applicant to indicate a commitment to the leasing or purchase of a “second home”, it is our feeling that such a position is helpful to a successful outcome. The Government Fee for this permit is one thousand Bahamian Dollars (B$1,000 for the head of the household and twenty-five Bahamian Dollars (B$25) for each dependent. 

The following documents are required:

·          Immigration Form completed and notarized with a four dollar (B$4.00) Bahamian postage stamp affixed thereon;

·          Two (2) passport-size photographs with signature on reverse of prints;

·          Police certificate covering five (5) years residence;

·          Medical certificate dated not earlier than thirty (30) days before this application;

·          Two (2) testimonials of good character;

·          Copy of lease or deed (if available);

·          Financial reference from a reputable bank verifying economic worth, i.e., citing a figure range;

·          Confirmation of whether or not the applicant owns a home or property in The Bahamas, and if yes, the address;

·          A statement of net worth stating a figure range and how it is comprised (asset classes);

·          Source of income including whether derived from employment, pension, investments, trust funds, etc.;

·          Amount of time to be spent in The Bahamas;

·          Civic or charitable affiliations;

·          Reasons for seeking residence in The Bahamas;

·          Ticket evidencing intended departure (if applicable); and

·          Processing Fee of one hundred Bahamian dollars (B$100).

Separate application forms must be submitted on behalf of the applicant’s spouse and child (children, if more than one). The application must be accompanied by a marriage certificate in the case of a spouse and a birth certificate or any other certificate evidencing the dependence of the subject of the application in the case of a dependent.

PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMIT

In addition to being at least 18 years of age and of good character, in the application of the applicant for permanent residency, the applicant must state that he or she intends to reside permanently in The Bahamas.

Permanent Residence has become very popular and accelerated consideration of application is given to major international investors and owners of residences valued at one million, five hundred thousand Bahamian dollars (B$1.5 million) or more. The government fee for this is a one-time fee of ten thousand Bahamian dollars (B$10,000) and one hundred Bahamian dollars (B$100) for an applicant’s spouse and dependent minors.  The grant of permanent residency is in the absolute discretion of the Board.

The following documents are required:

·         Immigration Form duly completed and notarized with a four dollar (B$4.00) Bahamian Postage Stamp affixed thereon. The applicant must state that it is her or intention to reside permanently in The Bahamas;

·         Two (2) passport-size photographs with signature on reverse of prints;

·         Police certificate covering five (5) years residence or where these are not issued, a sworn affidavit in lieu of the same;

·         Birth certificate;

·         Financial reference from a reputable bank verifying economic worth, i.e., citing a figure range;

·         Two Testimonials of good character;

·         Medical certificate dated not earlier than thirty (30) days before the application;

·         Proof of ownership of property and/or investment in The Bahamas in the form of copies of conveyances, deeds or contracts;

·         Proof that Real Property Taxes on the real property in The Bahamas are current; and

·         Processing fee of one hundred Bahamian dollars (B$100).

A person holding a certificate of permanent residence who wishes to include his wife, or dependent child under the age of eighteen (18) and ordinarily resident in his household, may have them endorsed on the certificate at the time of his original application or at a subsequent date, subject to such conditions as might be laid down by the Board.

All international persons owning residences in The Bahamas are eligible to receive, upon application to the Director of Immigration, an annual “Home Owners Card”. This card facilitates entry into The Bahamas and entitles the owner, his/her spouse and minor children to multiple entries to The Bahamas and the ability to remain in The Bahamas for the duration of the validity of the card.

HOMEOWNER’S RESIDENT CARD

Non-Bahamians who own homes in The Bahamas may apply to the Director of Immigration for an annual home owner’s resident card (the “Home Owner’s Card”) that bears the holder’s picture. This card entitles the owner, spouse and any minor endorsed on the owner’s card, to enter The Bahamas and reside here for as long as the validity of the card. The government fee for this is five hundred Bahamian dollars (B$500) per annum and is obtained within a few days of purchasing. The intended purpose is to facilitate entry into The Bahamas with minimal formalities. There is no need for a return ticket and the Home Owner’s Card entitles the holder to stay up to one year. The following documents are required:

·         Immigration Form duly completed and notarized with a four dollar (B$4.00) Bahamian postage stamp affixed thereon;

·         Two (2) passport size photographs with signature on reverse of prints;

·         Police certificate covering five (5) years of residence or where these are not issued, a sworn affidavit in lieu of same;

·         Birth certificate;

·         Financial reference from a reputable bank verifying economic worth, i.e. citing a figure range;

·         Two (2) testimonials of good character;

·         Proof of ownership of home outside The Bahamas;

·         Proof of ownership of property and/or investment in The Bahamas in the form of copies of conveyances, deeds or contracts; and

·         Processing fee of one hundred Bahamian dollars (B$100)

Although the form does not have to be completed and submitted until after the applicant’s arrival, please note that there are documents to be submitted with the application which would be appropriate to obtain or request prior to the applicant’s departure for The Bahamas.

This post is for your information only and nothing contained in this post is intended to constitute a legal opinion. If you require any detailed advice you should contact an attorney.  Alternatively you may e-mail the creator of this blog and he may assist you or refer you to someone who can assist you.  If you require more detailed advice you can e-mail a Bahamian immigration lawyer by clicking here.