Residency in The Bahamas

There are several types of residency permits available to non-Bahamians. These are applied for through the Department of Immigration. Information on each type of permit with the stipulations and applicable forms can be found on the Government of The Bahamas website www.bahamas.gov.bs

Annual Permit to Reside

The Permit to Reside allows non-Bahamians wishing to reside in The Bahamas to do so on an annual basis. This does not require you to property purchase, but it must be renewed annually. This could be for students attending university or a study program, or dependents or spouses of those legally allowed to reside in The Bahamas (Bahamians or non-Bahamians).

Home Owner’s Resident Permit

A Home Owner’s Resident Card is for any non-Bahamian who has purchased a home in The Bahamas, of any value, so that their spouse and any minor endorsed on the owner’s card can enter The Bahamas freely and reside here. These permits do not grant the right to work and offer no privileges other than to move freely through Immigration at any port of entry.

Permanent Residence Permit 

The Permanent Residence Permit allows non-Bahamians to reside permanently in The Bahamas.

There are two types of permanent residency; Permanent Residency with the right to work, and Permanent Residency without the right to work.

Persons with Permanent Residency with the right to work have the same rights as Bahamians, except for the right to vote. These are typically spouses of Bahamian citizens, or non-Bahamians who have held legal status in The Bahamas for over ten years.  Persons with Permanent Residency without the right to work are often financially independent individuals or investors who own a residence in The Bahamas. Permanent Residence holders may pass freely through immigration and have the right to stay any length of time.

One of the stipulations for establishing permanent residency is the investment of at least $750,000 in the Bahamas. This investment can be the purchase of real property with a minimum value of $750,000. Persons making an investment of more than $1.5 million will have expedited consideration.