An Annual Residenae Permit allows non-Bahamians wishing to reside in The Bahamas to do so 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 opinion that such a position is helpful to a successful outcome.

The Government’s 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.

Our fee for the initial application is two thousand five hundred Bahamian dollars (B$2,500) (minimum) subject to increase for complex or lengthy cases, and a payment on account of one thousand Bahamian dollars (B$1,000) should be made upon our being instructed.

The following documents are required:

Immigration Form completed and notarized with a ten dollar (B$10) Bahamian

postage stamp affixed thereon;

Two (2) passport-sized colored photographs with signature on reverse of prints;

Original Police certificate covering five (5) years residence (certified);

Original medical certificate dated not earlier than thirty (30) days prior to submission of the application;

Two (2) testimonials of good character;

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

Confirmation of whether the applicant owns a home or property in The Bahamas and, if yes, the address and a copy of the lease or deed;

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;

Complete set of the applicant’s fingerprints;

Reasons for seeking residence in The Bahamas;

Ticket evidencing intended departure (if applicable); and

Processing Fee of two hundred Bahamian dollars (B$200).

A separate application form must be submitted for the applicant’s spouse and each child. In the case of a spouse, the application must be accompanied by a certified copy of a marriage certificate and a certified copy of the birth certificate for a child or any other.

A Permanent Residence Permit allows non-Bahamians to reside permanently

The Bahamas has a streamlined process for granting Economic Permanent Residency (EPR) for individuals seeking to relocate permanently or invest in the Bahamas.

Persons who purchase real estate of $750,000 or over can be considered for Permanent Residency in The Bahamas.

Persons with Permanent Residence are for all intents and purposes are treated like Bahamians, except for the right to vote.

Acceleration of the Permanent Residence application is available.

Permanent Residence allows the holder to pass freely through Immigration. There are no limitations on the length of stay.

Additional categories include “Annual Residence” which may be renewed each year, and the “Homeowner’s Resident Card” which does not confer permanent residency privileges but does permit the holder to move freely through Immigration at any port of entry.

The application for permanent residence is comprised of a Government form which must be notarized by a Justice of the Peace or a Notary Public and submitted to the Department of Immigration together with the following supporting documents:

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

Two passport-sized identical colour photographs of the applicant, with the applicant’s name printed on the reverse side (photographs must not be more than six months old)

An original police certificate (issued not more than six months prior to the submission of the application) together with a complete set of fingerprints. The fingerprints can be obtained in Nassau if need be. The police certificate and fingerprints are also required from spouses.

Certified copy of birth certificate

An original medical certificate dated not more than thirty days prior to the submission of the application

Two original character references, written by persons known to the applicant for at least five years

Certified copy of marriage certificate (if applicable)

Certified copy of spouse’s birth certificate (if applicable)

Certified copy of child’s birth certificate (if applicable)

Financial statements from applicant’s financial institution citing a figure range, and verifying economic worth

An authenticated English translation must be provided for all non-English documents.

It can take a few months for the application to be processed so we frequently recommend that an interim application be made for Annual Residency. The turnaround time for the issuance of Annual Residency permit is a much less than for permanent residency.

As part of the application process the Immigration Department will invite the applicant and spouse to attend the Immigration Department for an interview. If the application is approved, the spouse of the primary applicant and children under the age of 18 can be endorsed on the Certificate.

There is a non-refundable processing fee of B$200.00 per application (primary applicant and eligible endorsees).

Upon approval the Government one-time only fee for the permanent residency certificate is B$15,000.00 plus $25 for each endorsee.

Our fee for attendances to an application for permanent residency is $3,500.00 plus $250 for each endorsee plus disbursements (minimum) subject to increase for complex or lengthy cases, and a payment on account of one thousand Bahamian dollars (B$1,000) should be made upon our being instructed.