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Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Bahamas.
4 routes
Visit
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Bahamas eVisa Visitor (Multiple Entry)
The multiple-entry Bahamas eVisa allows visa nationals to make several trips to The Bahamas over a validity period of three, six or twelve months and costs USD 250. To qualify, applicants must provide scanned copies of three previous successful Bahamas visas as supporting documents. As with the single-entry visa, each visit is for tourism or visiting and does not authorise work; visitors may generally stay up to the period granted by the immigration officer. Standard processing is 7-10 business days from a complete submission. Fees are payable by credit card at application and are non-refundable.
eVisa application formCompleted online application via the MOFA eVisa portal.
Valid passportPassport valid for at least 6 months with a copy of the biographical page.
Digital photographRecent passport-style digital photo in the required format.
Three previous Bahamas visasScanned copies of three previous successful Bahamas visas to qualify for multiple entry.
Travel itineraryReturn or onward travel itinerary.
Proof of financial meansBank reference or evidence of funds.
Tourist Visa
Bahamas eVisa Visitor (Single Entry)
Nationals of countries that are not visa-exempt (over 100 countries, including Afghanistan, Cuba, Iraq, Nigeria and Syria) must obtain a Bahamas visa before travel, available online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa portal. The single-entry visitor visa costs USD 160 and is valid for three months, allowing one entry for leisure or visiting. Standard processing is 7-10 business days from submission, provided documents are complete and no interview is required. The self-sponsored category is for visitors who can support themselves financially during their stay. The visa permits tourism and visiting only and does not authorise work. Fees are payable by credit card at application and are non-refundable.
eVisa application formCompleted online application via the MOFA eVisa portal.
Valid passportPassport valid for at least 6 months with a copy of the biographical page.
Digital photographRecent passport-style digital photo in the required format.
Travel itineraryReturn or onward travel itinerary.
Proof of financial meansBank reference or evidence of funds to be self-sustaining.
Police certificateOptionalPolice report as required by the eVisa process.
Proof of accommodationOptionalHotel booking or host details in The Bahamas.
Tourist Visa
Bahamas Visa-Free Visitor Entry
Citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, the European Union, most Commonwealth countries and many other nations may enter The Bahamas without a visa as bona fide visitors. The Department of Immigration permits visitors to remain for a maximum of 8 months provided they can support themselves, although the actual stay granted at the port of entry is at the discretion of the immigration officer and is often shorter (for example, 30 days for some nationalities). Holders of a valid Schengen, United Kingdom, Canadian or United States visa are also exempt from the Bahamas visa requirement when presenting that visa with their passport. Visitors must hold a valid passport and a return or onward ticket and may be asked to show sufficient funds. Visitors may not engage in any form of gainful occupation.
Max stay
240 days
Validity
240 days
Document checklist (5)
Valid passportPassport valid for the duration of the intended stay.
Return or onward ticketConfirmed return or onward travel ticket.
Proof of sufficient fundsOptionalEvidence of funds to be self-sustaining during the stay; may be requested at entry.
Proof of accommodationOptionalHotel booking or address of stay in The Bahamas.
Valid Schengen/UK/Canada/US visaOptionalFor nationals using the third-country visa exemption: the valid visa presented with the passport.
Business Visitor Visa
Bahamas eVisa Sponsored Visitor / Business Visit
The sponsored visitor eVisa is for visa nationals whose visit is funded by a Bahamas resident or a legal entity in The Bahamas, covering business visits, meetings and visits hosted by a local sponsor. The visa fee is USD 160 for single entry (USD 250 for multiple entry), plus a facilitation fee of USD 20 for the sponsored category. The host provides supporting documentation. The visa permits the visit or business activity for which it is issued but does not authorise taking up local employment, which requires a work permit. Standard processing is 7-10 business days from a complete submission, and fees are non-refundable.
The student track of the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) lets overseas college and university students study online (remotely) from The Bahamas for up to one year. The total cost is USD 525: a USD 25 application processing fee plus a USD 500 Student Remotely permit fee. Applications are filed online and approved within about 5 business days. The permit is valid for up to one year and renewable, with no minimum length of stay. It covers remote study with a foreign institution and does not authorise local employment. It is distinct from enrolment at a Bahamian school, which requires a Permit to Reside as a student.
Study: Remote (online) study with an overseas college or university.
BEATS online applicationCompleted student application on the official BEATS portal with the USD 25 processing fee.
Valid passportPassport valid for the intended stay.
Student IDValid student ID confirming enrolment at an overseas institution.
Medical insuranceValid medical/health insurance card covering the stay.
Passport photographRecent passport-style photo.
Student Visa
Bahamas Permit to Reside - Student
The Permit to Reside, also called the Annual Permit, allows non-Bahamians to reside in The Bahamas for purposes other than employment, including attending a school, college or university in The Bahamas. The non-refundable processing fee is USD 200, and the residence grant fee for a full-time student or trainee is USD 300 per year under the Immigration Fee Scale. The permit is generally granted for one year and renewed annually for the duration of the studies. Applicants must be of good character, financially stable and meet health and security requirements; first-time applicants should not be in the country while the application is processed. The permit does not authorise employment.
Study: Enrolment at a Bahamian school, college or university.
Government fee
$200
Max stay
365 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (8)
Application formCompleted and notarised Annual Permit application with a USD 10 postage stamp.
Medical certificateMedical certificate dated within 30 days of submission.
Police certificatePolice certificate issued within 6 months covering 5 years.
School enrolment confirmationConfirmation of enrolment at a Bahamian school, college or university.
Two passport photographsTwo recent passport-style photos.
Passport biographical pageCopy of the valid passport biographical page.
Two character referencesTwo character references with contact information.
Proof of financial meansFinancial institution reference or CPA statement showing financial stability.
Not yet researched
Language Course Visa
Internship / Trainee Visa
Exchange Program Visa
3 routes
Work & Self-Employment
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Digital Nomad Visa
Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) - Remote Work
The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) is a one-year residency permit, launched in 2020, allowing professionals to work remotely for an overseas employer or business from any of The Bahamas' 16 islands. Applications are made online and approved within about 5 business days. The total cost is USD 1,025 per professional: a USD 25 application processing fee plus a USD 1,000 Work Remotely permit fee; dependants are USD 500 each (a dependant who also works remotely pays the full USD 1,000). The permit is valid for up to one year and can be renewed twice, for a maximum stay of three years, with no minimum length of stay. Permit holders work only for foreign clients or employers and may not take up local Bahamian employment. The Bahamas levies no income tax, which is a major draw for remote workers.
Work: Remote work for an overseas employer or clients only; no local Bahamian employment.
Family: Dependants may be included at USD 500 each; a remote-working dependant pays the full USD 1,000 permit fee.
BEATS online applicationCompleted application on the official BEATS portal with the USD 25 processing fee.
Valid passportPassport valid for the intended stay.
Proof of employmentEvidence of remote employment or business with an overseas employer or clients.
Medical insuranceValid medical/health insurance card covering the stay in The Bahamas.
Passport photographRecent passport-style photo.
Dependant documentsOptionalFor each dependant: passport and proof of relationship (USD 500 dependant fee).
Skilled Work Visa
Bahamas Annual Work Permit
Any non-Bahamian who wishes to work in The Bahamas for more than 90 days must first hold a valid annual work permit issued by the Department of Immigration, sponsored by a specific Bahamian employer. The non-refundable processing fee is USD 200, but the permit grant fee is set by the Immigration Fee Scale by occupation, ranging from USD 500 (Scale 9, registered farm labourers) up to USD 16,275 (Scale 1, executives and senior management), with professionals such as doctors and lawyers at USD 13,125 (Scale 2). The employer must demonstrate the post could not be filled by a Bahamian, including a Labour Certificate with Notification of Vacancy from the Department of Labour and newspaper advertisements. The permit is tied to the employer and the position and is typically valid for one year and renewable. Applicants should follow up with the Consultation Unit after 8 to 12 weeks. The Bahamas has no personal income tax.
Work: Authorises work only for the sponsoring employer and the position specified.
Residency after 20 years
Government fee
$200
Max stay
365 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (8)
First Schedule Form 1Completed and notarised application form with a USD 10 postage stamp.
Letter of requestLetter of request addressed to the Director of Immigration.
Medical certificateMedical certificate dated within 30 days of submission.
Police certificatePolice certificate issued within 6 months covering 5 years of residence.
Two passport photographsTwo photos, white background, 2x2 inches, within 6 months.
Passport copiesCopy of the applicant's and employer's passport biographical pages.
Labour Certificate with Notification of VacancyIssued by the Department of Labour, with newspaper advertisements run on 3 consecutive days.
Employer documentsCopy of the employer's valid business licence or incorporation certificate and NIB card/certificate.
Seasonal Work Visa
Bahamas Short Term Work Permit
Any non-Bahamian who wishes to work in The Bahamas for a period of 1 to 90 days must obtain a Short Term Work Permit from the Department of Immigration before arriving. The process is split into a 1-30 day category and a 31-90 day category, with the longer category also requiring an original police and medical certificate. The non-refundable processing fee is USD 200 (BSD 200) for the 1-30 day category; permits are intended for emergencies and are meant to be a one-time application, with extensions beyond 30 days handled as a long-term work permit. The application is filed before the employee arrives, and decisions are typically issued within about 7 days of a complete submission.
Work: Authorises short-term work for the named employer for up to 90 days.
Government fee
$200
Processing time
7 days
Max stay
90 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (7)
Short-Term Work Permit application formCompleted application form (First Schedule Form 1 with Bahamian postage stamp for the 31-90 day category).
Passport copyCopy of the applicant's current passport biographical page with at least 2 months validity.
Two passport photographsTwo photos, white background, 2x2 inches, taken within 6 months.
Employer business documentsCopy of the employer's valid business licence, Certificate of Incumbency or Certificate of Incorporation.
NIB card or certificateCopy of the employee or employer National Insurance Board card or certificate.
Police certificateOptionalOriginal police certificate issued within 6 months covering 5 years (31-90 day category).
Medical certificateOptionalOriginal medical certificate dated within 30 days of submission (31-90 day category).
Not yet researched
Freelancer Visa
Self-Employment Visa
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
4 routes
Invest & Capital
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Economic Permanent Residency
Available
Permanent residence for a minimum BSD 1,000,000 investment (raised from BSD 750,000 on 1 January 2025) in real estate or Central Bank zero-coupon bonds held 10 years; accepts both property and non-property routes (overlaps residence_by_property).
The Economic Certificate of Permanent Residence is the Bahamas' accelerated residence-by-investment route. Effective 1 January 2025, the minimum qualifying investment was raised to USD 1.0 million (from USD 750,000), made in Bahamian real estate or in Zero-Coupon Bonds issued by the Central Bank of The Bahamas, and must be held for at least 10 years. The certificate is issued for life unless revoked and grants the right to reside indefinitely; the permanent-residence certificate fee under the Immigration Fee Scale is USD 20,000 without the right to engage in gainful occupation or USD 25,000 with the right to work, in addition to a USD 200 processing fee. The Bahamas has no income, capital gains, wealth or inheritance tax, and economic permanent residence is a recognised stepping stone toward eventual citizenship. Applicants may request accelerated consideration where the investment is USD 1.5 million or more.
Study: Permanent residents may study in The Bahamas.
Residency: This is permanent residence itself, issued for life unless revoked; a recognised stepping stone toward citizenship.
Family: Spouse and dependent children may be endorsed on the certificate; child of a PR holder fee USD 3,000.
Government fee
$20,000
Min. investment
$1,000,000
Document checklist (8)
First Schedule application formCompleted and notarised permanent-residence application with a USD 10 postage stamp.
Proof of investmentEvidence of USD 1.0m+ investment in Bahamian real estate or Central Bank Zero-Coupon Bonds in the applicant's name.
Medical certificateMedical certificate dated within 30 days of submission.
Police certificatePolice certificate issued within 6 months covering 5 years.
Passport copiesCopies of the valid passport biographical pages.
Civil-status certificatesOriginal birth, marriage and (where applicable) death certificates.
Character referencesCharacter references with contact information.
Financial documentationBank and financial documentation supporting the investment and source of funds.
Residence by Real Estate
Bahamas Home Owner's Residence Card
The Home Owner's Identification Card is a type of residence permit that facilitates entry and stay for persons who lawfully own a primary residence in their country of origin and also own a habitable residence in The Bahamas, under the International Persons Land Holding Act (Chapter 140). The card costs USD 500 per year and speeds entry and stay for the owner and immediate family but does not grant the right to work. The card holder may use it to enter and remain in The Bahamas without a separate visa. First-time applicants should not be in the country while the application is processed. The Bahamas levies no income, capital gains or inheritance tax, a key attraction for property owners. It is distinct from, and a common stepping stone toward, permanent residence by investment.
Residency after 1 year
Family: Facilitates entry and stay for the owner and immediate family.
Government fee
$500
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (9)
Application formCompleted and notarised Home Owner's Card application with a USD 10 postage stamp.
Letter of requestLetter of request addressed to the Director of Immigration.
Registered deed of conveyanceRegistered deed for the Bahamian property.
International Landholding CertificateCertificate under the International Persons Land Holding Act.
Real Property Tax proofProof of current Real Property Tax payment on the Bahamian property.
Primary residence proofEvidence (insurance, mortgage or tax documents) of a primary residence in the country of origin.
Medical certificateMedical certificate dated within 30 days of submission.
Police certificatePolice certificate issued within 6 months covering 5 years (age 14+).
Two passport photographsTwo photos, 2x2 inches, taken within 6 months.
Persons of independent means who can show a bank reference verifying economic worth may obtain a renewable one-year residence permit (B$1,000/year for head of household) without the right to work locally.
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Spouse / Partner Visa
Bahamas Resident Spouse Permit
The Resident Spouse Permit allows a non-Bahamian married to a Bahamian citizen to legally live and work in The Bahamas, provided the couple lives together. It is the route for spouses married for less than five years at the time of application. The non-refundable processing fee is USD 200, with an additional grant fee of USD 250-300 on approval under the Immigration Fee Scale. After five years of marriage the spouse may apply for an extension of the permit, for permanent residence, or for Bahamian citizenship. Unusually for Bahamian residence permits, this permit confers the right to work. All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalised and authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Work: Permit allows the spouse to live and work in The Bahamas while residing with the Bahamian spouse.
Study: Lawful residence permits study.
Residency after 5 years
Family: Permit is for the non-Bahamian spouse; children may apply for dependant residence.
Government fee
$200
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (8)
First Schedule Form 1ACompleted and notarised application with a USD 10 Bahamian postage stamp.
Letter of requestLetter of request addressed to the Director of Immigration.
Marriage certificateCertified copy of the marriage certificate.
Spouse's birth certificateCertified copy of the Bahamian spouse's birth certificate.
Medical certificateOriginal medical certificate dated within 30 days of submission.
Police certificatePolice certificate issued within 6 months covering 5 years.
Two passport photographsTwo photos taken within 6 months.
Passport copiesCopies of the biographical pages of both spouses' passports.
Dependent Relative Visa
Bahamas Permit to Reside - Dependant
The dependant category of the Permit to Reside (Annual Permit) allows the spouse or a child under 18 of a person legally authorised to reside in The Bahamas (such as a work-permit holder) to reside in the country. The non-refundable processing fee is USD 200, and the dependant residence grant fee is USD 300 per year under the Immigration Fee Scale. The permit is granted for one year and renewed annually in line with the principal's status. Applicants must be of good character, financially supported and meet health and security requirements; the permit does not authorise employment. Children require additional school-enrolment and custody documentation.
Study: A dependent child may attend school in The Bahamas.
Family: Category covers the spouse and children under 18 of the principal resident.
Government fee
$200
Max stay
365 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (8)
Application formCompleted and notarised Annual Permit application with a USD 10 postage stamp.
Proof of relationshipMarriage certificate (spouse) or birth certificate (child) establishing the dependency.
Principal's immigration statusProof of the principal's valid Bahamian residence or work-permit status.
Medical certificateMedical certificate dated within 30 days of submission.
Police certificatePolice certificate issued within 6 months covering 5 years (age-dependent).
Two passport photographsTwo recent passport-style photos.
Passport biographical pageCopy of the valid passport biographical page.
Custody/school documentsOptionalFor children: custody documentation and school enrolment confirmation.
Not yet researched
Family Reunification Visa
Ancestry / Repatriation
2 routes
Special Categories
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Long-Term Residence Permit
Bahamas Annual Residence Permit
The general Annual Residence Permit (Permit to Reside) lets a financially independent non-Bahamian reside in The Bahamas for purposes other than employment, for example retirees, the self-supporting and others not seeking local work. The non-refundable processing fee is USD 200, with a general residence grant fee of USD 3,000 per year under the Immigration Fee Scale. The permit is granted for one year and renewed annually, and holding it (or a Home Owner's Card) for at least a year is the normal precondition for applying for permanent residence. Applicants must show good character, financial stability and meet health and security requirements; first-time applicants should not be in the country while the application is processed. The permit does not authorise employment, and The Bahamas levies no income tax.
Study: Lawful residence permits study.
Residency after 1 year
Government fee
$200
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (8)
Application formCompleted and notarised Annual Permit application with a USD 10 postage stamp.
Letter of requestLetter of request addressed to the Director of Immigration.
Medical certificateMedical certificate dated within 30 days of submission.
Police certificatePolice certificate issued within 6 months covering 5 years.
Two passport photographsTwo recent passport-style photos.
Passport biographical pageCopy of the valid passport biographical page.
Two character referencesTwo character references with contact information.
Proof of financial meansFinancial institution reference or CPA statement showing financial self-sufficiency.
A Certificate of Permanent Residence is a lifetime legal status (unless revoked) giving the right to reside and, in some categories, to work in The Bahamas. Apart from the economic-investment route, eligible categories include spouses of Bahamians (married 5 years in a cohabiting relationship), long-term residents (20+ consecutive years on work permits, or 10-20 years on Scale 5-8 permits), and long-serving professionals such as police/prison officers and teachers (10+ years) or nurses, ministers and doctors (10-20+ years). The standard permanent-residence certificate fee is USD 15,000, with reduced fees for widowed spouses and children of PR holders (USD 3,000) and for very long residence (USD 1,000-3,000), plus a USD 200 processing fee. All foreign documents require apostille or legalisation and authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Bahamas levies no income tax.
Study: Permanent residents may study in The Bahamas.
Residency: This is permanent residence itself, issued for life unless revoked; a recognised stepping stone toward citizenship.
Family: Spouse and children may be included; widowed spouse and child of PR holder fee USD 3,000 each.
Government fee
$15,000
Document checklist (8)
First Schedule application formCompleted and notarised permanent-residence application with a USD 10 postage stamp.
Category-specific evidenceProof for the relevant category: marriage certificate (spouse), continuous work-permit history (long residence), or service record (professionals).
Medical certificateMedical certificate dated within 30 days of submission.
Police certificatePolice certificate issued within 6 months covering 5 years.
Passport copiesCopies of the valid passport biographical pages.
Civil-status certificatesOriginal birth, marriage and (where applicable) death certificates.
Character referencesCharacter references with contact information.
Proof of immigration statusProof of current lawful immigration status in The Bahamas.
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