The Bahamas Economic Permanent Residency Ultimate Guide

With its proximity to the United States, absence of income taxes, and favorable regulations for investors, the Bahamas has remained a preferred Caribbean base for wealthy individuals.  

Adding to its appeal is The Bahamas Economic Permanent Residency (EPR), an investment migration program offering a Certificate of Permanent Residence to foreign nationals who invest at least BSD $1 million in the Bahamian economy. Available options include purchasing residential real estate or investing in Zero-Coupon Bonds. 

By adhering to the physical presence requirements established by the Department of Immigration of The Bahamas, investors and qualified dependents can qualify for Bahamian citizenship after ten years of residency. 

The Bahamas Economic Residency (EPR) grants foreign investors the right to obtain a permanent residence permit to reside in The Bahamas indefinitely. This Bahamas residency by investment program was introduced into The Bahamas Immigration Act through the Immigration (Amendment) Act, 2021. 

Foreign nationals who make a Bahamas real estate investment or acquire Zero-Coupon bonds to the value of BSD $1 million (USD $1 million) are eligible to apply for economic permanent residency status. Though The Bahamas permanent residency validity is indefinite, it does not come with the right to work. Investors seeking work or business investments must apply for an appropriate work permit. 

The Bahamas Immigration Department enforces the minimum Bahamas EPR investment amount of $1 million, the minimum hold period of ten years, and a minimum annual residence period of 90 days. 

1. Low taxes: The Bahamas is a tax haven, and investors who gain The Bahamas tax residency are not required to pay personal income tax or capital gains, wealth, or inheritance taxes.  
2. Permanent residence status: A Certificate of Permanent Residence (CPR) is granted to investors who meet The Bahamas permanent residence investment requirement. 
3. Straightforward investments: The Bahamas Economic Permanent Residency process makes the nation one of the easiest countries to get residency, with a straightforward investment in either residential real estate or government bonds. 
4. Family inclusion: The Bahamas Economic Residency eligibility extends to the main applicant’s spouse and minor children. 
5. No mandatory relocation: Full-time physical residency in The Bahamas is not a requirement of the program.  
6. Stable governance: The Bahamas offers political stability, including strong property rights, rule of law, and long-standing financial regulation.  
7. High quality of life: Bahamian citizens and residents benefit from a safe environment, modern infrastructure and healthcare facilities, and access to international schools.  
8. Path to citizenship: Permanent residency (PR) granted for life to investors provides a path to citizenship (naturalization) under Bahamian nationality law, which includes a ten-year residency period and minimum annual residency. 
9. Proximity to the US: The flight time between the US and The Bahamas is just one hour, and The Bahamas is the only Caribbean country with US Customs and Border Protection preclearance, streamlining entry into the United States. 

To be eligible for The Bahamas residency by investment program, the applicant must: 

• Be over 18 years of age 
• Be a person of good character 
• Be in good health 
• Be able to verify economic worth and the ability to support oneself and family members without employment in The Bahamas 
• Make a qualifying investment of at least $1 million 
• Intend to reside permanently in The Bahamas for no less than 90 days on an annual basis. 

Qualifying dependents 

The Department of Immigration allows investors to apply for permanent residency status for family members, including a spouse and dependent children under the age of 18. 

Economic residency in The Bahamas is available through one of two investments: 

• Real estate investment: A residential real estate purchase, which must be owned and maintained for at least ten years. 
• Government bond acquisition: A purchase of Zero-Coupon Bonds issued by the Bahamian government, with a minimum ten-year ownership period. 

The Bahamas permanent residency real estate threshold and government bond threshold are both set at $1 million. 

An Accelerated Review Option is available to applicants who make a property investment. The real estate investment requirement for the fast-track option is the purchase of a property valued at least $1.5 million. 

• Completed Permanent Residency of The Bahamas form, and letter of request addressed to the Director of Immigration 
• Certified copy of the bio-data page of a valid passport 
• Two current passport photographs (2×2 inches) 
• Clean criminal record certificate 
• Two personal references 
• Birth certificate 
• Medical certificate from licensed health providers 
• Evidence of financial health and capability 
• Proof of investment 
• Proof of Real Property Tax payment (if applicable) 
• Certified copy of spouse’s passport (if applicable) 
• Marriage certificate (if applicable) 
• Certified copy of passport of dependent children (if applicable) 
• Birth certificate of dependent children (if applicable) 

All foreign documents must be properly verified by apostille or legalization. A certified translation in English is required for any non-English supporting documents. 

The Bahamas Department of Immigration carries out the economic permanent residency application process. 

1. Make a qualifying investment: The investor makes the required real estate purchase or Zero-Coupon Bond acquisition. 
2. Prepare the application: Gather all required documents, including the application form, character references, and original medical and police certificates. Ensure that translations and apostilles are completed where necessary.  
3. Submit application: Submit the Permanent Residence application along with supporting documents and proof of payment of the processing fee to The Bahamas Department of Immigration. 
4. Attend visa interview: All applicants must attend an interview conducted by a Bahamian Immigration Officer in The Bahamas or at an authorised consular office overseas. 
5. Due diligence checks: The Department of Immigration conducts due diligence on the applicant, including verifying economic worth and identity, and other security checks. 
6. Application approval: If approved, the applicant pays a one-time government fee of $20,000.  
7. Residence permit issuance: Approved applicants receive a Certificate of Permanent Residence. 

Post-approval compliance 

Applicants must maintain documentary proof of ownership of the qualifying investment for at least ten years to maintain permanent status. 

Economic Permanent Residency status may be revoked if the holder fails to adhere to the minimum residency period, typically 90 days per year, and has maintained a period of continuous residency outside The Bahamas of more than three years. 

There is no definitive Bahamas permanent residency processing time through residency by investment. The Department of Immigration generally processes Economic Permanent Residence applications in 8 to 12 months. 

Applications qualifying for the Accelerated Review Option through a minimum $1.5 million real estate investment are typically processed within nine months. 

The Bahamas does not offer Caribbean citizenship by investment. Citizenship is granted through naturalization, as outlined in The Bahamas Nationality Act and Constitution. A permanent resident must: 

• Be of full age 
• Be of good character 
• Have a clean criminal record 
• Satisfy the ten-year minimum residency and physical presence requirement 
• Be able to speak English 
• Demonstrate an intention to continue residing in The Bahamas after being granted citizenship 

The ten-year minimum residency requirement includes at least six years of physical residency during that period 12-months prior to submission of the application. 

The granting of Bahamas citizenship is a discretionary decision made by a competent Minister; there is no automatic entitlement, despite fulfilling the formal criteria.