The Bahamas Golden Visa Program seeks to invigorate the economy by bringing in foreign capital. In return, investors get permanent residency status under certain conditions. The main one is an investment of at least $750,000 in real estate or a business.
Our article delves into the Bahamas Golden Visa Program details, outlining its benefits and investment requirements. Discover how to get a Bahamas Golden Visa in our guide below.
6 Advantages of the Bahamas Golden Visa Program
Tax benefits. The Bahamas does not levy taxes on personal income, capital gains, inheritance, or gifts. It can be a significant advantage for those with high incomes or substantial wealth.
Real estate investment. Purchasing property in the Bahamas qualifies you for residency and can be a good investment, particularly if property values increase.
Travel opportunities. While Bahamas residents have different visa-free travel opportunities than Bahamian citizens, the country’s location in the Caribbean can provide convenient access to both North and South America.
Stability. The Bahamas is a politically stable country with a robust legal system, which can provide a sense of security for residents.
Lifestyle. The Bahamas is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and sunny weather. Residing there can offer a high quality of life, especially for those who enjoy ocean-related activities.
Ease of process. Compared to some countries, the Bahamas' requirements for investment-based residency are relatively straightforward.
Investment Requirements for Bahamas Golden Visa
There are two investment options: real estate purchase or investment in a business.
Real estate investment. You must buy a property worth at least $750,000 to qualify for the Golden Visa.
Business investment. The required sum of money is the same — $750,000. The company must belong to an important sector of the Bahamas’s economy and create jobs for locals.
Some areas are specifically targeted at international investors. They are:
tourist resorts;
information and data processing services;
assembly industries;
high-tech services;
ship repair and other services;
light manufacturing for export;
agro-industries;
food processing;
mariculture;
banking and other financial services;
captive insurance;
aircraft services;
pharmaceutical manufacture;
off-shore medical centers.
These investments are long-term commitments in both cases: you must maintain money for ten years.
Requirements for Bahamas Golden Visa
To be eligible for the Bahamas Golden Visa, you must:
have a clean criminal record;
have a legal source of investment money and be able to prove it;
have health insurance;
prove you have sufficient financial means to live in the Bahamas without a need to get employed.
The investor can also add their spouse and dependent children to the application.
To maintain permanent residence, the investor is required to spend at least 90 days per year in the country
Step-by-step Process for Obtaining Bahamas Golden Visa
The Bahamas Golden Visa can be obtained in 3—4 months. The process consists of five steps.
1 week
Investment
You need to make a substantial investment in the Bahamas. It typically means purchasing a property worth at least $750,000, though a property worth a minimum of $1,500,000 is recommended for accelerated consideration.
You need to make a substantial investment in the Bahamas. It typically means purchasing a property worth at least $750,000, though a property worth a minimum of $1,500,000 is recommended for accelerated consideration.
1—2 weeks
Prepare documents
You’ll need to gather some documents for your application, including:
a valid passport;
proof of financial independence;
a clean police record;
proof of funds;
two character references;
birth certificates for all family members included in the application;
marriage certificate if applicable;
passport-sized photos.
Keep in mind that you might be required to provide additional papers.
You’ll need to gather some documents for your application, including:
a valid passport;
proof of financial independence;
a clean police record;
proof of funds;
two character references;
birth certificates for all family members included in the application;
marriage certificate if applicable;
passport-sized photos.
Keep in mind that you might be required to provide additional papers.
1 day
Submit application
You’ll then submit your application, the relevant documentation, and the non-refundable processing fee to the Immigration Department. This process may be done in person or by mail.
You’ll then submit your application, the relevant documentation, and the non-refundable processing fee to the Immigration Department. This process may be done in person or by mail.
Up to 2 months
Wait for approval
The waiting time can be variable depending on the specifics of your application. Expect a wait time of several weeks at the very least.
The waiting time can be variable depending on the specifics of your application. Expect a wait time of several weeks at the very least.
1 day
Obtain residency
Once your application is approved, you will receive a certificate of permanent residence and a resident’s card, allowing you to reside permanently in the Bahamas.
Once your application is approved, you will receive a certificate of permanent residence and a resident’s card, allowing you to reside permanently in the Bahamas.
For 10 years
Maintain investment
To keep your permanent residency status, you must maintain your investment in the Bahamas and abide by all local laws and regulations. You also must spend at least 90 days per year in the Bahamas.
To keep your permanent residency status, you must maintain your investment in the Bahamas and abide by all local laws and regulations. You also must spend at least 90 days per year in the Bahamas.
Path to Citizenship
After 10 years of holding permanent residency, the investor can apply for citizenship by naturalization. It is required that they permanently live in the Bahamas for 12 months preceding the application and for at least 6 years accumulated preceding these 12 months.
Citizenship by Investment in the Caribbean Countries
Some Caribbean countries grant wealthy individuals citizenship by investment instead of citizenship by naturalization. They are Antigua, Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts, Nevis, and St Lucia. Acquiring passports in these states usually takes up to 6 months.
Comparison of Caribbean Countries Offering Citizenship by Investment
Conclusion
Bahamas has a Golden Visa program known as Economic Investment Certificate (EIC). It can be obtained by investment.
There are 2 options: real estate purchase or investment in a business. The minimum sum is $750,000.
The process of obtaining a Bermuda residence permit takes 3—4 months.
After 10 years of holding the status, you can apply for citizenship by naturalization.
Benefits of Bahamas permanent residence include:
tax benefits;
travel opportunities;
stability;
a chance to live in a beautiful and warm country;
family inclusion.
Other Caribbean countries grant citizenship by investment. They are Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia.
Find out which countries offer the most popular Golden Visas, what the investment options are, the procedures, timeframes, and benefits.
