Bahamas

Bahamas

Residency by Investment

The Bahamas offers a permanent residency pathway for foreign investors through its Economic Permanent Residency framework. Applicants may qualify by purchasing approved real estate with a minimum value of USD $1 million, subject to government review and approval. This route provides long-term legal residency in one of the Caribbean's most stable and well-regulated jurisdictions, without the need for annual renewals. Permanent residents are permitted to reside indefinitely in The Bahamas and may later become eligible to apply for Bahamian citizenship through naturalisation, typically after maintaining lawful residence for a significant period, currently interpreted as approximately ten years, and meeting statutory presence and character requirements. Citizenship is not automatic and is assessed independently under Bahamian nationality law. This program is designed for high-net-worth individuals seeking residence security, property ownership, and long-term lifestyle flexibility in a tax-neutral Caribbean jurisdiction.

Investment$1,000,000
TimelineApproximately 3–9+ months (case dependent)
Visa TypePermanent Residence Visa
HighlightLong-term Caribbean residency through real estate investment

Key Benefits

Discover the advantages of Bahamas's residency by investment program

Tax-efficient jurisdiction, with no personal income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax
Eligibility to apply for work authorization, including business ownership or self-employment, subject to approval
Family inclusion, allowing spouses and eligible dependent children and relatives to be included in the application
Access to quality private healthcare and international education
Politically stable environment offering a secure and relaxed island lifestyle in The Bahamas

Path to Citizenship

Permanent residents may become eligible to apply for Bahamian citizenship through naturalization after maintaining approximately ten years of lawful residence, subject to physical presence, good character, and government approval. Citizenship is not automatic and is assessed independently of the investment. Note: The Bahamas generally does not permit dual citizenship for naturalized citizens. Applicants pursuing Bahamian citizenship are typically required to renounce their existing nationality.

Renewal Requirements

Permanent residency in The Bahamas is granted on an indefinite basis, subject to ongoing immigration compliance. Residency documentation must be kept current, and Economic Permanent Residents are expected to maintain a genuine connection to the country, commonly interpreted as spending around 90 days per year in The Bahamas. Qualifying real estate investments are generally required to be held long term, typically for approximately ten years.

Bahamas Residency by Investment FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bahamas does not offer citizenship by investment. Instead, foreign nationals may apply for Permanent Residency through qualifying economic routes, most commonly via approved real estate investment. Permanent residency allows individuals and eligible family members to live in The Bahamas on a long-term basis, subject to immigration compliance, but does not confer a passport or visa-free travel rights.

Bahamian citizenship is available only through naturalization, following an extended period of lawful residence and meeting statutory presence and character requirements. Citizenship is not automatic and is assessed separately from residency. The Bahamas generally does not permit dual citizenship for naturalized citizens, meaning applicants are typically required to renounce their existing nationality.

Both residency and citizenship involve formal applications, government review, and compliance with Bahamian immigration and nationality laws.

Explore other Residency by Investment programs

Compare options across countries and find the program that fits your goals.