Bermuda offers residency pathways for remote workers and investors, leading to potential indefinite residency. Citizenship (Bermudian Status) is a long-term goal, typically through naturalization after significant residency or marriage.
Citizenship Pathways
Permission to Reside on an Annual Basis
Cost: $263 for one year, $1,155 for five years
Timeline: 1.0 years
Presence Required: Implies living in Bermuda for the duration of the permit
This permit allows non-Bermudians to reside in Bermuda for up to five years, with annual renewal. It's suitable for individuals who do not seek local employment but can work remotely for employers outside Bermuda.
Work from Bermuda Certificate
Cost: $263
Timeline: 1.0 years
Presence Required: Must reside in Bermuda for the year
Introduced in 2020, this one-year certificate allows remote workers and students to reside in Bermuda. It's renewable on a case-by-case basis and provides a customs allowance.
Economic Investment Certificate
Cost: BM$2.5 million investment
Timeline: 5.0 years
Presence Required: Reside in Bermuda for five years
An investment of at least BM$2.5 million in Bermuda allows for a five-year residency certificate. After this period, holders are eligible for an indefinite Residential Certificate.
Bermudian Status (Naturalization)
Cost: Fees apply (not specified)
Timeline: 7.0 years
Presence Required: 7 years of residency or 10 years of marriage to a Bermudian
Achieving Bermudian Status through naturalization (e.g., 7 years of residency or marriage to a Bermudian) grants British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC) status and a BOTC passport.
Step-by-Step Process
Work from Bermuda Certificate
: Complete online application form via the Bermuda Government portal.
— 1-2 hours — Free
: Gather required documents: passport, proof of employment/enrollment, health insurance, funds.
— 1-2 weeks — Varies (document fees)
: Submit application and pay the application fee.
— Immediate — $263
: Await approval and receive your Work from Bermuda Certificate.
— 5-10 business days — Free
: Travel to Bermuda and begin your remote work/study.
— N/A — Travel expenses
Pros & Cons
Advantages
High quality of life and safety
Attractive tax environment (no income, capital gains, or inheritance tax)
Beautiful natural environment and climate
Proximity to North America
Stable political and economic environment
Challenges
Very high cost of living
Limited job market for non-Bermudians
Strict immigration policies
Small island isolation
Vulnerability to hurricanes
Requirements
Valid Passport — Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay.
Proof of Funds — Demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself without working locally.
Health Insurance — Mandatory comprehensive health insurance coverage for the duration of stay.
Clean Criminal Record — Police certificate from country of origin and any country resided in for 6+ months.
Proof of Accommodation — Lease agreement or property ownership documentation in Bermuda.
Tax System
System: territorial
Bermuda has no income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax. New residents are subject to customs duties, payroll tax (paid by employers), and land tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work for a Bermudian company with a Work from Bermuda Certificate?
No, the Work from Bermuda Certificate is specifically for remote work for non-Bermudian employers.
Is the Economic Investment Certificate a direct path to citizenship?
No, it leads to indefinite residency. Bermudian Status (citizenship) requires further naturalization steps.
How long does it take to get Bermudian Status through marriage?
Typically 10 years of marriage to a Bermudian, plus meeting other residency requirements.