The Bahamas is a Caribbean island nation offering a Permanent Residency programme for investors and high-net-worth individuals. While there is no formal Citizenship by Investment programme, permanent residents can apply for naturalization after 10 years. The Bahamian passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 158 countries, including the UK, EU Schengen Area, and the United States. The Bahamas is also notable for its zero income tax environment.
Citizenship Pathways
Permanent Residency (Real Estate Investment)
Cost: $750,000+
Timeline: 0.5 years
Presence Required: No minimum
Purchase $750,000+ in Bahamian real estate and receive accelerated permanent residency consideration. The Bahamas offers no income tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax.
The Bahamas offers permanent residency for investors ($750K+ real estate) and naturalization after 10 years of continuous residence. No dual citizenship allowed — applicants must renounce prior nationality.
Step-by-Step Process
Permanent Residency by Real Estate Investment
Step 1: Purchase Qualifying Real Estate: Purchase real estate in The Bahamas with a minimum value of $750,000. Engage a local attorney to handle the conveyance.
— 1–3 months — $750,000+
Step 2: Apply for Annual Residency Permit: Submit application to the Department of Immigration with proof of investment, clean criminal record, medical certificate, and financial statements.
— 3–6 months — Application fees ~$1,000
Step 3: Maintain Residency: Renew the annual permit each year and maintain your investment. Demonstrate genuine ties to The Bahamas.
— Annual — Renewal fees
Step 4: Apply for Permanent Residency: After several years of annual permits, apply for permanent residency status.
— Varies — Application fees
Step 5: Apply for Naturalization (10 years): After 10 years of lawful permanent residency, apply for Bahamian citizenship by naturalization.
— 10 years total — Naturalization fees
Pros & Cons
Advantages
Zero income tax, no capital gains or inheritance tax
Visa-free access to 158+ countries including the US, UK, and EU Schengen
Permanent residency through real estate investment
High quality of life and stable political environment
English-speaking country with strong legal system
Accelerated residency for investments over $1.5M
Challenges
No formal Citizenship by Investment programme
Naturalization requires 10 years of residency
High cost of living
Real estate investment threshold is $750,000+
Hurricane risk
Requirements
Real Estate Investment (Accelerated Residency) — Minimum $1,500,000 investment qualifies for accelerated permanent residency consideration.
Real Estate Investment (Standard) — Minimum $750,000 investment qualifies for annual residency permit with path to permanent residency.
Annual Residency Permit — Renewable annually; permanent residency typically granted after several years of compliance.
Naturalization — 10 years of lawful permanent residency required before applying for citizenship.
Clean Criminal Record — Required for all applicants.
Health Certificate — Medical examination required.
Tax System
System: territorial
The Bahamas has no income tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no wealth tax. Revenue is generated primarily through VAT (10%) and import duties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Bahamas have a Citizenship by Investment programme?
No. The Bahamas does not offer direct citizenship by investment. Investors can obtain permanent residency, which may lead to naturalization after 10 years.
What is the minimum investment for Bahamian permanent residency?
A minimum real estate investment of $750,000 qualifies for an annual residency permit. Investments over $1,500,000 qualify for accelerated permanent residency consideration.
Is there income tax in The Bahamas?
No. The Bahamas has no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax.
Can Bahamian passport holders enter the US without a visa?
Yes. Bahamian citizens can enter the United States for up to 90 days without a visa.
How long does it take to get Bahamian citizenship?
After obtaining permanent residency, applicants must reside in The Bahamas for 10 years before applying for naturalization.