Ways to live in the Bahamas
These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.
Programme details are shown in English.
Investment and golden visa Investment and golden visas →
Permanent residence by investment
Permanent residence for those who invest at least US$1 million in Bahamian real estate or Central Bank zero-coupon bonds.
- What you need
- Investment of at least US$1 million held for at least 10 years, plus the standard documents for permanent residence.
- How long
- permanent
- Cost
- BS$200 processing fee, plus the certificate fee
- How to apply
- Bahamas Immigration Department
- Family
- Family members can come with you
Residence permit Residence permits →
Annual Permit to Reside / Home Owner Resident Permit
Residence without the right to work, for example for students and dependants. People who own a home both in the Bahamas and in their home country can get a separate Home Owner Resident Permit.
- What you need
- Notarised application form, medical and police certificates, bank or accountant reference, two character references, property deed if you own a home. First-time applicants wait outside the country.
- How long
- 1 year, renewable
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- BS$200 processing fee plus BS$10 stamps
- Processing time
- 8–12 weeks
- How to apply
- Bahamas Immigration Department
- Family
- Family members can come with you
Cost of living
Monthly amounts in US dollars.
| Room in a shared flat | $900 |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom flat | $1,700 |
| Two-bedroom flat | $2,600 |
| Bills | $300 |
| Typical local salary | $2,000 |
Some of these figures are estimates; treat them as a rough guide.
Cities to consider
Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.
What life is like
Programme details are shown in English.
Why people move
The Bahamas is about the water: boating, diving, fishing and white-sand beaches across hundreds of islands. Nassau has the most services, while the Out Islands offer slow, close-knit village life.
Day to day
Islands are linked by small flights and ferries, and a car is needed on most. Healthcare is limited, with serious cases often flown to the US. Cards work in Nassau, the US dollar is accepted alongside the local one, and English is spoken.
Trade-offs
Almost everything is imported, making daily life very expensive. Hurricanes are a serious seasonal risk, and outer islands can feel isolated, with limited shops and services.
Before you move: visa-free entry
Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:
United States240 days
United Kingdom240 days
Australia90 days
Canada240 days
New Zealand90 days
Switzerland240 days
Norway240 days
Singapore90 days
Japan90 days
South Korea90 days
Israel90 days
United Arab Emirates90 days
Hong Kong90 days
South Africa90 days
Mexico90 days
Brazil90 days
Questions
Does Bahamas have a digital nomad visa?
Not among the routes we have checked. Remote workers usually come as visitors within the visa-free limit or use one of the other routes on this page.
How can I move to Bahamas?
The routes we have checked are: Investment and golden visa, Residence permit.
Sources and last check
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.
