Seeking Permanent Residency in the Bahamas

In order to live in the Bahamas and work there you will need to apply for permanent residency and a work permit. This is not the easiest thing to do because the Bhamas like the Cayman Islands have a citizen protection policy that basically state that if a qualified Bahamian can be found for the job then they will be offered the job you are applying for. Sometimes this depend on how the job description is written and whether or not a Bahamian wants it and who wants to hire you.

Basically any job that does not require a higher education is out of limits to foreigners (such as a bartender, bar-maid, housekeeper, etc.). Jobs which most Bahamians think they are too good for are easy to get (such as farm worker which is usually happily taken by Haitian immigrants).

Any employer that has job vacancies must first advertise it locally and if he becomes unsuccessful then he will have to apply to the Department of Immigration for permission to recruit outside of the Bahamas. And the individual will be asked to present the necessary document to show his 'qualifications' such as a college degree. 

Each person granted a work permit (fees for work permits go from $250 for a farm worker to $7,500 for professionals and executives) is required to place a bond to repatriate the employee and his dependents and to pay any public charges, including medical expenses, incurred by the employee.

Permanent Residence without the right to work is a relatively simple matter.

How to obtain an annual residence permit

If you would like to reside in the The Bahamas on an annual basis you can do so if your spouse or dependent is a citizen of the Bahamas or if he/she is a permit holder, if you are a independent economic resident, or if  you are a resident home owner, or seasonal resident home owner.  You will also be asked to present  the necessary documents required.

Getting permanent residence

If you want to live here permanently you must be of "good character" (you can take it that this means they have no criminal record) and you should be prepared to show evidence of financial support. Accelerated consideration of applications for annual or permanent residence will be given to major international investors and fit and proper owners of residence valued at $500,000 or more.

For additional information, contact:

Ministry of Labour and Immigration
P.O. Box N 3008
East Hill Street
Nassau, Bahamas
tel: 242-323-7814
fax: 242-325-1920

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