Immigration Information

To ensure the maximum benefit to The Bahamas from the National Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA), certain Immigration provisions will apply:

1. Work Permits
Necessary work permits for key personnel will be granted. Businesses requiring permits for persons other than key personnel are encouraged to discuss these requests with The Bahamas Investment Authority in advance.

2. International Owner of Second homes
Overseas Investors may acquire residential properties in The Bahamas of up to five acres without prior Government approval. Such acquisitions are required to be registered in accordance with the International Persons< Landholding Act. Second Home Owners are eligible for a Home Owners Residence Card, renewable annually. This card will: facilitate entry into The Bahamas and entitle the owner, his spouse and minor children to enter and remain in The Bahamas for the duration of the validity of the card. Application may be made to the Director of Immigration.

3. Annual or Permanent Residence
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.

4. Areas Especially Targeted for Overseas Investors

• Touristic Resorts
• Upscale condominiums, Time shares and Second Home Developments
• Marinas
• Information and Data Processing Services
• Assembly Industries
• High-Tech Services
• Ship Repair and other services
• Light manufacturing for export
• Agro-Industries
• Food Processing
• Mariculture
• Banking and other Financial Services
• Captive Insurance
• Aircraft Services
• Pharmaceutical Manufacture
• Off-shore Medical Centres

This list is not exhaustive and investors interested in areas not included above are encouraged to bring their interest to the attention of BIA. Please note that investments of less than $250,000 will not be considered.

5. Local Partners in Joint Ventures
International investors are encouraged to establish joint ventures with Bahamian partners. The choice of such Bahamian partners is in the absolute discretion of the investor.

6. Areas reserved for Bahamians
Wholesale and Retail Operations;
Commission agencies engaged in the import/export trade;
Real estate and domestic property management agencies;
Domestic newspapers and magazine publications;
Domestic advertising and public relations firms;
Nightclubs and restaurants, except specialty, gourmet and ethnic restaurants and restaurants operating in a hotel, resort complex or tourist attraction;
Security services;
Domestic distribution of building supplies;
Construction companies, except for special structures for which
international expertise is required;
Personal cosmetic/beauty establishments;
Shallow-water scale-fish, crustacea, mollusks and sponge-fishing operations;
Auto and appliance service operations; and Public transportation.

International Investors may engage in the wholesale distribution of any product they produce locally.