By the end of this guide, you’ll understand exactly how you can secure Economic Permanent Residency in The Bahamas—from eligibility and investment options to application steps, fees, and residency requirements. Follow along, and you’ll be ready to make your move to this sun-soaked archipelago.

What Is Economic Permanent Residency in The Bahamas?

Economic Permanent Residency (EPR) grants you the legal right to live—and, depending on the certificate, work—in The Bahamas indefinitely, similar to residency by investment programs. Unlike short-term visas, EPR:

• Removes immigration restrictions on living in The Bahamas
• May include permission to own a business or be employed
• Can be a pathway to full citizenship after a qualifying period

Types of Economic Residency Certificates

There are two main certificate types, each with its own fee and rights, as specified in the Department of Immigration’s fee schedule [^1]:

1. Non-Occupational Certificate
2. Permits indefinite residence
3. Fees: USD 20,000

4. No right to work or operate a business

5. Occupational Certificate

6. Includes all rights above, plus permission to engage in gainful occupation (own a business or be employed)
7. Fees: USD 25,000

Who Qualifies for EPR?

You can apply if you meet any one of these conditions:

• You purchase real estate in The Bahamas
• You invest in approved government securities
• You’re economically self-sufficient
• You’re married to a Bahamian citizen
• You’ve worked in The Bahamas for at least ten years

Real Estate and Beyond: Your Investment Options

While real estate remains the most common route, you also may qualify by:

• Zero-Coupon Bonds issued by the Central Bank of The Bahamas
  (minimum deposit: BSD 1,000,000 maintained for 10 years) [^2]
• Business Investment in approved sectors (minimum: USD 500,000), subject to sector-specific approvals [^3]

New Minimum Investment Threshold (Effective Jan 1 2025)

Starting January 1, 2025, the minimum required investment to qualify via the Economic Certificate route will increase from BSD 750,000 to BSD 1,000,000, and must be held for at least ten years or risk revocation [^4].

Family Members Can Join You

Your EPR application can include your:

• Spouse
• Minor children
• Parents

They gain the same residency rights without separate financial contributions.

Step-by-Step Application Process & Fees

1. Prepare Documents
2. Completed application form
3. Birth certificate
4. Valid passport
5. Police certificate
6. Financial statements or proof of investment
7. Medical certificate
8. Character references

9. Proof of property tax compliance (if real-estate route) [^5]

10. Submit to the Department of Immigration in Nassau with a non-refundable BSD 100 filing fee.

11. Pay Certificate Fee upon approval:
12. BSD 20,000 (non-occupational)
13. BSD 25,000 (occupational)
14. Wait for Processing
15. Standard timeline: about two months [^3]
16. Expedited review if you invest more than USD 1.5 million [^5]

Keeping Your Residency Active

Meeting eligibility is just the start. To maintain your EPR status:

• Physical Presence: Reside at least 90 days per year in The Bahamas [^5].
• Investment Compliance:
• Hold your real estate or bonds for the required term.
• Stay current on Bahamian real-property taxes.
• Good Standing: No criminal convictions; maintain valid health insurance.

Why Choose Bahamas Economic Residency?

Quote: “You gain not only residency but seamless access to a stable, tax-friendly economy with world-class healthcare and education,” says immigration consultant Maria Forbes [^6].

Key benefits include:

• No income, capital gains, or inheritance taxes, according to KPMG’s Worldwide Tax Guide for The Bahamas
• Freedom to live, work, or run a business
• Access to public schools and healthcare
• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 150+ countries, as ranked by the Henley Passport Index 2023
• Proximity to the U.S. with direct flights, illustrated by the Bahamasair flight network map

Your Next Steps to Island Life

Now that you know the rules, documents, and deadlines, you’re ready to start your application. Whether you’re seeking a Caribbean base for your business, a sunlit retirement haven, or simply a new home, Bahamas Economic Permanent Residency delivers an unmatched blend of flexibility and security. Pack your bags—paradise awaits.

[^1]: Department of Immigration, Bahamas, “Fee Schedule for Economic Permanent Residency Certificates,” http://www.immigration.gov.bs/downloads/fee-schedule.pdf
[^2]: Central Bank of The Bahamas, “Government Securities,” https://www.centralbankbahamas.com/government-securities
[^3]: Ministry of Finance, Bahamas Investment Board guidelines, https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/investmentboard
[^4]: “Bahamas Raises Economic Residency Investment Minimum,” Caribbean Journal, Feb 2024, https://www.caribjournal.com/2024/02/10/bahamas-raises-investment-residency-minimum
[^5]: MCS Corporate Services Ltd., “Bahamas Permanent Residency,” https://www.mcsbahamas.com/bahamas-permanent-residency
[^6]: Maria Forbes, MCS Corporate Services, personal interview, Mar 2024