| Permanent Residency in the Bahamas Rhonda L.C. Hull 1st December, 2008 While tourism is the number one industry in the Bahamas and the Government invites persons from around the World to come and visit our beautiful Islands, it does seem that the Bahamas Government tries very hard to ensure that guests only “visit” the islands and do not become actual residents. Bahamian immigration rules are designed with the view that everyone wants to immigrate to the tiny Bahamian islands – which if this were to occur, would sink under the weight. Consequently, while tourism and investment are encouraged, true immigration is possible but tightly controlled. However, there are three types of immigration status that are available to non-Bahamians seeking to reside / have status in the Bahamas (in addition to Bahamian citizenship – which will not be discussed in this paper as it is not available except in very strict circumstances). The three types of immigration status are:
Anyone who owns a home in the Bahamas may apply for an Annual Residency Permit, the cost of which is $1,000.00 per year. Applicants for Annual Residency Status must show evidence of financial support. The Annual Residency Permit does not give its holder the right to work but only allows the holder the right to live and remain in the Bahamas for the duration of that year. Annual Residency Permits are renewable at the pleasure of the Government each year.
The Bahamas Government tries to ensure that Bahamians are given fair consideration for employment. A work permit application is not considered if a suitably qualified Bahamian is available or if the prospective employee is already in the country and entered as a visitor. If the Immigration Board considers the prospective non-Bahamian employee will be an asset to the Bahamas, it reviews the application, but only after the prospective employer advertises and interviews locally and obtains a certificate from the Labour Board stating that there are no qualified Bahamians registered that could do the job. Permits for longer than one year may be given for key personnel on contract, often with an endorsement that the employee will be replaced by a Bahamian or will train a Bahamian to perform the job in a specified time. Each work permit is for a specified person and job.
Those who wish to settle in the Bahamas by investing in property, retiring here or opening a business usually apply for this status. Accelerated consideration for Permanent Residency can be obtained with a minimum property investment of $500,000.00. Applicants must be of good character, show evidence of financial support and say in writing that they wish to live permanently in The Bahamas. The cost of Permanent Residency is a one-time fee to the Government of $10,000.00. Accelerated Permanent Residency applications can take up to 5 – 7 years to be considered. |