Bahamas Permanent Residency Through Real Estate Investment

Purchase or commit to purchase qualifying real estate valued at USD $1,000,000+ (or another qualifying investment category, where applicable). For Goldwynn, penthouses start at $2.6M+ on Cable Beach, Nassau. A signed agreement, conveyance, and/or proof of investment is typically required.

Work with qualified Bahamian immigration counsel to confirm your eligibility, fees, and documentation requirements and to prepare the application package.

Common requirements include passport bio page(s), police certificate(s), medical certificate(s), photos, and civil status documents (birth/marriage certificates) plus any required verifications/legalizations and certified English translations as applicable.

Your attorney files the application (e.g., Form IV for Permanent Residence (Economic)) and pays the relevant processing fee(s). Bahamas Immigration conducts due diligence and reviews the supporting documents.

If approved, you pay the relevant permanent residence government fee (fees vary based on category and whether the certificate is granted with or without the right to engage in gainful occupation).

After approval, owners typically finalize banking, property management/rental decisions, and cross-border tax planning with professional advisers.

A: Bahamas Immigration guidance cites a minimum economic investment of USD $1,000,000 (real estate or qualifying zero-coupon bonds), with the qualifying asset held for a minimum of 10 years. Confirm current thresholds and qualifying categories with Bahamian immigration counsel.

A: Processing times vary by case and government review. Many advisers cite an approximate range of 6–18 months. A complete, well-prepared application can reduce delays.

A: Goldwynn Penthouses start at $2.6M+, which can meet the minimum investment threshold cited for the economic category. Eligibility depends on the final purchase, documentation, and current government requirements; confirm with counsel.

A: Spouse and dependents are commonly endorsed on the certificate, and supporting documents (passports, birth/marriage certificates, etc.) are typically required. Confirm age limits, documentation, and endorsement fees with counsel.

A: Rules can differ across residency types (annual permits, homeowner cards, tax residency certificates, and permanent residence). No minimum days-per-year requirement is commonly cited for EPR holders, though this should be confirmed for your specific circumstances with immigration counsel and tax advisers.

A: Bahamas Immigration lists a non-refundable processing fee for the application and publishes fee scales for economic permanent residence certificates (including different fees depending on whether the certificate is granted with or without the right to engage in gainful occupation). Legal fees and other costs are separate; confirm totals with counsel.

A: Not necessarily. Immigration status and tax residency are separate concepts. Your tax position depends on where you are resident under your home-country rules and your specific facts (days, ties, income sources). Consult cross-border tax advisers.

A: Foreign nationals can own property in The Bahamas, subject to applicable registration, due diligence, and transaction requirements. Your attorney will advise on the purchase process and any required filings.

A: Canadian residents follow the same EPR application process. Key Canadian-specific considerations include potential deemed disposition on departure from Canada (which can trigger capital gains tax on accrued gains), FAPI rules for foreign investment structures, and ongoing CRA reporting obligations. Direct daily flights from Toronto to Nassau (approximately 3.5 hours) and an established Canadian banking presence in Nassau make the Bahamas one of the most accessible offshore jurisdictions for Canadians. Buyers should obtain qualified Canadian tax advice before changing residency status.

A: The Bahamas is considered by UK private client advisers due to its English-speaking environment, common-law legal system, absence of inheritance tax, and a residency pathway that does not require renunciation of UK citizenship. UK tax rules are subject to change; buyers should obtain current UK tax advice on domicile, residency, and CGT implications before making any decisions.

A: The Bahamas is often chosen for proximity to North America, common-law legal foundations, a USD-pegged currency, and a long-established financial services sector with over 250 licensed banks and trust companies. Unlike some Caribbean territories, The Bahamas is a fully sovereign nation with its own immigration policy. The best option depends on your goals, timeline, tax profile, and the advice of your professional team.

A: Key items include: confirming EPR eligibility and fees, reviewing purchase documentation, verifying any required legalizations/translations, validating ownership/tax structure with advisers, and ensuring client risk profile and documentation are complete.

A: EPR itself does not carry an annual renewal fee once granted. Ongoing costs relate to property ownership: annual real property tax (tiered, with exemptions for owner-occupied homes), property insurance, and any homeowners’ association or management fees. At Goldwynn, owners also have the option of participating in the rental programme to offset carrying costs (subject to programme terms). Confirm current property tax rates and applicable exemptions with your Bahamian attorney.