Immigration to the Bahamas for United Kingdom citizenship

Non-Bahamian nationals who are desirous of living for any purpose other than working in the Bahamas, must seek authorization from the Department of Immigration.  This comes in the form of a  Permit to Reside, also commonly known as an Annual Permit.

Permit to Reside Application Requirements:

 - Letter of request addressed to the Director of Immigration

$200.00 non-refundable processing fee (payable by cash, credit/debit card, postal money order or bank certified cheque)

- Duly completed First Schedule Form 1 application with $10.00 Bahamian postage stamp affixed thereon (legible and notarized)

- Applicant’s original medical certificate (dated no earlier than 30 days of the application being submitted. This required for each applicant)

- Applicant’s original police certificate issued not earlier than six (6) months and must cover five years of residence; required for applicants age of 14 and older

- Two (2) current passport photographs of applicant on white background with name printed on back of photo (captured within six (6) months of application photo size must be 2 X 2 inches)

- VALID copy of biographical page of passport for applicant (must be signed and readable with minimum (2) months validity)

- Copy of biographical page of passport for sponsor (must be signed and readable with minimum two (2) months validity)

- Certified copy of marriage certificate of applicant (if applicable)

- Certified copy of birth certificate of applicant showing parents’ names (if applicable)

- Two (2) character references from reputable persons or persons of good standing in applicant’s community (please provide telephone contacts and email addresses)

- Reference from applicant’s financial institution(s) stating a figure range and/or statement prepared by a Certified Public Accountant (adults/independent applicants)

- Copy of conveyance for residential property(ies) owned by applicant in The Bahamas (adults only and if applicable)

- Complete the Annual Permit Questionnaire

Accompanying Dependents must apply for a Permit to Reside

Additional Documents Required For Children:

1) Letter confirming applicant’s enrollment in a school in The Bahamas

2) Legal Court document granting custody or guardianship of applicant to sponsor (for children not accompanied by their parents)

3) Certified copy of parents birth certificates (for children not accompanied by their parents)

4) If children are not accompanied by both parents, evidence of legal custody of applicant is required from the accompanying parent/guardian

5) Children who are being home schooled MUST be registered with the Ministry of Education and proof of such must be provided.

All further correspondence should be addressed to:

Director of Immigration

P.O. Box N-831

Nassau, Bahamas

Please note that:

1. Certified translations in English are required for each foreign document submitted and should have a Bahamian $10.00 postage stamp affixed thereto.

2. Translations must be prepared by someone proficient in the relevant foreign language.

3. Persons applying for status in first instance should not be in the country during the processing of the application.

Eligibility:

Any non-Bahamian who is:

- Attending school, college or university; or

- Dependent of someone who is legally authorized to reside in The Bahamas, Bahamian or non-Bahamian. (Dependents may be spouses, or children under the age of 18)

Turn-around time:

Once the actual application has been accurately and completely submitted, the applicant should contact the Consultation Unit at 604-0241/2 within an 8 to 12 week period for an update of the process of the application.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PERMIT TO RESIDE APPLICATION- FORM I

Permanent Residence

A Certificate of Permanent Residence is a document of legal status, which is issued to an individual for the duration of his/her life, unless revoked, and gives him/her the right to reside and/or work.

Eligibility

The following categories of persons may apply for permanent residence:

- Spouse of a Bahamian after 5 years of marriage, and whose marriage is subsisting and the couple cohabiting as husband and wife

- Persons born legitimately outside of The Bahamas to a married woman, who is a citizen of The Bahamas, and whose husband is not a citizen of The Bahamas.

- Financially independent individuals or investors who are legitimate owners of a residence in The Bahamas – please note that persons purchasing a residence for BSD $750,000.00 or more will get speedy consideration

- Police and Prison Officers employed in the Government Service for a minimum of 10 years

- Teachers employed in the Government Service or by charitable or religious institutions for a minimum of 10 years

- Nurses employed in the Government Service or with private hospitals and healthcare facilities for a minimum of 10 years

- Ministers of Religion / Priests after having been employed for a minimum of 20 years

- Doctors / Medical professionals after having been employed for a minimum of 20 years

- Persons who have held legal work permit status for more than twenty (20) 

consecutive years.

- Persons who resided in the country for at least 10 and less than 20 years and who held a work permit in any of the scales 5 to 8.

Application Form(s) (click below for link to forms):

1) Permanent Residence for Spouse of Bahamian [Form IV(A)]

2) Permanent Residence (Economic) [Form IV]

3) Electronic Permanent Residence Card Application Form

Certificate of Permanent Residence Application Requirements:

- $200.00 non-refundable processing fee (payable by cash, credit/debit card, postal/money orders, or bank certified cheque)

- Letter of request addressed to the Director of Immigration

- Duly completed application form with Bahamian $10.00 postage stamp affixed thereon (legible & notarized)

- Applicant’s original medical certificate (dated not earlier than 30 days before submission of the application. Required for every applicant)

- Applicant’s original police certificate (issued not earlier than six (6) months and must cover five years of residence; required of applicants 14 years old and older)

- Two (2) current passport photographs of the applicant on white background with name printed on the back of the photo (captured within six (6) months of application date; photo size must be 2 X 2 inches)

- Copy of the biographical data page of applicant’s current passport (must be signed and readable with minimum of two (2) months validity)

- Copy of biographical data page of spouse’s passport (must be signed and readable with two (2) months validity) [if applicable]

- Copy of biographical data page of child(ren)’s passport (must be signed and readable with two (2) months validity) [if applicable]

- Original birth certificate of the applicant (English translations and Bahamian $10.00 postage stamps affixed thereon) with the verification by the Consulate and authentication of the signature by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

- Two (2) character references from reputable persons or persons of good standing in the applicant’s community (please provide telephone contacts and email addresses along with the biographical page of passport)

- Original birth certificate for applicant’s spouse

- Original birth certificates for applicant’s children (if applicable) 

- Certified copy of marriage certificate (English translations and Bahamian $10.00 postage stamp affixed thereon; if applicable)

- Copy of any Naturalization for spouse (if applicable)

- Deed Poll (if applicable) (registered at Registrar General’s Office)

- Proof of current immigration status (Work Permit/Permit to Reside, etc.)

- Death Certificate/ divorce decree (if applicable)

- Documentary proof of payment of Real Property Tax (if applicable)

- Copy of conveyance  for residential property(ies) owned by the applicant in The Bahamas (if applicable)

- School letters (where applicable) 

- Documentary proof of Adoption (registered at Registrar General’s Department) [if applicable]

Please note that:

1. All documents issued from countries outside The Bahamas must be properly verified (by apostille or Legalization) and have the signature of authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before they can be submitted. An apostille is required for all birth, marriage, and death certificates issued by countries that are members of The Hague Apostille Convention. For a complete list of Hague Apostille Convention countries, please visit Hague signatories

2. Certified translations in English are required for each foreign document submitted and should have a Bahamian $10.00 postage stamp affixed thereto.

3. Translations must be prepared by someone proficient in the relevant foreign language

Resident Belonger Permit

Resident Belonger Permit status was established, as noted on May 8, 2015, Official Gazette, by the administration of the day to offer a legal status option to:

a) persons referred to in Article 7 of The Constitution of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and who are permanently residing in The Bahamas at the time of application (i.e. persons born in The Bahamas to non-Bahamian parents…)

b) persons referred to in Article 9 of The Constitution of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas (i.e. persons born legitimately outside The Bahamas to a married Bahamian mother and non-Bahamian father…)

c) the foreign-born offspring of a Bahamian male referred to in Articles 3(2) and 8 of The Constitution of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, who is married to a non-Bahamian spouse. 

Resident Belonger Permit Application Requirements:

-  Letter of Request addressed to The Director of Immigration

$200.00 non-refundable processing fee (payable by cash, credit/debit card, postal money order, or bank certified cheque)

- Duly completed First Schedule Part 2 Form 1B application with $10.00 Bahamian postage stamp affixed thereon (legible and notarized)

- Applicant’s Original medical certificate (dated no earlier than 30 days of the application being submitted. This is required for each applicant)

- Applicant’s original police certificate covering five years of residence issued not more than six (6) months; required for applicants age 14 and older 

- Two (2) current passport photographs of the applicant on white background with name printed on the back of the photo (captured within six (6) months of application, photo size must be 2 X 2 inches)

- VALID copy of the biographical page of passport for applicant (must be signed and readable and have a minimum of two (2) months validity.

- Copy of biographical page of passport for applicant’s parents (must be signed and readable with minimum of two (2) months validity)

- Certified copy of parent’s marriage certificate with English translations and Bahamian $10.00 postage stamp affixed thereon (if applicable)

- Certified copies of applicant’s parent(s) birth certificate(s) with English translations and Bahamian $10.00 postage stamp affixed thereon (if applicable)

- Original birth certificate of the applicant with English translations and Bahamian $10.00 postage stamps affixed thereon (if applicable) with the verification by the Consulate and authentication of the signature by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

-  Documentary evidence of parents’ Immigration status

Certified copy of parent(s) Death Certificate where in either case the parent(s) are deceased (must be certified by Registrar General’s Department if issued in The Bahamas) (if applicable)

- Immunization Card (for minors)

- Copy of National Insurance Card (if any)

- Parent’s /Guardian’s Information Sheet

- All school records and transcripts

- Proof of legal guardianship (for minors)

All further correspondence should be addressed to:

Director of Immigration

P.O. Box N-831

Nassau, Bahamas

Please note that:

1. All documents issued from countries outside The Bahamas must be properly verified (by apostille or Legalization) and have the signature of authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before they can be submitted.

2. Certified translations in English are required for each foreign document submitted and should have a Bahamian $10.00 postage stamp affixed thereto.

3. Translations must be signed, notarized, and prepared by someone proficient in the relevant foreign language.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD RESIDENT BELONGER PERMIT APPLICATION FORM

Resident Spouse Permit

Non-Bahamians who are married to Bahamian nationals may be eligible for a Resident Spouse Permit.  This permit allows spouses of Bahamians to legally live and work in The Bahamas, provided that they live with their Bahamian spouse and have been married for less than five years, at the time of application. Please note that once five years of marriage have passed, the non-Bahamian spouse may apply for an extension of Resident Spouse Permit, citizenship, or permanent residency.

Resident Spouse Permit Application Requirements:

- $200.00 non-refundable processing fee (payable by cash, credit/debit card, postal money order, or bank certified cheque)

- Letter of Request addressed to the Director of Immigration

- Duly completed First Schedule Form 1A application with $10.00 Bahamian postage stamp affixed thereon (legible and notarized)

- Applicant’s Original medical certificate (dated not earlier than 30 days before submission of the application. Required for each applicant)

- Applicant’s original police certificate covering five (5) years of residence issued not earlier than six (6) months before submission of the application; required for applicants age 14 years or older. If the applicant held legal Immigration status immediately preceding the Resident Spouse Permit Application, a police certificate can be obtained locally.)

- Two (2) current passport photographs of the applicant on white background with name printed on the back of the photo (captured within six (6) months of application; photo size must be 2 X 2 inches)

- Copy of the biographical data page of applicant’s current passport (must be signed and readable with minimum of two (2) months validity)

- Copy of biographical data page of Bahamian spouse’s passport (must be signed and readable with two (2) months validity)

- Certified copy of marriage certificate (English translations and Bahamian $10.00 postage stamp affixed thereon; if applicable)

- Certified copies of birth certificates for children of the marriage (under age of 18)

- Certified copies of birth certificates for children of the applicant not born of the marriage (under age of 18)

- Original birth certificate of the applicant (English translations and Bahamian $10.00 postage stamps affixed thereon; if applicable) with the verification by the Consulate and authentication of the signature by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

- Certified copy of Bahamian spouse’s birth certificate 

- Death Certificate/ Divorce Decree for the previous spouse (if applicable)

- Adoption certificate or Legal Guardianship (if applicable)

- Deed Poll (if applicable)

- Copy of Bahamian Registration or Naturalization of spouse (if applicable)

- Letter from job verifying employment of Bahamian spouse

- Letter from job verifying employment of applicant (if applicable)

- For accompanying Dependents, apply for Permit to Reside.

All further correspondence should beaddressed to:

Director of Immigration

P.O. Box N-831

Nassau, The Bahamas

Please note that:

1. All documents issued from countries outside The Bahamas must be properly verified (by apostille or Legalization) and have the signature of authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before they can be submitted.

2. Certified translations in English are required for each foreign document submitted and should have a Bahamian $10.00 postage stamp affixed thereto.

3. Translations must be prepared by someone proficient in the relevant foreign language.

4. Persons applying for status in first instance should not be in the country during the processing of the application.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD RESIDENT SPOUSE PERMIT APPLICATION

Home Owner Identification

The Home Owner’s Identification Card is a type of Residence Permit that is issued in accordance with the International Persons Land Holding Act – Chapter 140. This type of residence status facilitates the entry of persons who lawfully own a primary residence in their country of origin and also own a habitable residence in The Bahamas.

Home Owner ID Card Application Requirements:

- Duly complete Home Owner Resident Card application form with Bahamian $10.00 postage stamp affixed thereon (legible & notarized)

- Letter of request addressed to the Director of Immigration

$200.00 non-refundable processing fee (payable by cash, credit/debit card, postal/money orders, or bank certified cheque)

- Applicant’s original medical certificate (dated not earlier than 30 days of the application being submitted. This is required for each applicant)

- Applicant’s original police certificate (dated not earlier than six (6) months and must cover five years of residence; required for applicants age 14 and older)

- Two (2) current passport size photographs of the applicant on white background with name printed on the back photo (within six (6) months of application must be 2 X 2 inches)

- A VALID copy of the biographical page of passport for applicant (must be signed and readable with minimum of two (2) months validity)

- Documentary proof of payment of current Real Property Tax 

- Registered deed of conveyance of ownership of a home in The Bahamas

- International Landholding Certificate

- Certificate of Incumbency (where applicable)

- Certified copy of marriage certificate (if applicable)

- Certified copy of a birth certificate showing parents’ names (if applicable)

All further correspondence should be addressed to:

Director of Immigration

P.O. Box N-831

Nassau, Bahamas

Please note that:

1. Certified translations in English are required for each foreign document submitted and should have a Bahamian $10.00 postage stamp affixed thereto.

2. Translations must be prepared by someone proficient in the relevant foreign language.

3. Persons applying for status in first instance should not be in the country during the processing of the application. 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD HOME OWNER RESIDENT CARD APPLICATION FORM

Government Contract Worker

The government of The Bahamas may directly employ non-Bahamian nationals on contract to work within various ministries. Representatives from the various government ministries must submit applications on behalf of said individuals and their accompanying dependents for status as prescribed in the Statute Law of The Bahamas- Immigration Act Chapter 191- Sections 20 (1d and 1f).

Government Contracted Worker ID Application Requirements:

- Memorandum of request/Contract from the relevant Government Ministry/ Agency

- Duly completed First Schedule Form 1 Application (legible and notarized)

- Two (2) current passport photographs of the applicant on white background with the name printed on the back of photo (captured within six (6) months of application, photo size must be 2 X 2 inches)

- VALID copy of the biographical page of applicant’s passport  (must be signed and readable and have at least two (2) months validity)

- Certified copy of marriage certificate (if applicable)

- Certified copy of birth certificate showing parents’ names (if minor)

- Please note that the same aforementioned documents are required for accompanying dependents

All further correspondence should be addressed to:

Director of Immigration

P.O. Box N-831

Nassau, Bahamas

Please note that:

1. Certified translations in English are required for each foreign document submitted and should have a Bahamian $10.00 postage stamp affixed thereto.

2. Translations must be prepared by someone proficient in the relevant foreign language.

3. Persons applying for status in first instance should not be in the country during the processing of the application.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD GOVERNMENT CONTRACT WORKER (WORK PERMIT-FORM I) APPLICATION