Family visas
Bahamian Resident Spouse Permit
For a non-Bahamian married to a Bahamian, allowing them to live and work in The Bahamas during the first years of the marriage.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The validity period of the Resident Spouse Permit is not stated on the official page and is unverified.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Bahamas government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Resident Spouse Permit
- Route type
- Family - spouse of a Bahamian
- Eligibility
- Married to a Bahamian, marriage subsisting less than 5 years
- Work rights
- Allows the holder to live and work in The Bahamas
- Processing fee
- US$200 non-refundable processing fee
Who it is for
- Non-Bahamians married to a Bahamian national and living with that spouse
- Couples married for less than five years at the time of application
Requirements
- Completed First Schedule Form 1A with US$10 Bahamian postage stamp
- Certified marriage certificate (with translation and authentication if foreign)
- Passports of both the applicant and the Bahamian spouse
- Medical certificate dated within 30 days
- Police certificate covering 5 years, issued within 6 months
- Two passport photographs (2x2 inches, white background)
- Birth certificates for the applicant and any children under 18
- Employment verification letters for both spouses
- Foreign documents apostilled/legalised and authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
What you can do
- Live and work in The Bahamas while married to and residing with the Bahamian spouse
- After 5 years of marriage, apply for extension, permanent residence or citizenship
How to apply
- Submit Form 1A and supporting documents to the Director of Immigration
- Pay the US$200 non-refundable processing fee
- First-instance applicants should not be in the country during processing
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.