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Residence & citizenship

Bahamian Annual Residence Permit

The Permit to Reside issued on a yearly, renewable basis to non-Bahamians living in The Bahamas for non-work purposes.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

The official immigration page lists eligibility explicitly as students and dependants; a distinct financially-independent/self-supporting sub-category and any minimum income or funds threshold are not published there and are 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.
On this page
Official name
Permit to Reside (Annual Permit)
Route type
Annual residence
Validity
One year, renewable annually
Work rights
Does not confer the right to work
Processing fee
US$200 non-refundable processing fee

Who it is for

  • Non-Bahamians wishing to reside in The Bahamas for purposes other than employment
  • Students and dependants of legally resident persons
  • Financially self-supporting persons who can maintain themselves

Requirements

  • Letter of request to the Director of Immigration
  • Completed First Schedule Form 1 (notarised) with US$10 Bahamian postage stamp
  • Medical certificate dated within 30 days
  • Police certificate covering 5 years, issued within 6 months (applicants 14+)
  • Two passport photographs and passport biographical page copy
  • Two character references and a financial reference (bank or CPA statement)
  • Copy of residential property conveyance where applicable and completed Annual Permit Questionnaire

How to apply

  • Lodge Form 1 and supporting documents with the Department of Immigration
  • Pay the US$200 non-refundable processing fee
  • Renew the permit each year; 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.

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