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Residence & citizenship

Bahamian Permanent Residence

Lifelong legal status giving the holder the right to reside and, in most cases, work in The Bahamas.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

The US$1.0 million investment threshold and the various qualifying-year requirements are drawn from the official page; any accelerated-consideration threshold (often cited as US$1.5 million) and processing times are not stated 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
Certificate of Permanent Residence
Route type
Settlement / permanent residence
Validity
For the life of the holder unless revoked
Economic investment threshold
Minimum US$1.0 million qualifying investment
Processing fee
US$200 non-refundable processing fee

Who it is for

  • Spouses of Bahamians (generally after 5 years of subsisting, cohabiting marriage)
  • Certain children born abroad to married Bahamian women with non-citizen husbands
  • Economic investors making a qualifying investment of at least US$1.0 million
  • Long-serving government police/prison officers, teachers and nurses (10+ years)
  • Ministers of religion and doctors after long service (20+ years)
  • Long-term legal work-permit holders (typically 20+ consecutive years, or 10-20 years on higher fee scales)

Requirements

  • Completed permanent residence application form (spouse Form IV(A) or economic Form IV)
  • US$200 non-refundable processing fee
  • Medical certificate dated within 30 days
  • Police certificate covering 5 years, issued within 6 months (applicants 14+)
  • Two current passport photographs (2x2 inches, white background)
  • Two character references from reputable community members
  • Birth, marriage or death certificates as applicable (originals, translations, US$10 postage stamps)
  • Evidence of the qualifying investment (economic route)
  • Foreign documents apostilled/legalised and authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

What you can do

  • Reside in The Bahamas for life unless the certificate is revoked
  • Work in The Bahamas (right to reside and/or work per the certificate)
  • Apply, in the case of spouses, toward citizenship where eligible

How to apply

  • Lodge the relevant permanent residence form and documents with the Department of Immigration
  • Pay the US$200 non-refundable processing fee
  • Apply for the Electronic Permanent Residence Card once status is granted

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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