Overview
The Bahamas offers one of the most straightforward residency-through-investment programs in the Caribbean. The Economic Permanent Residency (EPR) program allows foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency by purchasing real estate in The Bahamas, providing a pathway to living, working, and banking in one of the region's most stable and prosperous nations.
Investment Thresholds
The program operates on two tiers:
- Standard track ($500,000+) — Purchase of real property valued at $500,000 or more qualifies for permanent residency consideration through the standard application process.
- Expedited track ($750,000+) — Investments of $750,000 or more qualify for the accelerated application process, with processing typically completed within approximately 90 days.
The property must be held in the applicant's personal name and be used as a bona fide residence. Both existing properties and new construction qualify.
Application Process
- Property acquisition — Identify and purchase qualifying real estate with the guidance of a licensed real estate agent.
- Documentation — Prepare required documents including proof of property ownership, police clearance certificates, medical certificates, financial references, and passport copies.
- Submission — Submit the completed application to the Department of Immigration along with the applicable fee.
- Review — The Immigration Board reviews the application and conducts due diligence.
- Approval — Upon approval, the applicant receives a Permanent Residency Certificate.
Benefits of Bahamas Permanent Residency
- Right to live and work in The Bahamas indefinitely
- No minimum stay requirement per year
- Access to Bahamian banking and financial services
- No income, capital gains, or inheritance taxes
- Stable political environment and strong rule of law
- World-class healthcare and education options
- 45 minutes by air from Miami, Florida
Important Considerations
Permanent residency does not confer Bahamian citizenship or voting rights. It is a separate status that provides the right to reside in the country permanently. Applicants should work with qualified legal counsel familiar with Bahamian immigration law in addition to a real estate advisor.
The property investment must be maintained — selling the qualifying property may impact residency status. Applicants with dependents can include spouses and minor children in their application.
Getting Started
The first step is identifying the right property that meets both your lifestyle preferences and investment objectives while satisfying the EPR requirements. Working with an advisor who understands both the real estate market and the residency program is essential to a smooth process.