Bahamas

Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS)

The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) is a one-year residency permit that allows foreign professionals and students to live in The Bahamas while working or studying remotely for employers, clients, or institutions located outside the country. Launched in October 2020 by the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, the program targets remote workers and remote students who want to enjoy island life while maintaining their careers abroad. Holders are prohibited from engaging in any local employment.

Important: In early 2022, the Ministry of Immigration suspended the BEATS program. No formal reinstatement has been announced, though the official website remains online. Prospective applicants should verify current program status with the Department of Immigration before applying.

• Must be a remote worker employed by a company outside The Bahamas, a self-employed professional working remotely, or a student enrolled in an accredited institution studying remotely
• Must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any dependants
• Cannot engage in any gainful employment within The Bahamas
• Citizens of the USA, Canada, EU member states, and Britain do not require a separate travel visa to enter
• Nationals of other countries should confirm entry requirements with the nearest Bahamas consulate

• Valid passport (colour copy of data page for applicant and all dependants)
• Proof of medical/health insurance covering The Bahamas
• For remote workers: Job letter from current employer or proof of self-employment
• For remote students: Student ID or evidence of enrolment in an accredited institution, plus proof of sufficient funds for living expenses and return travel

The BEATS permit is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. It can be renewed annually, with a maximum total stay of up to 3 years. Renewal requires submitting a new application.

Spouse and children may be included in the BEATS application. Each dependant requires:

• A valid passport and proof of medical/health insurance
• USD 25 application fee and USD 500 permit fee per dependant (USD 525 total)
• Dependants are subject to the same prohibition on local employment

Married couples where both partners work remotely must each submit separate BEATS applications. Only one spouse needs to apply on behalf of shared dependants (children).

The Bahamas has no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no wealth tax. Foreign-sourced income earned by BEATS holders is not taxed in The Bahamas. Standard Value Added Tax (VAT) at 10% applies on local purchases of goods and services. Holders remain subject to the tax obligations of their home country.

| Category | Application Fee | Permit Fee | Total | |---|---|---|---| | Remote worker (individual) | USD 25 | USD 1,000 | USD 1,025 | | Remote worker (each dependant) | USD 25 | USD 500 | USD 525 | | Remote student (individual) | USD 25 | USD 500 | USD 525 |

All fees are denominated in Bahamian dollars (BSD), pegged 1:1 to the US dollar.

The application is entirely online and follows four steps:

1. Complete the online BEATS application form at portal.immigration.gov.bs and pay the USD 25 application fee per person
2. A Department of Immigration officer reviews the application within approximately 5 business days
3. Upon approval, you receive an email with payment instructions for the permit fee
4. After payment is processed, you receive an electronic QR code confirmation to present upon arrival in The Bahamas

All enquiries can be directed to immigrationbeats@bahamas.gov.bs.

The BEATS permit does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship. Permanent residency requires a separate application with a minimum investment.

Links

• https://www.bahamasbeats.com/how-it-works
• https://www.bahamasbeats.com/faq
• https://www.bahamasbeats.com/working-remote
• https://www.immigration.gov.bs/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/BMOTA-BEATS-_Press_Release-_FINAL_10.29-converted.pdf

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