Economic Permanent Residence Certificate

The Economic Permanent Residence Certificate is The Bahamas' primary residence-by-investment program, granting lifetime permanent residency to foreign nationals who make a qualifying economic investment. Established by the Immigration (Amendment) Act, 2021, and amended by the Immigration (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 2024, the program is administered by the Department of Immigration under the Ministry of National Security.

Applicants must invest a minimum of BSD 1,000,000 (increased from BSD 750,000 as of January 2025) through one or more of the following:

• Purchase of residential real estate in The Bahamas
• Purchase of Zero Coupon Bonds issued by the Central Bank of The Bahamas
• A combination of both

All qualifying investments must be maintained for a minimum of 10 years. Deeds of gift cannot be used to qualify. Investments of BSD 1,500,000 or more in residential real estate qualify for accelerated processing with a guaranteed response within 21 days.

• Must be at least 18 years old and not already hold a Bahamian permanent residence certificate
• Must demonstrate good character with police clearance covering 5 years
• Must provide a financial reference from a reputable bank verifying economic worth
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required
• Medical certificate dated within 30 days of submission

Holders who pay the BSD 25,000 certificate fee receive the right to engage in gainful occupation in their own business only. Those who pay the BSD 20,000 fee are not permitted to work in The Bahamas. Neither option allows employment by another employer.

| Item | Cost | |---|---| | Processing fee (non-refundable) | BSD 200 | | Certificate fee (with employment rights) | BSD 25,000 | | Certificate fee (without employment rights) | BSD 20,000 | | Dependant endorsement (each) | BSD 300 | | Expedited processing (optional, 14 business days) | BSD 400 |

Standard processing takes 6 to 18 months. Investments of BSD 1,500,000 or more in residential real estate receive a guaranteed response within 21 days of submitting a complete application.

Holders must reside in The Bahamas for a cumulative minimum of 90 days per year. Failure to meet this requirement may result in revocation of the certificate.

After holding permanent residence for at least 10 years (including the 12 months immediately preceding the application) and having resided in The Bahamas for a minimum of 6 of those years, holders may apply for Bahamian citizenship by naturalization.

The Bahamas has no personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax. Value Added Tax (VAT) applies at 10% on goods and services. Property owners are subject to Real Property Tax.