Permission to Reside on an Annual Basis

Bermuda's Permission to Reside on an Annual Basis allows financially independent non-Bermudian individuals — including retirees, pensioners, and persons of independent means — to reside on the island without engaging in local employment. Administered by the Department of Immigration under the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956, permission is discretionary and renewable, rather than a right. In September 2025, the Ministry of Economy and Labour published a formal policy document titled "Permissions to Reside in Bermuda" clarifying eligibility, application requirements, and enforcement. Bermuda's absence of personal income tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax makes it particularly attractive for those living on passive income.

• Non-Bermudian national aged 18 or older
• Sufficient financial means to sustain the household in Bermuda without local employment (no fixed minimum published; applicants should demonstrate income from pensions, investments, savings, or other passive sources)
• Good character; no convictions for indictable offences or offences involving moral turpitude
• Valid health insurance coverage throughout the period of residence
• Proof of accommodation (rental agreement or property ownership)
• Must hold a valid multi-entry visa or permanent resident card from the USA, Canada, or UK (or be a citizen of a visa-exempt country)

• Completed Application for Residence form (available at gov.bm)
• Police certificate from the applicant's country of residence for the preceding 12 months
• Medical clearance (required for first-time applicants)
• Character and employment references
• Passport-sized photographs
• Valid passport
• Multi-entry visa or permanent resident card from the USA, Canada, or UK
• Evidence of financial means (bank statements, investment account statements, pension documentation)
• Proof of accommodation in Bermuda
• Valid health insurance documentation

Permission is granted for up to 1 year or up to 5 years per grant. Multi-year applications (up to 5 years) were resumed in early 2025 following the discontinuation of the Work from Bermuda Certificate. Renewal requires a completely new application with updated documentation, submitted 1–2 months before the current permission expires. The permission does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship and remains at the Minister's discretion at each renewal.

Spouse and dependent children may be included in the application for residence. Dependants are subject to the same conditions as the principal applicant — including the prohibition on local employment — and must have health insurance coverage. Financial documentation must demonstrate sufficient means to support the entire household.

Bermuda levies no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax. Residents holding passive income from abroad face no Bermudian tax on that income. Other taxes that may apply:

• Land tax — payable twice yearly (March and September) based on the annual rental value of rented or owned property
• Customs duties — approximately 25% on most imported goods

There is no double taxation treaty between Bermuda and most countries, but since Bermuda does not tax income, the practical effect is that holders pay tax only in their home country (if it taxes foreign residents or citizens on worldwide income).

Holders are prohibited from seeking or obtaining gainful employment in Bermuda. Remote work for overseas employers or clients is permitted, as it does not constitute local employment. Operating a local business or taking up Bermuda-based employment would require a separate work permit.

Applications are submitted online at gov.bm. Processing takes approximately 12 weeks. Payment of the application fee does not guarantee approval — permission is at the Minister's discretion. If refused, an appeal may be submitted to the Immigration Appeal Tribunal within seven working days of the refusal letter.

Application fees: BMD 275 for up to 1 year; BMD 1,215 for up to 5 years.

Note: Bermuda does not require an entry visa for many nationalities (including US, UK, Canadian, and EU citizens). Applicants from visa-exempt countries may enter as visitors and transition to their residence permission after approval.