Immigration, Residency and Relocation

Before you act on anything in this guide: all buyers and sellers must retain a licensed Bahamian attorney for legal, title, and conveyancing advice. This page is general information only — it is not a substitute for individual legal, tax, or immigration advice from a qualified Bahamian professional.

Do not merge these in your planning

• Property ownership — governed by the International Persons Landholding Act and conveyancing law
• Immigration status (annual residence, permanent residence) — governed by the Immigration Act, administered by the Department of Immigration
• Work authorization — a separate permit process, independent of residence status
• Tax residency — a separate analysis with its own rules

This page intentionally does not state specific investment thresholds for any residency category. Those figures change, and using an outdated number is worse than not stating one. Confirm current thresholds and requirements directly with the Department of Immigration before making any decision based on them.

Does buying a home make me a resident?

No. Ownership and residency status are governed by separate applications and separate legislation.

Can I work in the Bahamas if I own property?

Not automatically — work authorization requires its own permit, regardless of property ownership.

What’s the difference between annual residence and permanent residence?

They are different immigration categories with different requirements and different rights — confirm current criteria with the Department of Immigration.

This guide provides general information and was reviewed as of 9 August 2026. Bahamian laws, taxes, fees, government procedures, lending criteria, planning requirements, and immigration policies may change. Property facts and approval requirements vary by island, parcel, ownership structure, intended use, and project scope. All buyers and sellers must retain a licensed Bahamian attorney for legal and title-transfer advice. Obtain independent advice from a licensed Bahamian attorney and the relevant qualified tax, financial, planning, engineering, environmental, appraisal, insurance, and immigration professionals before acting.