Immigration Information

When making a foreign investment in The Bahamas certain immigration provisions will apply.

Work permits for key foreign personnel in any business development will be granted. Permits for non-essential personnel will need to be discussed with the Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA) in advance.

Residential property of up to five acres may be acquired by foreign investors without prior approval from the government, though must be registered in accordance with the International Persons Landholding Act. Investors who own residential property in The Bahamas are eligible for an annual Home Owners Residence Card which enables the home owner, their spouse and children to reside in The Bahamas. Major investors and owners of homes worth more than $750,000 may be given accelerated consideration for permanent residency.

Bahamas Investment Authority

Office of the Prime Minister

Cecil Wallace-Whitfield Centre

Cable Beach, P.O. Box CB-10980

T: (242) 327-5970 thru 4

F: (242) 327-5907

Department of Immigration

Hawkins Hill, P.O. Box N-831

T: (242) 322-7530

F: (242) 326-0977

Investing

Bahamas Investment Authority

Administration of The Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA)

Executive Management of the Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA) is resident in the National Economic Council (NEC), headed by the Prime Minister and operational activities is the responsibility of The Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA) or the Investor’s ‘One-Stop-Shop.

Bahamas Investment Authority

Office of the Prime Minister

Cecil Wallace-Whitfield Centre

Cable Beach P.O. Box CB-10980

Nassau, The Bahamas

P (242) 327-5970-4 F (242) 327-5907

E-mail

info@opm.gov.bs

Investment Incentives

Investment incentives under the following Acts include exemption from the payment of customs duties on building materials, equipment and approved raw materials; and exemption from real property taxes for periods up to twenty years:

  • The Hotels Encouragement Act
  • The Industries Encouragement Act
  • The Agricultural Manufactories Act
  • The Spirits and Beer Manufacturer Act
  • The Export manufacturing Industries Encouragement Act
  • The Free Trade Zone Act

Note: Custom duty exemptions do not apply to personal consumables.

Investors may acquire publicly owned lands for approved developments on concessionary terms

Investors may acquire low cost space for lease for industrial enterprises Government will provide special training and retraining for Bahamian workers to ensure the continuing availability of a highly skilled labour force.

Preferential Trade Incentives

Business located in The Bahamas may benefit from the following preferential trade arrangements:

  • The Lome Convention
  • General system of Preference (GSP)
  • Caribcan
  • Caribbean Basin Initiative.

Investment Environment

To undergird the National Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA), the Government will provide:

  • A politically stable environment conducive to private investment;
  • An atmosphere where investments are safe and the expropriation of investment capital is not a considered option;
  • A legal environment based on a long tradition of parliamentary democracy, the rule of constitutional and statute laws and where security of life and personal property is guaranteed;
  • A stable macroeconomic environment bolstered by a prudent fiscal policy, a stable exchange rate, flexible exchange control rules and free trade;
  • An environment in which freedom from Capital Gains, Inheritance, Withholding, Profit Remittance, Corporate, Royalties, Sales, Personal Income, Dividends, Payroll and Interest Taxes is ensured;
  • Essential public services, an adequately equipped police constabulary, modern health and education facilities and other social services;
  • Dependable public utilities and essential public infrastructure such as roads, ports and airports.