Immigration
Immigration Act permits with permanent residence for qualifying investors
The Immigration Act governs entry, work permits and residence, administered by the Department of Immigration. A work permit is required for any non-Bahamian employment and is granted only where a suitably qualified Bahamian is not available, with the labour-market test applied strictly. Permanent residence may be granted to those making a substantial investment in a residence, and accelerated consideration is offered above a higher threshold.
Key rules
- Jurisdiction — National; Department of Immigration under the Office of the Prime Minister
- Deadline — Work permit: applied for and granted before the employee begins work, renewable annually
- Deadline — Annual residence permit: renewed each year
- Deadline — Citizenship by naturalisation: generally after ten years' residence
Governing law
- Immigration Act, Chap. 191
- Immigration Regulations
- Bahamas Nationality Act
In practice
The practical distinction is between a work permit, which is employer-specific and confers no path to status by itself, and permanent residence with the right to work, which is not tied to an employer. Permanent residence granted on the strength of a home purchase does not automatically include the right to work in The Bahamas, and that right must be applied for and endorsed separately.