How to send money to the Bahamas in 2026: one-to-one dollar, a home bought with foreign currency and islands with no income tax
In 2026 money goes to the Bahamas in US dollars: the Bahamian dollar equals the US dollar one to one, and a transfer from abroad arrives in 1-3 business days. Since October 2019 a non-resident buys a home with foreign currency without applying to the central bank, and the islands have no income tax or capital gains tax.
In 2026 money goes to the Bahamas in US dollars: the Bahamian dollar is pegged to the US dollar one to one, and in the shops and banks of Nassau both currencies circulate equally. A bank transfer from abroad arrives in 1-3 business days. Since 2019 a non-resident buys a home on the islands with foreign currency without applying to the central bank, and the Bahamas has no income tax or capital gains tax.
Transfer methods checked on 9 October 2026.
| Method | Works now | Currency credited | Time | What for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer from abroad | yes | US dollars or Bahamian dollars at 1:1 | 1-3 business days | buying a home, an investment for residency |
| Transfer to a lawyer's client account for transactions | yes | US dollars | 1-3 business days | the price of the home and the transaction tax |
| Money transfer service | yes | US dollars or Bahamian dollars | from a few minutes | living costs, help for family |
| A foreign bank card | yes | US dollars | immediately | the first weeks on the islands |
A home bought with foreign currency from abroad: what changed in 2019
Until October 2019 every non-resident buying a home in the Bahamas applied to the central bank. Now this step is gone: the purchase is paid in foreign currency that came from abroad, and the bank records its arrival itself. When the home is sold, the sale proceeds go back out through the same bank. There is one key condition: the price is paid with your own money from abroad, not with a Bahamian bank loan in local currency. For the transfer you will need the details: the account holder's name, the account number, the international code of their bank and the US correspondent bank.
The price of a home is usually sent to the lawyer's client account for transactions: the lawyer holds the money until signing and registration. The transaction tax is 2.5% to 10% of the price, and registration costs $250. Several weeks pass between the contract and registration, so the transfer is conveniently split into a deposit and the balance. A selection of homes is on the property in the Bahamas page. If the deposit has to be paid this week, we will suggest the best way to send it without delays.
Islands with no income tax: residency from $1,000,000 and remote work
The Bahamas has no income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax or gift tax. Money you send to your own account in Nassau is not taxed here, and the income from selling a home is not reduced by a profit tax. Your obligations to the tax service of your country of tax residence remain.
Since 1 January 2025 an application for permanent residence requires an investment from $1,000,000, in property or in central bank bonds. Such an amount is sent in parts: first the deposit, then the balance by registration. For those who work for a foreign employer there is a remote work permit: $1,000 for the main applicant and $500 for each family member, valid for up to a year with renewal. Details are on the Bahamas remote work visa page, and life on the islands in the Bahamas section.
For a company on the islands money is also sent from abroad: share capital and office costs are paid in US dollars. Company registration is on the company in the Bahamas page.
Sending to the Bahamas by amount: what to prepare
Data for 2026.
| Amount | What the bank will ask | How to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| up to $10,000 | the recipient and the purpose of the transfer | the payment purpose is usually enough |
| $10,000-100,000 | where the money came from and who the recipient is | statements for 3-6 months, a contract, an income certificate |
| from $100,000 | the whole path of the money back to its original source | a contract for the sale of a business or a flat, an inheritance, dividends, tax returns |
Bahamian banks check large transfers as thoroughly as banks in the US and the UK: for an investment from $1,000,000 the documents on the source of the money are gathered before sending. Is the sender's bank slow with a large sum? Working lawful options usually exist: ask a manager about the transfer terms. The procedure for large transfers is on the capital relocation page.
Onward from the Bahamas: neighbouring financial centres
Money from the Bahamas most often goes to the USA: Florida is less than 100 km away, and transfers go in the same currency. The neighbouring US dollar islands, the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands, are chosen for a second company or a deposit.
Sending money to neighbouring countries
- Cayman Islands - the Cayman dollar is pegged to the US dollar
- Bermuda - the Bermudian dollar is 1:1 to the US dollar
- British Virgin Islands - the currency is the US dollar
- Dominican Republic - the national currency is the peso
- USA - transfers in the same currency
- Haiti - the national currency is the gourde
All countries for capital and the procedure for a large transfer are on the capital relocation page.
FAQ
Do I need central bank permission to buy a home in The Bahamas?
Is money sent to The Bahamas taxed?
How much must be invested for permanent residence in The Bahamas?
What tax is paid when buying a home in The Bahamas?
We will suggest the best way to send your money
We will choose a transfer method for your amount and country, prepare the documents on the origin of the money for the bank, make the transfer through licensed partners and follow it until the money is credited. Ask your question in the chat - the manager will suggest the best terms and the cost. The legal side with banks and government bodies is handled by Murblz specialists and locally licensed partners.
Details and cost are with the manager in the chat. Describe your situation and we will reply right away.
Check transfer termsHow we handle a transfer: 4 stages → · Country rules checked