The Bahamas: all programs

The Bahamas in brief

The Bahamas is an independent country in the Atlantic Ocean south-east of Florida: about 700 islands and thousands of reefs and cays, of which about 30 are inhabited. The population is about 400,000, more than two thirds of whom live on New Providence, home to the capital Nassau. The second-largest city is Freeport on Grand Bahama. The nearest islands lie less than 100 kilometres from the US coast.

The Bahamas suits remote workers and entrepreneurs who want to live by the sea with no income tax and an hour's flight from Miami, as well as wealthy families who buy a home and aim for permanent residence. It suits less those seeking inexpensive living or a passport: the Bahamas does not sell citizenship by investment.

History and government

It was in the Bahamas that Columbus first landed in the New World in 1492, on the island now called San Salvador. In the early 18th century the islands were a pirate haven until in 1718 the British established firm colonial rule. The Bahamas became independent on 10 July 1973 and stayed in the Commonwealth: the British King is head of state, represented by the Governor-General, and the country is run by an elected parliament and prime minister. Courts apply English law.

How to move in 2026

The extended stay permit takes about 5 working days, there is no income threshold, but you need an employer's letter or self-employment documents and health insurance for the whole family. It does not allow work for Bahamian employers. More on the page about the Bahamas digital nomad visa.

Taxes

The Bahamas has no income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance and gift tax. The main sources of revenue are 10% VAT and import duties, so most goods on the islands cost more than in the US. Employees and employers pay national insurance contributions. Property owners pay an annual real property tax, with relief for owner-occupied homes. Companies pay no corporate tax, and local businesses pay a business licence tax on turnover.

Property

Foreigners buy houses and flats freely; the purchase is registered with the investments board, and a separate permit is needed mainly for large plots and undeveloped land. VAT is paid on purchase on a scale from 2.5% for property up to $100,000 to 10% for property over $1 million, usually split equally between buyer and seller. An expensive purchase is a recognised basis for a permanent residence application, and homeowners can obtain an annual residence permit. More on the page about property in the Bahamas.

Business and companies

An international business company in the Bahamas is registered through a licensed agent: standard registration takes 48 hours, express 1 hour. The government fee for a company with capital up to $50,000 is $400, the annual government fee $350, and there is no corporate tax. Such a company operates outside the Bahamas: trading, holding assets and shares. Doing business on the local market requires a local company with a business licence, and for some activities approval from the investments board. More on the page about company registration in the Bahamas.

Cost of living

The Bahamas is expensive: groceries are mostly imported, and electricity and insurance are costly. By our data, one person needs about $1,300 a month excluding rent, and a family of four about $4,600. A one-bedroom flat in the centre rents for about $1,000 a month, while houses and flats by the sea in prestigious parts of New Providence cost several times more. The Bahamian dollar is pegged to the US dollar one to one, and US dollars are accepted everywhere.

Where to live

• Nassau and Cable Beach. The capital and a beach district west of the centre with hotels, restaurants and flats.
• Paradise Island. A resort island opposite Nassau, linked to it by bridges.
• Western New Providence. Gated communities with villas, marinas, a golf course and international schools.
• Grand Bahama. Freeport with its free trade zone and more affordable housing.
• Out Islands. Exuma, Eleuthera, Abaco and Harbour Island - quiet life and empty beaches, but fewer services and costly logistics.

Practicalities

• Climate. Warm all year, about 22-32 degrees. Hurricane season runs from June to November; in 2019 Hurricane Dorian destroyed much of Abaco and eastern Grand Bahama.
• Getting there. Miami to Nassau is about an hour's flight, and there are flights from many US cities, Canada and London. Local airlines and ferries connect the islands.
• Roads. Traffic drives on the left.
• Language. English.
• Safety. The Out Islands are calm, while some parts of Nassau and Freeport have high crime, so foreigners usually live in gated complexes.
• Healthcare. Public and private hospitals in Nassau; many go to Florida for complex treatment, and insurance with evacuation is required for the extended stay permit.

Work and economy

The main industry is tourism: hotels, resorts and cruise ports provide most jobs. The second pillar is financial services: banks, trusts, insurers and wealth management. The local labour market is protected, and a work permit is granted to a foreigner only if the employer could not find a suitable Bahamian. That is why most newcomers work remotely for companies and clients abroad.

Who the Bahamas suits

The Bahamas is a convenient option for remote work by the sea with zero income tax and a short flight to the US, and for families who buy an expensive home and want permanent residence. Those who need a second passport are better served by neighbouring Caribbean countries with citizenship by investment programmes. Write in the chat and we will choose an island and a basis for your income.