Investment property: Bahamas
The Bahamas is a classic offshore and resort market an hour's flight from Florida: Nassau and New Providence, Paradise Island, and the quieter Family Islands.
Demand has been driven for decades by buyers from the US and Canada, the Bahamian dollar is pegged one to one to the US dollar, and there is no income or capital gains tax. Foreigners can buy freely: purchases are registered under the International Persons Landholding Act, and a separate permit is mainly required for large plots and undeveloped land. The Bahamas does not sell citizenship by investment, but buying a high-value property is a recognized basis for applying for permanent residency; the minimum investment threshold is revised from time to time, so the current figure should be verified at the time of purchase.
We match the property to your goal - a home for your own use, a rental asset or the basis for a residency application. We verify title and property history together with our locally licensed partners, manage the transaction and the mandatory registration of the purchase, and help structure ownership - personal title, a company or a trust. If permanent residency is the goal, we run the entire process from property selection to filing the application. We do not forecast returns - only verifiable facts and an honest assessment of risks.
VAT on buying property in the Bahamas
| Property price | VAT on the conveyance since 1 July 2023 |
|---|---|
| up to $100,000 | 2.5% |
| $100,000-300,000 | 4% |
| $300,000-500,000 | 6% |
| $500,000-700,000 | 8% |
| $700,000-1 million | 9% |
| over $1 million | 10% |
The tax is usually split equally between buyer and seller unless the contract says otherwise. The Bahamian dollar is pegged one to one to the US dollar. Annual property tax is charged on a scale of assessed value.
We will calculate online the full purchase cost for your budget: taxes, fees and transaction costs.
What a foreigner needs
- A home on up to 5 acres can be bought without a permit, but the purchase is registered with the Investment Board for $250.
- More than 5 acres or commercial property needs an Investment Board permit, $500.
- Permanent residence by investment since 1 January 2025 requires at least BSD 1 million in property or Central Bank bonds.
- The Bahamas has no income, capital gains or inheritance tax.
What we do
- We check the title and plot size: whether registration or a permit is needed.
- We calculate VAT on the deal and how the parties split it.
- We support the deal with a local lawyer.
- We prepare permanent residence documents for investments from 1 million.
What we do
- Property shortlist for your investment goal
- Legal due diligence on the property
- End-to-end transaction support
- Ownership structuring (company, trust)
- Property management and letting
See also
Company formation · Business account · Personal account
FAQ
Can a foreigner buy property in The Bahamas?
Does buying property grant residency in The Bahamas?
Where do we start?
What tax applies to buying property in The Bahamas?
Does a foreigner need a permit to buy a home in The Bahamas?
Does buying property in The Bahamas give permanent residence?
Is there an annual property tax in The Bahamas?
Who pays VAT when buying property in The Bahamas?
How much does a foreigner's purchase registration cost in The Bahamas?
Choosing property in the Bahamas?
We shortlist properties in the Bahamas for your budget, check the title and explain when a purchase needs a permit for foreign buyers. Every country is in the searchable catalogue.
The Murblz consultant replies straight away in the chat on this page. Describe your situation and we will work it out together.
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