Obtaining an Annual Residence Permit in the Bahamas
August 21, 2009 By Lex Justis
If you are interested in residing in The Bahamas on an annual basis, applying for an Annual Residence Permit may be the more efficient means of acquiring this right.
An individual who receives a Permanent Residence Certificate has similar legal rights as a Bahamian citizen, notwithstanding being prohibited from voting in any election or participating in any political election.
If you are interested in residing in The Bahamas on an annual basis, applying for an Annual Residence Permit may be the more efficient means of acquiring this right. Subject to an annual application and approval process, these individuals may qualify for an Annual Residence Permit under one of four categories listed below:
1. As a spouse or dependent of a citizen of The Bahamas.
If an applicant is married to a Bahamian citizen, a resident spouse permit may be issued, providing the marriage has existed for less than 5 years. The resident spouse permit is issued for up to 5 years. An application for permanent residence can be made for permanent residence or citizenship after five years or more of marriage.
2. As a spouse or dependent of a permit holder.
A copy of the sponsor’s work permit, permit to reside, certificate of permanent residence or other lawful authority to reside in The Bahamas must be included.
3. As an independent economic resident.
A financial reference will be required from a reputable bank verifying economic worth, and two written character reference are required. For an annual residence permit, a head of household pays $1,000.00 and each dependant, $25.00.
4. As a resident home owner or seasonal resident homeowner.
Under this category, non-Bahamians who own second homes in The Bahamas may apply to the director of immigration for an annual homeowner’s residence card. This card is renewable annually and entitles the owner, spouse or any minor child/ children endorsed on the owner’s card when travelling with the owner, to enter and remain in The Bahamas for the validity of the card. The fee is $250.00 per year and is intended to facilitate entry into The Bahamas with minimal formalities, entitling the holder to visit for a stay of up to one year.
Although the Annual Residence Permit allows for a successful applicant to reside in The Bahamas, this does not allow for the applicant to engage in any form of employment during their stay. In order to be employed in The Bahamas, the applicant must apply for a work permit.
If a spouse or dependent wishes to apply for an Annual Residence Permit, the following documents are required:
- Immigration Form 1, Section B, completed and notarized with $4.00 in Bahamian postage stamp
affixed thereon;
- A cover letter from the supporting the applicant stating the relationship and accepting financial
responsibility for the subject of the application;
- Birth, marriage and/or any certificate evidencing the dependant of the subject of the application;
- The applicant’s birth certificate;
- A medical certificate dated not more than 30 days prior to submission;
- A police certificate issued less than six months earlier;
- Two passport sized photographs;
- A processing fee of $25.00.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mario L. McCartney [esq.], B.A [Hons], LLB [Hons.]
Mario L. McCartney [esq.], B.A [Hons], LLB [Hons.] practices as Founder and Principal of the Chambers of LEX JUSTIS, a boutique law practice in Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas. While presently engaged in general legal practice, Mr. McCartney’s specialty lies in debt recovery and offshore financial and corporate services, and is currently registered as a Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering Reporting Officer (CMLRO) for his Chambers. Mr. McCartney is also the present editor and main contributor of LEX JUSTIS blog site and welcomes all opinions and comments to his articles.
Copyright Lex Justis
More information about Lex Justis
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
If you are interested in residing in The Bahamas on an annual basis, applying for an Annual Residence Permit may be the more efficient means of acquiring this right. Subject to an annual application and approval process, these individuals may qualify for an Annual Residence Permit under one of four categories listed below:
1. As a spouse or dependent of a citizen of The Bahamas.
If an applicant is married to a Bahamian citizen, a resident spouse permit may be issued, providing the marriage has existed for less than 5 years. The resident spouse permit is issued for up to 5 years. An application for permanent residence can be made for permanent residence or citizenship after five years or more of marriage.
2. As a spouse or dependent of a permit holder.
A copy of the sponsor’s work permit, permit to reside, certificate of permanent residence or other lawful authority to reside in The Bahamas must be included.
3. As an independent economic resident.
A financial reference will be required from a reputable bank verifying economic worth, and two written character reference are required. For an annual residence permit, a head of household pays $1,000.00 and each dependant, $25.00.
4. As a resident home owner or seasonal resident homeowner.
Under this category, non-Bahamians who own second homes in The Bahamas may apply to the director of immigration for an annual homeowner’s residence card. This card is renewable annually and entitles the owner, spouse or any minor child/ children endorsed on the owner’s card when travelling with the owner, to enter and remain in The Bahamas for the validity of the card. The fee is $250.00 per year and is intended to facilitate entry into The Bahamas with minimal formalities, entitling the holder to visit for a stay of up to one year.
Although the Annual Residence Permit allows for a successful applicant to reside in The Bahamas, this does not allow for the applicant to engage in any form of employment during their stay. In order to be employed in The Bahamas, the applicant must apply for a work permit.
If a spouse or dependent wishes to apply for an Annual Residence Permit, the following documents are required:
- Immigration Form 1, Section B, completed and notarized with $4.00 in Bahamian postage stamp
affixed thereon;
- A cover letter from the supporting the applicant stating the relationship and accepting financial
responsibility for the subject of the application;
- Birth, marriage and/or any certificate evidencing the dependant of the subject of the application;
- The applicant’s birth certificate;
- A medical certificate dated not more than 30 days prior to submission;
- A police certificate issued less than six months earlier;
- Two passport sized photographs;
- A processing fee of $25.00.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mario L. McCartney [esq.], B.A [Hons], LLB [Hons.]
Mario L. McCartney [esq.], B.A [Hons], LLB [Hons.] practices as Founder and Principal of the Chambers of LEX JUSTIS, a boutique law practice in Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas. While presently engaged in general legal practice, Mr. McCartney’s specialty lies in debt recovery and offshore financial and corporate services, and is currently registered as a Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering Reporting Officer (CMLRO) for his Chambers. Mr. McCartney is also the present editor and main contributor of LEX JUSTIS blog site and welcomes all opinions and comments to his articles.
Copyright Lex Justis
More information about Lex Justis
View all articles published by Lex Justis
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
