Bahamas•North AmericaVaries
1,000 BSD
Varies (Renewable annually. Can lead to permanent residency after 5+ years continuous residence)
No
Required
Allowed
Available
Not Required
Permit for non-Bahamian nationals to work and live in the Bahamas for periods greater than 90 days, renewable annually with employer sponsorship.
The Annual Work Permit is the primary authorization for non-Bahamian nationals who intend to live and work in The Bahamas for periods exceeding the standard visitor allowance. This permit is strictly regulated to protect the local labor market, ensuring that expatriates are only hired when a suitably qualified Bahamian is not available to fill the specific position. The permit is tied to a specific person and a specific job, meaning it cannot be transferred between employers or roles without formal approval from the Department of Immigration. Employers are generally required to demonstrate that they have attempted to recruit locally before seeking to hire a foreign national.
To obtain an annual work permit, applicants must pay a fee of BSD 1,000 and provide comprehensive documentation, including a valid passport, a letter of request from the employer, and evidence of health insurance coverage. Additional requirements include a recent medical certificate and a police certificate covering the previous five years of residence. The application process is rigorous, and renewals are not automatic; they are subject to review by the Immigration Board, which may require the employer to provide a plan for training a Bahamian successor. This permit is essential for any foreign national seeking long-term employment and residency status in the country.
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
Must have a formal job offer from a Bahamian employer.
Employer must prove that no suitably qualified Bahamian national is available for the position (Labour Market Test).
Applicant must possess the necessary skills and qualifications for the role.
Employer must be a legally registered business in good standing with tax and National Insurance Board (NIB) obligations.
Applicant must be in good health and have a clean criminal record.
Job Offer
Required
Education
bachelor or higher
Experience
1+ years
Completed and notarized First Schedule Form 1 application with $10.00 stamp.
Letter of request from the employer addressed to the Director of Immigration.
Original medical certificate (dated within 30 days of submission).
Original police certificate (covering 5 years of residence, issued within 6 months).
Two current passport-sized photographs (2x2 inches).
Copy of the applicant's valid passport bio-data page.
Labour Certificate and proof of local newspaper advertisements.
Two written references from previous employers.
Proof of employer's business registration and NIB compliance.
Certified copies of educational/professional qualifications.
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