Bahamas•North AmericaVaries
3,200 BSD
Varies (Renewable annually for duration of academic program)
No
Not Required
Allowed
Available
Not Required
Annual residence permit for non-Bahamians who wish to live in the Bahamas without working, covering spouses of citizens, dependents of permit holders, independent economic residents, and seasonal residents.
The Permit to Reside, commonly referred to as an Annual Permit, is designed for non-Bahamian nationals who wish to live in The Bahamas for an extended period without engaging in gainful employment. This permit is ideal for individuals such as retirees, students, or those who have independent means of support and wish to reside in the country for lifestyle or personal reasons. It provides a legal framework for long-term stays, allowing residents to maintain their presence in the islands while ensuring they do not compete for jobs within the local labor market.
To qualify for this annual residence permit, applicants must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. A key requirement is proof of minimum savings or economic worth, currently set at BSD 29,710, to ensure the applicant can support themselves without public assistance. The annual fee for this permit is BSD 3200. Furthermore, applicants must maintain valid health insurance throughout their stay and provide documentation such as police certificates, medical reports, and character references to verify their suitability for residency. This permit must be renewed annually to maintain legal status.
Non-Bahamian national
Desirous of living in The Bahamas for purposes other than working
Must be attending school, college, or university, OR be a dependent of someone legally authorized to reside in The Bahamas (Bahamian or non-Bahamian)
Dependents include spouses or children under the age of 18
Applicants in the first instance should not be in the country during processing
Education
none or higher
Letter of request addressed to the Director of Immigration
Duly completed First Schedule Form 1 application
$10.00 Bahamian postage stamp affixed to the application
Copy of the biographical data page of the applicant's passport (signed, readable, minimum 2 months validity)
Two current passport-sized photographs (white background, name on back, 2x2 inches, taken within 6 months)
Original medical certificate (dated no earlier than 30 days before submission)
Original police certificate covering 5 years of residence (for applicants 14+ years old, issued within 6 months)
Two written character references
Financial statements from a financial institution showing proof of support (figure range)
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Divorce decree or spouse's death certificate (if applicable)
$100.00 non-refundable processing fee
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