Bahamas•North AmericaPermit to Reside (Annual Permit)
At a Glance
Processing Time
56-84 days
Application Fee
1,000 BSD
Stay Duration
1 year
Renewable
Yes
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Annual residence permit for non-citizens wishing to live in the Bahamas without working. Available for dependents of citizens/permit holders, economic residents, and homeowners. Can lead to permanent residency.
The Permit to Reside, commonly known as the Annual Permit, is designed for non-Bahamian nationals who wish to live in the Bahamas for any purpose other than working. It is available to spouses and dependents of Bahamas citizens or permit holders, independent economic residents, or resident and seasonal homeowners.
The permit is renewable annually and can provide a pathway to permanent residency after consistent residence.
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Requirements
Personal
Passport Validity
2 months
Criminal Record Policy
Clean record required
Language
N/A
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Completed application form
First Schedule Form 1 with $10 Bahamian postage stamp, notarized
Medical certificate
Original, dated within 30 days of application
Police certificate
Original, issued within 6 months, covering 5 years residence (age 14+)
Passport photographs
Two identical color photos, recent (under 6 months), with name printed on reverse
Financial statements
Bank statements from financial institution showing proof of financial support
Passport copy
Copy of passport main identification page
Sponsor Documents
Sponsor identification
For dependent applicants: proof of sponsor's status as citizen or permit holder
Financial support letter
For dependents: letter from sponsor accepting financial responsibility
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Advantages
- Allows residence without work requirement
- Can include dependents
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Multiple eligibility categories
- Renewable annually
- Flexible for retirees and independent means
Considerations
- No work authorization unless separately obtained
- Requires proof of financial support
- Long processing time (8-12 weeks)
- Annual renewal required
- Expensive for multiple family members
- Police and medical certificate requirements
Application Process
Determine eligibility category
Confirm you fall into one of four categories: spouse/dependent of citizen, spouse/dependent of permit holder, independent economic resident, or homeowner
Obtain medical certificate
Get medical examination within 30 days of application
Obtain police certificate
Get police certificate from country of residence covering 5 years (age 14+)
Gather financial documents
Collect bank statements and proof of financial support
Complete application
Fill out First Schedule Form 1 with notarized stamp
Submit application
Submit to Department of Immigration with processing fee
Schedule interview
Contact Consultation Unit within 8-12 weeks for interview scheduling
Attend interview
Interview with Department of Immigration officer
Receive permit decision
Obtain annual permit upon approval
Application Forms
Application to Reside
Form ID: First Schedule Form 1
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