Aqualina Bahamas - Indian Investor's Guide
Indian citizens can purchase luxury beachfront condos at Aqualina Cable Beach, Nassau with full freehold ownership rights. Fund through the RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) - USD $250,000 per individual per financial year, with family pooling for Aqualina's $2.65M+ entry price. Zero Bahamas income tax. EPR residency for all units.
Glenn Ferguson coordinates Aqualina purchases for Indian investors - current availability, pricing, attorney coordination, and EPR filing. He works alongside your Indian CA and authorised dealer bank for LRS-compliant fund transfer.
Why The Bahamas
Why Indian Investors Are Choosing The Bahamas
0% Income Tax
The Bahamas does not tax personal income, corporate income, capital gains, dividends, interest, or inheritance. Rental income from your property is untaxed by the Bahamian government.
USD-Pegged Currency
The Bahamian Dollar (BSD) is pegged 1:1 to the US Dollar - zero currency risk against USD. A natural hedge for Indian investors diversifying away from INR volatility.
Freehold Ownership
Foreign nationals purchase property with full freehold rights - same as Bahamian citizens. No leasehold, no time limit. You own the land and structure outright, permanently.
EPR Residency
Investments of $1,000,000+ qualify for Economic Permanent Residency - the right to live, work, and bank in The Bahamas. Includes spouse and dependents.
Stable Democracy
Over 280 years of uninterrupted parliamentary democracy. English common law legal system. Strong rule of law and property rights protection. Independent since 1973.
Global Access
Direct flights from Miami (45 min), New York (3 hrs), London, and Toronto. Eastern Time Zone - same as New York. Over 11 million visitors in 2024 driving rental demand.
RBI Compliance
How to Fund Your Bahamas Purchase Under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme
What LRS permits: Under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, resident Indian individuals can remit funds abroad for the purchase of immovable property without prior RBI approval, provided the total remittance across all purposes does not exceed USD 250,000 in a financial year. The limit is per individual and resets every April 1.
Documentation required: Your authorised dealer bank will require Form A2 (declaration of purpose), valid PAN, KYC documents, the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) for the Aqualina unit, and a declaration confirming you are within the USD 250,000 annual limit. The SPA must clearly reference the property details.
What is not permitted: LRS funds cannot be used for margin trading, cryptocurrency, lottery, gambling, or transfers to restricted jurisdictions. The Bahamas is not on any restricted list. Property purchase is an explicitly permitted capital account transaction under LRS.
Using the wrong purpose code can create FEMA compliance issues. Always use S0005 for overseas property purchases. Glenn coordinates with your CA and AD bank to ensure the correct code and documentation are in place before any remittance.
Funding Strategy
Family Pooling - How to Fund $2.65M+ from India
How family pooling works: The USD 250,000 LRS cap is per individual. Each family member who contributes funds must be listed as a co-owner of the property. A family of four can remit up to USD 1,000,000 in a single financial year. Across two financial years (e.g., remitting in March and again in April after the reset), the same family of four can remit up to USD 2,000,000.
Example for Aqualina: A $2.65M 3-bedroom unit could be funded by a family of four pooling USD 250,000 each ($1M in FY1), then continuing in FY2 with additional remittances. Some buyers combine family pooling with the financial year transition strategy - making a large remittance in late March and another in early April - to effectively access USD 500,000 per individual within a short window.
Co-ownership requirement: RBI rules require that each contributor is a co-owner. This must be reflected in the Bahamian conveyance documents. Glenn coordinates with your Bahamian attorney to structure the co-ownership correctly and ensure it aligns with both FEMA requirements and Bahamas property law.
"I've worked with Indian buyers who structure purchases across two financial years - securing the unit with a deposit in March and completing the balance in April. I coordinate the timeline with the Bahamian attorney so closing aligns with your LRS remittance schedule."
Tax Planning
TCS, Indian Tax Obligations & Bahamas Tax Comparison
| Tax Type | India | Bahamas |
|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | Up to 30% + surcharge + cess | 0% |
| Capital Gains Tax | 12.5% LTCG / 20% STCG (varies) | 0% |
| Inheritance / Estate Tax | None (abolished 1985) | 0% |
| Wealth Tax | Abolished 2015 | 0% |
| Rental Income Tax | Taxed as worldwide income | 0% |
| Property Tax (annual) | Varies by municipality | 1% on value above $500K (owner-occupied) |
| Transfer Tax (on purchase) | 5-7% stamp duty (varies by state) | ~7-8% VAT on conveyance + legal |
TCS on LRS remittances (from April 1, 2025): The TCS-free threshold was increased to INR 10 lakh per financial year. Above this threshold, TCS is collected at 20% for overseas property investment. TCS is not a final tax - it is collected by the bank and can be claimed as credit against your total income tax liability when filing your ITR.
No DTAA with The Bahamas: India does not have a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement with The Bahamas. However, since The Bahamas does not levy income tax, there is no double taxation in practice - income is taxed only in India. Indian residents must still declare the foreign property in Schedule FA of their ITR and report any rental income as worldwide income under the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Schedule FA disclosure: Resident and Ordinarily Resident (ROR) taxpayers must disclose foreign immovable property in Schedule FA of the ITR, including address, acquisition cost, ownership share, and any income derived from it. Non-disclosure can attract penalties under the Black Money Act, 2015.
This page provides general information only and is not tax or legal advice. Indian tax law is complex and subject to change. Always consult a qualified Indian Chartered Accountant and cross-border tax adviser before making overseas property investments. Glenn Ferguson is not a tax adviser.
Indian Investor? Talk to Glenn.
Current Aqualina availability, pricing, and LRS-aligned closing timelines.
The Development
Why Indian Investors Choose Aqualina Cable Beach
Why Aqualina suits Indian investors: Low unit count (27) ensures scarcity and value preservation. Every unit exceeds the $1M EPR threshold. The optional rental program with no blackout periods generates income during absence - ideal for India-based owners. Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, hurricane-rated 180 mph glass, reverse osmosis water throughout, and 24-hour concierge reflect a build quality familiar to Indian luxury buyers.
Location advantage: Cable Beach is Nassau's premier luxury corridor, anchored by Baha Mar. Walking distance to restaurants, casino, golf, and convention centre. Ten minutes from the international airport with direct flights from Miami (45 minutes) connecting to all major Indian metro airports.
Read the complete Aqualina development guide for floor plans, amenities, finishes, and detailed cost breakdowns.
Investment Returns
Rental Income - What Indian Investors Should Know
Rental program structure: Owners enroll their unit in Aqualina's professionally managed rental program. No minimum commitment, no blackout periods, no restrictions on owner use. Cable Beach's proximity to Baha Mar and year-round tourism demand supports premium nightly rates.
Tax treatment for Indian owners: Rental income from Bahamas property is not taxed by the Bahamian government (0% income tax). However, Indian residents are taxed on worldwide income under the Income Tax Act, 1961. You must report rental income in your Indian ITR. Since The Bahamas does not tax this income, there is no foreign tax credit to offset - the full amount is taxable in India at your applicable slab rate.
Repatriation: Rental income earned abroad must comply with FEMA rules. Income should be repatriated to India within 180 days or reinvested per RBI guidelines. Consult your CA for the most current repatriation requirements.
Permanent Residency
Bahamas Economic Permanent Residency for Indians
What EPR provides: The right to reside in The Bahamas indefinitely, open local bank accounts, and conduct business. Includes spouse and dependent children. The permit does not require renewal but must be confirmed every 10 years.
For Indian investors: EPR does not affect your Indian citizenship or tax residency status. You remain an Indian citizen and are subject to Indian tax obligations on worldwide income. However, EPR provides a legitimate second residency with access to The Bahamas' tax-neutral environment for locally sourced income and banking. It also streamlines entry and exit to The Bahamas without visa restrictions.
Note on Indian tax residency: If you spend fewer than 182 days in India in a financial year (or meet other conditions under Section 6 of the Income Tax Act), your residential status for tax purposes may change. This has significant implications. Always consult a qualified CA before changing your residency patterns.
Purchase Process
How Indian Investors Buy at Aqualina
Contact Glenn
Discuss requirements, budget, preferred unit type. Receive current availability, pricing, and floor plans via WhatsApp or email.
Plan LRS Funding
Work with your CA and AD bank. Determine family pooling strategy, financial year timing, TCS planning, and FEMA documentation (Form A2, S0005).
Reserve & Sign SPA
Glenn coordinates the offer, negotiation, and Sale and Purchase Agreement. SPA must be in place before AD banks process LRS remittance.
Remit Funds
AD bank processes LRS remittance to Bahamas attorney's escrow. May be staged across financial years for larger amounts.
Attorney & Title
Bahamian attorney conducts title search, prepares conveyance documents with correct co-ownership structure per FEMA requirements.
Close & Register
Pay VAT on conveyance (5% buyer share), legal fees, and register the property. Glenn manages the entire closing process on-island.
File EPR
If $1M+ investment, Glenn files your Economic Permanent Residency application. Includes spouse and dependents.
Report in India
Disclose the foreign property in Schedule FA of your ITR. Report any rental income as worldwide income. Your CA handles this.
"I coordinate the closing timeline to align with your LRS remittance schedule. If you're funding across two financial years, I structure the SPA with appropriate deposit and completion milestones so you never miss a window. One relationship - from unit selection through EPR filing."
Enquire Now
Indian Investor Aqualina Enquiry
Tell Glenn your requirements - unit size, budget, LRS timeline - and receive current availability, pricing, and a personalised purchase roadmap.
Keep Reading
Related Bahamas Guides
Aqualina Complete Guide
Floor plans, amenities, finishes, rental program, developer history, and full cost breakdown.
View AqualinaComplete Buying Guide
Step-by-step process, costs, taxes, financing, and island comparison for foreign buyers.
Read the GuideResidency by Investment
$1M EPR threshold, 10-year hold, 90-day presence, and qualification process.
Read the GuideCan a Foreigner Buy?
Foreign ownership rights, permits, and the complete process for international buyers.
Read the Guide2026 Market Report
Island-by-island pricing data, transaction volumes, and Glenn's forecast.
Read the ReportBrowse All Listings
Live Bahamas MLS listings plus Glenn's off-market inventory across all islands.
Browse ListingsFrequently Asked Questions
Indian Investors - Aqualina FAQ
Can Indian citizens buy property at Aqualina Cable Beach?
How do I fund a $2.65M+ purchase with a $250K annual LRS limit?
What TCS applies to LRS remittances for property?
What is the FEMA purpose code for buying Aqualina?
Is there a DTAA between India and The Bahamas?
Does Aqualina qualify for Bahamas permanent residency?
Can I earn rental income from my Aqualina unit?
How do I start the purchase process from India?
Ready to Invest in Aqualina from India?
Glenn Ferguson - current availability, LRS-aligned timelines, pricing, private viewings, and full purchase management through closing and EPR filing.
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