Bahamas Residency: A Smarter Alternative to Renouncing US Citizenship
Cut the tax drag, simplify compliance, and secure a luxury home base—without giving up your US passport. I'll guide you from short-list to residency approval.
2025 Bahamas Residency Facts
Real estate or bonds
Minimum hold period
No personal taxes
Processing time
Residency requirement
Dual status allowed
2025 Bahamas Economic Permanent Residence Requirements
Investment Option 1: Real Estate
- Minimum: $1,000,000 USD
- Property types: Residential, commercial, or land
- Locations: Anywhere in The Bahamas
- Benefits: Property ownership, rental income potential
- Hold period: Must retain for 10 years
Learn more: Luxury Bahamas Real Estate
Investment Option 2: Government Bonds
- Minimum: $1,000,000 USD
- Type: Zero-coupon bonds from Central Bank
- Purpose: Funds education, health, infrastructure
- Benefits: Fixed return, no property management
- Hold period: Must retain for 10 years
Total Cost Breakdown for Bahamas Residency
Total Investment Required: $1.1M - $1.15M
What you'll pay for Bahamas Economic Permanent Residence:
| Cost Category | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Core Investment | $1,000,000 | Minimum required (real estate or bonds) |
| Government VAT (split) | $50,000 | 10% VAT split with seller (your 50%) |
| Legal Fees | $27,500 | 2.5% + VAT for buyer's attorney |
| Government Fees | $20,000 | EPR application fee |
| Family Members | $300 each | Spouse and children additions |
| Due Diligence/Appraisal | $3,000 | Title search, survey, inspections |
| Other Closing Costs | $1,000 | Recording, filing, misc fees |
| Total Cost | $1,101,800 | For $1M investment + family of 4 |
Annual Ongoing Costs: Property tax (0.75%-2% annually), 90+ days residency requirement.
Bahamas Residency Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
- Choose Investment - Select property or bonds worth $1M+
- Due Diligence - Background checks, financial verification
- Legal Preparation - Document collection and translation
- Application Filing - Submit to Bahamas Investment Authority
- Government Review - 3-6 month processing period
- Approval & Certificate - Receive permanent residence status
Required Documents
- Current passport (valid 2+ months)
- Police certificates (5-year coverage)
- Medical certificate (30 days old)
- Birth certificates (apostilled)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Financial references and bank statements
- Character references (5+ year relationships)
- Investment documentation
Why Choose Bahamas Economic Permanent Residence?
Zero Personal Taxes
No income, capital gains, inheritance, or gift taxes. Only annual property tax applies to real estate.
Keep US Citizenship
Maintain your US passport while gaining Caribbean residency. No need to renounce citizenship.
Strategic Location
50 miles from Miami, stable democracy, English-speaking, modern infrastructure and banking.
Investment Upside
Prime real estate market with rental income potential and long-term appreciation prospects.
Family Inclusion
Include spouse and dependent children in your application for family coverage.
Lifetime Status
Permanent residency doesn't require renewal - maintain for life with compliance.
Important Considerations
Investment Risks: Property values can fluctuate. Currency exchange rates (BSD/USD) may impact costs. Bahamas regulations may change. This is not investment advice - consult financial advisors.
Tax Obligations: US citizens remain subject to US tax filing regardless of Bahamas residency. Consult tax professionals for your specific situation.
About Glenn Ferguson
With over 24 years of experience in The Bahamas, I'm your guide for residency, real estate, and island living.
My Credentials & Expertise:
- Licensed Bahamas Real Estate Agent - Deep market knowledge
- Certified Residency Consultant - Navigate immigration successfully
- WPIC-Certified Wedding Planner - 24+ years island experience
- Licensed Marriage Officer - Complete local authority
Why Work With Me:
- Nassau-based expert with knowledge of best properties
- Full-service approach from property selection to residency approval
- Specializing in $1M+ luxury properties that qualify for EPR
- Bilingual service and understanding of international clients
- 24+ years island experience with real estate and residency processes
"From finding the perfect oceanfront villa to securing your residency status, I offer a complete experience rooted in expertise, integrity, and 24 years of island know-how."
Best Locations for $1M+ Bahamas Real Estate Investment
Nassau & Paradise Island
- Ocean Club Estates: $1.2M-$8M luxury oceanfront homes
- Paradise Island Residences: $1M-$15M beachfront condos
- Cable Beach: $1M-$5M resort-style living
- Prospect Ridge: $1.1M-$3M gated community
Pros: Airport proximity, amenities, rental demand
Cons: Higher density, tourist activity
Learn more: Ocean Club Estates Homes
Private Communities
- Albany: $2M-$20M ultra-luxury with marina
- Lyford Cay: $1.5M-$30M gated enclave
- Old Fort Bay: $1.2M-$8M private club community
- Ocean Club Bahamas: $3M-$25M Four Seasons access
Pros: Maximum privacy, elite amenities, prestige
Cons: Higher prices, limited inventory
Learn more: Albany Bahamas Real Estate
Bahamas Economic Permanent Residence FAQ 2025
What is the minimum investment for Bahamas Economic Permanent Residence in 2025?
The minimum investment is $1,000,000 USD in real estate or zero-coupon bonds from the Central Bank of The Bahamas, increased from $750,000 effective January 1, 2025.
How long must I hold my investment?
You must hold your investment for a minimum of 10 years. Selling before this period may result in revocation of your residency status.
What are the total costs beyond the $1M investment?
Expect an additional $100,000-$150,000 in closing costs, VAT, legal fees, government fees, and other transaction expenses.
Can I include my family in the application?
Yes. Spouses and dependent children can be included for an additional $300 per family member government fee.
Do I need to renounce my US citizenship?
No. You can maintain US citizenship while holding Bahamas permanent residency. However, you'll still have US tax filing obligations.
What taxes will I pay in The Bahamas?
There is no income, capital gains, inheritance, or gift tax. You'll pay annual property tax (0.75%-2% depending on use and value) and 10% VAT on purchases over $1M.
How long does the application process take?
Typical processing time is 3-6 months from complete application submission to approval.
What's the difference between real estate and bond investments?
Real estate gives you property ownership and potential rental income. Government bonds provide fixed returns with proceeds funding national development. Both require $1M minimum and 10-year hold.
Can I work in The Bahamas with permanent residency?
Permanent residents may be eligible for work permits, but this typically requires separate application and approval for specific employment.
Is there a path to Bahamian citizenship?
After 10+ years of permanent residency and meeting naturalization requirements, you may apply for citizenship. However, The Bahamas generally doesn't allow dual citizenship.
Get Your Bahamas Residency Strategy
Complete our assessment to receive a personalized roadmap for your 2025 Bahamas Economic Permanent Residence application.
Free Resources
- Residency Readiness Quiz - 3-minute assessment
- Property Investment Calculator - Total cost breakdown
- 7-Day Email Course - Bahamas residency guide
Schedule a Consultation
30-minute strategy call to discuss your specific situation and timeline.
Related Resources:
Buying Real Estate in The Bahamas | How to Buy Property in The Bahamas | Moving to The Bahamas from the US
Important Legal Notice & Privacy
This guide reflects January 2025 Bahamas Economic Permanent Residence requirements but is for informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, or investment advice. Immigration laws can change; always verify current requirements with official sources and consult qualified professionals. US citizens remain subject to IRS obligations regardless of residency status unless formally renouncing citizenship.
Professional Disclaimer: Glenn Ferguson facilitates real estate transactions and provides immigration guidance but is not a licensed attorney. Legal aspects of residency applications are handled by qualified Bahamian attorneys. All investment decisions should be made in consultation with your financial and legal advisors.
Privacy Notice: Information collected through this website is used solely for providing real estate and residency consultation services. We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties. For international clients, data may be processed in accordance with applicable privacy regulations including GDPR.
Mobile/International Access: This website is optimized for mobile viewing. International visitors may experience varying load times for embedded content.
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