Can my spouse and children be included on the residency application?

Glenn will confirm dependent eligibility for spouses and minor children and provide the current document list and fees with your attorney at filing.

Does renting my property affect residency eligibility?

Glenn will check community bylaws and local rules. Renting typically does not void ownership-based residency, but Glenn will verify all restrictions and tax implications before you list.

Is there fast-track or accelerated consideration for higher-value purchases?

Glenn will obtain written guidance on any discretionary accelerated consideration available for your purchase value before you rely on timing.

What taxes and fees should I expect at closing and annually?

Glenn will model VAT on conveyance, legal and due-diligence fees, HOA or club dues, insurance, and annual real property tax per current schedules.

Do I need to live in The Bahamas full-time to maintain status?

Requirements vary by category; Glenn will confirm minimum presence, renewals and card requirements with the Department of Immigration and your attorney.

What if the minimum investment changes after I buy?

Policy can change. Glenn will seek written confirmation of eligibility at the time you apply and advise on any transitional rules with your attorney.

Bahamas Residency by Property 2025: Min Investment & Timeline

The Ocean Club Four Seasons Residences Bahamas exterior

Can you get Bahamas residency by buying property? (2025 requirements)

The Economic Permanent Residence (EPR) route links long-term status to a qualifying investment. In practice, many applicants use freehold property—condominiums or single-family homes in communities with established management and security. Because policy can change, Glenn will confirm the current minimum investment and any hold period with the Department of Immigration and coordinate with your attorney before you commit to a purchase contract.

Minimum investment & accelerated consideration (what’s current?)

Recent guidance places the EPR minimum at seven figures and maintains discretionary accelerated consideration for higher-value purchases. Treat these as policy variables—Glenn will obtain written confirmation of thresholds and any processing options available at the time you apply.

Tip: Glenn will confirm whether your specific property type and price qualify for accelerated consideration and whether dependents can be included on the same application.

Illustrative processing timeline (example only)

Week 0–2
Property shortlist & offers; attorney engaged; KYC list opened.

Week 3–8
Due diligence (title, survey, insurance, HOA/club docs); finalize financing if any.

Week 9–12
Closing & possession; collect certified copies and invoices for the residency file.

+1–2 weeks
Residency application filed; biometrics/appointments as instructed.

This is an example to help planning. Timelines vary; Glenn will confirm expectations with your Bahamas attorney and the Department of Immigration.

Costs & taxes at closing (and after)

VAT on conveyance (currently 10%—Glenn will verify at the time of closing)
Legal & due-diligence fees (title, survey, searches)
HOA/club dues and one-time transfer/initiation where applicable
Insurance (wind, flood, hurricane mitigation—Glenn will obtain quotes)
Annual real property tax per current government schedules (Glenn will verify your banding)
Furnishings/fit-out and contingency for capex

Cost item	Illustrative basis	Example on US$2.5M
VAT on conveyance	Per current government schedule	Model at closing (Glenn will verify)
Legal & due diligence	Attorney fees, title, survey, searches	Budget line item
HOA / Club dues	Per community (annual)	Check bylaws & fees
Insurance	Wind/flood; mitigation credits vary	Glenn will obtain quotes
Real property tax	Per current annual schedule	Glenn will verify current thresholds
Capex & furnishings	Reserve for improvements	Buyer-specific

Model My 5-Year Ownership Costs Have Glenn Verify Today’s VAT & Tax Bands

Best neighborhoods for residency buyers

These areas balance privacy, services and access to schools, marinas and NAS/FBO:

Area	Why it fits	Lifestyle hooks
Paradise Island (Ocean Club Estates)	Prestige + resort adjacency; standards	Four Seasons, beach, golf, The Cloisters
Old Fort Bay	Secure, family-friendly; architecture	Club, beach, schools, west-end access
Lyford Cay	Legacy private club; privacy	Golf, marina, FBO proximity
Albany	Modern marina community; services	Yachting, golf, wellness
Cable Beach / Baha Mar Residences	Branded services; rental programs	Dining, spa, casino, beachfront

Also explore current listings and request off-market options below.

Get a Residency-Ready Property Shortlist Ask About Off-Market Options

Case study (illustrative): Paradise Island condo path to filing

Scenario: Buyer selects a condominium in Ocean Club Residences, cash purchase, standard due diligence, intends occasional rental.

Offer to closing: 9–12 weeks (title, survey, HOA docs, insurance quotes).
Filing window: 1–2 weeks post-closing (documents compiled and certified).
Key prep: police certificate, bank reference/proof of funds, certified copies.

Examples only—Glenn will confirm steps and timing with your attorney and the Department of Immigration.

FAQ: dependents, rentals, taxes & fast-track

Can my spouse/children be included?

Often yes—Glenn will confirm dependent eligibility, ages and required documents with your attorney at filing.

Can I rent the property?

Glenn will check community bylaws and local rules first. Renting typically doesn’t void ownership-based residency; he’ll outline licensing and tax considerations before you list.

Is there a fast-track?

For higher-value investments, Glenn will obtain written guidance on any discretionary accelerated consideration before you rely on timing.

What taxes apply?

Glenn will model VAT on conveyance, legal fees, HOA/club dues, insurance, and annual real property tax per current schedules.

Do I need to live in The Bahamas full-time?

Presence requirements vary; Glenn will confirm renewals and card rules with the Department of Immigration and your attorney.

What if thresholds change?

Policy can change—Glenn will seek written confirmation of eligibility when you apply and advise on any transitional rules with your attorney.

Considering a marina or club community? Compare Albany vs. Ocean Club Residences and Baha Mar Residences.

Request Information & Next Steps

Get a tailored property shortlist and residency readiness check from Glenn.

References (official sources)

Rules may change—Glenn will verify details with official sources and coordinate with your Bahamas attorney.

About Glenn Ferguson

Bahamas real estate agent and residency consultant. BREA licensed, 24+ years of experience.

Talk to Glenn See Top Neighborhoods

This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Glenn will coordinate verification of current immigration and tax rules with a Bahamas attorney and the relevant government departments.