Bahamas Residency for Chinese Investors - EPR Through Real Estate, SAFE Capital Controls Guide | Glenn Ferguson BREA #1247
Chinese Investors · Residency Through Real Estate

Last updated: February 2026 · Verified against SAFE, PRC IIT Law, PRC Nationality Law, and Bahamas Immigration sources

Bahamas Permanent Residency for Chinese Investors

Chinese nationals who purchase Bahamas real estate valued at $1,000,000 or more can apply for Economic Permanent Residency (EPR). EPR grants the right to reside in The Bahamas indefinitely. Chinese passport holders enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Zero Bahamas income tax, zero capital gains tax, zero inheritance tax. The primary challenge for Chinese investors is navigating SAFE foreign exchange controls — the individual annual quota is $50,000, meaning a $1M+ property purchase requires structured capital planning. Glenn Ferguson coordinates with Bahamas attorneys experienced in Chinese capital transfers.

Glenn handles both the property purchase and EPR application — one relationship from property search through residency approval. He structures transaction timelines around SAFE compliance and coordinates with your PRC tax advisor to address IIT worldwide taxation obligations.

$1,000,000EPR minimum (Jan 2025)
$50,000/yrSAFE individual quota
0% Bahamas TaxIncome, gains, inheritance
90 DaysVisa-free entry

Bahamas Residency for Chinese Investors — At a Glance

Eligibility: Chinese nationals who purchase Bahamas residential real estate valued at $1,000,000+ (increased January 2025).

Program: Economic Permanent Residency (EPR) — lifetime validity, 10-year property hold, 90 days/year presence requirement.

Funding: SAFE limits individual FX purchases to $50,000/year. Property purchases require structured planning — family quota pooling, SAFE approval with documentation, or offshore channels. Glenn's attorneys structure compliant transfer timelines.

PRC tax: Domiciled Chinese citizens subject to IIT on worldwide income (3–45%). Capital gains on property transfer taxed at 20%. No PRC inheritance/estate tax. Bahamas CRS shares financial account data with PRC authorities.

Bahamas tax: 0% income tax, 0% capital gains, 0% inheritance tax. Property tax 0–1%. VAT 10%.

Access: Visa-free for 90 days. No direct flights — transit via US (requires US visa), Canada, or UK. Passport valid 6+ months required.

Citizenship: Both PRC and Bahamas prohibit dual citizenship. PRC Nationality Law Article 9: acquiring foreign nationality = automatic loss of Chinese citizenship. Most Chinese clients maintain EPR indefinitely.

Contact: Glenn Ferguson, BREA #1247, Residency Consultant. WhatsApp +1-242-395-8495.

Glenn Ferguson
Glenn Ferguson — Residency Consultant & Buying SpecialistBREA #1247 · Bahamas MLS · Residency Consultant · 24+ Years
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BREA Licensed #1247
24+ Years Experience
Residency Consultant
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Albany Bahamas marina — luxury residency-qualifying property for Chinese investors

Why Bahamas Residency

Why Chinese Investors Are Choosing Bahamas Residency

The Bahamas offers Chinese investors a stable, English-speaking, common-law jurisdiction with zero income tax and permanent residency through real estate investment. For high-net-worth Chinese nationals seeking asset diversification outside the PRC, The Bahamas provides full freehold property ownership, no restrictions on foreign buyers for residential properties under 2 acres, a well-regulated financial system participating in CRS, and a lifestyle combining Caribbean proximity to the Americas with world-class luxury communities. The Bahamas has maintained an unbroken parliamentary democracy for over 280 years.

Zero Income Tax Jurisdiction

No personal income tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, no wealth tax, no corporate tax. Bahamas residents pay only property tax (0–1%) and 10% VAT on goods and services.

Full Freehold Ownership

Chinese investors receive the same freehold property rights as Bahamian citizens for residential properties under 2 acres. No leasehold restrictions, no government clawback, no joint-venture requirements.

Stable Legal System

English common law, independent judiciary, and over 280 years of parliamentary democracy. Property rights are constitutionally protected. The Bahamas ranks among the most politically stable nations in the Caribbean.

Asset Diversification

Bahamas real estate is denominated in BSD (pegged 1:1 to USD), providing USD-denominated asset exposure outside PRC capital markets. A hedge against RMB depreciation and domestic policy risk.

Global Financial Hub

Nassau hosts international banks, trust companies, and wealth management firms. Open Bahamian bank accounts (RBC, CIBC FirstCaribbean, Scotiabank) for property income and personal banking.

Luxury Lifestyle

World-class communities — Ocean Club Estates, Lyford Cay, Albany — with resort amenities, private marinas, championship golf, and year-round tropical climate. Growing Chinese investment community in Nassau.

Glenn Ferguson
Glenn's Tip

Chinese investors are my fastest-growing client segment. The appeal is clear: full property ownership rights (unlike many Asian markets), zero income tax, and a USD-pegged asset outside PRC capital controls. The SAFE transfer is the hard part — the Bahamas side is straightforward.

Nassau harbour skyline — gateway for Chinese investors to Bahamas residency

Getting to The Bahamas

How Chinese Nationals Access The Bahamas

Chinese passport holders can enter The Bahamas visa-free for up to 90 days. A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity is required. There are no direct flights from mainland China to Nassau — the most common routes transit through the United States (Miami, New York), Canada (Toronto), or the United Kingdom (London). Transit through the US requires a valid US visa or transit visa (ESTA is not available to Chinese nationals). Once EPR is granted, you can enter and exit The Bahamas freely without time restrictions.
90 DaysVisa-free entry
No Direct FlightsTransit via US/Canada/UK
6+ MonthsPassport validity
BSD 1:1 USDCurrency peg

Routing options from China: The most common route is Beijing or Shanghai to Miami (with a US B1/B2 visa), then a 45-minute flight to Nassau. Toronto offers an alternative transit hub with direct flights to Nassau. London Heathrow also connects to Nassau via British Airways. Glenn recommends obtaining a US B1/B2 visa regardless — it opens the easiest transit options and many of his Chinese clients combine Bahamas property visits with US business travel.

The Bahamas operates Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau with connections from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New York JFK, Atlanta, Toronto, London, and other major hubs. Once you hold EPR, there are no time limits on your stay and you enter through the resident lane at Immigration.

US Transit Visa Required

Chinese passport holders transiting through the United States require a valid US visa (B1/B2 or C-1 transit visa). ESTA is not available for PRC passport holders. Plan your visa well in advance of property viewing trips.

Ocean Club Four Seasons Residences — EPR-qualifying luxury real estate for Chinese investors

EPR Program Details

Bahamas Economic Permanent Residency Complete Guide

Economic Permanent Residency (EPR) requires a minimum investment of $1,000,000 USD in Bahamas residential real estate, held for at least 10 years. The threshold increased from $750,000 on January 1, 2025. The government processing fee is $20,000 (or $25,000 with work rights), plus $200 application fee and $300 per family member endorsement. Spouse and dependent children under 18 are included. Standard processing takes 6–18 months. Investments of $1.5M+ qualify for accelerated processing (approximately 9 months). You must spend at least 90 days per year in The Bahamas.
Cost ItemAmount (USD)Notes
Real Estate Investment$1,000,000+Minimum qualifying purchase
VAT on Property (Buyer Share)~5%Split 50/50 between buyer and seller
Government Processing Fee$20,000Without work rights ($25,000 with)
Application Fee$200Non-refundable
Family Endorsement$300/personPer spouse or dependent child
Legal Fees1–2.5%Conveyance + Immigration filing
CNY→USD ConversionMarket rateFX spread applies at time of conversion

The $20,000 government fee is paid only upon approval — not upfront. If your application is denied, you do not lose this amount. Your main upfront costs are the property purchase, legal fees, VAT, and any FX conversion costs from CNY to USD.

All costs in The Bahamas are denominated in Bahamian Dollars (BSD), which is pegged at a fixed 1:1 rate to the US Dollar. This means once your funds are converted from CNY to USD, there is no further currency risk. The BSD peg has been maintained since 1966.

Glenn Ferguson
Glenn's Tip

I always tell my Chinese clients: the Bahamas side of this transaction is simple. The government fees are fixed, the legal process is well-established, and the timeline is predictable. The complexity is on the China side — getting the capital out. That's where planning makes all the difference.

PRC Tax Obligations

Chinese Tax Requirements for Bahamas Property Owners

Chinese citizens domiciled in China are subject to Individual Income Tax (IIT) on worldwide income at progressive rates from 3% to 45%. Bahamas EPR does not change your PRC tax obligations. However, The Bahamas charges zero income tax, so there is no double taxation in practice. Capital gains on the eventual sale of foreign property are taxed at a flat 20% under PRC law. Rental income from Bahamas property is also taxable in China at 20%. There is no PRC inheritance or estate tax, which aligns with The Bahamas' own zero inheritance tax — a rare double benefit.
3–45%PRC IIT progressive
20%Capital gains (flat)
20%Rental income
0%PRC inheritance tax

The six-year rule: Non-domiciled individuals (those without a hukou or habitual residence in China) who have been PRC tax residents for fewer than six consecutive years are taxed only on China-source income. Breaking the six-year chain — by spending fewer than 183 days in China in any one year, or by leaving China for more than 30 consecutive days — resets the clock. This rule is highly relevant for Chinese nationals who establish genuine residence in The Bahamas.

Common Reporting Standard (CRS): The Bahamas participates in CRS and exchanges financial account information with other jurisdictions, including the PRC. Any Bahamian bank accounts, investment accounts, or financial holdings will be reported to PRC tax authorities. This is not a concern for compliant investors but should be factored into your tax planning. Work with a PRC tax advisor who understands cross-border reporting.

Key PRC tax considerations for Bahamas property: Rental income from your Bahamas property is taxable in China at 20% (with allowable deductions). Capital gains on a future sale are also taxed at 20%. Dividend and interest income from Bahamian investments is taxable at 20%. There is no PRC-Bahamas income tax treaty — only an Agreement on Exchange of Tax Information. Consult a PRC-qualified tax advisor before proceeding.

CRS Reporting

The Bahamas shares financial account data with PRC tax authorities under CRS. Bahamian bank accounts, investment holdings, and account balances are reported annually. Ensure your PRC tax filings reflect all foreign financial assets.

Questions About SAFE Compliance or Capital Transfer?

Glenn coordinates with Bahamas attorneys experienced in Chinese capital transfers.

WhatsApp Enquire

Funding from China

How to Transfer $1M+ from China to The Bahamas

China's State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) limits individual annual foreign exchange purchases to USD $50,000. Transferring the $1,000,000+ required for EPR-qualifying real estate is the single greatest challenge for Chinese investors. However, compliant pathways exist. Glenn coordinates with Bahamas attorneys experienced in Chinese capital transfers to structure transaction timelines that satisfy both SAFE regulations and Bahamas conveyancing requirements. As of January 2026, SAFE has introduced stricter KYC rules and extended financial record retention from 5 to 10 years.
$50,000/YearSAFE individual quota
CNY → USDMarket rate conversion
SAFE ApprovalRequired above quota
10-Year RecordsKYC retention (Jan 2026)

Understanding the $50,000 annual quota: Each Chinese citizen can purchase up to USD $50,000 equivalent per year through their bank with valid identification. This quota resets every January 1st and unused amounts do not carry over. At $50,000/year, a single individual would need 20 years to accumulate $1M — clearly impractical for a property purchase. The quota is per person, meaning family members each have their own independent $50,000 allocation.

Exceeding the quota with SAFE approval: Amounts above $50,000 can be transferred with written SAFE approval. Required documentation typically includes the signed purchase contract, notarized and legalized documents, proof of legitimate fund sources, tax records, and a formal payment request. Glenn's Bahamas attorneys prepare the property purchase documentation in formats that meet SAFE submission requirements.

Other compliant pathways: Chinese investors commonly use a combination of approaches — annual quota accumulation over multiple years (often while the property is under option or reservation), family member quota pooling (each family member converts their own $50,000), offshore holdings (funds already held outside mainland China in Hong Kong, Singapore, or other jurisdictions), and business channels for investors with international business operations. Glenn does not advise on the China-side transfer mechanics — that requires a PRC-qualified lawyer or FX specialist — but he structures the Bahamas transaction timeline to accommodate multi-stage capital transfers.

Strict Capital Controls — Plan Early

SAFE enforcement has tightened significantly since January 2026, with stricter KYC, 10-year record retention, and increased monitoring of structured transfers. "Ant army" methods (splitting transfers across many accounts) carry serious legal risk. Always use compliant pathways and work with qualified PRC legal counsel.

Glenn Ferguson
Glenn's Tip

The clients who move fastest already have funds outside mainland China — in Hong Kong, Singapore, or through international business accounts. If you're starting from scratch in the PRC, plan 12–24 months for capital transfer before you can close on a property. I can hold a property under option while you arrange funding.

Post-purchase banking: Once your property is purchased and EPR granted, you can open Bahamian bank accounts at RBC Royal Bank, CIBC FirstCaribbean, or Scotiabank. These accounts can receive rental income, investment returns, and personal deposits. Remember that all Bahamian financial accounts are subject to CRS reporting to PRC tax authorities.

Tax Comparison

China vs Bahamas Tax Comparison

The contrast between China's tax regime and The Bahamas is dramatic across most categories. China levies progressive income tax up to 45%, a 20% capital gains rate, and 25% corporate tax. The Bahamas charges zero across all these categories. The one unusual alignment: neither country has an inheritance or estate tax — a rare double benefit for Chinese investors planning intergenerational wealth transfer through Bahamas property.
Tax CategoryChina (PRC)The Bahamas
Personal Income Tax3–45% (progressive)0%
Capital Gains Tax20% (flat)0%
Corporate Tax25%0%
Dividend / Interest Tax20%0%
Inheritance / Estate Tax0%0%
Wealth / Net Worth Tax0%0%
Property TaxVaries by city0–1%
Sales Tax / VAT13% (standard)10%
Capital ControlsSAFE $50K/yr quotaNone
CurrencyCNY (floating)BSD (pegged 1:1 USD)
Glenn Ferguson
Glenn's Tip

The zero-zero inheritance tax alignment between China and The Bahamas is genuinely unusual. Most of my other client nationalities — Americans, British, Canadians — face significant estate or inheritance tax at home. Chinese investors can pass Bahamas property to their children without tax on either end. That's a powerful intergenerational planning tool.

Qualifying Properties

Where Chinese Investors Buy in The Bahamas

Any residential real estate in The Bahamas valued at $1,000,000 or more qualifies for EPR. This includes single-family homes, condominiums, townhouses, and vacant residential land. The investment can be a single property or multiple properties totalling the threshold. Glenn recommends three property categories for Chinese investors: luxury estate homes for personal use, resort condominiums for rental income, and development land for long-term appreciation.

Luxury Estate Homes

Gated communities — Ocean Club Estates ($3M–$40M+), Lyford Cay ($2M–$30M+), Albany ($2M–$25M+), Old Fort Bay ($2M–$20M+). Full freehold ownership, private beach access, marina berths. Browse estate homes.

Resort Condominiums

Cable Beach/Baha Mar ($1M–$15M+), Goldwynn Residences, Aqualina. Branded resort management, rental income programs, lower maintenance. Ideal for investors seeking income while meeting the 90-day presence requirement. View condos.

Development Land

Vacant residential parcels in established communities or the Out Islands (Exuma, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Abaco). Largest land banks and strongest appreciation potential. Select parcels exceed the $1M EPR threshold. View land listings.

Glenn also works with qualifying properties on the Out Islands for investors seeking more privacy or larger parcels. Every property Glenn recommends is verified to meet EPR qualification requirements before you make an offer.

Browse the full Bahamas Real Estate Listings or explore Luxury Homes and Beachfront Homes specifically.

Citizenship Pathway

Can Chinese Nationals Get Bahamas Citizenship?

Bahamas residency by investment does not directly grant citizenship, and Chinese investors face a unique double prohibition on dual citizenship. After 10 years of EPR with at least 6 years of physical presence, you may apply for Bahamian citizenship through naturalization. However, The Bahamas does not permit dual citizenship — and neither does China. Under PRC Nationality Law Article 9, any Chinese national who acquires foreign nationality "shall automatically lose Chinese nationality." This means pursuing Bahamian citizenship would result in permanent loss of PRC citizenship with no guarantee of reversal.
1

Year 0

Invest $1M+ and obtain EPR certificate

2

Years 1–10

Maintain residency, 90+ days/year

3

Year 10+

Apply for citizenship (6+ years presence)

4

If Approved

Bahamian passport — lose PRC citizenship

The double prohibition is critical to understand: Unlike British or Canadian investors who only face The Bahamas' restriction, Chinese nationals face prohibitions on both sides. PRC Nationality Law Article 3 states "The People's Republic of China does not recognize dual nationality for any Chinese national." Article 9 adds that acquiring foreign nationality results in automatic loss of Chinese citizenship. Bahamian law independently requires renouncing other citizenships upon naturalization.

Virtually all of Glenn's Chinese clients choose to maintain EPR indefinitely without pursuing citizenship. Permanent residency grants the right to live in The Bahamas, zero income tax benefits, and free movement in and out of the country. A Bahamian passport (150+ countries visa-free) is the only additional benefit citizenship would provide — and the cost of losing PRC citizenship is almost never worth it.

Glenn Ferguson
Glenn's Tip

I have never had a Chinese client pursue Bahamian citizenship. The permanent loss of PRC citizenship — with no option to get it back — makes it a non-starter for virtually everyone. EPR gives you everything you need: the right to live here, zero income tax, and your Chinese passport stays intact.

Step-by-Step Process

How to Apply for Bahamas Residency from China

The Bahamas EPR application involves eight phases for Chinese investors: initial consultation, capital transfer planning, property visit, reservation, capital transfer execution, closing, EPR application filing, and certificate issuance. The additional steps compared to other nationalities reflect the SAFE compliance requirements. Glenn manages the Bahamas side of every phase.
1

Consult Glenn

Goals, budget, timeline, and capital strategy

2

Plan Transfer

SAFE compliance with PRC lawyer + Glenn's attorney

3

Visit Nassau

Property viewings via Miami, Toronto, or London

4

Reserve Property

Sign agreement, deposit to escrow

5

Transfer Funds

Execute CNY→USD conversion + wire

6

Close Purchase

Title, VAT, registration complete

7

File EPR

Application + interview (2–3 months)

8

Certificate

Lifetime EPR, Bahamian banking

Standard processing takes 6–18 months from EPR application filing to approval. Investments of $1.5M+ qualify for accelerated processing (~9 months). The capital transfer phase (Steps 2 and 5) is the most time-variable element and can range from weeks (for investors with offshore funds) to 12–24 months (for transfers from mainland China accounts).

Read the Complete Guide to Buying Bahamas Real Estate for detailed information on the property purchase process.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Chinese Investors Bahamas Residency FAQ

Can Chinese citizens get permanent residency in The Bahamas?

Yes. Chinese nationals who purchase Bahamas real estate valued at $1,000,000+ can apply for Economic Permanent Residency (EPR). This grants the right to reside indefinitely. Spouse and dependents under 18 are included. The property must be held for 10 years with 90 days/year presence. Chinese passport holders enter The Bahamas visa-free for up to 90 days. Glenn handles both property purchase and EPR application.

How do Chinese investors transfer $1M+ to The Bahamas with SAFE controls?

SAFE limits individual FX purchases to $50,000/year. Transferring $1M+ requires structured planning: SAFE approval with documented purchase contracts, family quota pooling, offshore holdings, or business channels. Glenn structures Bahamas transaction timelines around SAFE compliance. Plan 12–24 months for transfers from mainland accounts. Full funding details.

Do Chinese citizens still pay PRC taxes with Bahamas residency?

Chinese citizens domiciled in China pay IIT on worldwide income (3–45%). Bahamas EPR does not change PRC obligations. However, The Bahamas charges 0% income tax, so no double taxation. The six-year rule may exempt non-domiciled individuals from worldwide income. CRS means Bahamas accounts are reported to PRC authorities. Full PRC tax details.

Do Chinese citizens need a visa to visit The Bahamas?

No. Chinese passport holders enter The Bahamas visa-free for up to 90 days. No direct flights exist from mainland China — transit via the US (requires US visa), Canada, or UK. Passport must have 6+ months validity. Once EPR is granted, you enter freely without time restrictions. Full access details.

What are the EPR government fees?

$20,000 government fee (paid upon approval), plus $300 per person for spouse and dependents. Additional: legal fees (1–2.5%), buyer's VAT share (~5%), and CNY→USD conversion costs at market rate. All Bahamas costs are in BSD, pegged 1:1 to USD. Full cost table.

Can Bahamas EPR lead to citizenship for Chinese nationals?

After 10 years EPR with 6 years physical presence, you may apply for naturalization (discretionary). However, both China and The Bahamas prohibit dual citizenship. Under PRC Nationality Law Article 9, acquiring foreign nationality = automatic, permanent loss of Chinese citizenship. Virtually all Chinese clients maintain EPR indefinitely. Full citizenship details.

Does EPR grant the right to work in The Bahamas?

Standard EPR does not include work rights. By paying $25,000 (instead of $20,000), you can obtain EPR with work rights for your own business. Remote work for foreign employers is generally permitted. EPR holders can receive passive income (rental, dividends, interest) and open Bahamian bank accounts.

How do I start the Bahamas residency process from China?

WhatsApp Glenn Ferguson at +1-242-395-8495 or call 1-242-395-8495. BREA #1247, Bahamas MLS, residency consultant, 24+ years. Glenn identifies qualifying properties, structures timelines around SAFE compliance, coordinates the purchase, and files your EPR application. Full process.

Your Residency Consultant

About Glenn Ferguson

Glenn Ferguson — Bahamas real estate agent and residency consultant

Glenn Ferguson

BREA Licensed #1247 · Bahamas MLS · Residency Consultant · 24+ Years

Glenn Ferguson is a licensed Bahamas real estate agent (BREA #1247) and authorized residency consultant based in Nassau, New Providence. Over 24 years, he has guided foreign buyers through property acquisition and residency applications across all major Bahamas communities. Chinese investors represent Glenn's fastest-growing client segment, drawn by full freehold ownership rights, the zero-tax environment, and USD-denominated asset diversification. Glenn manages the entire Bahamas-side journey from identifying EPR-qualifying properties through attorney coordination, closing, and EPR filing with the Department of Immigration. He works with Bahamas attorneys experienced in Chinese capital transfers to structure transaction timelines that accommodate SAFE regulations. Glenn also holds WPIC wedding planning certification and is a licensed Marriage Officer.

View Glenn's full profile and credentials

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Glenn Ferguson — EPR-qualifying properties, SAFE-aligned transaction timelines, and full residency application management from China to Nassau.

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