How to Get Bahamas Residency by Buying Property (2025): Steps, Costs & Tips
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, confirm the current minimum investment and any hold period 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—obtain written confirmation of thresholds and processing options at the time you apply.
Tip: Ask your attorney to confirm whether your specific property type and price qualify for accelerated consideration and whether dependents can be included on the same application.
Step-by-step: How to apply for Economic Permanent Residence
- Confirm eligibility: Speak with a Bahamas attorney; verify current thresholds and dependent rules with the Department of Immigration.
- Shortlist properties: Focus on micro-markets favored by residency buyers (see table below). Review title, condo bylaws, rental rules and insurance quotes.
- Offer & due diligence: Sign subject-to-DD terms; run title search and survey; review HOA/club dues and community covenants.
- Completion: Close the transaction; collect certified copies and invoices needed for your residency file.
- Residency filing: Submit the application pack (passports, police certificate, bank reference/proof of funds, source-of-funds) and track processing.
Costs & taxes at closing (and after)
- VAT on conveyance (currently 10%—verify at 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)
- Annual real property tax per current government schedules
- Furnishings/fit-out and contingency for capex
Best neighborhoods for residency buyers
These areas balance privacy, security, services and access to schools, marinas and the airport/FBO at Lynden Pindling International (NAS):
| Area | Why it fits residency buyers | Lifestyle hooks |
|---|---|---|
| Paradise Island (Ocean Club Estates) | Prestige + resort adjacency; established community standards | Beach, golf, Four Seasons amenities, The Cloisters |
| Old Fort Bay | Secure, family-friendly; architectural consistency | Club, beach, schools, quick west-end access |
| Lyford Cay | Legacy private club community; high privacy | Golf, marina, airside proximity via NAS/FBO |
| Albany | Modern marina community with services and management depth | Yachting, golf, wellness, dining |
| Cable Beach / Baha Mar Residences | Branded services; rental programs for flexibility | Dining, spa, casino, beachfront promenades |
Alternative path: Central Bank zero-coupon bonds vs. real estate
Some investors consider government-sanctioned financial instruments when available. Compare liquidity, yield, documentation and residency timing against a property purchase. Your attorney and financial advisor can help weigh eligibility and settlement logistics.
FAQ: timelines, dependents, and the Homeowner’s Resident Card
Processing timelines vary and can change. Build schedule flexibility and confirm current service levels with your attorney before travel.
Often yes—confirm dependent eligibility and document requirements at the time of filing.
An annual facilitation card for non-Bahamian homeowners (and immediate family) that is distinct from permanent residence.
Request Information & Next Steps
Get a tailored property shortlist and residency readiness check from Glenn.
References (official sources)
- Bahamas Department of Immigration
- Department of Inland Revenue (VAT & Real Property Tax)
- Central Bank of The Bahamas
- Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA)
- Government of The Bahamas Portal (Registrar General & Acts)
Note: Immigration, tax and property policies can change—always verify details with official sources and your Bahamas attorney.
About Glenn Ferguson
Bahamas real estate agent and residency consultant. BREA licensed, 24+ years of experience.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Verify current immigration and tax rules with a Bahamas attorney and the relevant government departments before committing funds.
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