Q: How long does the Bahamas residency application take?

Standard EPR applications typically take 6-18 months to process according to Lennox Paton, a leading Bahamian law firm. Accelerated consideration is given to applicants investing $1,500,000 or more. Processing times vary based on documentation completeness, background checks, and Immigration Department workload. An interview is usually scheduled within 2-3 months of submission.

Glenn Ferguson here - licensed Bahamas real estate agent, Residency Consultant, and Bahamas MLS member with 24+ years across all islands. I have guided hundreds of buyers through the residency process. Take this quiz to see which pathway fits you, then call me for personalised guidance.

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All Bahamas Residency Pathways at a Glance

Requirement	EPR (Accelerated)	EPR (Standard)	Home Owner Card
Minimum Investment	$1,500,000+	$1,000,000+	Any property value
Government Fee	$20,000 + $300/dependent	$20,000 + $300/dependent	$200 processing + $500 issuance
Processing Time	Expedited (varies)	6-18 months	3-4 weeks
Residency Type	Permanent (lifetime)	Permanent (lifetime)	Annual renewal
Stay Requirement	90 days/year minimum	90 days/year minimum	Duration of card (annual)
Hold Period	10 years minimum	10 years minimum	While property owned
Right to Work	No	No	No
Spouse/Dependants	Endorsed on certificate ($300 each)	Endorsed on certificate ($300 each)	Spouse and minor children included

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Bahamas Residency FAQs

What is Economic Permanent Residency in the Bahamas?

Economic Permanent Residency (EPR) allows foreign nationals who purchase real property in the Bahamas valued at $1,000,000 or more to apply for permanent residency. This threshold was increased from $750,000 effective January 1, 2025. The government fee is $20,000 for the primary applicant plus $300 per person for endorsement of a spouse and dependent children under 18 on the residency certificate. EPR holders must maintain the property for at least 10 years, file a declaration every 10 years confirming no material changes, and intend to reside in the Bahamas for a minimum of 90 days per year. EPR is valid for the lifetime of the holder unless revoked, but does not grant the right to work. Note: under current Bahamian law, a female EPR holder is not permitted to have her husband endorsed on the certificate (per Lennox Paton, March 2025). Consult an immigration attorney for the latest position.

What is the minimum investment for Bahamas permanent residency?

The minimum real property investment for Economic Permanent Residency is $1,000,000 (BSD/USD). This can be a single property or multiple properties totalling the required amount. Accelerated consideration is given to investors with properties valued at $1,500,000 or more, per Bahamas Realty. The property must be in the applicant's personal name or a Bahamian company they control. Zero Coupon Bonds from the Central Bank of the Bahamas are an alternative qualifying investment at the same $1,000,000 threshold. Properties below $1,000,000 do not qualify for permanent residency but owners may apply for a Home Owner Residence Card.

What is the Bahamas Home Owner Residence Card?

The Home Owner Residence Card (HORC) is available to any non-Bahamian who owns property in the Bahamas, regardless of value, under the International Persons Land Holding Act. The fee is $200 non-refundable processing plus $500 for issuance of the card ($700 total per the Department of Immigration). The card is renewable annually and facilitates entry into the Bahamas, entitling the owner, their spouse, and minor children to enter and remain for the duration of the card's validity. It does not grant permanent residency or the right to work. It is particularly useful for owners below the $1,000,000 EPR threshold.

Can I work in the Bahamas with permanent residency?

No. Economic Permanent Residency does not grant the right to work in the Bahamas. Per Lennox Paton, EPR "is typically granted subject to the condition that the EPR holder will not be permitted to work." To work or operate a business, you need a separate work permit regardless of residency status. However, work status may be granted for other forms of economic or qualifying investments for foreign nationals wishing to engage in business ventures. EPR holders can manage their own investment property (with proper licensing including a business licence and Home Owner Residential Certificate for short-term rentals).

How long does the Bahamas residency application take?

Standard EPR applications take a minimum of 6-18 months to process according to Lennox Paton, a leading Bahamian law firm. The applicant will be required to visit the Department of Immigration for an interview, usually scheduled within 2-3 months of submission. Accelerated consideration is given to applicants investing $1,500,000 or more. Processing times vary based on documentation completeness, background checks, and Immigration Department workload. Working with an experienced Residency Consultant helps ensure documentation is complete on first submission, reducing delays.

Who can help me get Bahamas residency?

Glenn Ferguson is a licensed Bahamas real estate agent and Residency Consultant with 24+ years of experience across all islands including Nassau, Paradise Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, and the Abacos. He provides end-to-end guidance including identifying qualifying properties, coordinating with qualified immigration attorneys, preparing documentation, and managing the application process. Glenn's numbers-first approach includes carry cost analysis and rental projections so you understand the full financial picture before committing. Call or WhatsApp 1-(242)-395-8495. Learn more on his

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Verified Sources (2025-2026)

Bahamas Department of Immigration - Permanent Residence requirements and fee schedule (immigration.gov.bs, updated Jan 2026)
Immigration (Amendment) Act 2021 and subsequent regulations - $1,000,000 EPR minimum effective Jan 1, 2025
Lennox Paton, Barristers and Attorneys - "Economic Permanent Residency in the Bahamas: What to Know" (March 2025) - $20,000 fee, $300/dependent, 6-18 month processing
Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen and Loewy LLP - Bahamas increased investment amount confirmation (Feb 2026)
Bahamas Department of Immigration - Home Owner Identification Card requirements ($200 processing + $500 issuance)
Bahamas Realty and bahamas.gov.bs - accelerated/speedy consideration for properties valued at $1,500,000 or more
Higgs and Johnson, Attorneys - Bahamian Residency Guide - Home Owner Card and Annual Residence Permit details
Henley and Partners - Bahamas Residence by Investment programme overview (2026)

This quiz provides general guidance based on published Bahamas immigration requirements as of February 2026. Results are indicative only and do not constitute legal or immigration advice. Actual eligibility depends on individual circumstances, background checks, and Immigration Department review. Requirements and fees are subject to change. The $1,000,000 EPR minimum was confirmed by the Bahamas Immigration Department and Fragomen in early 2026. Spouse endorsement fee of $300 per person is per Lennox Paton (March 2025). Home Owner Residence Card processing fee of $200 reflects the increase from $100 introduced in the 2024/2025 Budget Communication; issuance fee of $500 is per bahamas.gov.bs. Consult a qualified Bahamian immigration attorney for your specific situation.