Bahamas

"Forward, Upward, Onward Together"

overview

Welcome to Bahamas

The Bahamas, an archipelago of stunning islands, is famous for its crystal-clear waters and tourism industry. It’s also a hub for international banking, with a relaxed island lifestyle attracting residents and tourists alike.

overview

Bahamas Essentials

National Anthem

March On, Bahamaland

Independence Day

July 10, 1973

Haiko

Crystal clear waters / Flamingos paint the sky pink / Junkanoo parade

Interesting Tradition

Hosts Junkanoo parades with elaborate costumes and music on Boxing Day and New Year's Day

Weirdest Local Superstition

Throwing coins into Dean's Blue Hole for wishes

Strangest Law Still on the Books

Illegal to fly a kite in populated areas

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Come for the history, stay for the future

Come for the paradise, stay for the prosperity: The Bahamas elevates island living to an art form, with its symphony of turquoise waters and pink sand beaches setting the stage for a remarkable lifestyle transformation. Life here moves to the rhythm of sailing between 700 islands, evening fish fries in Nassau, and festival celebrations that light up the archipelago. Modern infrastructure and tax efficiency make it an increasingly popular destination for global professionals, with new residency programs designed to attract international talent and investors to these stunning shores.

overview

Come

Sail into islands where 'tings sweet' isn't just a saying, but a daily reality. Here, opportunity flows as clearly as the turquoise waters.

overview

Welcome to The Bahamas

The Bahamas is where you can swim with pigs—yes pigs!—in the crystal-clear waters of Exuma

The Bahamas isn't just a destination—it's an escape into paradise. Here, time moves with the tides, and even a simple island hop becomes an adventure in tropical discovery. This is a place where nature's brilliance and human joy merge in perfect harmony.

From the pink sands of Harbour Island to the vibrant markets of Nassau, The Bahamas offers endless wonder for every island dreamer. Whether you're drawn to the diving havens of Andros, the isolated beauty of the Exumas, or the festive spirit of Paradise Island, you'll find a nation that turns Caribbean dreams into sun-soaked reality.

Statistics

Savor the Flavor

Eat

conch fritters (deep-fried seafood batter) - rock lobster (local spiny lobster)

Drink

sky juice (gin with coconut water) - goombay smash (tropical rum punch)

overview

Thirsty?

Beer

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

11

Wine

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

5

Coffee

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

2.16

Tea

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

0.48

overview

Cultural Tips and Etiquette

#1
Rushing is considered rude - island time prevails
#2
Junkanoo festival participation is a source of pride
#3
Conch has cultural significance beyond food
#4
Straw market haggling is expected and traditional
#5
Cricket matches are social events

overview

Bahamas Essentials

Representative Novel

The Comedians by Graham Greene (Novel set in Haiti, often used to represent Bahamian and Caribbean literature)

National Animal

National Pasttime

Sailing

National Souvenir

Straw market bag

National Dish

Cracked conch

Famous Festival

Junkanoo

Famous Dance

Goombay

Famous Music

Junkanoo

overview

Did You Know?

The country has one of the clearest waters on Earth.

Visibility often exceeds 60 meters (200 feet) underwater.

The Bahamas is made up of over 700 islands.

The Bahamas has around 700 islands and over 2,000 cays, though only about 30 of these islands are inhabited.

The Bahamas is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The "Bahamas National Trust" on Andros Island, which protects the unique natural environment and biodiversity.

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Bahamas’s Key Historical Events

1,492

April 2014

Christopher Columbus makes his first landing in the Western Hemisphere in the Bahamas.

1718

July 2014

To put an end to the 'Pirates' republic,' Britain makes the Bahamas a crown colony.

1834

February 2015

Slavery is abolished in the British Empire, including the Bahamas.

1973

March 2015

The Bahamas becomes an independent nation.

2019

October 2016

Hurricane Dorian causes loss of life and widespread damage to the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama.

MOBILITY

Access Bahamas Residency Rights on the GlobalPassport™ Platform 

NO. OF Mobility Assets

3

MOBILITY

Citizenship Pathways and
Residency Requirements

Citizenship by Birth
Conditional
Citizenship by DESCENT
Yes
Citizenship by MARRIAGE
0 years
DUAL Citizenship
No
RESIDENCY BY Naturalization
6
PASSPORT VALIDITY
10 years, 5 years for children

MOBILITY

Passport Power

Visa Free Countries

132

Performance Class

World-Class Access

Passport Grade

A-

Rank

46

Score

165.5

This visa grants access to:

• 52% of the world's population 

• 75% of UNESCO sites 

• 83% of global GDP 

• 48% of the world's land area 

MOBILITY

Visa-free access to:

MOBILITY

Number of American Emigrants to Bahamas by Year 

Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Bahamas
1,901
1,908
1,914
2,694
3,474
4,097
4,647

MOBILITY

Compare My Passport

Select up to 3 Mobility Assets
Mobility Asset
Approval Time (est.)
Appointment Availability
Term (i.e. duration)
Minimum Investment
Physical Presence Requirement
Cost of Living
English Usage
Quality of Life
Healthcare Ranking
Passport Power
Visa-free Country Access
Number of American Expats
More Details

Rankings

Bahamas's Global Rankings 

The Bahamas shows remarkable strength in tax policy (#9) while maintaining premium living standards (#2). Our analysis reflects its distinctive position in global rankings across available metrics.

Exceptional performance
Standard performance
Needs Improvement
Rankings are based on 2023-2024 Global Indices and Assessments from recognized international organizations. Updated quarterly to reflect the most recent available data
2
Cost of Living
2024
Premium
Quality of Life
2024
Safety
2024
Happiness
2024
9
Tax Burden
2024
Minimal Load
English Proficiency
2023
50
Rule of Law
2024
Moderate
Healthcare System
2024
Pleasant Climate
2024

Healthcare

Healthcare Overview

Key Health Indicators

Median Age

34.6

years

Life Expectancy

74.7

years

Obesity Rate

32.10%

Tobacco Use

15.20%

Sources

Health care Indicators

Health Expenditure

7.14%

of GDP

Hospital Beds

2.96

per 1000 people

Doctors

1.9

per 1000 people

Out-of-pocket

24.46%

of total expenditure

Sources

Healthcare

Did you Know?

Affordable Private Healthcare Options

The Bahamas provides affordable private healthcare options, with many private hospitals offering specialized services at competitive prices.

Medical Tourism Destination

Due to its high-quality healthcare services and tropical location, the Bahamas is a growing medical tourism destination.

Comprehensive Private Clinics

Private clinics in the Bahamas offer a full range of medical services, providing both locals and expatriates with access to top-tier healthcare.

Healthcare for Expatriates

Expatriates living in the Bahamas can easily access the private healthcare system, with comprehensive insurance plans tailored to their needs.

Emergency Medical Evacuations

Emergency medical evacuation services are available for serious cases, allowing residents and visitors to receive specialized care abroad if necessary.

Healthcare

United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000 - 2021)

Healthcare

Healthcare Cost Calculator

cost of living

Cost of Living Overview

The Bahamas has a high cost of living, typical of popular island destinations. Tourist areas are significantly more expensive than residential zones. Housing costs are high, particularly in desirable locations. Food prices are steep, especially for imported goods. Utilities, notably electricity, are expensive. Transportation costs are moderate, but car rentals and taxis can be pricey.

Cost of Gasoline

$1.44

per liter

Cost of Meal

$40.00

(Inexpensive Restaurant)

Monthly Rent

$2,190.00

(1 bedroom, City Center)

Monthly Utilities

$350.85

(85m² Apartment)

Domestic Beer

$5.00

(0.5 liter draught)

VAT Rate

7.50%

cost of living

Cost of Living plus Rent Map

cost of living

Cost of Living Calculator

cost of living

Rent Calculator

Taxation

Taxation Overview

Understanding the tax system in the Bahamas is essential before relocating there.+The Bahamas does not impose personal income tax, making it an attractive destination for expatriates. However, a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 10% applies to most goods and services, along with property taxes. National Insurance contributions are required for employed persons. There is no specific tax identification system, but a National Insurance number is used for employment purposes.+The Bahamas does not have a double taxation treaty with the United States, but the absence of income tax generally minimizes double taxation concerns.

Tax Residency Requirement

90 days

Worldwide Income Taxation

No

Higher Rates for Foreign Assets

No

US Double Taxation Treaty

No

Personal Income

Progressive tax rate based on income levels

0.00%

Personal Capital Gains

Flat rate on investment gains

0%

Inheritance

Based on inherited amount and relationship

0%

Corporate Income

Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits

1.25%

Corporate Capital Gains

Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments

0%

Dividends

Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions

0%

Interest

Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens

0%

Royalties

Withholding tax rate for royalty payments

0%

Work Assignment

Foreign individuals become tax residents if they spend at least 90 days per year in the Bahamas and less than 184 days in any other country.

Overall Ranking

Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking

50

Ease of Paying Taxes Score

Overall score based on multiple factors

81.7

Total Tax and Cotribution Rate

TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions

33.8
%

Time to Comply

Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations

155
HOURS

Number of Payments

Total number of tax payments required annually

20

Post-filing Index

Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes

82.3
%

taxation

Tax Burden Map

taxation

Income Tax Calculator

No personal Income Tax

No personal Income Tax

CLIMATE

Climate Type

Tropical marine climate; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream

Average Temperature

25.58 °C

Humidity

78

%

Average Annual Precipitation

1,292

mm

Rainless Days per Year

271

Best Time to Travel

December-April

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaining Residency or Citizenship in the Bahamas

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in the Bahamas.

What Mobility Assets are available to me in the Bahamas?

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What language do they speak in the Bahamas?

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Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in the Bahamas with me?

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How will the GlobalPassport™ help me move to the Bahamas?

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Can I keep my own citizenship?

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