The Bahamas has been one of the steady cross-border-mover destinations in the Caribbean, with a residency framework that combines tourism-friendly visa policy with structured paths to permanent residence for genuine investors. In 2026 the relevant framework:
Main routes
Economic Permanent Residence - the headline route, tied to qualifying real-estate investment above defined thresholds. Accelerated processing available for higher-value investments. Confers permanent residence with conditions.
Annual Residence Permit - a renewable annual residence permit for individuals with appropriate financial means and Bahamian connection.
Work permits - through Bahamian employers in qualifying roles.
Spouse / family routes - through Bahamian spouses and family.
Investor / business owner permits - for active commercial investment with substance.
What the Bahamas offers
- No direct personal income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax
- Long-established residence programme with clear rules
- Stable political and legal environment
- High-quality natural environment and lifestyle
- US proximity and connectivity
- Established banking and professional services
What it doesn't offer
- A CBI programme (residency, not citizenship)
- Cheap relocation - Bahamas is a high-cost destination
- Easy access for cases without the financial profile
- The expat infrastructure of larger Caribbean peers in some service areas
Tax position
No direct income tax for residents. The fiscal framework is built around indirect taxes (VAT, customs duty, property tax, business licence fees). For genuine residents, the personal tax position is favourable. For non-resident-structured cases, the tax position depends on the home country.
Banking
Bahamian banking is professional and selective. Resident accounts are accessible with standard documentation. Non-resident accounts and structure accounts face the standard modern AML / CRS framework.
US-resident considerations
For US-resident cases considering the Bahamas:
- US citizenship and tax-person status are not changed by Bahamian residence
- US tax obligations continue
- FATCA reporting applies
- The "second home in the Bahamas" plan is realistic; the "exit US tax via Bahamian residence" plan is not, at least not on the basis of residence alone
How we coordinate Bahamas cases
- Confirm the financial profile fits Economic Permanent Residence or alternative.
- Choose the real estate or alternative investment route deliberately.
- Plan the family inclusion.
- Plan banking and substance.
- Plan tax residence separately, accounting for the prior country's rules.
The Bahamas works for genuine relocation cases that fit the financial profile. It is not a cheap or fast option.