Investment
USD 1 Million Minimum
Qualifying routes are focused on approved real estate or official zero-coupon bonds.
Residence by Investment
The Bahamas Residence by Investment
An economic permanent residence pathway for applicants seeking lifetime residence through a qualifying investment.
This WIMA country profile summarizes the economic permanent residence framework, including investment routes, document requirements, family inclusion and post-approval maintenance points.
Caribbean
Lifetime Permanent Residence
No Minimum Stay
Program Snapshot
Economic Permanent Residence
Residence route based on an approved real estate investment or qualifying official zero-coupon bonds.
Minimum InvestmentUSD 1 million
Required Holding10 years
Status GrantedPermanent residence
Physical PresenceNo minimum stay
Family CoverageSpouse + dependents
Program Overview
Economic Permanent Residence
The Bahamas offers an economic permanent residence route for qualifying applicants and families who make and maintain an approved investment.
The current framework reflects the 2025 increase in the qualifying investment threshold and the 10-year holding requirement.
Status
Lifetime Residence
Approved applicants receive permanent residence status unless revoked under applicable law.
Presence
No Minimum Stay
The route does not impose a minimum physical presence requirement to maintain status.
Family
Family Endorsements
Spouse and dependent children may share the same residence status where eligible.
Investment Options
Qualifying Investment Routes
The economic permanent residence route is structured around a qualifying investment that must be maintained for at least 10 years from approval.
Approved Real Estate
A qualifying investment in real estate in The Bahamas. Property evidence should support value, ownership, tax assessment and payment records.
USD 1 millionOfficial Zero-Coupon Bonds
A qualifying investment in approved zero-coupon bonds under the official economic residence framework.
USD 1 millionRequirements
Eligibility and Evidence
Applicants should prepare identity, health, conduct, investment and fee evidence for a complete economic permanent residence submission.
Applications that do not meet fee and documentary deadlines may require reinstatement or further review.
| Requirement | Summary | Professional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying investment | Minimum USD 1 million in an approved route. | Threshold applies to economic permanent residence under the current framework. |
| Holding period | Maintain the qualifying asset for at least 10 years. | The holding period is a core condition of the economic route. |
| Real estate evidence | Provide title, sale, tax and valuation evidence where property is used. | Gifted property should not be relied on as a qualifying investment route. |
| Bond evidence | Provide documentary proof of qualifying zero-coupon bond purchase. | The evidence should confirm the required investment value. |
| Police clearance | Valid police clearance certificates are required. | Applicants should confirm date validity and coverage periods before filing. |
| Medical certificate | A recent medical certificate confirming good health is required. | Medical documentation must be current at the time of submission. |
| Family documentation | Spouse and dependent child documents are required where included. | Passports, photographs and relationship evidence should be prepared consistently. |
Program Benefits
Residence Benefits
The Bahamas route is reviewed for lifetime residence, no minimum stay requirement and a tax-neutral environment for eligible international families.
Lifetime Permanent Residence
Approved applicants receive a durable residence status in The Bahamas.
Simplified Entry
Permanent residence supports smoother entry and re-entry formalities.
Tax-Neutral Environment
The jurisdiction is known for no personal income, capital gains or inheritance taxes.
Long-Term Planning
Residents may later assess citizenship eligibility after 10 years of permanent residence.
Application Process
Process Overview
The process generally moves from route selection and document preparation to filing, due diligence, approval and certificate issuance.
Processing times vary. Applicants should confirm current fees, document standards and WIMA review procedures before submission.
Eligibility Review
Review applicant profile, family structure and qualifying investment route.
Investment Planning
Select approved real estate or official zero-coupon bond route.
Evidence Build
Prepare investment proof, identity records, medical certificates and police clearances.
Application Filing
Submit forms, supporting documents and required program fees.
Due Diligence
Authorities review conduct, investment evidence and eligibility materials.
Approval
Approved applicants receive permanent residence certification and family endorsements if applicable.
Maintenance
Maintain the qualifying asset for the required 10-year period.
Documents
Document Checklist
WIMA recommends treating the document build as an evidence file covering identity, conduct, health, investment and family eligibility.
Passport and Photos
Current passport bio pages and compliant passport photographs.
Medical Certificate
Recent certificate confirming good health for the applicant.
Police Clearance
Valid clearance evidence covering required residence periods.
Proof of Investment
Documentary proof matching the selected qualifying route.
Compliance
Post-Approval Focus
01
Hold Asset
Maintain the qualifying investment for at least 10 years.
02
Keep Records
Retain proof of ownership, tax records or bond purchase evidence.
03
Monitor Status
Track any changes to family endorsements or residence conditions.
04
Review Long-Term Options
Assess citizenship eligibility only after meeting separate legal requirements.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Bahamas Economic Permanent Residence route?
It is a permanent residence route for qualifying applicants and families who make an approved economic investment.
What is the minimum investment?
The current threshold is USD 1 million through approved real estate or qualifying official zero-coupon bonds.
How long must the investment be held?
The qualifying asset must be maintained for at least 10 years from approval.
Can family members be included?
Yes. Spouse and dependent children may be included where eligibility and documentation requirements are met.
Is there a minimum stay requirement?
No minimum stay or physical presence requirement is stated for maintaining economic permanent residence status.
Does residence guarantee citizenship?
No. Citizenship may be reviewed after 10 years of permanent residence, but naturalization is separate and not automatic.
WIMA country profiles are professional reference materials. Program thresholds, document standards, fees and procedures can change and should be verified before any application is prepared or submitted.
Professional Use
Review The Bahamas Route Carefully
Investment migration professionals should verify qualifying asset evidence, due diligence documentation, fee timing and family endorsement requirements before advising on any application.