Permanent Residence - Bahamas Immigration Department

A Certificate of Permanent Residence is a document of legal status, which is issued to an individual for the duration of his/her life, unless revoked, and gives him/her the right to reside and/or work.

 

 

Eligibility

The following categories of persons may apply for permanent residence:

  • Spouse of a Bahamian after 5 years of marriage, and whose marriage is subsisting and the couple cohabiting as husband and wife
  • Persons born legitimately outside of The Bahamas to a married woman, who is a citizen of The Bahamas, and whose husband is not a citizen of The Bahamas.
  • Financially independent individuals or investors who are legitimate owners of a residence in The Bahamas – please note that persons purchasing a residence for BSD $750,000.00 or more will get speedy consideration
  • Police and Prison Officers employed in the Government Service for a minimum of 10 years
  • Teachers employed in the Government Service or by charitable or religious institutions for a minimum of 10 years
  • Nurses employed in the Government Service or with private hospitals and healthcare facilities for a minimum of 10 years
  • Ministers of Religion / Priests after having been employed for a minimum of 20 years
  • Doctors / Medical professionals after having been employed for a minimum of 20 years
  • Persons who have held legal work permit status for more than twenty (20) consecutive years.
  • Persons who resided in the country for at least 10 and less than 20 years and who held a work permit in any of the scales 5 to 8.

Application Form(s) (click below for link to forms):

Certificate of Permanent Residence Application Requirements:

  • $200.00 non-refundable processing fee (payable by cash, credit/debit card, postal/money orders, or bank certified cheque)
  • Letter of request addressed to the Director of Immigration
  • Duly completed application form with Bahamian $10.00 postage stamp affixed thereon (legible & notarized)
  • Applicant’s original medical certificate (dated not earlier than 30 days before submission of the application. Required for every applicant)
  • Applicant’s original police certificate (issued not earlier than six (6) months and must cover five years of residence; required of applicants 14 years old and older)
  • Two (2) current passport photographs of the applicant on white background with name printed on the back of the photo (captured within six (6) months of application date; photo size must be 2 X 2 inches)
  • Copy of the biographical data page of applicant’s current passport (must be signed and readable with minimum of two (2) months validity)
  • Copy of biographical data page of spouse’s passport (must be signed and readable with two (2) months validity) [if applicable]
  • Copy of biographical data page of child(ren)’s passport (must be signed and readable with two (2) months validity) [if applicable]
  • Original birth certificate of the applicant (English translations and Bahamian $10.00 postage stamps affixed thereon) with the verification by the Consulate and authentication of the signature by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Two (2) character references from reputable persons or persons of good standing in the applicant’s community (please provide telephone contacts and email addresses along with the biographical page of passport)
  • Original birth certificate for applicant’s spouse
  • Original birth certificates for applicant’s children (if applicable) 
  • Certified copy of marriage certificate (English translations and Bahamian $10.00 postage stamp affixed thereon; if applicable)
  • Copy of any Naturalization for spouse (if applicable)
  •  Deed Poll (if applicable) (registered at Registrar General’s Office)
  • Proof of current immigration status (Work Permit/Permit to Reside, etc.)
  • Death Certificate/ divorce decree (if applicable)
  • Documentary proof of payment of Real Property Tax (if applicable)
  • Copy of conveyance  for residential property(ies) owned by the applicant in The Bahamas (if applicable)
  • School letters (where applicable) 
  •  Documentary proof of Adoption (registered at Registrar General’s Department) [if applicable]

Please note that:

  1. All documents issued from countries outside The Bahamas must be properly verified (by apostille or Legalization) and have the signature of authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before they can be submitted. An apostille is required for all birth, marriage, and death certificates issued by countries that are members of The Hague Apostille Convention. For a complete list of Hague Apostille Convention countries, please visit Hague signatories
  2. Certified translations in English are required for each foreign document submitted and should have a Bahamian $10.00 postage stamp affixed thereto.
  3. Translations must be prepared by someone proficient in the relevant foreign language