Short Term Work Permit - Bahamas Immigration Department

Any non-Bahamian who desires to work in The Bahamas for a period ranging from 1 to 90 days must apply to the Department of Immigration for a Short Term Work Permit. The application should be submitted before the prospective employee arrives in The Bahamas.

Short-term work permits are meant for emergencies only and should be a one-time application. For example;

a) an Aircraft Mechanic coming to effect a repair to an airplane or equipment not exceeding two (2) weeks.

b) Auditors, Inspectors, and other Officers coming from a corporation’s headquarters outside The Bahamas for a stay of not more than three (3) or four (4) weeks in The Bahamas.

If an employer wishes to extend a short-term work permit beyond 30 days, and intends to employ the individual for a longer period, the application must be submitted with all relevant supporting documents required for either a Short-Term Work Permit (31–90 days) or a Long-Term Work Permit. In cases where the employer believes there is a valid reason for granting temporary permission on short notice, this justification must be clearly stated in the letter of request submitted with the application. If the urgency arises after the initial submission, a separate letter may be provided outlining the circumstances.

In such cases where individuals are coming to attend a Board of Directors meeting, a Disaster Preparedness meeting, or are part of the Trusted Traveller Programme (TTP) the company is required to notify the Director of Immigration in writing at least two (2) days prior to their arrival in The Bahamas. The notification should include details of the expected dates of travel and airline information. A copy of the biographical data page of each individual’s passport should also be submitted.

Short Term Work Permit Application Requirements:

For a period of one (1) to thirty (30) days duration:

  • $200.00 non-refundable processing fee (payable by credit/debit card, postal money order, or bank-certified cheque)
  • Letter of request addressed to the Director of Immigration
  • Duly completed Short-Term Work Permit Application Form. When applying online, this form is not needed.
  • Two (2) current passport photographs of the applicant on white background with the name printed on the back of the photo (captured within six (6) months of the application date; photo size must be 2 X 2 inches)
  • Copy of biographical data page of applicant’s current passport (must be signed and readable and with minimum two (2) months validity)
  • Copy of VALID business license, Certificate of Incumbency, or Certificate of Incorporation of Employer
  • Copy of Employee/Employer’s NIB Card/Certificate

For a period of thirty-one (31) to ninety (90) days:

  • Duly completed First Schedule Form 1 Application with a $10.00 Bahamian postage stamp affixed thereon (legible and notarized). When applying online, complete this form, but do not affix a postage stamp to it.
  • Applicant’s original police certificate (issued not earlier than six (6) months and must cover five (5) years of residence; required of applicants age 14 years old and older) or for the Extension of a STWP where the applicant is already in the country, a sworn affidavit of Good Character.
  • Applicant’s original medical certificate (dated not earlier than thirty (30) days before the application is submitted.

Additional Documents Required By Certain Companies (Please Inquire):

  • Certified copies of qualifications in relation to the post being applied for
  • Staff list comprising each employee’s name, position, and nationality
  • Name of Bahamian understudy for the position being applied for
  • Entertainers must have a letter of authorization from The Bahamas Musician & Entertainers Union or United Artists Bahamas Union
  • Doctors must have a letter of authorization from The Bahamas Medical Council
  • Nurses must have a letter of authorization from The Bahamas Nursing Council
  • Dentists must have a letter of authorization from The Bahamas Dental Council
  • Pharmacists must have a letter of authorization from The Bahamas Pharmacy Council
  • Accountants must have a letter of authorization from The Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants
  • Attorneys must have a letter of authorization from The Bahamas Bar Association
  • Veterinarians require a Valid Temporary Veterinary Registration from the Bahamas Department of Agriculture

All further correspondence should be addressed to:
Director of Immigration
P.O. Box N-831
Nassau, Bahamas

Please note that:
1. Certified translations in English are required for each foreign document submitted and should have a Bahamian $10.00 postage stamp affixed thereto.
2. Translations must be prepared by someone proficient in the relevant foreign language.
3. Persons applying for status in first instance should not be in the country during the processing of the application.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SHORT-TERM WORK PERMIT APPLICATION FOR 1 – 30 DAYS

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SHORT-TERM WORK PERMIT APPLICATION FOR 31 – 90 DAYS