Permanent Residence Certificate
BahamasBahamas•North America
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Permanent Residence Certificate

Residency Pathway PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

USD $20,000

Stay Duration

10 years

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Overview

Permanent residence granted to spouses of Bahamians after 5 years of marriage, children of Bahamian women, long-serving government workers, and long-term work permit holders with 10-20+ years of residence.

The Permanent Residence Certificate is a long-standing immigration status that provides foreign nationals with the right to live in The Bahamas indefinitely. While various pathways exist, a primary route is through marriage to a Bahamian citizen, which allows spouses to apply for this status after five years of marriage. This certificate fills the gap for those who have established deep personal and family roots in the country, offering a more permanent and stable alternative to annual residency permits or work-based visas.

This certificate is intended for individuals who have integrated into Bahamian society, particularly spouses of Bahamians and certain long-term residents. Ideal applicants are those who have maintained a legal presence for the required period and can demonstrate good character. It is distinct because it grants the holder the right to reside permanently without the need for frequent renewals, providing a secure foundation for those building a life, family, or retirement in The Bahamas, though it does not automatically confer the right to vote.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be the spouse of a Bahamian citizen.

Marriage must be subsisting for at least 5 years.

Couple must be cohabiting as husband and wife.

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Must be of good character.

Must intend to reside permanently in The Bahamas.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Police certificate

Medical certificate

Passport photographs

Bank statements

Employment history

Family documentation

Investment documentation (sponsor)

Proof of ownership (sponsor)

Financial statements (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Grants the right to reside permanently in The Bahamas for life.
  • Allows the holder to work (subject to specific conditions).
  • Spouse and minor children can be endorsed on the certificate.
  • Provides long-term stability and legal status in the country.

Worth Knowing

  • Does not confer citizenship or the right to vote.
  • Status can be revoked under serious grounds defined in the Immigration Act.
  • Processing times can be lengthy (several months).
  • Requires proof of a genuine, subsisting marriage.

Application Process

1

Identify investment opportunity

Select real estate property ($750,000+) or Central Bank Zero Coupon Bonds ($1 million+)

2

Secure investment

Complete property purchase or bond acquisition to secure minimum $1 million investment

3

Prepare application

Compile documentation including investment proof, criminal background check, medical evaluation

4

Obtain police certificate

Get criminal background clearance from country of residence

5

Medical examination

Complete medical screening

6

Submit application

File complete application to Department of Immigration

7

Attend interview

Interview scheduled within 2-3 months of application submission

8

Final processing

Application decision made, can take 6-18 months total

9

Receive residency certificate

Permanent residency certificate issued upon approval

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Economic Permanent Residency Application Form—

Related visas

Family visas in other countries

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