Bahamas•North AmericaPermanent Residence Certificate
At a Glance
Varies
USD $20,000
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
Identify investment opportunity
Select real estate property ($750,000+) or Central Bank Zero Coupon Bonds ($1 million+)
Secure investment
Complete property purchase or bond acquisition to secure minimum $1 million investment
Prepare application
Compile documentation including investment proof, criminal background check, medical evaluation
Obtain police certificate
Get criminal background clearance from country of residence
Medical examination
Complete medical screening
Submit application
File complete application to Department of Immigration
Attend interview
Interview scheduled within 2-3 months of application submission
Final processing
Application decision made, can take 6-18 months total
Receive residency certificate
Permanent residency certificate issued upon approval
Related visas
More visas in Bahamas
Family visas in other countries
- Adopted Child Visa
United Kingdom
- Child Visa (Subclass 101)
Australia
- Dependency Visa (Multiple Entry)
Dominican Republic
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