Bahamas•North AmericaShort-Term Work Permit
At a Glance
Varies
USD $1,500
Varies (Renewable annually. Holders can apply for permanent residency after sufficient tenure.)
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Emergency work permit for non-Bahamians to work in the Bahamas for 1 to 90 days, intended as a one-time application for situations like aircraft repairs or corporate audits.
The Short-Term Work Permit is an emergency-based authorization designed for non-Bahamian nationals who need to perform specific, time-limited work within The Bahamas. This permit is strictly intended for short-term engagements ranging from 1 to 90 days, such as urgent technical repairs, specialized inspections, or brief professional consultations that cannot be filled by the local labor force. It serves as a one-time, expedited solution for employers requiring immediate expertise from abroad for a defined, temporary period.
To be qualifying, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have secured a specific job offer from a Bahamian employer. The application process requires a non-refundable fee of USD 1500 and the submission of comprehensive documentation, including a formal letter of request from the employer, proof of the employer's business license, and valid travel documents. Additionally, applicants must provide evidence of health insurance coverage to ensure they are protected during their stay. As this permit is for emergency purposes, it is not a pathway to long-term residency or permanent employment.
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Intended for emergency or short-term project-based work (1 to 90 days).
Must be applied for before the employee arrives in the Bahamas.
Employer must provide a clear justification for the urgency or temporary nature of the work.
Applicant must meet standard health and character requirements.
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
Experience
1+ years
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport
Passport photographs
Medical certificate
Police certificate
Employment references
Educational certificates
Employment contract (sponsor)
Company registration (sponsor)
Financial statements (sponsor)
Organizational chart (sponsor)
Newspaper advertisements (sponsor)
Labour certificate (sponsor)
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Faster processing time compared to annual permits (typically 7-14 business days).
- Ideal for specialized technical tasks, audits, or emergency repairs.
- Less administrative burden than the full annual permit process.
Worth Knowing
- Strictly intended for one-time, short-term use.
- Not a substitute for long-term employment; extensions are subject to strict scrutiny.
- Must be applied for before arrival; working without the permit is illegal.
Application Process
Secure employment
Obtain formal job offer from Bahamas employer with contract duration
Obtain medical certificate
Get medical examination within 30 days of application
Obtain police certificate
Get police clearance from country of residence covering 5 years
Advertise position
Employer must advertise position in local newspapers before hiring foreigner
Obtain labour certificate
For some fee scales, obtain labour certificate from Department of Labour (as of Sept 1, 2025)
Prepare application
Complete First Schedule Form 1 with all required documentation
Submit application
Employer submits to Department of Immigration with fee
Await processing
Application reviewed over 8-12 weeks
Receive permit
Work permit issued upon approval
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