Moving to Bahamas: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Bahamas: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 6 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In Bahamas the top income tax rate is 0%, dividends are taxed at up to 0% and companies pay 0% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
You can become tax resident in Bahamas from arrival once you take up residence (Permanent/annual residence permit + home; no tax residence test). The typical route is Economic Permanent Residency (US$1m) or Annual Residence Permit: EPR: US$1m real estate or CBB zero-coupon bonds held 10 yrs (US$1.5m for accelerated review), US$20k fee; Annual permit: homeowner, ~US$1k/yr There are 6 open residence programmes in Bahamas — see the list below.
Living there
Nassau has a tropical savanna (wet/dry) climate with winter highs around 25.4 °C and summer highs around 32 °C. The economy grew +2% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 1.8% for 2026. Its passport opens about 141 countries without a visa in advance. Security: No conflict; localised gang crime in Nassau.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 0% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 0% |
| Corporate tax | 0% |
| Skattemæssig bopæl | fra ankomst — Permanent/annual residence permit + home; no tax residence test |
| Deres vej | Economic Permanent Residency (US$1m) or Annual Residence Permit — EPR: US$1m real estate or CBB zero-coupon bonds held 10 yrs (US$1.5m for accelerated review), US$20k fee; Annual permit: homeowner, ~US$1k/yr |
| Pas | visumfri eller ved ankomst til 141 lande |
| Economic growth | +2% (2025), forecast 1.8% (2026) |
| Klimatype | tropical savanna (wet/dry) · 25.4° / 32° (Nassau) |
| Krig og konflikt | none — No conflict; localised gang crime in Nassau |
| Alle naturfarer | 6.8/10 |
| Bankernes styrke | 5.5/10 · BB- |
| Ejendomsbeskyttelse | 7/10 |
| Varme boliger om vinteren | 8.5/10 |
Residence programmes in Bahamas
- Economic Permanent Residence Certificate — Investering CHF 800'000 · open · 2026-10
- Annual Residence Permit (Permit to Reside) — independentMeans · open · 2026-10
- Home Owner's Resident Card — investment · open · 2026-10
- Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) — digitalNomad · suspended · 2026-10
- Annual Work Permit — employment · open · 2026-10
- Spousal Permit / Permanent Residence for Spouse of a Bahamian — family · open · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Bahamas to become tax resident?
fra ankomst. Permanent/annual residence permit + home; no tax residence test No income, gains or inheritance tax; PR fast-track for $1.5m+ property
How much tax will I pay in Bahamas?
In Bahamas the top income tax rate is 0%, dividends are taxed at up to 0% and companies pay 0% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Bahamas offer?
Economic Permanent Residence Certificate (CHF 800'000); Annual Residence Permit (Permit to Reside); Home Owner's Resident Card; Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS); Annual Work Permit
What is the usual way to move to Bahamas?
Economic Permanent Residency (US$1m) or Annual Residence Permit. EPR: US$1m real estate or CBB zero-coupon bonds held 10 yrs (US$1.5m for accelerated review), US$20k fee; Annual permit: homeowner, ~US$1k/yr
Compare with nearby countries
Anguilla · Antigua & Barbuda · Aruba · Barbados · Bermuda · British Virgin Islands · Cayman Islands · Curaçao · Dominica · Grenada · Montserrat · Saint Lucia
General information only — not tax, legal, immigration, investment or financial advice, and no client relationship. Figures are simplified, indicative and may be out of date. Always verify with the official authority and a licensed professional in the country concerned before acting. Partner links, if any, are marked and may earn us a fee.