Non-Bahamian nationals who are desirous of living for any purpose other than working in the Bahamas, must seek authorization from the Department of Immigration.  This comes in the form of a Residence Permit, also commonly known as an Annual Permit.


Eligibility 

Any non-Bahamian who is:

  • Attending school, college or university; or
  • A dependent of someone who is legally authorized to reside in the Bahamas, Bahamian or non-Bahamian. (Dependents may be spouses, or children under the age of 18)
Process 
  1. Complete application form
  2. Attach the completed notarised form to the supporting documents
  3. Submit to the Department of Immigration
Application Form(s) 

First Schedule Form I (Questions 1 to 20 & 30 to 35)

Supporting Documents 
  • A letter of request addressed to the Director of Immigration
  • A copy of the bio-data page of the applicant's passport
  • 2 passport-sized identical colour photographs of the applicant, with the applicant’s name printed on the reverse side (photographs must not be more than 6 months old)
  • A police certificate of character covering 5 years’ residence in The Bahamas (issued not more than six months prior to the submission of the application)
  • A medical certificate dated not more than 30 days prior to the submission of the application
  • 2 written character references
  • Marriage certificate (married persons)
  • Spouse’s death certificate (widowed persons)
  • Divorce decree (divorcees)
  • Financial statements from the applicant’s financial institution showing proof of financial support, indicating a figure range
  • $10.00 Bahamian Stamp affixed to application

 

Turn-around time 
Once the actual application has been accurately and completely submitted, applicant should contact the Inquiries Unit @ 502-0550 for an update of the status of the application within a 3 to 4 week period.
Deadline 
There is no deadline for this service.
Related Fee(s) 

There is a non-refundable processing fee of BS$100.00

For more information please contact 

New Providence

Department of Immigration
Hawkins Hill
P. O. Box N-831
Nassau, N.P.
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 322-7530/9
Fax.(242) 326-0977
Email: immigration@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Abaco

Department of Immigration
Marsh Harbour Airport
Abaco
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 361-5000, 367-2536 / 2675, or 365-8604
Fax.(242) 367-4955
Email: immigration@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Department of Immigration
Walkers Cay
Abaco
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 352-5252
Email: immigration@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Andros

Department of Immigration
Fresh Creek
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 368-2031
Vibe. (242) 225-9382
Email: immigration@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Department of Immigration
North Andros
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 329-4466
Vibe. (242) 225-9208
Email: immigration@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Bimini

Department of Immigration
Alice Town Office
Alice Town
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 347-3446
Vibe. (242) 225-2406
Email: immigration@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Berry Island

Department of Immigration
Great Harbour Cay
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 367-8112 or (242) 368-2031
Fax. (242) 367-8567
Email: immigration@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Eleuthera

Department of Immigration
Rock Sound
Eleuthera
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 334-2055
Fax.(242) 335-1858
Email: immigration@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Department of Immigration
Government Harbour
Eleuthera
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 332-2576
Vibe. (242) 225-9788
Fax. (242) 332-3771
Email: immigration@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Department of Immigration
Airport
Eleuthera
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 332-2604
Email: immigration@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Department of Immigration
North Eleuthera
Eleuthera
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 335-1124
Vibe. (242) 225-2408 / 9162
Email: immigration@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Exuma

Department of Immigration
Exuma
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 336-2569
Vibe.(242) 225-1349
Fax.(242) 336-3569
Email: immigration@bahamas.gov.bs
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Department of Immigration
Airport
Exuma
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 345-0073
Email: immigration@bahamas.gov.bs
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Grand Bahama

Department of Immigration
Main Office
Freeport
Grand Bahama,
The Bahamas
Tel. (954) 654-7137
Vibe. (242) 225-8768
Email: immigration@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Department of Immigration
Airport
Grand Bahama,
The Bahamas
Tel. (954) 654-7052
Vibe. (242) 225-8660
Email: immigration@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Inagua

Department of Immigration
Airport
Inagua
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 336-1602
Email: immigration@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Department of Immigration
Office
Inagua
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 339-1234
Vibe.(242) 225-9701
Email: immigration@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Department of Immigration
Customs
Inagua
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 339-1254
Email: immigration@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

San Salvador

Department of Immigration
Office
San Salvador
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 331-2100
Fax.(242) 339-2431 or 331-2431
Email: immigration@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

 
Agency Contact Info
 
Immigration, Department of
Hawkins Hill
P. O. Box N-831
Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas
immigration@bahamas.gov.bs
Phone: (242) - 322-8504
322-7530
Fax: (242) - 326-0977
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