Bahamas
BHSThe Bahamas is one of the world's premier zero-tax jurisdictions, levying no income tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance or wealth tax on residents. This English-speaking archipelago of 700-plus islands sits 50 miles off Florida, offering quick US access alongside a stable, US-dollar-pegged economy. Nassau and Paradise Island host a thriving financial sector and luxury real estate market. A Permanent Residency permit is available to property investors (typically BSD 750,000+), granting indefinite stay with full tax-free status. Naturalisation requires ten years of continuous residence. The cost of living is high by Caribbean standards, and imported goods carry steep customs duties in lieu of income tax — the primary revenue mechanism. Hurricane exposure and crime in parts of Nassau are the main drawbacks for long-term residents.
Passport Rank
#28
Visa-Free
156
destinations
Country Details
- Capital
- Nassau
- Currency
- BSD
- Languages
- English
- Population
- 407,906
- Tax System
- No Income Tax
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
- Naturalisation
- 10 years
- Schengen / EU
- No
- Climate
- Tropical oceanic — warm year-round, hurricane season June–November
- English Proficiency Rank
- #1
Indices
Cost of Living
78
Safety
44
Healthcare
52
Quality of Life
133
Tax Summary
- Tax System
- No Income Tax
- Territorial Taxation
- No — worldwide income taxed for residents
- Naturalisation
- 10 years of legal residency
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
Cost of Living by City
← scroll the table →
| City | Rent 1BR centre | Rent outside | Groceries | Utilities | Transit pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nassau | $1,400 | $950 | $420 | $180 | Free |
| Freeport | $1,050 | $750 | $380 | $160 | Free |
| Marsh Harbour | $900 | $650 | $400 | $170 | Free |
Monthly USD figures. Typical central 1-bedroom rent, grocery basket for one, household utilities, monthly transit pass.
Climate
Nassau
Rainfall range: 36–175 mm/month · Daylight 11h (winter) to 13h (summer)
Visa Categories & Immigration Authority
Major Visa Categories
- Tourist
- Annual Residence
- Permanent Residence (Investor)
- BEATS Digital Nomad
- Work Permit
- Student
- Spouse
- Economic Permanent Residence
- Authority
- Department of Immigration
- Official Portal
- www.immigration.gov.bs
- Phone
- +1-242-322-7513
- info@immigration.gov.bs
Naturalisation Details
- Residence Years
- 10
- Language Test
- No
- Civic Test
- No
- Oath Required
- Yes
- Dual Allowed
- No
- Fee
- $250
- Processing
- ~18 months
Safety
GPI Rank
#91
Global Peace Index ranking (lower is safer)
Common Risks
- ⚠Jet-ski rental damage scams targeting tourists on Cable Beach and Paradise Island
- ⚠Taxi overcharging and unlicensed driver fraud at Nassau Lynden Pindling Airport
- ⚠Timeshare and vacation club high-pressure sales pitches in tourist zones
Examples of areas to avoid: Over-the-Hill (Bain Town / Grants Town) — elevated gang activity and petty crime after dark, Coconut Grove area of Nassau — higher street crime rates relative to tourist districts
Related Guides
Zero and low-tax residencies: the real list
Countries with zero personal income tax, territorial-only taxation, or special expatriate regimes — and what each one actually requires from you to qualify as a resident.
Exit tax: countries that charge you to leave
Country-by-country reference of departure taxes, deemed-disposition rules, and wealth-locking regimes that trigger when tax residency ends.
Sources & last verified
- Last verified 2026-06-15