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THE CITIZENSHIP DESK

Bahamas

BHS

The 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 →

Monthly cost of living per major city in USD: rent, groceries, utilities, transit pass
CityRent 1BR centreRent outsideGroceriesUtilitiesTransit pass
Nassau$1,400$950$420$180Free
Freeport$1,050$750$380$160Free
Marsh Harbour$900$650$400$170Free

Monthly USD figures. Typical central 1-bedroom rent, grocery basket for one, household utilities, monthly transit pass.

Climate

Nassau

22°J
22°F
23°M
25°A
27°M
29°J
30°J
30°A
29°S
27°O
25°N
23°D

Rainfall range: 36175 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
Email
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

Sources & last verified

  • Last verified 2026-06-15