Bermuda Is Calling

Bermuda’s new “Economic Investment Certificate and Residential Certificate Policy” allows non-Bermudian individuals who make a “qualifying investment” of at least BM$2.5 million in Bermuda to receive the right to live and work in Bermuda, along with a path to long-term residency after a five-year period.

Boasting abundant natural beauty and an enviable lifestyle, the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda has long been well-known for its civility and charm alongside its political and economic stability, competitive tax and trust regimes, convenient location and privacy. Until recently however, government rules stipulated that non-Bermudian purchasers of real estate in Bermuda required a separate permit to work in Bermuda and must re-apply each year for a residency permit. Now, in a significant development, the government has instituted a new policy which makes it possible for investors in Bermuda residential real estate to experience the advantages of island living whilst also receiving automatic approval to work in the businesses in which they invest and a path to indefinite residency.

Who Will Benefit From the New Policy?

Unlike the regime that the new policy replaces, which was primarily focused on attracting retirees to Bermuda who were then barred from employment, the government’s Economic Investment Certificate and Residential Certificate Policy should primarily benefit those high-net-worth individuals looking for a favourable jurisdiction in which to relocate both their family and business.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an Economic Investment Certificate (EIC), an applicant must make a “Qualifying Investment” of at least BM$2.5 million in one or more of the following classes:

• Residential or commercial real estate in Bermuda;
• A Bermuda-based business;
• Bermuda Government bonds;
• The Bermuda Sinking Fund or Trust Fund;
• A Bermuda-registered charity in the areas of sports development, youth, seniors and health; or
• Such other social or useful ventures that benefit Bermuda, Bermudians and things Bermudian as may be determined by the Minister responsible for immigration.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have not been convicted of an indictable or dishonesty offence, of good character and in compliance with the Bermuda Department of Health requirements and protocols. Persons already residing in Bermuda who satisfy the criteria can also apply.

An application fee of BM$2,625 is payable; and the Government of Bermuda has partnered with the Bermuda Business Development Agency to offer a concierge service to facilitate the submission and approval process.

Ongoing requirements for successful EIC applicants include the obligation to maintain the “Qualifying Investment” for at least five years and that the applicant resides in Bermuda for at least 90 days in each of the five years following the grant of the EIC.