Blue Yonder

The Bahamas is located in one of the most idyllic tropical settings in the world offering many incentives to relocate permanently or to establish a second home. Luke Thomas jets off to find out more

The most advantageous conditions in the Bahamas have been created for wealthy individuals and their families to live and work in a tropical paradise where their assets are protected and their confidentiality guaranteed.

This maritime playground of 700 islands and cays became independent of Great Britain in 1973, and prospered thereafter, its laws and policies making it a wonderland in which foreigners could invest and live. Wealthy individuals and their families consider relocating to here for many reasons: a higher quality of life, an attractive business environment, retirement, tax neutrality and opportunities for business expansion.

The Bahamas affords those who choose to make it their home a politically and economically stable environment. A diverse range of modern real estate developments with all the modern conveniences, make it ideal for families along with a quality education system, characterised by international schools accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) and the Council of International Schools (CIS).

There’s also easy access to banking, healthcare and emergency services. Advanced infrastructure and services, access by way of modern airport facilities with nonstop flights to major US and international cities all make The Bahamas an attractive and welcoming option when considering a place to live and work.

Recognising the importance of a modern, progressive “national development-focused” immigration framework, the government has announced that it has approved a policy for the issuance of a tax residency certificate. This would be separate and apart from permanent residence status. The certificate, once issued, would be valid for a three-year term and subject to renewal with the holder having to demonstrate that they still meet the eligibility criteria.

The Bahamas offer international persons a pathway to permanent residency, which allows individuals to enter, live and work on the islands with an investment of $750,000 in a residential property.