What paperwork do you need after moving to the Bahamas in 2026?

Confirm you hold the right product for your purpose before you treat a job offer or long lease as settled: Residence or work permit. Visitor extensions, Permit to Reside, homeowner residence cards, annual work permits, and permanent residence are different files. Authenticate foreign civil papers in the issuing country when Immigration, schools, or employers ask for Apostille packs: Apostille documents.

Secure a lease or other address evidence landlords and agencies accept: How to rent a home. Get a local mobile number early for OTPs and callbacks. If you will work, register with the National Insurance Board as soon as employment starts so payroll and NHI enrolment can proceed.

Choose health cover that matches your status: NHI primary care for eligible legal residents with an NIB Smart Card, plus private hospital cover for specialists and emergencies: Choose health insurance and Healthcare costs. Open a bank account once KYC accepts your Immigration and address evidence. Convert your overseas driver licence through Road Traffic if you will drive on the left.

Pets need import permits and veterinary timing before the flight: Bring pets. A household container clears through Bahamas Customs with Home Consumption entries; returning-resident concessions do not automatically apply to new foreign movers: Import household goods. Keep one folder with passport copies, Immigration grant letters, NIB Smart Card, lease, and insurance certificates so Nassau and Family Island desks see the same story.