Bahamas annual homeowner residence card

Key requirements

There is no published minimum property price for the homeowner card. Budget for stamp duty, real property tax, land registration, and legal fees beyond the card fees.

• Income we use for estimatesNot set in data
• SavingsNot modeled as required
• Accepted income typesSavings only, Passive income, Pension, Remote salary, Freelance income
• Remote work allowedYes
• Local employment allowedNo
• Health insuranceNot flagged in model
• Criminal record checkNot flagged in model
• Accommodation proofUsually required
• Bank accountNot flagged in model
• Processing (rough)Often a few weeks when ownership papers are complete

Fees and forms differ slightly between Nassau processing and overseas Bahamian missions. Confirm the current checklist with the Department of Immigration before you travel to file.

1. 1

   Confirm landholding rules for your lot

   Check acreage limits, whether you need an Investments Board permit, and that your deed will be registered before you apply for the card.

2. 2

   Buy and register the property

   Complete the purchase, pay stamp duty and real property tax, and register ownership with the Registrar General as a foreign owner.

3. 3

   Document the home on the property

   Gather proof that a dwelling exists, such as utility hookups, occupancy evidence, or inspection papers immigration accepts for your island.

4. 4

   Prepare passport photos and forms

   Collect two passport-size photos, the immigration application form, and passport copies for each applicant seeking the card.

5. 5

   Compile ownership and tax receipts

   Include deed or certificate of registration, stamp duty proof, and current real property tax payment records.

6. 6

   Write the request letter

   Submit the letter of request explaining that you seek an annual homeowner residence card as a registered foreign property owner.

7. 7

   Apply to the Director of Immigration

   File in Nassau or through a Bahamian mission with the processing fee and card fee. Keep banker’s draft or payment receipts.

8. 8

   Add spouse and minor children if needed

   Dependents can be endorsed on the owner’s card when travelling with the owner. Gather their passports and photos too.

9. 9

   Collect the annual card

   After approval, pick up the homeowner residence card and check names, validity dates, and endorsed dependents.

10. 10

    Renew each year while you keep the home

    Pay the annual renewal fee, show continued ownership and tax compliance, and reapply before expiry to keep smooth entry.

This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Bahamas immigration and landholding rules can change. Confirm fees and forms with the Department of Immigration and a Bahamian attorney before you buy or apply.

Pathway last reviewed: 2026-06-15

Citizenship & nationality

Most nationalities can register foreign land and apply for the homeowner card if they own a dwelling on the property. The card helps immigration formalities. It is not the same as Bahamian resident status.

• •You must register ownership under the International Persons Landholding Act before immigration will issue the card.
• •Purchases above five contiguous acres usually need an Investments Board permit before registration.
• •Immigration expects proof that a house exists on the land, not vacant land alone.
• •The card is valid for one year and renews annually while you keep the home and pay fees.
• •Spouse and minor children can be endorsed on the owner's card when travelling together.
• •Economic Permanent Residence is a separate route with a USD 1,000,000 investment threshold from January 2025.

Confirm the current fee schedule and checklist with the Department of Immigration or a Bahamian mission before you travel to file.

Best for

• •People planning to stay several years with a clear residence record
• •Anyone weighing tax context alongside lifestyle and logistics

Long-term path

• Permanent residence: No
• Citizenship: No

The homeowner card is an annual entry document, not a path to permanent residence. Keep tax and ownership records current for renewals.

Practical difficulty

medium

Rough guide only. Your case depends on papers, timing, and rule changes.

Medium because you must buy and register property correctly, prove a dwelling exists, and renew each year.