Permits and Licences for Non-Residents - Bahamas Government
Source: https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/non-residents-permits-and-licences
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:13
Permits and Licences for Non-Residents - Bahamas Government
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Permits & Licences
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Permits & Licences
Non-Residents
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Regatta
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Home Coming
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Change of the Guard Ceremony
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Forts
Historical Sites
Art Galleries
National Parks
Museums
Blue Holes & Caves
Weather
Recreation and Sports
Cricket
Sailing and Regattas
Golf
Boxing
Rugby
Diving
Fishing
Working and Residing
Visas
Permits
Residency
Records and Official Documents
Birth Registration
Birth Certificate
Marriage Licence
Marriage Registration
Marriage Certificate
Certified Copy of a Deed or Document
Adoption Registration
Adoption Certificate
Legalization of Documents
passport
News and Press Release
Consumer Protection Information and Complaints
Immigration
Citizenship and Naturalization
Work Permits and Work Visas
Residency
Home Owners
All Permits Licences
Processing Plant Licence
This licence authorizes the processing of seafood on a land-based processing facility. Refer to "The Seafood Processing and Inspection Regulations, 2002" for more details.
Dog Licence Application
All dogs (three months and over) in The Bahamas should have a dog licence. This licence can be issued annually or on a periodic basis. There is a penalty of BS$40.00 for any unlicensed dog.
Establishing a Business in The Bahamas
The Commonwealth of The Bahamas welcomes International Investors who wish to establish a business in The Bahamas.
Extension of Temporary Business Licence, Applying for an
All businesses are required to be licensed under the Business Licence Bill 2010. Non-Bahamians applying to conduct a specific Business in the Bahamas for a period of time are required to apply for a Temporary Business Licence.
Building Inspection and Occupancy Certificate, Applying for a
An Occupancy Certificate is required for all new construction, additions, alterations and sheds where the owner desires to occupy any building.
Permission to purchase or acquire real property, Application for
A Permit to Acquire Property is required by all non-Bahamians acquiring an interest in land if the property is undeveloped land with two or more adjoining acres. A Permit is also required if the intended use is not as an owner-occupied property.
Sport Fishing Permit
A Sport Fishing Permit is a licence granted to authorize foreign-owned vessels to be engaged in sport fishing exercises while in Bahamian waters.
Sport Fishing Tournament Licence
A Sport Fishing Tournament Licence is granted to authorize the hosting of a sport fishing event or tournament within the waters of The Bahamas.
Theatre or Cinema, Licence to Operate a
Any premises to be used for the public performance of plays and showing of films must be granted a licence by The Bahamas Plays and Films Control Board.
Theatre or Cinema, Renewal of Licence to Operate a
All licences granted for the use of premises for the public performance of plays and showing of films remain in force for one year or such shorter period as specified in the licence
Theatre or Cinema, Transfer of Licence to Operate a
The Plays and Cinemas Control Board may transfer any licence granted to any person to another person on the application of that person or the holder of the licence.
Establishing a Time-Share Resort in The Bahamas
Persons, including Bahamians and Non-Bahamians, who are interested in constructing a new building, effecting any improvement in or repairs or alterations to an existing building or use or change the use of an existing building,
Special Permission to Enter The Bahamas, Applying for
The Department of Immigration maintains a “Restricted List”, which contains the names of persons who must seek special permission to enter the Bahamas. These are typically persons who would have been deported or removed from the Bahamas.
Investment Incentive Concessions, Applying for
The Commonwealth of The Bahamas welcomes International Inventors who wish to establish a business in The Bahamas. From time to time, the Government of The Bahamas offers targeted investment incentives for particular types of projects.
Permanent Residence, Applying for
Non-Bahamian nationals who are desirous of living and working in the Bahamas must seek authorization from the Department of Immigration to do so. This comes in the form of a Residence Permit.
Permit to Reside, Applying for a
Non-Bahamian nationals who are desirous of living for any purpose other than working in the Bahamas, must seek authorization from the Department of Immigration. This comes in the form of a Residence Permit, also commonly
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Dealer, Sub-Dealer and Installer Licence, Applying for
A Dealer / Sub-Dealer licence is required if anyone desires to conduct business in the LPG field with regard to storing, filling, selling or transporting liquefied petroleum gas.
Film and Television Production Permit
The Bahamas Film and Television Commission provides support and facilitation to production service representatives in and out of The Bahamas, who have film, television and other production projects, which can be executed in The Bahamas.
Temporary Business Licence, Applying for a
All businesses are required to be licenced under the Business Licence Bill 2010. A non-Bahamian applying to conduct a specific business in The Bahamas for a period of time is required to apply for a Temporary Business Licence.
Adoption Registration
Adoption is the permanent legal transfer of parental rights and responsibilities for a child from the natural birth parents to another adult known as the adopter.
Birth Registration
The law requires that a birth should be registered within 21 days from its occurrence at the Births and Deaths Section of the Registrar General’s Department.
Recording of Deeds and Documents
Bahamians can register their deeds and other legal documents at the Deeds and Documents Registry at the Registrar General’s Department.
Marriage Licence
Anyone wishing to be married in The Bahamas must first request a licence from the Registrar General’s Department. The legal age of marriage in The Bahamas is 18 years. A marriage licence is valid for three months.
Registering a Purchase or acquisition of Real Property
A non-Bahamian or a Permanent Resident, who acquires an interest in a condominium or property to be used by him/her as owner-occupied, or for construction of such a dwelling, must apply to the Secretary to the Investments Board to register the purchase.
Registering a Time-Sharing Purchase in The Bahamas
Persons, both Bahamians and Non-Bahamians, who have acquired an interest in a time share in The Bahamas must register the interest with the Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA). The interest is to be registered by the Developing Owner of
Short Term Work Permit, Applying for
Any non-Bahamian national wishing to work in The Bahamas for up to 90 days must apply for a short term work permit / visa from the Department of Immigration.
Quick Useful Links
The National Honours Society 2026 Call for Nominations
Budget Performance Reports
Budget Documents
Preparing Your Home and Family for a Hurricane
General Orders
Request for Expression of Interest
Hurricane Shelter Listing 2025
Install the BNEA APP
COVID-19 Frequent Asked Questions
Department of Labour’s Jobseekers Portal
Celebrate Bahamas
Load More
For Website Technical Support
Call and speak to a DICT Customer service agent.
+1 242 604 4688
Need to reach the DICT? Send us an email.
support@bahamas.gov.bs
Get in touch with our DICT support team.
get in touch
Explore frequently asked questions.
ask question
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Accessibility Tool
Content Adjustments
Adjust Font Size
-
Default
+
Highlight Links
Letter Spacing
Dyslexia Font
Color Adjustments
Monochrome
Tools
Mute/unmute
Big Cursor
Reading Guide
Permits & Licences
Home
Permits & Licences
Non-Residents
Permits and Licences
Visiting The Bahamas
Arrivals and Departures
About The Bahamas Currency
Gaming and Casinos
Getting Married in The Bahamas
Medical Facilities
Boating to The Bahamas
Bringing Pets
Vaccinations
Foreign Embassies and Consulates in The Bahamas
Visa Requirements
Dining and Nightlife
Culture
Regatta
Performing Arts
Native Dishes
Home Coming
Music
Change of the Guard Ceremony
Junkanoo
Festivals
Visitor Registration for the People to People Programme
Ambassador Registration for the People to People Programme
Places of Interest
Forts
Historical Sites
Art Galleries
National Parks
Museums
Blue Holes & Caves
Weather
Recreation and Sports
Cricket
Sailing and Regattas
Golf
Boxing
Rugby
Diving
Fishing
Working and Residing
Visas
Permits
Residency
Records and Official Documents
Birth Registration
Birth Certificate
Marriage Licence
Marriage Registration
Marriage Certificate
Certified Copy of a Deed or Document
Adoption Registration
Adoption Certificate
Legalization of Documents
passport
News and Press Release
Consumer Protection Information and Complaints
Immigration
Citizenship and Naturalization
Work Permits and Work Visas
Residency
Home Owners
All Permits Licences
Processing Plant Licence
This licence authorizes the processing of seafood on a land-based processing facility. Refer to "The Seafood Processing and Inspection Regulations, 2002" for more details.
Dog Licence Application
All dogs (three months and over) in The Bahamas should have a dog licence. This licence can be issued annually or on a periodic basis. There is a penalty of BS$40.00 for any unlicensed dog.
Establishing a Business in The Bahamas
The Commonwealth of The Bahamas welcomes International Investors who wish to establish a business in The Bahamas.
Extension of Temporary Business Licence, Applying for an
All businesses are required to be licensed under the Business Licence Bill 2010. Non-Bahamians applying to conduct a specific Business in the Bahamas for a period of time are required to apply for a Temporary Business Licence.
Building Inspection and Occupancy Certificate, Applying for a
An Occupancy Certificate is required for all new construction, additions, alterations and sheds where the owner desires to occupy any building.
Permission to purchase or acquire real property, Application for
A Permit to Acquire Property is required by all non-Bahamians acquiring an interest in land if the property is undeveloped land with two or more adjoining acres. A Permit is also required if the intended use is not as an owner-occupied property.
Sport Fishing Permit
A Sport Fishing Permit is a licence granted to authorize foreign-owned vessels to be engaged in sport fishing exercises while in Bahamian waters.
Sport Fishing Tournament Licence
A Sport Fishing Tournament Licence is granted to authorize the hosting of a sport fishing event or tournament within the waters of The Bahamas.
Theatre or Cinema, Licence to Operate a
Any premises to be used for the public performance of plays and showing of films must be granted a licence by The Bahamas Plays and Films Control Board.
Theatre or Cinema, Renewal of Licence to Operate a
All licences granted for the use of premises for the public performance of plays and showing of films remain in force for one year or such shorter period as specified in the licence
Theatre or Cinema, Transfer of Licence to Operate a
The Plays and Cinemas Control Board may transfer any licence granted to any person to another person on the application of that person or the holder of the licence.
Establishing a Time-Share Resort in The Bahamas
Persons, including Bahamians and Non-Bahamians, who are interested in constructing a new building, effecting any improvement in or repairs or alterations to an existing building or use or change the use of an existing building,
Special Permission to Enter The Bahamas, Applying for
The Department of Immigration maintains a “Restricted List”, which contains the names of persons who must seek special permission to enter the Bahamas. These are typically persons who would have been deported or removed from the Bahamas.
Investment Incentive Concessions, Applying for
The Commonwealth of The Bahamas welcomes International Inventors who wish to establish a business in The Bahamas. From time to time, the Government of The Bahamas offers targeted investment incentives for particular types of projects.
Permanent Residence, Applying for
Non-Bahamian nationals who are desirous of living and working in the Bahamas must seek authorization from the Department of Immigration to do so. This comes in the form of a Residence Permit.
Permit to Reside, Applying for a
Non-Bahamian nationals who are desirous of living for any purpose other than working in the Bahamas, must seek authorization from the Department of Immigration. This comes in the form of a Residence Permit, also commonly
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Dealer, Sub-Dealer and Installer Licence, Applying for
A Dealer / Sub-Dealer licence is required if anyone desires to conduct business in the LPG field with regard to storing, filling, selling or transporting liquefied petroleum gas.
Film and Television Production Permit
The Bahamas Film and Television Commission provides support and facilitation to production service representatives in and out of The Bahamas, who have film, television and other production projects, which can be executed in The Bahamas.
Temporary Business Licence, Applying for a
All businesses are required to be licenced under the Business Licence Bill 2010. A non-Bahamian applying to conduct a specific business in The Bahamas for a period of time is required to apply for a Temporary Business Licence.
Adoption Registration
Adoption is the permanent legal transfer of parental rights and responsibilities for a child from the natural birth parents to another adult known as the adopter.
Birth Registration
The law requires that a birth should be registered within 21 days from its occurrence at the Births and Deaths Section of the Registrar General’s Department.
Recording of Deeds and Documents
Bahamians can register their deeds and other legal documents at the Deeds and Documents Registry at the Registrar General’s Department.
Marriage Licence
Anyone wishing to be married in The Bahamas must first request a licence from the Registrar General’s Department. The legal age of marriage in The Bahamas is 18 years. A marriage licence is valid for three months.
Registering a Purchase or acquisition of Real Property
A non-Bahamian or a Permanent Resident, who acquires an interest in a condominium or property to be used by him/her as owner-occupied, or for construction of such a dwelling, must apply to the Secretary to the Investments Board to register the purchase.
Registering a Time-Sharing Purchase in The Bahamas
Persons, both Bahamians and Non-Bahamians, who have acquired an interest in a time share in The Bahamas must register the interest with the Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA). The interest is to be registered by the Developing Owner of
Short Term Work Permit, Applying for
Any non-Bahamian national wishing to work in The Bahamas for up to 90 days must apply for a short term work permit / visa from the Department of Immigration.
Quick Useful Links
The National Honours Society 2026 Call for Nominations
Budget Performance Reports
Budget Documents
Preparing Your Home and Family for a Hurricane
General Orders
Request for Expression of Interest
Hurricane Shelter Listing 2025
Install the BNEA APP
COVID-19 Frequent Asked Questions
Department of Labour’s Jobseekers Portal
Celebrate Bahamas
Load More
For Website Technical Support
Call and speak to a DICT Customer service agent.
+1 242 604 4688
Need to reach the DICT? Send us an email.
support@bahamas.gov.bs
Get in touch with our DICT support team.
get in touch
Explore frequently asked questions.
ask question
This site uses cookies to serve our services. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.
Okay, Thanks