Immigration
Annual Residency
Applying for a Permit to Reside
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 known as an Annual Permit.
Permamanent Residency
Applying for Permanent Residence
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. Permanent residence is a status issued to an individual for the duration of his/her life, unless revoked, and gives him/her the right to live and or work, but not the right to vote in The Bahamas.
Citizenship/Naturalization
Applying for Citizenship
Automatic Bahamian citizenship is given to persons who are:
Born in The Bahamas to married parents, with either parents
being a Bahamian citizen
Born to an un-married Bahamian female in or outside
of The Bahamas.
Born outside of The Bahamas to a married Bahamian male who
was not born outside The Bahamas.
Adopted by a married Bahamian male
Adopted by a single Bahamian female.
All other foreign nationals who wish to be afforded the rights, responsibilities, and privileges afforded to Bahamians, and qualify, must apply for citizenship.