Business & Investment
In earlier centuries, the Bahamas was a favourite haunt of pirates and buccaneers. Today, the Bahamas is one of the world's preferred jurisdictions for the wealthy and famous. Its close proximity to Miami, Florida (45-minute flying time) ensures that good air connections link the country to the United States and the rest of the world.
The Bahamas has for more than 280 years been an uninterrupted parliamentary democracy, which makes it one of the most stable countries in the world. The Bahamas was a British colony until it gained independence in 1973. It is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The Head of State of the Bahamas is HM King Charles III, represented by a Governor General. The country provides an attractive place to do business and make investments due to its advanced and business-friendly legislation. |
Cruise Ships in Nassau Harbour
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Stable Economy
The Bahamas is home to about 400 licensed banks and trust companies with total assets under management of about US$ 200 billion. The economy relies heavily on tourism and financial services. The Bahamas has a pool of highly skilled workers due to these developed industries. The World Bank has rated the Bahamas as the most economically prosperous Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.
Tax
The Bahamas adheres to international standards of transparency and tax information exchange. The government has brought into force the International Tax Cooperation Act, of 2010, and concluded twenty-two tax information exchange agreements. The Bahamas and Australia have signed a Tax Information Exchange Agreement.
Major Foreign Investors
Among major foreign investments in the Bahamas are the Grand Bahama container port by Hong Kong's Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH); The Westin and Sheraton resorts at Lucaya by Hutchson Lucaya Ltd; the Atlantis, Paradise Island, mega-resort by Kerzner International Ltd; the Wyndham Nassau Resort and Crystal Palace Casino and Convention Centre, Sheraton Cable Beach Resort and Nassau Beach Hotel by the Baha Mar Development Co; Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort & Spa, by Sandals resorts; SuperClubs Breezes Bahamas, by SuperClubs SuperInclusive Resorts; and the British Colonial Hilton Nassau, by Adurion Investment Management.
Establishing a Business in the Bahamas
All non-Bahamians or permanent residents seeking to do business in the Bahamas must submit a project proposal to the Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA). The BIA operates from the Office of the Prime Minister. It has been designed to simplify investing in the Bahamas, cut red tape and lay out the red carpet for investors. Interested persons must:
For more information please contact:
The Bahamas is home to about 400 licensed banks and trust companies with total assets under management of about US$ 200 billion. The economy relies heavily on tourism and financial services. The Bahamas has a pool of highly skilled workers due to these developed industries. The World Bank has rated the Bahamas as the most economically prosperous Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.
Tax
The Bahamas adheres to international standards of transparency and tax information exchange. The government has brought into force the International Tax Cooperation Act, of 2010, and concluded twenty-two tax information exchange agreements. The Bahamas and Australia have signed a Tax Information Exchange Agreement.
Major Foreign Investors
Among major foreign investments in the Bahamas are the Grand Bahama container port by Hong Kong's Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH); The Westin and Sheraton resorts at Lucaya by Hutchson Lucaya Ltd; the Atlantis, Paradise Island, mega-resort by Kerzner International Ltd; the Wyndham Nassau Resort and Crystal Palace Casino and Convention Centre, Sheraton Cable Beach Resort and Nassau Beach Hotel by the Baha Mar Development Co; Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort & Spa, by Sandals resorts; SuperClubs Breezes Bahamas, by SuperClubs SuperInclusive Resorts; and the British Colonial Hilton Nassau, by Adurion Investment Management.
Establishing a Business in the Bahamas
All non-Bahamians or permanent residents seeking to do business in the Bahamas must submit a project proposal to the Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA). The BIA operates from the Office of the Prime Minister. It has been designed to simplify investing in the Bahamas, cut red tape and lay out the red carpet for investors. Interested persons must:
- be non-Bahamian
- have a minimum investment of BS$500,000
- be interested in an area that isn't reserved for Bahamian's.
For more information please contact:
Bahamas Investment Authority
2nd Floor Cecil Wallace-Whitfield Centre West Bay Street Nassau, New Providence The Bahamas |
Tel: +1 242 327 58269
Fax: +1 242 327 5806 Email: [email protected] Website: www.bahamas.gov.bs/bia Resource: BIA Project Proposal Form |
Areas Targeted for International Investors
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Areas Reserved for Bahamian Nationals Only
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If investors are interested in areas not included in the above two lists, they are encouraged to bring their interest to the attention of the BIA.
The consulate is also here to provide assistance with any of your business and investment questions and introduction needs.
The consulate is also here to provide assistance with any of your business and investment questions and introduction needs.
Investment Incentives
The Bahamas offers a range of investment incentives for those who invest in hotels, free trade zones, export manufacturing, etc. To learn more visit the Government's Investment Incentives page.
Acquiring Real Estate
Foreign real estate ownership is permitted. A foreigner who purchases a home in the Bahamas can now simply apply to the Secretary of the Investment Board, which will register the purchase and issue a Certificate of Registration. Larger purchases involving acreage requires a permit via the Bahamas Investment Authority.
The Bahamas offers a range of investment incentives for those who invest in hotels, free trade zones, export manufacturing, etc. To learn more visit the Government's Investment Incentives page.
Acquiring Real Estate
Foreign real estate ownership is permitted. A foreigner who purchases a home in the Bahamas can now simply apply to the Secretary of the Investment Board, which will register the purchase and issue a Certificate of Registration. Larger purchases involving acreage requires a permit via the Bahamas Investment Authority.
Relevant Links
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Visa and Travel Advice
Australian citizens holding a valid Australian passport are able to visit the Bahamas for 3 months visa free. Passports should be valid for six months from the date of departure from The Bahamas. If traveling on a non-Australian passport please consult the following lists:
Australian citizens holding a valid Australian passport are able to visit the Bahamas for 3 months visa free. Passports should be valid for six months from the date of departure from The Bahamas. If traveling on a non-Australian passport please consult the following lists:
- Who does not need a visa to enter The Bahamas
- Who needs a visa to enter The Bahamas. Travelers on this list are able to lodge an online visa application at the UK Visa Application site where visa's for some Commonwealth countries such as the Bahamas can be applied for online. Phone and email support for lodging or following up a visa needs to be made via the international contact center. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance to avoid any delays.