🇧🇸 How to Apply for the Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa
The Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa, also known as Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS), is paving the way for remote workers looking for “the island life.” And with 700 pristine islands, there is plenty of island living to be had.
The BEATS program grants a one-year visa, with the possibility to extend for two additional years, and an added bonus is the program doesn’t have a minimum income requirement.
This article will summarise the five most important steps when applying for the Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa. So let’s get started.
Before you depart, make sure you're covered...
Lau
What is a Digital Nomad Visa
A digital nomad visa is a work or residency visa explicitly designed to enable digital nomads to stay and work in the country for an extended period.
This visa is becoming increasingly popular, especially among digital nomads who are looking for a different lifestyle with flexibility, freedom, and opportunities. With a digital nomad visa, you have the freedom to choose where you want to live and the kind of lifestyle you want to have.
Requirements for the Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa
đź“„ Valid Travel Document
Your passport must remain valid throughout your visa to be considered eligible.
đź’¶ Proof of Remote Income
You must be able to prove sufficient income from either:
- Valid working contract with a foreign company
- Owning a business with clients outside the country
- Becoming an independent freelancer and earning an income through providing services to international customers.
đźš‘ Medical Insurance
This must be certified from your home country.
5 Most Important Steps when Applying for the Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa
đź’Ą Step 1: Gather all the required documents
To get the visa application process started, be sure to gather all of your supporting documents. Please refer to the following documents below for a list of items you’ll need to collect.
❗️ Required Documents
- Copy of Passport - For yourself as well as your spouse and every dependent you’re applying with (if applicable)
- Remote Work Verification - Including self-employment outside the Bahama. These could include freelancing contracts, employment verification letters, proof of company ownership or partnership declarations.
- Document of Health Insurance Protection - For yourself as well as your spouse and every dependent you’re applying with (if applicable)
✔️ Step 2: Submit an online application
You can fill in your online application form on the official Bahama BEATS website.
⏳ Step 3: Wait for Approval
Within five business days, the immigration officer will make a conclusive decision to either approve or deny your application.
đź’° Step 4: Pay the Permit Fee
Upon acceptance of the application, the applicant will be notified via email and prompted to complete payment. The cost of a Work Remotely permit is $1,000 for the primary earner in the household plus an additional $500 per dependent.
âś… Step 5: Receive an Electronic QR Code Permit
After successful payment, the applicant will receive a confirmation QR code to show upon arrival to the Bahamas. That’s it; you’re ready for your island adventure. 🥳
The Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa at a Glance
For those of you who like summary tables, we've put the most important information on Bahamas's Digital Nomad Visa below.
Income Requirement None Duration of Visa One year (possible to extend two years) Cost of Visa $1,000 Processing Time 5 days Family Allowed on Visa Yes, with an additional fee of $500 per dependent Ease of Applying 10/10 Tax Obligations None
How Long Can I Stay with The Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa?
Compared to the Bahamas Tourist Visa, which can only grant you a stay of 90 days, the residence permit allows you to stay up to one year of residency. After its initial duration, the visa may be extended twice, allowing for a total of 3 years’ stay.
🥥 Why the Bahamas is a great place for Remote Workers
The Bahamas is an awesome destination for digital nomads who want to explore a unique culture, soak up the sun, and make the most of the stunning islands.
With its duty-free zones and friendly tax policies, the Bahamas is the perfect place to pursue a freelance career or start a business. Whether you're remote working from one of the cities or living and working from your island getaway, there are tons of options to stay connected and comfy.
The Caribbean lifestyle can bring inspiration and peace of mind, allowing you to concentrate on growing your business and achieving your goals.
The internet in the Bahamas is generally reliable and fast. Most areas, including major cities, have access to a high-speed connection, ranging from 1 Mbps up to 100 Mbps.
Additionally, there are a variety of coworking spaces available in the Bahamas suited to digital nomads.
Time to start packing!
Lau
F.A.Q
Can I work remotely from the Bahamas?
Yes, you can work remotely from the Bahamas with a Work Remotely permit, available to individuals and families.
What documents do I need to apply for a Work Remotely Permit?
You must submit a valid passport, proof of employment or self-employment and a Medical Insurance Card to obtain a Work Remotely permit.
Who qualifies for a digital nomad visa?
To qualify for a digital nomad visa, you must be over 18 years of age and have employment or self-employment and medical insurance.
How much does the Work Remotely Permit cost?
The cost of a Work Remotely permit is $1,000 for the primary earner in the household plus an additional $500 per dependent.
Is it difficult to get a digital nomad visa?
Getting a digital nomad visa is relatively easy if you meet all requirements, such as employment or self-employment and medical insurance.
How long does it take to get a Bahamas visa?
Within five business days, the Bahamian department will make a conclusive decision to either approve or deny your application.
What Are The Income Requirements For The Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa?
In contrast to most other countries with similar visas, the BEATS program does not have a minimum income requirement, though applicants must prove that they can support themselves for up to 12 months.
Do you have to pay income taxes whilst on a digital nomad visa in the Bahamas?
As a remote worker in the Bahamas, you are exempt from paying income and capital gain taxes. However, you must pay value-added taxes (VAT) when purchasing goods and services.