Can foreigners buy property in the Bahamas?

About Can foreigners buy property in the Bahamas?

By the ULTIMATE The Bahamas Editorial Team

Site Editor: Tara de la Motte

The Bahamas is open to overseas buyers, and for most holiday homes the process is an administrative one. Here is what the Government of The Bahamas says, in plain English.

Register or apply?

Under the International Persons Landholding Act, a non-Bahamian who buys a condominium, or land or a home to use as their own residence, simply registers the purchase with the Secretary to the Investments Board. The government describes this as registering an acquisition without having to obtain prior approval. It applies to undeveloped land of less than two adjoining acres.

When you need a permit

A permit is required if the land is undeveloped and the purchase is two or more adjoining acres, or if the property will not be owner-occupied, for example a commercial or investment use. The Act is strict: a purchase that needs a permit but goes ahead without one is void. You will often see “five acres” in older guides. That was the figure in the original 1993 Act, and the current government pages say two.

For a home you will live in, you register the purchase. No prior approval is needed.

Living here

A non-Bahamian homeowner can apply for an annual homeowner’s resident card. Agencies such as Bahamas Realty also publish guides to immigration and permanent residency.

Before you buy

This is general information, not legal advice. Your Bahamian attorney normally handles the registration or permit application, so involve one from the start.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Can foreigners buy property in the Bahamas? before you go.