➡ 2024 UPDATE
The Bahamas, conveniently located near Miami, offers easy access to the USA and broader international connectivity. Its favorable time zone aligns well with business hours in North and South America, making it ideal for those with clients across these regions. The Bahamas has introduced the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS), a Digital Nomad Visa, to attract remote workers and students. The application process for BEATS is straightforward and entirely online, and it even includes provisions for students to study remotely and access University of The Bahamas facilities. Unlike other programs, BEATS encourages exploring the country’s 16 major islands without requiring fixed accommodation, providing flexibility and promoting tourism across the Bahamas.
Nomad Visa Bahamas 2024
The Bahamas stands as an idyllic tropical sanctuary on the planet. For those who have fantasized about living in the Caribbean, the Bahamas offers a perfect setting for remote work.
Situated in a time zone that aligns well with the Americas, the Bahamas emerges as an excellent destination for digital nomads, especially Americans. The proximity to Miami and the US mainland facilitates easy communication and travel for those who need to stay connected with clients in the USA and South America.
As urban centers grow increasingly congested and hectic, a significant shift is occurring: individuals from all walks of life are opting to become location-independent. The appeal of working from abroad is attracting both young and seasoned freelancers, transcending age and social barriers.
In response to this growing trend, the Bahamas introduced the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) program two years ago. This initiative allows remote workers to reside and work from any of the nation’s 16 islands for up to 12 months, with the possibility of renewing the visa twice, extending their stay to a total of up to three years. This allows them to fully immerse themselves in the Caribbean lifestyle.
Overview of the Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa (BEATS)
- Duration: No minimum stay required.
- Eligibility: Open to citizens from the USA, Canada, the EU, and Britain without the need for an additional travel visa.
- Financial Requirements: While there is no minimum income requirement, having a steady monthly income is advisable to manage living expenses in the islands.
The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic has broadened opportunities for remote working, potentially bolstering economies like the Bahamas’, which primarily rely on tourism. The influx of remote workers can provide a stable economic boost by diversifying the sources of income beyond just tourism.
Eligibility and Application for BEATS Foreign professionals are eligible to apply for BEATS, and can even bring their families by paying additional fees. The application process is straightforward and entirely online, accessible via the Bahamas immigration portal at https://portal.immigration.gov.bs/.
Required Documents for BEATS Application:
- A color copy of a valid passport
- Proof of medical insurance for the applicant and any dependents
- A job letter from the current employer or proof of self-employment
- Additional documents may be requested
Cost of Applying for BEATS:
- Individuals: Application Fee: $25; Permit Fee: $1,000 (Total: $1,025)
- Families: Additional $25 per dependent for application, and $500 per dependent for the permit fee
- All fees are in Bahamian currency
Note: Married couples must each submit an application if both wish to work from the Bahamas, although only one application is needed for mutual dependents.
Application Timeline
Applications are processed by the Bahamas Immigration Office, which typically approves them within 5 days. Upon approval, applicants receive a confirmation email detailing the steps to submit the fees and a QR code confirming the payment, which must be presented upon arrival.