Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa
Information about Bahamas digital nomad visa
Lately, many people working remotely have begun to dream about becoming long-term travelers. That's why some countries launched special travel permits - digital nomad visas.
The Bahamas, like other countries, introduced its own digital nomad visa. They call it a Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay. The BEATS allows living in the Bahamas and working remotely for foreign companies for up to one year (12 months).
Most Caribbean islands depend on tourism to a great extent, so people coming to the Bahamas on a Bahamas digital nomad visa can help contribute to their local economy.
The visa requirements are fairly simple, and you can apply for the Bahamas digital nomad visa online in a speedy way. Submit the application form, upload the necessary documentation, pay the fees, and receive a QR code via email.
The Bahamas is an excellent place for digital nomads who want to work and live in a beautiful setting. They have many coworking spaces, restaurants, and cafes that offer Wi-Fi. There are also many activities and events for digital nomads to enjoy.
Read the article to get more detailed information about the visa requirements, the application process, the permitted period of stay, and the benefits it offers its digital nomads.
Who can obtain the Bahamas freelance visa?
The Bahamas digital nomad visa is available for remote workers employed by companies outside the Bahamas and students willing to study remotely.
Citizens of some countries also need an additional travel permit. Countries exempted from this requirement include the European Union member states, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Even though there are no minimum income requirements, you should note that you still need to prove you have the means to cover living expenses, as there is a high cost of living in the Bahamas.
How to apply for a digital nomad visa to the Bahamas
The application process for the Bahamas digital nomad visa can be completed in several minutes. You don't need to be computer-savvy to finish the process without issues, as it is uncomplicated and accessible to everyone.
- Check the requirements to reassure that you're eligible and have the proper documentation.
- Submit the digital nomad visa application form.
- Upload the required documents.
- Cover the processing fees and wait for the approval.
- Check the inbox for the electronic QR permit. You'll get a QR code that you'll have to show upon arrival in the Bahamas.
Congratulations, now you can travel to any of the Bahamas' islands!
The mandatory documents for a digital nomad visa
After you make sure you're eligible for a Bahamas remote work visa, you also need to check which documents are necessary for applying:
- a copy of the valid passport - it must stay effective for at least 180 days from the date of planned arrival
- for remote workers - proof of employment - it can be proof of self-employment, an employment contract, a confirmation letter from the current employer, a partnership statement
- for students - proof of studying remotely in university, for example, Student ID
- proof of monthly income - it may be a letter from your employer proving you have sufficient funds to live in the Bahamas while working remotely
- a clean criminal record - you can get it at your local police department
- entry permit - if applicable
- health insurance that covers the whole territory of the Bahamas - for the main applicant and their dependants.
Benefits of Bahamas remote worker visa
Why can the Bahamas digital nomad visa be more beneficial for you than other digital nomad visas? Check out what benefits it suggests to its holders:
- The digital nomad visa to the Bahamas offers major tax breaks. Foreign nationals working remotely don't have to pay income taxes, capital gain taxes, and taxes on inheritance.
- Easy application process. You can apply for a remote worker visa in a simple and straightforward way, as it is available online.
- Entertainments: at the Bahamas, you can enjoy sunbathing, snorkeling, parasailing, and even shark diving. This island is also home to the famous swimming pigs you can swim with!
- Wonderful nature and vibrant culture: you can discover all sixteen islands making up the Bahamas, enjoy its lovely beaches, and attend festivals and other cultural events.
- Healthcare and education. The Bahamas have strong healthcare and an excellent education system. You can get qualified medical help and get access to a new way of studying.
- Warm weather. The Bahamas has the perfect climate to enjoy the beach and sunshine all year round.
- It is especially convenient for American remote workers. The Bahamas offer direct flights to the USA. The timezone makes it even easier for those having working schedules around North and South America.
It is possible to extend your stay in the Bahamas with a digital nomad visa
The Bahamas digital nomad visa enables remote workers to have an annual residence permit to live in the Bahamas and work/study remotely.
The Bahamas extended access travel stay can be renewed two times. That means you could stay in the Bahamas for up to 3 years.
Other important things to know about the digital nomad visa for the Bahamas
- Whether you're a freelance writer, graphic designer, or software developer, as long as you can show that you're generating an income online, you're eligible for the Bahamas digital nomad visa.
- The Bahamas launched its Extended Access program in October 2020.
- Depending on your citizenship, you may need to apply for an entry visa.
- The visa for remote working costs more than the one for students.
- You can bring your family members, but you need to pay additionally for each dependent.
- You are not required to have one fixed accommodation, as you can live and work on any of the 16 islands.
- You don't have to pay income taxes or capital gain taxes. The only required taxes for digital nomads are value-added taxes (VAT) when they buy goods or pay for services.
- Before traveling to the Bahamas, it's recommended to check its restrictions and alerts to be prepared.
- Nassau, Freeport, Marsh Harbour, and West End are the biggest cities in the Bahamas, so it's where you can expect more coworking spaces, entertainment, and events.
- Important! The BEAT program has been suspended, and currently, it is not available to apply for. We are awaiting further information and will update the article as soon as there are new statements on its availability.
