Quick answer
Non-Bahamian nationals require a work visa to work in The Bahamas. For short-term assignments up to 90 days, apply for a Short Term Work Permit [3]; for longer periods, a Long Term Work Permit is needed [2]. The short-term permit is processed within 7 days for a non-refundable fee of BS$100 , and the application must be submitted before the employee arrives . Long-term permits are renewed annually by the employer at least 2 months before expiration , with a similar fee and additional documents including police and medical certificates . All fees are payable by cash or certified cheque .
Key facts
Requirements
Requirements in detail
The source text is a site index with links to visa pages, but no actual visa rules are included. Please provide the official visa requirements page content.
Documents you'll need
Short Term
- Short Term (up to 90 days): Completed application form (Short Term Application Form for 1-30 days or First Schedule Form I for 31-90 days) ; letter of request from employer addressed to Director of Immigration ; copy of bio-data page of applicant's passport (valid minimum 6 months) ; 2 identical passport-sized colour photos with name on reverse .
Long Term Renewal
- Long Term Renewal: Employer's renewal letter ; copy of applicant's passport bio-data page ; 2 passport photos ; police certificate of character covering 5 years residence (issued ≤6 months) ; medical certificate dated ≤30 days ; letter from National Insurance Board confirming current contributions ; copy of employer's passport bio-data ; labour certificates and newspaper advertisements (except for top executives and specific job categories) .
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Short Term: Complete appropriate application form . Prepare letter of request from employer . Attach completed form and supporting documents. Visit Department of Immigration office with documents and pay fee of BS$100 . Processing takes 7 days ; submit before employee arrives .
- 2
Long Term Renewal (by employer): Prepare letter addressed to Director of Immigration requesting renewal . Attach all supporting documents . Submit to Department of Immigration at least 2 months before expiration . Processing takes 3-4 weeks . Pay non-refundable fee of BS$100 and clear any arrears .
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
Short-term work permit eligibility and process
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [2]
Long-term work visa renewal requirements
Renew Long-Term Work Visa - Bahamas Application Process · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [3]
General visa application form details
Visa Application Form (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced
This page reflects Bahamas's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of Bahamas's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.