Bahamas - Obtain for Permit to Reside

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Procedure

Apply In-person

1. To Obtain for Permit to Reside, the applicant has to visit any nearest office of the Department of Immigration. The address and contact details can be found in the following link: Address Details
2. Visit the office and get an application form for Permit to Reside or tap on this link to download it: Application Form.
3. Complete the application form with appropriate information under relevant sections.
4. After filling the application form, make sure to attach all the documents listed in the “Required documents” section of this page.
5. Then, submit it in person to the relevant authority at the office.
6. Pay the fees as per the authority’s quote.
7. The application along with the attached documents will be forwarded for further verifications.
8. Once all the internal processes are over, the applicants will be able to collect the permit from the Immigration office.

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Required Documents

• Letter of request addressed to the Director of Immigration
• $200.00 non-refundable processing fee (payable by cash, credit/debit card, postal money order or bank certified cheque)
• Duly completed First Schedule Form 1 application with $10.00 Bahamian postage stamp affixed thereon (legible and notarized)
• Applicant’s original medical certificate (dated no earlier than 30 days of the application being submitted. This required for each applicant)
• Applicant’s original police certificate issued not earlier than six (6) months and must cover five years of residence; required for applicants age of 14 and older
• Two (2) current passport photographs of applicant on white background with name printed on back of photo (captured within six (6) months of application photo size must be 2 X 2 inches)
• VALID copy of biographical page of passport for applicant (must be signed and readable with minimum (2) months validity)
• Copy of biographical page of passport for sponsor (must be signed and readable with minimum two (2) months validity)
• Certified copy of marriage certificate of applicant (if applicable)
• Certified copy of birth certificate of applicant showing parents’ names (if applicable)
• Two (2) character references from reputable persons or persons of good standing in applicant’s community (please provide telephone contacts and email addresses)
• Reference from applicant’s financial institution(s) stating a figure range and/or statement prepared by a Certified Public Accountant (adults/independent applicants)
• Copy of conveyance for residential property(ies) owned by applicant in The Bahamas (adults only and if applicable)

Additional Documents Required For Children:

• Letter confirming applicant’s enrolment in a school in The Bahamas
• Legal Court document granting custody or guardianship of applicant to sponsor (for children not accompanied by their parents)
• Certified copy of parents birth certificates (for children not accompanied by their parents)
• If children are not accompanied by both parents, evidence of legal custody of applicant is required from the accompanying parent/guardian
• Children who are being home schooled MUST be registered with the Ministry of Education and proof of such must be provided.
• Please note that:1. Certified translations in English are required for each foreign document submitted and should have a Bahamian $10.00 postage stamp affixed thereto.

Office Locations & Contacts

Director of Immigration
P.O. Box N-831Nassau,
Bahamas
Contact Link

Eligibility

Any non-Bahamian who is:

• Attending school, college or university; or
• Dependent of someone who is legally authorized to reside in The Bahamas, Bahamian or non-Bahamian. (Dependents may be spouses, or children under the age of 18)

Fees

Explain the fees structure which is required for obtaining the certificate/document.

Validity

Explain the time until which the certificate/document is valid.
e.g. Birth Certificate Valid Forever

Documents to Use

Application Form Link

Sample Documents

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

Processing Time

Once the actual application has been accurately and completely submitted, applicant should contact the Consultation Unit at 604-0241/2 within an 8 to 12 week period for an update of the process of the application.

Related Videos

Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications.
Attach videos using the following tag <&video type='website'>video ID|width|height<&/video&>
from external websites.
Please remove the '&' inside the tags during implementation.
Website = allocine, blip, dailymotion, facebook, gametrailers, googlevideo, html5, metacafe, myspace, revver,
sevenload, viddler, vimeo, youku, youtube
width = 560, height = 340, Video ID = Can be obtained from the URL of webpage where the video is displayed.
e.g In the following url 'http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0US7oR_t3M' Video ID is 'Y0US7oR_t3M'.

Instructions

• Translations must be prepared by someone proficient in the relevant foreign language.
• Persons applying for status in first instance should not be in the country during the processing of the application.

Required Information

• Name
• Date of Birth
• Nationality
• Address
• Marital Status
• Details of Spouse
• Details of Children (below the age of 18)
• Profession
• Details of income
• Local address
• Date of arrival
• Particulars of employment
• Reason for entering Bahamas
• Schools attended
• Exams cleared
• University/Higher Education details
• Qualification
• Health related details
• Details of Conviction (if any)
• Signature
• Declaration
• Date
• Stamp

Need for the Document

Non-Bahamian nationals who are desirous of living for any purpose other than working in the Bahamas, must seek authorization from the Department of Immigration.  This comes in the form of a Permit to Reside, also commonly known as an Annual Permit.

Information which might help

• Accompanying Dependents must apply for a Permit to Reside.

Other uses of the Document/Certificate

Please explain what are other uses of obtaining this document/certificate.
e.g. Birth Certificate can be used as proof of identity.

External Links

Link

Others

More information which might help people.