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Bahamas
"Bahamas economic permanent residence gave us tax-free Caribbean base near US with banking access. Property investment holding value, zero tax on worldwide income unbeatable."
Residency Programs
- Economic Permanent Residence (Annual Residence): Purchase property $750,000+ (primary islands like Nassau, Paradise Island) or $500,000+ (Family Islands/Outer Islands). Annual renewable permit. Can work in own business (not employed by others without work permit). Family included.
- Permanent Residence: $1.5M+ property investment. True permanent residence (not annual renewal). Can apply for work permit more easily. Family included.
- Accelerated Consideration (for high-net-worth): $1.5M+ investment in Bahamas (property, business, bonds), expedited processing (months vs years for standard permanent residence).
- No minimum stay requirement to maintain residency (though tax residency elsewhere important to consider)
- No citizenship pathway for investors (Bahamian citizenship by naturalization very difficult, typically 10+ years and exceptional circumstances)
Company Formation & Tax
- International Business Company (IBC) standard offshore structure
- 0% corporate income tax, 0% capital gains tax, 0% withholding taxes
- 0% personal income tax for residents
- Business license fees apply (annual fees based on company type/activity, $500-5,000+)
- No requirement to file financial statements publicly (held at registered office)
- Beneficial ownership register in place (accessible to authorities, not public)
- Used for: holding companies, international trading, IP licensing, investment vehicles, wealth planning structures
- Banking challenging (international banks scrutinize Bahamian entities, substance required)
Trust & Wealth Planning
- Strong trust law framework (English common law based)
- Purpose trusts, asset protection trusts, VISTA trusts (special trust for holding shares with enhanced asset protection)
- Used extensively for family wealth planning, estate planning, succession
- No inheritance tax, no estate tax (major benefit for wealth transfer)
- Professional trustee sector (banks, trust companies)
- Integration with Bahamian or international corporate structures
Practical Considerations
- Proximity to USA: 50 miles from Florida (Nassau-Miami 1-hour flight), convenient for Americans maintaining mainland ties
- US dollar currency (Bahamian dollar pegged 1:1 to USD, both accepted)
- English-speaking (official language)
- Political stability (parliamentary democracy, British Commonwealth member, history of stable governance)
- Tourism-based economy (60%+ of GDP), financial services sector, some manufacturing
- High cost of living (most goods imported, expensive)
- Infrastructure variable (Nassau/Paradise Island modern, outer islands developing)
- Hurricane risk (Atlantic hurricane season, insurance costs high)
- Banking sector historically strong but shrinking (international pressure, compliance costs, many banks exited)
- Crime in Nassau (certain areas high crime, tourist zones generally safe)
- Best for: Americans seeking Caribbean tax-free residency near US, offshore wealth planning, trusts for estate planning, lifestyle residency
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Important Notice: Aventarys Group connects clients with licensed third-party professionals. We do not provide legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. All services are delivered by independent licensed providers. Clients should consult their own legal and tax advisors before making any decisions.
