Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

The craziest thing I ever saw was an Island full of pigs, swimming and playing in the ocean! I didn't expect to see anything less when I went to the Bahamas. Now you can travel to and work there with the Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa. I know it sounds intense, but I'll break it down for you. We'll start with:

• What Is A Digital Nomad Visa?
• What Are The Requirements For The Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa?
• What Are The Income Requirements For A Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa?
• What Are The Required Documents For A Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa?
• How Can I Apply For A Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa?
• How Long Does It Take To Process A Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa?
• How Much Does A Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa Cost?

Digital Nomad Visas are travel authorizations that legalize the status of workers on the move (remote workers). Like Tourist Visas, they're easy to obtain. They allow long stays. The Digital Nomad Visa allows its holder to work during their stay in the country, provided they do so independently and work remotely. However, you must prove that you are a digital nomad and that you can financially support yourself for the duration of your stay abroad. You can provide financial documents such as account statements and invoices. The Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa is valid for one year.

You need surprisingly little to start the online process for the Bahamas remote work visa. The following is required:

• A valid passport.
• Health insurance or medical insurance coverage that includes the Bahamas.
• Proof of employment for remote workers. This can be proof of self-employment or an employment contract.
• Student ID for those that want to study remotely.

There are no income requirements for the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) program. However, depending on your citizenship, there might be additional requirements for immigration, like a valid passport, hotel bookings, return ticket, and proof of income to support yourself. The citizens of the following countries are exempt from any additional requirements for the BEATS program: The United States, Canada, European Union, and the United Kingdom. Although there’s no minimum income requirements, you still need a high income to live in the Bahamas as it is one of the most expensive countries regarding the cost of living.

What Is The Bahamas Extended Acces Travel Stay (BEATS) Program?

The Program offers participants an annual residence permit to work or study on any 16 major islands. It's for long-term travelers, their families, and virtual college and university students. And you can renew it annually for 3 years.

Unfortunately the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism gave no statement as to why they suspended the BEAT program. All they did was release a suspension flyer on Facebook. It looked like this:

What Does This Suspension Mean?

The critical detail to note is that it has a stamp from the Ministry of Immigration rather than the Ministry of Tourism, which initially launched the program. Furthermore, the flyer was unclear whether the suspension was for new applicants or also affected those currently living in the Bahamas on the BEATS program. So, unfortunately, it's suspended for both new and existing applicants. I'll update this post as soon as any changes are made.

Applying for your Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa requires certain travel documents. If you don't attach all the required documents, it can slow down the visa application process.

You need the following travel documents:

• A completed application form for the Bahamas. A clear scan copy of your home country passport with the information pages with a signature.
• International healthcare, covering the territory of Bahamas and indicating the validity of good coverage.
• Proof of employment, including self-employment outside the Bahamas, like Freelancer work, Full-Time Employee, Entrepreneur, or Remote workers.

Applying for any type of visa is stressful. I struggled a lot with my first visa. That is why I'll give you a step-by-step guide for you to use, and the best part is you can apply online.

Step1: Access the website to apply

You first need to go to the Bahamas Government website to start the Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa application process. You'll see that they explain everything to you, from the processing time all the way to the permit fees, which I will also discuss later in this post. After reading through everything, click "next" at the bottom right corner.

Step2: Applicant's personal details

Next, you need to provide accurate information like your name, type of residency (study or work), email address, and date of birth.

Step3: Passport details

Now you need to provide your passport details including the date of issue, country of birth, and nationality. You also need to upload a scanned color copy of your passport's photo page.

Step4: Marital status

This step is very straightforward. All you need to do is provide your marital status (married, single, divorced).

Step5: Employer or school information

Next, you need to provide your current employer or school information. This information includes your employer or school name, employer or school phone number, and the city where you work or your school.

Step6: Add Dependents

The final step is where you can add any dependents you wish to include in your application. This can include your spouse or dependent children. You pay the visa fees after they send you an email approving your application. They will tell you everything about the payment process in the email. In addition, you will receive a QR code which you then use at the airport.

The Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa process time usually takes 5 days. However, it can take longer. It all depends on how busy they are.

There are different application fees. The application fees are as follows:

• Work remotely application: 25 BSD (Bahamian dollar) or USD 25 per applicant and for each dependent.
• Student application: 25 BSD per applicant. There are also Permit fees, which are:
• Working remotely: 1000 BSD per applicant and 500 BSD for each dependent.
• Student: 500 BSD.

All done!

Unfortunately the Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa is suspended until further notice but when it's up and running again you can go and experience the craziness and beauty of the Bahamas. Go see the beautiful islands, like Andros which has one of the largest barrier reefs in the world. Follow your dream and live your luxury life. Start your day by walking on white sandy beaches.