Bahamian citizenship
naturalisation and registration
Foreign nationals can apply for Bahamian citizenship after holding permanent residence for 10 years. This must include the 12 months just before applying and at least 6 years of residence before that. Other routes cover female spouses of Bahamian citizens, people born in The Bahamas to non-Bahamian parents, and children with a Bahamian parent. Each route uses its own form (I to VI).
Life in Bahamas
Money
3
Currency
Bahamian Dollar
BSD
Bahamian Dollar
Cost of living
109
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Dual citizenship for you Members
Whether this country allows dual citizenship, and what it means for your own passports
Who it’s for
Long-term permanent residents, spouses of Bahamians, and people born in The Bahamas or to Bahamian parents.
Eligibility
Permanent resident route
You need 10 years of legal permanent resident status, including the 12 months right before you apply, plus at least 6 years of residence before those 12 months.
Residence periods
- Permanent resident status
- 10 years
- Residence before last 12 months
- At least 6 years
- The 12 months immediately before applying count within the 10 years
Official wording
Legal permanent resident status for 10 years, including the 12 months immediately before applying, plus at least 6 years of residence before those 12 months.
SpouseSpouses
You must be the female spouse of a Bahamian citizen and apply using Form I.
- Male spouses apply under Form III
Official wording
Female spouse of a Bahamian citizen (Form I). Male spouses apply under Form III.
Born in The BahamasBorn in The Bahamas
You must have been born in The Bahamas after 9 July 1973 to non-Bahamian parents.
- Form III applies if you apply after your 19th birthday
Official wording
Born in The Bahamas after 9 July 1973 to non-Bahamian parents. Form III applies to those applying after their 19th birthday.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementBahamian parent
- Document checklistLetter of request to the Director of Immigration
- FeesProcessing fee
The full requirements are for members
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- 1 more requirement
- 11 documents
- 1 fee
- 4 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Bahamas
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Bahamas
- Visit & tourismVisiting The Bahamas
- Work permitsAnnual Work Permit
- Permanent residencePermanent Residence
- FamilyResident Spouse Permit
- Status in-countryHome Owner Resident Permit
- Status in-countryPermit to Reside (Annual Permit) - students and dependants
