Annual Work Permit
Non-Bahamians who want to work in The Bahamas for more than 90 days need a work permit before starting work. Stays of up to 90 days need a short-term work permit. The employer usually needs a Labour Certificate from the Department of Labour and must advertise the job in national newspapers for three days. Dependants apply separately for a Permit to Reside.
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
Who it’s for
Foreign workers with a job offer from a Bahamian employer.
Eligibility
Labour market test
You need a Labour Certificate with Notification of Vacancy from the Department of Labour, plus national newspaper adverts for three days in a row.
- Exception: Immigration Fee Scale 1 (top company posts)
- Exception: owner's representatives and consultants under Fee Scale 2
Official wording
A Labour Certificate with Notification of Vacancy from the Department of Labour, plus newspaper adverts in a national paper for three days in a row. Exceptions: Immigration Fee Scale 1 (top company posts), and owner's representatives and consultants under Fee Scale 2.
Domestic workersFee Scale 8
If your role is in Fee Scale 8, you need a Labour Certificate for new permits and renewals.
From 1 September 2025- Fee Scale 8 roles include gardeners, maids and handymen
- The Labour Certificate is needed again every two years after that
Official wording
From 1 September 2025, Fee Scale 8 roles (for example gardeners, maids and handymen) need a Labour Certificate for new permits and renewals, and every two years after that.
Professional authorisationRegulated professions
Regulated professionals such as doctors, nurses, accountants, attorneys and pilots need a letter from their professional body.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementBahamian understudy
- Document checklistLetter of request to the Director of Immigration
- FeesProcessing fee
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 1 more requirement
- 12 documents
- 3 fees
- 5 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
- Permanent residencePermanent Residence
- FamilyResident Spouse Permit
- Status in-countryHome Owner Resident Permit
- CitizenshipBahamian citizenship
- Status in-countryPermit to Reside (Annual Permit) - students and dependants
Work permits in other countries
- BhutanWork permit for foreign workers
- BotswanaWork Permit (Department of Labour) and Residence Permit
- BelarusLong-term visa (type D) for employment with special work permit
- BelizeTemporary Employment Permit
- CanadaInternational Experience Canada (IEC): Working Holiday, Young Professionals, International Co-op
- Central African RepublicLong-stay visa (visa long séjour, 45-90 days) for work, business and other purposes
