The Bahamas: Increased Investment Amount for Economic Certificate of Permanent Residence Category

The Bahamas government is increasing the minimum investment amount required for the Economic Certificate of Permanent Residence category to BSD 1,000,000 (approximately USD 1,000,000), up from the current minimum of BSD 750,000, effective January 1, 2025. Under this category, foreign nationals must invest the minimum amount in real estate in the Bahamas or in Zero-Coupon Bonds issued by the Central Bank of the Bahamas. Additionally, effective January 1, 2025, certificate holders must keep their investment for at least 10 years; otherwise, the Immigration Board may revoke their residence status. Currently, the law is silent on whether holders must retain possession of the property after their certificate is approved.