Bahamas digital nomad visa: Complete guide 2026

The Bahamas has always been an easy sell. Over 700 islands and cays spread across some of the clearest water on earth, warm weather year-round, a short flight from the US East Coast, and a culture that genuinely celebrates being alive.

What changed in October 2020 is that remote workers and students now have a legal pathway to stay for up to a year at a time. The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay — universally known as BEATS — is one of the most straightforward digital nomad visa programs in the world, and one of the few that also extends to students studying remotely.

This guide covers everything you need to know: who qualifies, what documents you need, and every other step of the application process.

Who Can Apply: Eligibility Requirements

BEATS is open to two distinct groups: remote working professionals and students studying remotely. The requirements differ slightly between the two, but both apply through the same online process.

• Remote Workers: You must be employed by or self-employed through a company or clients based outside the Bahamas. There is no minimum income threshold specified by the program, but you must be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient income to support yourself throughout your stay. You cannot work for Bahamian employers or clients while holding a BEATS permit.

  
  

• Students: You must be enrolled in an accredited learning institution outside the Bahamas and continuing your studies remotely. You must also demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your living expenses and return travel. Proof of funds can include your parents' financial statements if you are financially dependent on them.

Travel Permit Requirements

Despite being commonly referred to as a digital nomad visa, BEATS is technically a residency permit, not an entry visa. It does not, on its own, grant you the right to enter the Bahamas. Your ability to enter is governed by normal Bahamian immigration rules, which apply regardless of whether you hold a BEATS permit.

Most nationalities can enter the Bahamas visa-free for short stays. Citizens of countries that require a Bahamian entry visa will need to obtain one separately, in addition to the BEATS permit. To check whether your nationality requires an entry visa, visit the Government of the Bahamas Department of Immigration website.

Regardless of nationality, your passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of entry.

Documents You'll Need to Prepare

The BEATS application requires a small set of documents compared to most other digital nomad visa programs. Everything is submitted online.

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay in the Bahamas. Ensure it has not expired and has sufficient remaining validity to cover your full permit period.

Proof of Health Insurance

Health insurance valid in the Bahamas is required for the primary applicant and for every dependent included in the application. The policy must cover your entire period of stay. Ensure your insurer explicitly confirms coverage in the Bahamas before applying.

Proof of Remote Work (Remote Workers Only)

• For employees: a job letter from your current employer confirming your employment and that your work can be performed remotely.

• For self-employed applicants: documentation demonstrating your self-employment status, such as business registration, client contracts, or equivalent proof.

Proof of Enrollment and Funds (Students Only)

Evidence of enrollment in your accredited learning institution, confirming you are actively studying. Alongside this, proof of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses in the Bahamas and your return travel costs. If you are financially supported by your parents, their bank statements are accepted.

Step-by-Step Application Process

BEATS is one of the simplest digital nomad visa applications available. The entire process is online, takes minutes to complete, and returns a decision within five business days.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Assemble your passport, health insurance documentation, and proof of employment or enrollment before starting the application. Having everything ready before you begin avoids having to stop partway through.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Go to portal.immigration.gov.bs and complete the BEATS application form. Fill in all required fields accurately — incomplete or inaccurate forms may result in delays or rejection.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

A non-refundable application fee of $25 is required per applicant, including each dependent. This is paid as part of the online application process.

Step 4: Wait for a Decision

The Bahamas Immigration Office reviews all submitted applications. Processing takes up to five business days. If your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for paying the permit fee.

Step 5: Pay the Permit Fee

Once approved, you pay the permit fee to complete the process. For professionals, this is $1,000. For students, it is $500. For dependents of either, the permit fee is $500 per person.

Step 6: Receive Your QR Code and Travel

After successful payment, you will receive a confirmation QR code by email. Present this alongside your passport upon arrival in the Bahamas to confirm your BEATS permit status.

Once You're There

There are no fixed accommodation requirements under BEATS; you are not tied to a single address or island. The program actively encourages you to explore all 16 inhabited islands of the Bahamas during your stay, and you are free to move between them as you wish.

Your permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. You can renew it annually for a maximum total stay of three years. Renewal applications are submitted through the same online portal before your current permit expires.

Costs and Fees

For Professionals

The total cost for an individual professional applicant is $1,025, made up of a $25 application fee and a $1,000 permit fee.

For a family, the primary applicant pays $1,025. Each dependent pays a $25 application fee and a $500 permit fee, totaling $525 per dependent. Note that married couples who both intend to work must each submit a separate application at the full professional rate.

For Students

The total cost for a student applicant is $525, made up of a $25 application fee and a $500 permit fee. Dependents are charged at the same $525 rate per person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the BEATS program?

Remote working professionals and students studying remotely from any country. Keep in mind that BEATS is a residency permit, not an entry visa — your ability to enter the Bahamas depends on your nationality. Most nationalities can enter visa-free, but citizens of countries that require a Bahamian entry visa will need to obtain one separately.

Is there a minimum income requirement?

No specific income threshold is required. You must demonstrate that your income is sufficient to support yourself during your stay, but BEATS does not set a fixed minimum figure. This makes it one of the more accessible digital nomad visa programs in the world from an income standpoint.

How long does the application take?

Up to five business days from submission. The entire process is online and can be completed in minutes once you have your documents ready.

Can I bring my family?

Yes. Dependents can be included in your application. Each dependent pays a $25 application fee and a $500 permit fee. If you and your spouse both intend to work remotely, you must each submit separate professional applications. Only one of you applies on behalf of your shared dependents.

Do I need to stay in one place?

No. There is no fixed accommodation requirement. BEATS participants are encouraged to explore all 16 inhabited islands of the Bahamas and are free to move between them throughout their stay.

Can I renew the BEATS permit?

Yes. Annual renewals are allowed for up to a maximum total stay of three years. Renewal applications are submitted through the same online portal.

Will I pay taxes in the Bahamas?

The Bahamas does not levy income tax or capital gains tax on individuals. You will, however, pay VAT on goods and services purchased in the Bahamas, as locals do. You remain responsible for any tax obligations in your home country.

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Still seems complicated?

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