Overview
The BEATS website still describes the permit: professionals and students could work or study remotely from The Bahamas for up to a year, with annual renewals considered up to three years. The published fees were a US$25 application fee per person and a US$1,000 permit fee (US$500 per dependant; students US$525 in total). There was no income threshold — applicants supplied a job letter from their current employer or proof of self-employment, a passport and proof of medical insurance.
The FAQ tells applicants to apply on portal.immigration.gov.bs, but that address did not resolve when we checked on 27 September 2026, and the Department of Immigration's website makes no mention of BEATS. Relocation trackers have described the programme as suspended since 2022; until Immigration says otherwise, treat it as closed.
Editor's note — Many 2026 listings still present BEATS as open because the tourism website was never taken down. Confirm with the Department of Immigration before paying anyone or booking a long stay.
Who is eligible
- Former rule: overseas professionals with a job letter from a current employer, or proof of self-employment.
- Former rule: students with proof of enrolment.
- Former rule: valid passport and proof of medical insurance for everyone on the application.
- Now: visitor entry under the ordinary rules for your nationality, with no work status.
- Now: longer stays go through the Department of Immigration's ordinary permits, such as the Permit to Reside.
Income & financial requirements
Per applicant and per dependant (published).
Professionals; US$500 per dependant; students US$500.
Annual, published terms.
No working application portal.
BEATS never published an income requirement; the employer letter or self-employment proof was the test. There is currently no permit to apply for.
Costs & fees
- No programme fees while BEATS is not accepting applications.
- Budget for high housing and living costs.
Taxes
The Bahamas has no personal income tax, capital gains tax or inheritance tax — the main reason BEATS drew attention. Residence for tax purposes elsewhere is unaffected by a suspended permit.
How to apply
Check the current status
Contact the Department of Immigration before relying on any BEATS information.
Visit under ordinary rules
Tourist entry for the period granted; no formal work status.
Consider the Permit to Reside
For longer stays, subject to the Department's requirements.
Watch this page
We will update it if BEATS is relaunched.
Duration & renewal
Not applicable while suspended. Published terms were 12 months, renewable annually to a maximum of three years.
Bringing family
Published terms allowed dependants at US$25 application and US$500 permit each.
Pros & cons
Advantages
- Zero income tax jurisdiction
- Published terms were simple and cheap
- Close to the U.S. East Coast
Considerations
- No working application portal
- No official explanation or timeline
- High cost of living