Work Permit (New) - Bahamas Immigration Department

Non-Bahamian nationals, who are desirous of working and living in The Bahamas for a period greater than 90 days, must first be authorized to do so by way of a valid work permit issued by the Department of Immigration. Persons wishing to work for up to 90 days must apply for a short-term work permit.

Annual Work Permit Application Requirements:

• $200.00 non-refundable processing fee (payable by cash, credit/debit card, postal money order, or bank certified cheque)
• Letter of Request addressed to the Director of Immigration
• Duly completed First Schedule Form 1 application with $10.00 Bahamian postage stamp affixed thereon (legible and notarized)
• Applicant’s original medical certificate (dated not earlier than 30 days before submission of the application. Required for every applicant)
• Applicant’s original police certificate (issued not earlier than six (6) months and must cover five (5) years of residence; required of applicants 14 years old and over)
• Two (2) current passport photographs of the applicant on white background with name printed on the back of the photo (captured within six (6) months of application date; photo size must be 2 X 2 inches)
• Copy of the biographical data page of applicant’s CURRENT passport (must be signed and readable with minimum of two (2) months validity)
• Copy of biographical data page of Employer/Sponsor’s current passport (if the employer is a non-Bahamian, evidence of immigration status is also required)
• Labour Certificate with Notification of Vacancy from the Department of Labour-Bahamas.
• Nationally circulated newspaper advertisements (must be advertised for three (3) consecutive days)
• Two (2) written references from previous employers (provide telephone contacts and email addresses)
• Letter of release from applicant’s previous employer of (if applicable)
• Copy of VALID Business License, Certificate of Incumbency or Certificate of Incorporation of Employer/Sponsor
• Copy of Employer/Sponsor’s National Insurance Card/Certificate

For accompanying Dependents, apply for Permit to Reside.

Additional Documents Required By Certain Companies (Please Inquire):

• Certified copies of qualifications in relation to post being applied for
• Staff list comprising each employee’s name, position, and nationality
• Name of Bahamian understudy for the position being applied for
• Entertainers must have a letter of authorization from The Bahamas Musician & Entertainers Union
• Doctors must have a letter of authorization from The Bahamas Medical Council
• Nurses must have a letter of authorization from The Bahamas Nursing Council
• Dentists must have a letter of authorization from The Bahamas Dental Council
• Pharmacists must have a letter of authorization from The Bahamas Pharmacy Council
• Accountants must have a letter of authorization from The Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants
• Attorneys must have a letter of authorization from The Bahamas Bar Association
• Veterinarians require a Valid Temporary Veterinary Registration from the Bahamas Department of Agriculture
• Pilots must have a license or letter of authorization from the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA)

All further correspondence should be addressed to:

Director of Immigration
P.O. Box N-831
Nassau, Bahamas

Please note that:

1. Certified translations in English are required for each foreign document submitted and should have a Bahamian $10.00 postage stamp affixed thereto.
2. Translations must be prepared by someone proficient in the relevant foreign language
3. All documents issued from countries outside The Bahamas must be properly verified (by apostille or Legalization) and have the signature of authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before they can be submitted. An apostille is required for all birth, marriage, and death certificates issued by countries that are members of The Hague Apostille Convention. For a complete list of Hague Apostille Convention countries, please visit Hague signatories

Eligibility
Any non-Bahamian who wishes to work in The Bahamas for a period that exceeds 90 days

Processing Time
Once the actual application has been accurately and completely submitted, the applicant should contact the Consultation Unit at 604-0241/2 within an 8 to 12-week period for an update of the process of the application.