The 411 On Living in The Bahamas

• The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay is a one-year residency permit designed to allow professionals and students from overseas to work and study from The Bahamas (remotely/online) for up to one (1) year.
• BEATS gives both students and professionals who are working/studying from home the opportunity to live in and travel among the 16 different islands in The Bahamas.
• Due to the unprecedented flexibility in work location that has emerged from the global COVID-19 pandemic, The Bahamas is ideally suited to accommodate “long term” visitors who wish to work or study remotely while simultaneously enjoying and exploring a new destination and culture.

What is the minimum length of stay needed to qualify for the BEATS permit?

• No minimum length of stay required

Do I need a general Travel permit in addition to the permit secured through the BEATS program?

• Citizens from the USA, Canada, the EU and Britain do not need an additional travel permit.
• For more information on permits and necessary documentation for entry into The Bahamas, please visit - https://www.bahamas.com/entry-requirements.

When does the BEATS permit expire?

• The BEATS permit is an Annual Residence permit that expires 12 months from the date of issue.
• Applications for annual renewals will be considered for a maximum period up to three years.

Where can I apply for the BEATS permit?

Interested professionals and students can complete the BEATS application form online by visiting

https://portal.immigration.gov.bs/.

What is the application process?

• All application forms submitted for the BEATS permit will be reviewed by The Bahamas Immigration Office for approval.
• If the application is approved, the applicant will receive a confirmation email with instructions for submitting their application and permit fee.
• After a successful payment is received, the applicant will receive a confirmation QR code to show upon arrival.

Is there an application fee?

• A $25 application fee is required per applicant.
• Family applications require a $25 fee for the applicant as well as a $25 fee for each dependent.

What documents are needed for the BEATS permit application?

• All applicants are required to submit the following materials:
• A valid passport and proof of medical insurance for the primary applicant and all dependents.
• Persons applying to work remotely in The Bahamas will need to attach a job letter (from current employer) or proof of self-employment, if applicable.   
• Students applying for remote study purposes will be required to provide evidence of enrollment in an accredited learning institution as well as proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses and return travel expense (this may include parents’ financials).

How long will it take for my application to be processed?

• There is an estimated five (5) day processing time for all BEATS applications.

How is this program different from that of other Caribbean countries offering annual permits?

• What is different about BEATS lies in the beauty of our unique destination. The Bahamas is an archipelago of over 700 islands and cays, 16 of which are welcoming visitors.
• Spending up to a year in The Bahamas means you can live on a different island every month and still not get to all of our individual destinations.

What is the cost for professionals and their families?

• Professionals will be required to pay both an application and a permit fee, which will cost a total of $1,025 USD for an individual applicant.
• Individual Applicants:
• Application Fee - $25 USD per applicant
• Permit Fee - $1,000 USD
• Family Applicants:
• Application Fee - $25 USD per applicant, and $25 for each dependent
• Permit Fee - 1,000 USD per applicant, and $500 USD for each dependent
• NOTE: Married Couples will be required to submit separate applications if both parties intend to work from The Bahamas. However, only one of these applicants will need to apply on behalf of mutual dependents.

What type of accommodations are recommended for BEATS participants?

• The Bahamas offers a wide range of accommodations, from hotels and resorts offering extended stay programs, to home rentals and Airbnb’s that can fit any budget.
• BEATS participants are encouraged to explore all 16 islands of The Bahamas.

Why a year abroad in The Bahamas for students?

• The Bahamas’ proximity to the United States makes for an ideal location for students to reside until universities resume normal face-to-face instruction.

How long is the BEATS program for students?

• One (1) Academic year to include fall, spring and summer semesters. 

What is the cost of applying for the BEATS program?

• Students will be required to pay both an application and a permit fee, which will cost a total of $525 USD.
• Student Application Fee - $25 USD
• Student Permit Fee - $500 USD

What access do students participating in BEATS have to the University of The Bahamas?

• College students participating in the BEATS program will have access to several offerings at the University of The Bahamas, including access to University counselors, technology support, the University’s library, mentoring programs, volunteer services, local culinary opportunities and organized kayaking trips, all offered at an additional cost.

What are the costs associated with these offerings?

• Should students wish to take advantage of offerings available through the University of The Bahamas, fees for programs and offerings will apply:
• Technology fee - $300 USD (Covers fall, spring and summer semesters fees)
• ID Card - $20 USD
• Library - $125 USD (Covers fall, spring and summer semesters fees)
• Bahamian Cultural Experience Course - $690 USD (One course, as a lower level 3- credit course)
• Application Fee - $50 USD
• Miscellaneous - $500 USD (To cover student volunteers and faculty stipend, admission fee at cultural locations, etc.)
• Student Activity Fee - $100 USD (Covers fall & spring)

Do I have to resign from my current university/college and enroll with the University of The Bahamas to obtain a BEATS permit?

• No. This program allows students from all over the world to live abroad in The Bahamas while they attend their college or university virtually.

What type of accommodations are recommended for BEATS participants?

• The Bahamas offers a wide range of accommodations, from hotels and resorts offering extended stay programs, to home rentals and Airbnb’s that can fit any budget.
• BEATS participants are encouraged to explore all 16 islands of The Bahamas.

Once my application is approved, and my travel is booked, what do I need to know about COVID-19 testing and traveling to The Bahamas?

• The Islands of The Bahamas is committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of all citizens, residents and visitors, and has implemented specific travel protocols and preventative measures to help curb further spread of COVID-19.
• Please visit Bahamas.com/travelupdates for complete “know before you go” details related to requirements and testing.

Who can I contact for more information?

Please use the contact form provided on the website. Additional questions and inquiries to be directed to immigrationbeats@bahamas.gov.bs.