The Bahamas has no income tax and allows Americans long visitor stays, up to 8 months at the officer's discretion. Its remote-work permit, BEATS, was reportedly halted in 2022 and we couldn't confirm it has restarted.
Checked against the sources at the end on November 2, 2026. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the official source before you apply.
At a glance
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Visit first | Up to 8 months (the officer decides on entry) |
| Route for remote workers | Visitor stay (the BEATS remote-work program may be paused) |
| Money you need to show | No income minimum was published for BEATS. Visitors may not take up gainful work |
| Length | BEATS (if available): 1 year, renewable up to 3 years |
| Government fees | BEATS (if available): $25 application plus $1,000 permit |
| Timeline | Ask the Department of Immigration |
| Where you apply | Ask the Bahamas Department of Immigration whether BEATS is accepting applications |
| Family | Check with the Department of Immigration |
| Long-term residence | Permanent residence through property investment or long residence |
| US taxes | Still due every year. See our US taxes and banking guide |
Who qualifies
The Bahamas has no income tax and allows Americans long visitor stays, up to 8 months at the officer's discretion. Its remote-work permit, BEATS, was reportedly halted in 2022 and we couldn't confirm it has restarted.
- Remote employees of companies outside Bahamas: not on this route.
- Freelancers and business owners: not on this route; check the alternatives below.
- Money: No income minimum was published for BEATS. Visitors may not take up gainful work.
Open question: We couldn't confirm whether BEATS has restarted.
Documents
Order US documents first: apostilles and FBI checks are the slowest part.
- Passport
- Proof of onward travel and funds
- For BEATS: proof of remote employment, health insurance and a background check
Step by step from the US
- Decide how long you'll stay and check the visitor rules above.
- Before you fly: Ask the Bahamas Department of Immigration whether BEATS is accepting applications.
- Buy health insurance for the whole trip.
- Track your days for both immigration and tax.
- For a longer move, look at the residence routes below with a local adviser.
Taxes
- No personal income, capital gains, inheritance or wealth tax
- VAT is 10%
- No US-Bahamas tax treaty or totalization agreement
- US citizens still file a US return every year. The foreign earned income exclusion is up to $132,900 for 2026; the foreign tax credit is the alternative. See our US taxes guide.
Common mistakes
- Living costs are high, close to US levels or above
- Hurricane season runs June to November
- Ask immigration directly before planning a remote-work stay
Where to live in Bahamas
Our city guides cover costs in dollars, neighborhoods, live weather and the time difference: Nassau · Freeport (Grand Bahama) · George Town (Exuma) · Governor's Harbour (Eleuthera).
Moving with a partner or kids? See Moving abroad with family.
Sources
Checked on November 2, 2026. Where sources disagree, we say so above.
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