Remote Working in The Bahamas - the Extended Stay Visa Program
Bahamas Extended Stay Visa Program
The Government of The Bahamas recently announced The Bahamas Extended Stay Visa Program for persons wishing to work or study from The Bahamas for a year.
Being only 60 miles from Florida at its closest point, The Bahamas is an ideal location for persons to live and work while the pandemic unfolds and universities and companies have gone “remote”. This provides for agility as things change. Persons taking advantage of the programme will enjoy the benefits of a choice of multiple island destinations, sun, sand, sea, a less crowded environment, as well as excellent broadband speeds comparable to most large cities and LTE speed mobile communications.
The initiative may be of interest to the likes of:
- University students whose schools will be offering remote learning for the upcoming academic year, and who may want to be close to the US to be able to react quickly as things change;
- Companies, such as large technology and other progressive companies who expect remote working to continue into the future for some time, permanently in some cases;
- Small firms who may want to shift operations for a full year.
Individuals residing under the program cannot work for a local firm or start their own business in The Bahamas. All work must be 100% international. Successful applicants will have to demonstrate financial means to support themselves while in The Bahamas.
The Extended Stay Visa Program (“the program”) is similar to the annual residence regime and makes it easier and faster for non-residents to get approval. Under the programme, non-residents will be able to apply for a visa online and receive permission to live in The Bahamas for remote work or study purposes for one year.
The details of the programme are being finalized, and will be fully launched with the re-opening of the country to international commercial traffic. The Government is working towards a seamless and rapid application process, where applicants will be able to get a response in a matter of days.
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