Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa: BEATS
Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa: BEATS
As the world has been changing due to the pandemic, the nature of working is changing, too. Instead of working in a regular office or at home, many countries and territories call on remote workers to live and work in their place, Bahamas included. The Bahamas is certainly on many people’s list of places to go as it is indeed gorgeous. It’s also very accessible for Americans as it’s near Florida, USA. Find your rhythm with the BEATS program!
UPDATE !!!! The Bahamas was one of the pioneering nations to join the phenomenon of Digital Nomad Visas in 2020 with their Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) program. However, a recent newsflash and at least one personal experience unveiled that BEATS is now a dead-beat, aka suspended.
BEATS:
Program Name: Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS)
Validity: One year
Application: Online
Website: bahamasbeats.com
Quick Facts On The Bahamas
Location: Caribbean
Capital: Nassau
Official Language: Bahamian English
Currency: Bahamian dollar (1 BSD = 1 USD)
Climate: Tropical Climate
Population: 385,000+
Size: 13,878 km2
Additional Notes: British Colony
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will I apply? Online.
How many days will my application be processed? 5 Working Days
How long can I stay? 1 year
Qualifications:
- Remote Worker
- With enough income to support self and family in Bahamas
Requirements:
1. Passport Bio Page – colored copy of the applicant and every dependent
2. Medical Insurance Card – this must have COVID-19 Coverage. We recommend SafetyWing insurance for remote workers as this can be your country of residence or covers you for long and short trips. They also have COVID Coverage.
3. Proof of Employment – for those working remotely, in case you have a business, then registration or contracts will do
Visa Required Countries
Citizens from the USA, Canada, the EU, and Britain do not need an additional travel permit; for others, please check this website.
Application Process:
1. Gather the requirements above.
2. Proceed to their website. Read the form and click “Next.”
3: Answer the information asked. Please don’t forget to choose the “Work Remotely” category.
4. Upload documents
5. In 5 business days, an immigration officer will check your account. Then you will be e-mailed if you are approved or not.
6. If you are approved, you will be given payment instructions. Pay the fees.
7. Once you have paid the fees, you will be given an Electronic QR Permit. You will need to show this when you enter the Bahamas.
Processing Fees:
- BSD 25 – Application Fee per applicant and dependent
- BSD 1000 – Work Permit for the main applicant
- BSD 500 – Permit fee for each dependent
Important Contacts
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
George St, Bolam House, P O Box N 3701
Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas
immigrationbeats@bahamas.gov.bs
(242) 302-2000 or 322-7500
Things To Note:
- There is no minimum income stated on the website for remote workers
- A few days before your arrival in the Bahamas, you will need to secure a Travel Health Visa; a requirement is a Negative PCR-Test Result
- Citizens from the USA, Canada, the EU, and Britain do not need an additional travel permit; for others, please check this website
- You can reapply for the BEATS permit
- If you are a married couple and both want to apply to work remotely, you need to have a separate application. However, for your dependents, only one of you has to declare them.
Extra Visa Info
If you are interested in checking out other possible locations for your next digital nomad adventure, please check out my Digital Nomad Database to see the overview of countries and places that have special visas for digital nomads and remote workers. You can find detailed articles on each location as well.
Digital Nomad Visa Database
DisclaimerPlease note the information provided in this post is of general interest only and is not to be construed or intended as a substitute for professional legal advice.
Happy travels xx