Permits and Licences

All deaths must be registered within 21 days of the death to the best of his/her knowledge and belief by the person responsible for burying the body.

Certified copies of deeds or documents may be requested online at a cost of $4 per page for up to 10 pages and $2.50 per page thereafter.

Driver’s Licence replacement/duplicate may be requested online at a cost of $15.00. Applicants must be Bahamian citizens,18 years old or older, and applying for themselves.

Driver’s Licence renewals may be requested online at a cost of $20.00 for one year or $60 for three years. Applicants must be Bahamian citizens,18 years old or older, and applying for themselves.

Firearm Licence renewals may be requested online for three licence categories.The applicant must be a Bahamian citizen,18 years old or older,and applying for themselves.

Persons wishing to acquire a Flat (Fly) Fishing licence.

Under customs regulation, captains sailing pleasure vessels not carrying cargo and operated for pleasure and recreation only, who are not sailing for reward or remuneration or for business purposes, must provide an inward declaration

Learner’s Permit renewals may be requested online at a cost of $15.00. Applicants must be Bahamian citizens,18 years old or older, and applying for themselves.

Before anyone can operate as a Notary Public, he / she must first be licensed to notarise documents. These licences are granted by the Office of the Attorney General, and must be renewed annually.

On completion of the marriage, a Marriage Officer can register the marriage at the Marriages Section of the Registrar General’s Department.

VAT is a tax charged on most goods and services that registered businesses provide in The Bahamas.

The Commonwealth of The Bahamas welcomes International Inventors who wish to establish a business in The Bahamas. From time to time, the Government of The Bahamas offers targeted investment incentives for particular types of projects.

Non-Bahamian nationals who are desirous of living and working in the Bahamas must seek authorization from the Department of Immigration to do so. This comes in the form of a Residence Permit.

Non-Bahamian nationals who are desirous of living for any purpose other than working in the Bahamas, must seek authorization from the Department of Immigration. This comes in the form of a Residence Permit, also commonly

The Department of Immigration maintains a “Restricted List”, which contains the names of persons who must seek special permission to enter the Bahamas. These are typically persons who would have been deported or removed from the Bahamas.

A Certificate of Identification is a travel document available for non-citizens legally residing in The Bahamas up to 18 years old.

After successful completion of a theory and practical Driver’s Licence Test, an initial Bahamian Driver’s Licence is issued. This licence allows the applicant to drive legally on the streets of The Bahamas.

Bahamian drivers in need of a licence for driving abroad can apply for an International Driver’s Licence. This licence is an authorized translation of a Bahamian Driver's Licence into many languages. This licence is valid for one year.

Miscellaneous vehicles include vehicles with any hydraulic operating parts or hydraulic lifts. An M plate is issued to miscellaneous vehicles. Before an M plate can be on the road the owner of the vehicle must obtain a letter from the Ministry

This service is for the registration of a vehicle bearing a Private Schedule plate.

Any citizen who has completed the BahamaHost programme and is interested in becoming an ambassador for The Bahamas, can apply for a public service driver’s licence. The licence is granted after successful completion of an interview and

This service is for the registration of a vehicle bearing a Private Charter plate. Private Charter Vehicles operate pre-arranged tour transfers or sightseeing tours.

This service facilitates the registration of motor vehicles being licensed for the first time in The Bahamas, or being transferred from one owner to another within the country.

Persons, including Bahamians and Non-Bahamians, who are interested in constructing a new building, effecting any improvement in or repairs or alterations to an existing building or use or change the use of an existing building,

A Sport Fishing Permit is a licence granted to authorize foreign-owned vessels to be engaged in sport fishing exercises while in Bahamian waters.

A Sport Fishing Tournament Licence is granted to authorize the hosting of a sport fishing event or tournament within the waters of The Bahamas.

Any premises to be used for the public performance of plays and showing of films must be granted a licence by The Bahamas Plays and Films Control Board.

All licences granted for the use of premises for the public performance of plays and showing of films remain in force for one year or such shorter period as specified in the licence

The Plays and Cinemas Control Board may transfer any licence granted to any person to another person on the application of that person or the holder of the licence.

An Occupancy Certificate is required for all new construction, additions, alterations and sheds where the owner desires to occupy any building.

A Permit to Acquire Property is required by all non-Bahamians acquiring an interest in land if the property is undeveloped land with two or more adjoining acres. A Permit is also required if the intended use is not as an owner-occupied property.

Request for Access Passes no longer come under the Port Department and should be requested from Nassau Cruise Port.

This service is intended to provide animal welfare services and address all stray, roaming or nuisance animals in islands of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas covered under the Animal Protection and Control Act, 2010

Phyto-sanitary certificate for export or re-export is required by an importing country or subsequently exported to a third country.

A Permit is required for the importation of Agricultural Commodities. All processed foods of plant and animal origin.

A Permit is required for the importation of plants, plant products and other regulated articles

To obtain a permit to use fire for a charcoal kiln in a Forest Estate.

This service is intended to allow persons to import and export cats.

To enable customers to apply and pay online to register a commercial vessel in The Bahamas.

To enable customers to apply and pay online to register a commercial watercraft in The Bahamas.

This service is intended to allow persons to import and export companion birds.

A CITES Permit is provided to persons exporting conch, conch shells, conch pearls and conch meat.

The Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA) is responsible for the importation of pets into The Bahamas. To apply you must first register with click2clear.

The dairy permit allows persons to import dairy products into The Bahamas.

To enable customers to apply and pay online to register a dock, groin, mooring and pipeline situated in The Bahamas.

Any seafood product that will be exported must meet the required food standards before an Export certification is granted.

To enable non-Bahamians to apply and pay online to obtain a licence to charter a vessel in the Bahamas.

To better control the importation and manufacture of tobacco products all importers and manufactures of tobacco products must be registered under the Excise Stamp (Tobacco Products) Control Act, 2013.

This permit allows persons to import bananas into The Bahamas.

This permit allows persons to import meat into The Bahamas.

This permit allows persons to import plants and flowers

This permit allows persons to import fruits and vegetables into The Bahamas.

This permit allows persons to import plants (except CITES species) and flowers.

This permit allows persons to import poultry, meat, and eggs.

To enable customers to apply and pay online to obtain an ‘A’ or ‘B’ class Master’s Licence to operate a vessel in The Bahamas.

The registration of Non-Profit Organisations (“NPOs”) in compliance with the Non-Profit Organisations Act, 2019 as amended.

To enable customers to apply and pay online to obtain a ‘D’ class Operator’s Licence to operate a watercraft in The Bahamas.

The CITES Permit allows persons to import or export orchids.

All persons who may wish to use the National Flag and/or Coat of Arms on any articles to be produced, distributed, sold, or imported into The Bahamas, or in connection with any business, must obtain written permission from the Minister

To obtain a permit to use a portable or power driven saw in the forest

To obtain a permit to harvest a protected tree. *This service requires collaboration with The Bahamas National Trust (BNT).

To obtain a permit to harvest timber and non timber forest produce (less than 1000 acres)

All persons who either work on the ports or have some reasonable beneficial interest for being on the port frequently must secure an identification card to access the port.

To obtain a permit to burn in the Forest Estate. This service requires consultation from the Department of Environmental Health Services, Water and Sewerage Corporation and the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

To enable customers to apply and pay online to register a private vessel in the Bahamas.

To enable customers to apply and pay online to register a private watercraft.

In accordance with the Cooperative Societies Act 2005 & Cooperative Societies Regulations 2012 (Proposed) all cooperative societies must be registered by the Director of Societies.

n accordance with the Cooperative Societies Act 2005 & Cooperative Societies Regulations 2012 (Proposed) all cooperative societies must be registered by the Director of Societies. The Certificate of Registration confirms

To obtain a License to harvest and remove Timber or Non-timber Forest Produce (area of 1,000 acres or greater or large scaled operation)

This service is intended to assist persons importing Tropical Fish.

This permit is required for persons who wish to engage in the culture of aquatic organisms, including fish farming.

It is a requirement of The Government of The Bahamas that any project/activity which will alter the coast line must be approved by the Port Department.

Commercial fishing is defined as fishing for any fishery resource for the purpose of subsequent sale or benefit, whether it is done on a full-time or part-time basis.

This permit allows Bahamian citizens to use compressors to harvest spiny lobster or crawfish.

This licence authorizes the processing of seafood on-board a commercial vessel. Refer to The Seafood Processing and Inspection Regulations, 2002-Section 15

A licence to operate a captive marine mammal facility certifies that the operators of a captive marine mammal facility have been deemed adequate to hold live specimens of marine mammals in The Bahamas.

A Marine Mammal Export Permit is required to allow the export of any species of marine mammal from The Bahamas.

A Marine Mammal Import Permit is required to allow the importation of any marine mammal species into The Bahamas. Citizens or local companies authorized to hold marine mammals will be interested in obtaining this type of permit.

This permit allows transportation of a marine mammal.

It is a requirement of The Government of The Bahamas that all boats/jet skis to be used privately, must be registered. The registration process at the Port Department is one designed to assist the private boat owners

It is a requirement of The Government of The Bahamas that all foreign charters secure a licence in order to utilise Bahamian waters. Most foreign charter applications to The Bahamas are from yachts seeking to explore our beautiful seas.

A Scientific Research Permit is granted to local or foreign researchers to authorize marine research and collections within Bahamian waters.

Persons wishing to buy and store seafood product can do so with a seafood buying station licence.

This licence authorizes the persons operating processing plants as well as factory vessels to export seafood from The Bahamas. Refer to The Food (Seafood Processing and Inspection Regulations, 2002)

This permit allows the holder to fish for, possess, or export any shark or shark parts for educational, scientific or research purposes.

A Trapping Permit enables businesses or citizens who wish to use crawfish traps (lobster traps) to harvest spiny lobster or crawfish.

This permit enables Bahamian citizens to sell marine resources at designated retailing sites.

Justices of the Peace are those persons appointed at the local levels as lay persons who are charged with the responsibility of keeping the peace. They, therefore, have the same powers as Magistrates to sign warrants to assist the police with search

An excavation Permit is required for work to be done in highways. All applicants and sent to the Chief Civil Engineer, Ministry of Works & Urban Development.

All persons engaged in the business of providing inquiry agents or security guards services must obtain a licence. This includes the following types of companies

A patent for an invention is a grant by the government to an inventor for certain rights. A patent is granted by the Bahamian Government through the Intellectual Properties Section of the Registrar General’s Department.

A trademark is a work, symbol or picture or the combination used to distinguish the goods of a person or organisation from the goods of others in the market place. A registered trademark gives a proprietor exclusive rights to use the mark for

All licences granted to act as an inquiry agent and/ or security guard are valid for a period of one year.

This license is required by all persons who wish to engage in the business of providing inquiry agents or security guards.

Non-Bahamian nationals who are holders of Long Term Work Permits / Visas must have them renewed annually. This renewal is not automatic and requires the employers of work visa holders to apply for renewal, which is granted at the discretion of the

Any non-Bahamian national wishing to work in The Bahamas for up to 90 days must apply for a short term work permit / visa from the Department of Immigration.

Any person, Car Mechanics, Auto Body Repairmen, Auto Body Painters or Wrecker’s Yard Operators, seeking to use a site for one or more of the following purposes must secure a Garage Licence.

A non-Bahamian or a Permanent Resident, who acquires an interest in a condominium or property to be used by him/her as owner-occupied, or for construction of such a dwelling, must apply to the Secretary to the Investments Board to register the purchase.

Persons, both Bahamians and Non-Bahamians, who have acquired an interest in a time share in The Bahamas must register the interest with the Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA). The interest is to be registered by the Developing Owner of

Every license issued is valid for the year in which it is issued and expires on the 31st day of December of that year. Licensing fees vary according to the health profession. Failure to renew your license on time will result in payment of a late

In The Bahamas, persons must first register with the Health Professions Council before they can work in the following fields:

Persons seeking to build a hospital or healthcare facility must first obtain a licence from the Board. In order to be eligible for a licence, you must first submit an application along with the following requirements to the Facilities Board

9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Persons seeking to establish a nursing agency, or an agency where the services of nurses, midwives and clinical nurses are sought, must first obtain a license from the Nursing Council.

The Registrar keeps a current record of all medical practitioners and their qualifications in the Medical Register. In order to register, you must submit a written application to the Council that proves the following

Anyone interested in selling on areas known as Government Property, requires a Vendor’s Permit.

Adoption is the permanent legal transfer of parental rights and responsibilities for a child from the natural birth parents to another adult known as the adopter.

The law requires that a birth should be registered within 21 days from its occurrence at the Births and Deaths Section of the Registrar General’s Department.

Bahamians can register their deeds and other legal documents at the Deeds and Documents Registry at the Registrar General’s Department.

Anyone wishing to be married in The Bahamas must first request a licence from the Registrar General’s Department. The legal age of marriage in The Bahamas is 18 years. A marriage licence is valid for three months.

The Registrar General, the Deputy Registrar, Assistant Registrar, Family Island Administrators or Commissioners, and Supreme Court Magistrates are Marriage Officers by virtue of their appointment.

Persons learning to drive any vehicle must carry a learner’s permit. In addition, permit holders when driving any vehicle which he/she has not qualified by test to drive, must carry the prescribed "L" plates at the front and back of the vehicle.

All businesses are required to be licenced under the Business Licence bill 2010.This includes all businesses registered before the bill became law. Any person who wishes to incorporate a company in the Bahamas is required by law to register the business

Once a decision is made to terminate or cease business operations for a period of time, a business owner is required to apply to the BLU to cease the business.

All businesses are required to apply to the Business Licence Office to change their business location.

All businesses are required to apply to the Business Licence Office to change their business Mailing Address.

All businesses are required to apply to the Business Licence Office when there is a change of business name that appears on the Business Licence.

The Bahamas Film and Television Commission provides support and facilitation to production service representatives in and out of The Bahamas, who have film, television and other production projects, which can be executed in The Bahamas.

Persons wishing to operate a hotel for the first time must apply for a licence. Persons wishing to operate a hotel that have been closed for one year or more, and are re-opening must also apply for a license. This applies to first time

Hotel owners and operators must renew their hotel licence on an annual basis.

Hotel operators and owners can apply for a transfer of a hotel licence where there is a change of the hotel operator or when the licensed operator has died.

All businesses are required to be licenced under the Business Licence Bill 2010. Any person who wishes to conduct business in the short term must apply for an Occasional Business License. The period must not exceed seven days.

The Compliance Commission maintains relevant information on the entire local financial services sector as well as regional and international regulatory organizations.

All businesses are required to be licenced under the Business Licence Bill 2010. A non-Bahamian applying to conduct a specific business in The Bahamas for a period of time is required to apply for a Temporary Business Licence.

A temporary hotel licence allows hotel operators whose hotels have not fully complied with all regulations.

All dogs (three months and over) in The Bahamas should have a dog licence. This licence can be issued annually or on a periodic basis. There is a penalty of BS$40.00 for any unlicensed dog.

A Container Rebuilding Licence authorises the holder to rebuild LPG containers. Persons interested in becoming a Container Rebuilder must apply to the Control Division of the Ministry of Works & Urban Development for a container Rebuilding Licence.

A Dealer / Sub-Dealer licence is required if anyone desires to conduct business in the LPG field with regard to storing, filling, selling or transporting liquefied petroleum gas.

This licence authorizes the processing of seafood on a land-based processing facility. Refer to "The Seafood Processing and Inspection Regulations, 2002" for more details.