Application Form(s)
The following forms are necessary when applying for a first-time licence:
- Application for Licence to Operate An Hotel (Form I) – to be completed in duplicate.
- Form IB - Requires particulars on the hotel e.g. name of hotel, name of manager, address, total number of bedrooms etc.
- Part 1 Hotel Winter Rates Return (Form X1)
- Part 11 Hotel Summer Rates Return (Form X1)
These forms can all be accessed online at the Ministry of Tourism website.
Supporting Documents
Please note, the following documents must be submitted along with your completed forms:
- Investments Board Approval – Applicable to Non-Bahamian entities.
- Bahamas Exchange Control Certificate/Central Bank Approval – Applicable to Non-Bahamian entities.
- In case of Manager(s), Work Permit or Certificate of Permanent Residence if Non-Bahamian; Proof of Citizenship if Bahamian.
- In case of Owner(s), Proof of Nationality.
- Proof of Nationality of Beneficial Owner(s)/Key Principal(s) only.
- Proof of Ownership of Premises, that is, Deed of Conveyance or Lease Agreement (if not previously submitted or if change of ownership (wholly or in part) transpired and a new document was not submitted). In addition, if the hotel is company-owned, Memorandum and Articles of Association, Certificate of Incorporation, Certificate of Incumbency and Proof of Good Standing of company. Where a Management Company exists, provide Management Agreement.
- Certificate of Registration (new applicant).
- Completed Form XI – (Parts I and II), Hotel Winter/Summer Rates return.
- Current Business Licence or, in the case of first applicant, receipt of payment of Current Business Licence.
- Copy of Contract/agreement for the servicing of fire equipment by a company approved by the Ministry of Works.
- Building Permit (if new property)
Turn-around time
It varies depending on when the application is made.
Deadline
You must apply for a licence to operate a hotel no later than three months prior to the proposed opening date. Note: If the Application is being made between September and December concerning a hotel on Nassau/Paradise Island, or a hotel on the Famil
Related Fee(s)
- The hotel licence fee, as provided under section 15 (1) of the Hotels Act, is an annual fee of BS$3.00 (on par with $US), per bedroom.
- Hotels on Nassau and Paradise Island with fewer than 10 bedrooms for the use of guests or equipped with fewer than 20 beds for such use are exempt from this fee.
- Hotels on Grand Bahama Island (except the city of Freeport) and the Family Islands with fewer than 25 bedrooms or equipped with fewer than 50 beds are also exempt from the payment of this fee.
- License fees are paid when applying for a first time hotel licence and when submitting applications for the annual renewal of the hotel license.
- Cheques for hotel licence fees for hotels on Nassau and Paradise Island are to be made payable to the Public Treasury and submitted to the Chief Licensing Officer, Hotel Licensing Department, Ministry of Tourism, P.O. Box N-3701, Nassau, The Bahamas.
- Cheques for hotel licence fees for hotels on Grand Bahama Island (except Freeport) and the Family Islands are to be made payable to the Public Treasury and submitted to the Government Administrator in their District.
For more information please contact
For additional information, please visit the Tourism Today website at http://www.tourismtoday.com
Or
The Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Offices, Family Islands, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays
