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. If the vacant position is for a period longer than this, you should apply for a long term work permit / visa.

Eligibility

Any non-Bahamian who wishes to work in the Bahamas for up to 90 days could apply for a short term work permit / visa

Process

1. Complete appropriate application form
2. Prepare letter of request
3. Attach the completed application form to the letter of request and other supporting documents
4. Visit the Department of Immigration at any of the locations outlined below, submitting the documents and paying the fees

Application Form(s)

• Short Term Application Form (1 to 30 days)
• First Schedule Form I (31 to 90 days)
• On-line www.govnet.bs

Both forms are also available at the offices of the Department of Immigration.  

Supporting Documents

• A letter of request addressed to the Director of Immigration from the prospective employer stating reasons for the application, the position and the period of time required.
• A copy of the bio-data pages of the applicant's passport (passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months).
• 2 passport-sized identical colour photographs of the applicant, with the applicant’s name printed on the reverse side.

Turn-around time 

Once the actual application has been accurately and completely submitted, the permits are either granted or denied within a 7 days.

Deadline

Application must be submitted before the prospective employee arrives in The Bahamas.

Related Fee(s)

There is a non-refundable processing fee of BS$100.00. Please note that all fees are payable only by cash or certified / bank manager’s cheque made payable to the Treasury Department.

For more information please contact