Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa (BEATS): Requirements, Eligibility & Application Guide

My Nomad Space
June 10, 2026

Dreaming of working remotely from the Bahamas for a while? Whether you picture yourself spending a few months in Nassau, the country’s vibrant capital, or prefer the more relaxed pace of Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, the Bahamas offers an attractive option for remote workers looking to combine work with island living. To support this lifestyle, the country also provides a dedicated digital nomad visa.

Known as The Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) program, this visa is designed to let qualifying remote employees, freelancers and digital professionals live in the Bahamas for an extended duration while continuing their work for overseas employers or clients, as long as they satisfy the eligibility criteria set by the program.

With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about the Bahamas digital nomad visa, including how it works, who can apply and what you’ll need to get started.

What exactly is the BEATS program (Bahamas digital nomad visa)?

Launched in October 2020, the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) program was introduced as part of the country’s effort to attract remote professionals and provide a clear legal pathway for them to live and work from the Bahamas.

This initiative allows eligible individuals to stay for an extended period while basing themselves in the islands, enjoying the relaxed Caribbean lifestyle alongside modern connectivity and infrastructure. As part of the wider push to position the Bahamas as a remote work-friendly destination, the program helps establish the country as an appealing base for digital nomads and location-independent professionals.

Eligibility for the Bahamas digital nomad visa

To qualify for the BEATS Work Remotely program, applicants must be remote workers employed or contracted by companies or clients based outside of the Bahamas. This includes freelancers, contractors, self-employed individuals and full-time employees working for overseas companies.

Rather than setting fixed income requirements, the program assesses financial self-sufficiency, requiring applicants to demonstrate they can support themselves throughout their stay. This is typically shown through documents such as employment contracts, client agreements, proof of self-employment or recent bank statements. Health insurance coverage is also mandatory.

Applicants must additionally be able to verify their remote work arrangement, confirming that their professional activity is carried out for organisations outside the Bahamas.

What do you need to apply?

The application process begins online with the submission of a completed form and a valid passport. Once reviewed and approved, applicants receive instructions for paying the relevant permit fees.

Supporting documents must then be provided, including proof of remote work such as an employment letter or active client contracts confirming overseas-based work. Financial evidence, such as bank statements, may also be required to demonstrate the ability to sustain living expenses during the stay.

All applicants must also submit proof of valid health insurance as part of the final approval process.

How to apply for the Bahamas digital nomad visa

The application for the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) program is completed online through the official BEATS platform:

Complete the online application form
Submit your personal details, passport information and basic information about your remote work or study arrangement.
Prepare and upload supporting documents
Provide a valid passport along with proof of remote work, such as an employment letter, client contracts or evidence of self-employment. You will also need to include financial documents and proof of valid health insurance.
Pay the application and permit fee
If your application is approved, you will receive an email with payment instructions. Work Remotely permits cost $1,000 for the main applicant and $500 for each dependent. An additional $25 application fee is also charged per approved application (all fees in Bahamian dollars).
Receive confirmation and entry approval
After payment is completed, you’ll receive official confirmation and QR code authorising your stay in the Bahamas under the BEATS program.

How long can you stay, and can the visa be renewed?

The Work Remotely permit under the BEATS program allows remote professionals and digital workers to live and work in the Bahamas for up to 12 months at a time.

After the initial period, the permit can be renewed for additional 12-month terms, as long as the applicant continues to meet the eligibility requirements and maintains their remote work arrangement.

What about paying taxes in the Bahamas?

Tax obligations for holders of the Bahamas digital nomad visa are generally straightforward, as the Bahamas does not impose personal income tax.

This means that individuals working remotely under the BEATS program are not subject to Bahamian income tax on earnings generated from overseas employment or clients. However, they may still be responsible for any tax obligations in their home country, depending on local tax residency rules and international taxation laws.

It is important to note that tax treatment can vary based on individual circumstances, including residency status elsewhere and the structure of your employment or business. For this reason, applicants are advised to consult a qualified tax professional to understand their specific obligations while living under the BEATS program.

Do you even need a visa?

Many travellers can enter the Bahamas for short stays without needing a visa, depending on their nationality, but this type of entry is only intended for temporary visits.

For anyone planning to stay longer while continuing to work remotely, a standard tourist stay isn’t appropriate. Instead, the BEATS Work Remotely permit offers a legal way for digital nomads and remote professionals to live in the Bahamas for an extended period while working for employers or clients outside the country.

Further assistance

If you need assistance with your application or have questions about the Bahamas digital nomad visa you can reach out through the official contact form on the BEATS website. Applicants can submit their details and receive a response from the support team. Applicants can also send any enquiries directly to the official support email at immigrationbeats@bahamas.gov.bs for assistance with the BEATS program.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on requirements, processing times and application updates, it is always recommended to refer to the official BEATS channels before applying.