Work Permit (Renewal) - Bahamas Immigration Department

Non-Bahamian nationals, who are desirous of working and living in The Bahamas for a period greater than 90 days, must first be authorized to do so by way of a valid work permit/visa issued by the Department of Immigration.  Persons wishing to work for up to 90 days must apply for a short-term work permit/visa.

• $200.00 non-refundable processing fee (payable by credit/debit card, postal money order, or bank-certified cheque)
• Letter of Request addressed to the Director of Immigration
• Duly completed Renewal/Extension application form (legible)
• Applicant’s original medical certificate (dated not earlier than 30 days before submission of the application. Required for every applicant)
• Applicant’s original police certificate (issued not earlier than six (6) months and must cover five years of residence and is required from the age of 14)
• Two (2) current passport photographs of the applicant on white background with name printed on the back of the photo (captured within six (6) months, photo size must be 2 X 2 inches)
• Copy of the biographical data page of the applicant’s current passport (must be signed and readable with a minimum of two (2) months validity)
• Copy of biographical data page of Employer/Sponsor’s current passport (if the employer is a non-Bahamian, evidence of immigration status is also required)
• Letter from the National Insurance Board (NIB) stating that the applicant’s contributions are up-to-date. All persons employed in The Bahamas for a period of thirty (30) days or more must provide proof of NIB contributions when submitting applications.
• Copy of applicant’s previous work permit (front and back copied)
• Copy of Employer/Sponsor’s National Insurance Card (for single employers)
• Certificate of Good Standing for the Port Authority (Grand Bahama)
• Copy of Business License, Certificate of Incumbency, or Certificate of Incorporation of Employer/Sponsor

For accompanying Dependents, apply for Permit to Reside.

LABOUR CERTIFICATES AND NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENTS ARE IMPORTANT TO THE WORK PERMIT PROCESS, AS THEY ARE KEY TO DETERMINING THE EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS OF SUITABLY QUALIFIED BAHAMIANS. These documents must be submitted for all positions, except for applicants in the Immigration Fee Scale 1 category—which includes top-level positions in the company—as well as Owner’s Representatives and Consultants from the Immigration Fee Scale 2 category.

Effective September 1, 2025, all Immigration Fee Scale 8 annual work permit applications must be accompanied by a Labour Certificate, whether for new permits or renewals, and every two (2) years thereafter. Immigration Fee Scale 8 applications cover domestic positions such as gardeners, maids, handymen, handywomen, and similar roles.

The Immigration Fee Scale can be found here.

All further correspondence should be addressed to:
Director of Immigration
P.O. Box N-831
Nassau, Bahamas

Please note that:
1. Certified translations in English are required for each foreign document submitted and should have a Bahamian $10.00 postage stamp affixed thereto.
2. Translations must be prepared by someone proficient in the relevant foreign language.
3. Persons applying for status in first instance should not be in the country during the processing of the application.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD RENEWAL/EXTENSION FORM