International Removals UK to the Bahamas

An international move from the UK to the Bahamas takes 35 days. This is the port-to-port transit times, so you’ll have to factor in collection, packing and final delivery times.

The main port of the Bahamas is Nassau. On arrival, all goods will have to undergo customs clearance which will be handled with the help of our agents in the Bahamas. Once cleared you can collect directly from our warehouse or we can arrange onward delivery to most destinations, including Nassau, Lucaya, Freeport, West End, Coopers Town and more. Further information on customs clearance in the Bahamas is available on the Bahamas Trade Info website.

To get you moved to the Bahamas, we’ll need the following documentation:

• Copy of your passport
• Copy of your residency visa
• Inventory list of imported goods
• Bill of Lading or Air Waybill. This document details items being moved and will be issued by us once your goods have left the UK.
• Customs declaration form
• Proof of address in the Bahamas

All documents can be uploaded via our secure document transfer page.

Our container tracking tool lets you live-track your shipment from the UK to the Bahamas. Once it’s left the UK port, you’ll receive a unique tracking number so you can watch its movements all the way to the Bahamas.

Yes, you can take your pet with you to the Bahamas from the UK, but you must follow strict requirements set by the Bahamas authorities.

Key requirements:

1. Vaccinations: Your pet must have their rabies vaccination at least 30 days before travelling, but no longer than 10 months for dogs and 12 months for cats. The expiration date should be included on the health certificate. Dogs will need the following vaccines; Distemper, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis and Canine Parainfluenza.
2. Microchipping: Your pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip before arrival.
3. Health Certificate: Your pet will need a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian in the UK to confirm your pet is healthy, issued within 48 hours before travel.
4. Import Permit: You’ll need a pet Import Permit from the Bahamas Department of Agriculture .
5. Parasite Treatment: It’s not a requirement, but it’s recommended to get your pet microchipped.

Yes, British citizens can move to the Bahamas. If you’re staying less than 90 days, you don’t need a visa. Any long-term stays will require a visa and if you are planning to work there you’ll need a Work Permit. You can get residence status through a Residency Through Investment or Annual Residency Permit visa. For most visas in the Bahamas you’ll need to adhere to the following criteria:

• Hold a valid UK passport
• Visa application form
• Passport sized photos
• Proof of financial situation
• Proof of accommodation
• Clean criminal record
• Health clearance

While not a requirement, it’s advised to have valid health insruance as well.

You can stay in The Bahamas for 30 days without a visa. Extensions for UK visitors are available for a maximum period of 8 months.

UK residents who wish to stay in The Bahamas for longer than 8 months or who wish to move there permanently can do so via a range of visa options:

Foreigners who wish to live and work in the Bahamas for more than 90 days must apply for a Work Permit, issued by the Department of Immigration .

The typical cost to process a Bahamas work permit application is $200.00.

Requirements for a Bahamas Work Permit include:

• Letter of Request and Completed Application Form.
• Medical and Police Certificates.
• Passport Photos and Copy of Passport.
• Employer’s Details (proof of business and job vacancy).
• References and Letter of Release (if applicable).

For the full list of requirements and more information on a Bahamas Work Permit, visit the Department of Immigration website.

The Bahamas offers a Digital Nomad Visa to remote workers and students who want to move to the Bahamas. Also known as the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS)

This visa allows remote workers and students to live in the Bahamas for up to 1 year, with the option of extending the visa to up to 3 years.

Requirements for a Bahamas Digital Nomad (BEATS) Visa include:

• Completed Application Form (online).
• Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity).
• Proof of Employment or self-employment.
• Medical Insurance.
• Proof of Income (letter from employer or school).
• Criminal Record Check.

Learn more about the Digital Nomad (BEATs) visa and how to apply here .

Individuals can obtain permanent residency in the Bahamas under a variety of conditions, including on the basis of purchasing a residential property for BSD $750,000 (GBP £563,378) or more.

Here is the full list of eligibility requirements for Permanent Residency in the Bahamas:

• Spouse of a Bahamian (after 5 years of marriage).
• Persons born outside The Bahamas to a Bahamian mother.
• Investors or Property Owners (with a residence valued at BSD $750,000 or more).
• Government Employees (police, prison officers, teachers, nurses) with at least 10 years of service.
• Religious Leaders and Medical Professionals with 20 years of service.
• Long-term Work Permit Holders (20+ consecutive years).
• Residents with a Work Permit for 10–20 years in specific job scales.

To learn more about Permanent Residence in the Bahamas or to apply, visit the Department of Immigration Permanent Residence information page.

Individuals who are married to a Bahamian national may be eligible to apply for a Resident Spouse Permit, allowing you to live and work in the Bahamas provided that you live with your spouse and have been married for less than five years.

Learn more about the Resident Spouse Permit.

The Bahamas has a good quality of life, with a warm climate, beautiful beaches and a slow pace of living on offer. The cost of living can be high, but if you look at less developed islands you can find affordable property. This doesn’t stop Brits moving there to live, work and retire.

There is public and private healthcare in the Bahamas, but both come with fees. Most people living in the Bahamas have health insurance to cover these costs. The healthcare system is adequate, with public hospitals often experiencing underfunding and overcrowding. For specialised medical care, many people have to travel to the US.

The education system is split into three parts in the Bahamas. Primary education begins at age 5 and runs until age 11, then Junior High education runs from ages 11 to 14. Finally, Senior High education is for ages 14 to 17. Popular options for those seeking further education are to attend the University of the Bahamas or attend university abroad in the US or Canada. Students work towards the Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) exams, which are similar to GCSEs in the UK.

The cost of living in the Bahamas is 28% higher than in the UK . This is mainly because of imported goods, utilities and housing. Rent prices are over 50% higher in the Bahamas, with a 1-bedroom property averaging between £1,230 and £2,050 (BSD 1,540 - BSD 2,570) per month. A family of four should budget around £3,884 (BSD 4,855) per month for living costs, not including rent.

The tourism industry makes up over 50% of the country's economy. The Bahamas is also a financial hub for international companies, with jobs in this sector paying highly. There are lots of job opportunities in the tourism sector, which doesn’t pay as highly as other sectors. At present, there is also demand for highly skilled professionals in the financial, healthcare, and IT sectors.