Establishing a Business in The Bahamas

All non-Bahamians or Permanent Residents seeking to do business in The Bahamas must submit a Project Proposal to the Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA).


Eligibility 

There are no requirements for Bahamians to qualify for this service.  Non-Bahamians must meet a minimum capital investment of BS$500,000 and the proposed investment must not be in an area reserved for 100% Bahamian participation.

The Electronic Communications Sector has not been reserved for 100% Bahamian participation.

Process 
  1. Submit a project proposal in accordance with the BIA’s Project Proposal Guidelines, along with the following supporting documents to the Bahamas Investment Authority.
  2. The BIA will process the application and submit the same to the National Economic Council for a determination.
  3. The relevant Government Ministries or Agencies would be consulted for input.
  4. Once a determination has been made, the BIA will communicate to the applicant in writing.
  5. Once approval is obtained, the BIA also coordinates with other Government agencies and facilitates the implementation of projects.
Application Form(s) 

A form is not required, however a project proposal in accordance with the BIA’s Project Proposal Guidelines, along with supporting documents to the Bahamas Investment Authority must be submitted.

Supporting Documents 
  • Copies of Passports
  • Bank reference(s)
  • Character references
  • Police records
  • Fingerprints
  • Copy of application for Crown Land (if applicable)
  • Environmental Impact Assessment
  • Proof of financial capability
Turn-around time 
A determination is communicated within 60 days following the submission of a completed Project Proposal.
Deadline 
It should be noted that a BIA Approval is valid for a limited period (12 to 18 months).
Related Fee(s) 

No fee is applied for this process.

For more information please contact 

Director of Bahamas Investment Authority
2nd Floor Cecil Wallace-Whitfield Centre
West Bay Street
P. O. Box CB-10980
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 327-5826-9, (242) 702-5500-3
Fax. (242) 327-5806
Email: bia@bahamas.gov.bs

 
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Agency Contact Info
 
Cellular Liberalisation Task Force
Secretariat
Cellular Liberalisation Task Force
Teachers and Salaried Workers Co-operative Credit Union Business Complex
East Street South
Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas
cellularliberalisation@bahamas.gov.bs
Phone: (242) 322-1432 / 326-0347 / 325-5320
Fax: (242) 322-1494
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