Get Your Bahamas Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply
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Eligibility Overview
- By Birth: Citizenship is granted to individuals born in The Bahamas to at least one Bahamian parent. Those born in The Bahamas to non-citizen parents may apply at age 18 if they lived there the first 10 years.
- By Descent : Individuals born abroad to a Bahamian father (or Bahamian mother if born out of wedlock) are eligible for citizenship by descent. Maternal descent has been expanded through recent legal efforts.
- By Marriage : Foreign women married to Bahamian men can apply for citizenship. Foreign men married to Bahamian women currently cannot, though legal reform is under consideration.
- By Naturalization: Foreign nationals may apply after residing in The Bahamas for at least 6–9 years, depending on status.
- Special Exception – Dual Citizenship Limited: The Bahamas does not allow dual citizenship after age 21. Children born with another nationality must choose one by adulthood or risk losing Bahamian citizenship.
Note: Dual citizenship is tolerated for minors with multiple nationalities at birth, but adults must renounce foreign citizenship to retain or acquire Bahamian citizenship.
Step-by-Step Process
- Determine your path: descent, birth, marriage, or residency.
- Submit an application through the Department of Immigration or a Bahamian consulate.
- Provide supporting documents and complete interviews or background checks.
- Renounce foreign citizenship if required by law before approval is granted.
Benefits of Bahamian Citizenship
- Right to live, work, and own property in The Bahamas
- Access to free public education and health services
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries
- Path to regional CARICOM mobility and privileges
Frequently asked questions.
Does The Bahamas allow dual citizenship?
Not for adults. Minors with dual nationality are permitted to hold both until age 21, after which they must choose one nationality. Adults acquiring Bahamian citizenship must renounce the other.
Can I get Bahamian citizenship through my parent?
Yes. Children born abroad to a Bahamian father — or to a Bahamian mother if born out of wedlock — may apply. Recent legal reforms are expanding maternal descent rights.
Can I become a citizen through marriage?
Yes, if you are a woman married to a Bahamian man. However, men married to Bahamian women are currently not eligible through marriage — though changes are being considered.
How long do I need to live in The Bahamas to apply?
You must usually reside in the country for 6 to 9 years, depending on your immigration status and application route.
Do I have to pay taxes in The Bahamas as a citizen?
The Bahamas does not levy personal income taxes. Citizens are not taxed on worldwide income. However, tax obligations in your other country may still apply if dual nationality is retained temporarily.