Life in Bahamas
The Bahamas sits 50 miles off the coast of Florida — the closest Caribbean destination to the US mainland — and offers 700 islands and cays of extraordinary turquoise water beauty. Nassau has the infrastructure of an established expat city; the Family Islands (Exumas, Abacos, Eleuthera, Harbour Island) offer more intimate island living. The Bahamian dollar is pegged 1:1 to the USD. No income tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax make it a legitimate financial planning destination. The Extended Access Permit (digital nomad visa) allows remote workers for up to 1 year. Very expensive by Caribbean standards.
Americans are essentially the backbone of the Bahamas' economy and expat community. The proximity, direct flights from dozens of US cities, and cultural overlap make it the most American-adjacent international destination. English is seamless.
The honest picture
✓ Pros
- 50 miles from Florida — closest Caribbean to the US
- Zero income, capital gains, and inheritance tax
- Bahamian dollar pegged 1:1 to USD
- Extended Access Permit — $1,000/year digital nomad visa
- English — zero language barrier
- 700 islands of extraordinary turquoise water
- Direct flights from dozens of US airports
✗ Cons
- Very expensive
- No path to citizenship for most
- No dual citizenship recognized
- LGBTQ+ not criminalized but no protections
- Crime in Nassau — areas to avoid
- Hurricane risk — Dorian (2019) devastated Abaco
- Limited healthcare outside Nassau
How Bahamas ranks
Monthly budgets (USD)
Basic needs, local lifestyle
Nice apartment, eating out, travel
Upscale life, domestic help, travel
Avg 1BR in major city: $1800/mo
Getting legal
US citizens enter visa-free for 8 months. The Extended Access Permit (digital nomad) costs $1,000 for 1 year for individuals. Permanent Residency requires $500,000+ property ownership. Annual residence through property ownership is accessible. No path to citizenship for most non-Bahamians. No dual citizenship recognized.
Official links & resources
Immigration Authority
Visa Info
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