Bahamas — Business: Hiring Employees

Key facts

• Non-Bahamians working more than 90 days need an annual work permit; stays up to 90 days need a short-term work permit.
• Employer documents: passport page, valid business licence or certificate of incorporation or incumbency, and National Insurance card or certificate.
• Most positions need a labour certificate from the Department of Labour and newspaper advertisements for three consecutive days; Fee Scale 1 and some consultants are exempt.
• The applicant pays a USD 200 non-refundable processing fee and supplies a medical certificate (under 30 days old), police certificate and two employer references.
• The page gives no standard processing time; applicants should enquire 8 to 12 weeks after submission. Dependents apply separately for a Permit to Reside.

Steps

1. Step 1: Registration with the Department of Labour — Employers must register with the Department of Labour to obtain a Labour Certificate, which is required for hiring employees.
2. Step 2: Obtaining necessary permits — Additional permits may be required depending on the type of business or industry.

Costs

• Processing fee: USD 200 (non-refundable)

Timelines

• Status enquiry: 8 to 12 weeks after submission

Required documents

• Letter of request to the Director of Immigration
• Form 1 (notarized)
• Medical certificate
• Police certificate
• Passport photos
• Labour certificate
• References