Moving to the Bahamas

Is moving to the Bahamas right for you?

Moving to the Bahamas can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s also far more complex than many people expect. From residency requirements to the realities of island infrastructure, small details can make or break the experience. Island life requires adaptability, patience, and thoughtful planning. If you arrive with an open mind and realistic expectations, relocating to the Bahamas can be a wonderful experience for you and your family.

This type of move tends to work best for retirees, remote workers, investors, and those with passive income abroad. It can be less ideal for people who need to secure employment after arrival, rely on instant services such as next-day delivery, or expect mainland efficiency in day-to-day life.

If you’re thinking about moving to the Bahamas, the most important question to ask is: what do you need to consider before you start?

Visit before you commit

The best advice we can give anyone considering a move to the Bahamas is to visit as many times as possible before committing to shipping personal belongings. Believe it or not, it’s often easier to move items to the Bahamas than it is to move them off an island, which is why many homes come furnished. There’s a common saying that people arrive with a shipping container and leave with a suitcase.

If visiting beforehand isn’t possible, for example, if you’ve accepted a position that starts next Tuesday, thorough research becomes even more important. Join expat forums, read firsthand accounts, and spend time reviewing common questions and challenges. For those who want a structured, realistic overview, our relocation guide Escape to the Bahamas walks you through this process step by step.

Visiting the Bahamas vs. living here full-time

It’s becoming increasingly common for people to divide their time between countries rather than relocate permanently. In many cases, spending part of the year in the Bahamas may be simpler than establishing full-time residency, which is not freely given and requires careful planning. Visit our Residency section for more information on acquiring residency in the Bahamas.

Many homeowners enjoy spending the winter months in the Bahamas when the weather is mild, then leaving during the hottest part of the summer for cooler climates. If that lifestyle is an option, it can offer the best of both worlds, and, truthfully, that’s our own long-term plan.

For those who do choose to make the Bahamas their primary home, island life offers something difficult to describe without experiencing it firsthand. There’s a strong sense of community and shared responsibility; a feeling of we’re all in this together, for better or worse.

Choosing the right island for your move

Choosing where to live in the Bahamas has a greater impact on your experience than many people realize. Your ideal island will depend on how much activity you want, how often you travel, and what level of infrastructure you need.

For example, if you travel frequently, relocating to a very remote island with limited weekly flights may not be ideal. You may want to consider Western New Providence, which is close to Lynden Pindling International Airport. On the other hand, if you want to have beautiful stretches of white sandy beach to yourself and hang out barefoot at your local seaside bar, maybe Eleuthera would be a consideration, as New Providence is seriously lacking decent beach bars.

We explore these differences in greater detail on the Which Island is Right For Me? page, as each island offers a distinct version of life in the Bahamas.

Common mistakes when moving to the Bahamas

Moving without understanding residency status

It’s essential to understand where foreigners stand before relocating. Bahamians are prioritized for employment, and residency is carefully regulated. Knowing your potential pathway or limitations ahead of time will save significant frustration later.

Buying property too early

We work in real estate, and of course, we would love to help you purchase your dream property, home, or condo, but if you jump the gun and purchase too early without having spent time in the Bahamas, you may end up with regrets. Spending time on the ground helps you understand the construction quality of various developments, flood-prone areas, neighborhood dynamics, and long-term suitability before making a commitment.

Choosing the wrong island

Each island offers a very different experience. The island that suits you at 45 may not be ideal at 65. Accessibility, healthcare, community size, and services should all factor into your decision.

Underestimating costs

Cost of living is a make-or-break factor for many people. Because almost everything is imported, prices reflect shipping costs, VAT, and import duties. Those earning income in stronger currencies such as the Euro or GBP may feel less impact, while others may need to budget carefully. While there is no income tax, capital gains tax, or tax on rental income, day-to-day expenses are higher than many newcomers expect.

The path to relocating with confidence

After living in the Bahamas for nearly fifteen years (married to a Bahamian citizen) and helping countless newcomers navigate the transition, I created a comprehensive relocation guide to help others avoid costly mistakes and move forward with confidence.

If you’re serious about relocating to the Bahamas, Escape to the Bahamas provides in-depth guidance on residency, cost considerations, island selection, and day-to-day realities, updated in 2025 to reflect the most current information.