Bahamas
Key entity, tax, banking, visa, and compliance guidance for foreign founders incorporating in Bahamas.
Foreign Ownership Eligibility
Bahamas welcomes 100% foreign-owned companies
Fully remote formation — you never need to set foot in the country.
- The Bahamas has no general headline CIT for most entities
- DMTT and Pillar Two considerations can apply to in-scope large MNE groups
- VAT standard rate is 10% with reduced 5% category for listed essentials
- Economic-substance planning is central to structure design
Ownership
100% Foreign OK
Formation
100% Remote
Note
Registrar workflow and fee tables should be confirmed directly before filing.
Tax at a glance
Bahamas Tax Overview
No general CIT (headline)
Corporate income tax
PwC The Bahamas corporate taxes
DMTT framework applies to in-scope large groups
Minimum tax overlay
PwC The Bahamas corporate taxes
10% standard; 5% reduced for listed essentials
VAT
PwC The Bahamas other taxes
BSD 100,000 taxable revenue (12 months)
VAT threshold
PwC The Bahamas other taxes
Pros & cons
Advantages & Considerations
Key Advantages
No general headline corporate income tax for many structures
Established jurisdiction for international structuring
Clear immigration pathways for residence and work permits
Considerations
DMTT and Pillar Two reduce simple zero-tax assumptions for large groups
Registrar fee/timeline detail requires direct operational confirmation
Substance requirements demand real governance and activity planning
Incorporation Process
The process is strictly digital. Each stage builds on the previous one.
Design structure with substance
Complete incorporation and licensing
Register VAT if required
Set social and payroll processes
Handle immigration permits
What you'll pay
Cost Architecture
Government Fees
Annual Ongoing
Professional Services
Still unsure about costs?
These are estimates — your actual cost depends on your structure
Every Bahamas setup is different. A 15-minute call with one of our specialists will give you a personalised cost breakdown — completely free.
Fintech & Banking
Can non-residents open accounts without visiting? YES.
Banking options for non-resident founders in Bahamas. Remote account opening availability varies by institution.
| Institution | Type | Ease for Non-Residents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Bank of Canada Bahamas | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | Institution and compliance dependent • Institution dependent • Institution dependent • Corporate records, UBO details, business-activity and source-of-funds documentation |
| Scotiabank Bahamas | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | Institution and compliance dependent • Institution dependent • Institution dependent • Corporate records, UBO details, business-activity and source-of-funds documentation |
| Commonwealth Bank Bahamas | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | Institution and compliance dependent • Institution dependent • Institution dependent • Corporate records, UBO details, business-activity and source-of-funds documentation |
| Digital payment options vary by provider and scope | Fintech | High (Remote) | Institution and compliance dependent • Institution dependent • Institution dependent • Corporate records, UBO details, business-activity and source-of-funds documentation |
Regulatory requirements
Annual Compliance Matrix
| Requirement | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
Business licence obligations | Ongoing | Maintain annual business-licence and turnover-related obligations. |
VAT reporting | Ongoing | File and remit VAT where registered or required. |
National Insurance | Ongoing | Remit social contributions where employment exists. |
Substance and group tax review | Ongoing | Assess CESRA and DMTT implications for group structure annually. |
Frequently Asked
Speak with a Bahamas specialist
Get personalised guidance on entity types, costs, timelines and banking — free, no commitment needed.