THE BAHAMAS
The Bahamas is probably best known for its wonderful climate, spectacular seascapes and miles of fine sand beaches. An archipelago of over 700 islands, its capital is Nassau on the island of New Providence. The Bahamas became a British Crown colony in 1718 and an independent Commonwealth realm in 1973, retaining Queen Elizabeth II as its monarch.
In terms of gross domestic product per capita, the Bahamas is one of the richest countries in the Americas (following the United States and Canada).
With little or no crime on the Out or Family Islands, a well-established school system offering the opportunity of University in North America for its students and rich, lush, tropical vegetation against the backdrop of clear, azure waters, the Bahamas captivates families by appealing to the aspirations of all.
In addition to this former British Colony’s stable government and sovereign status, the favourable tax regime contributes significantly to the country’s strengths as an international financial centre. The islands' zero rate income tax, capital gains tax, wealth tax and VAT lures wealthy foreign investors looking to avoid spiraling tax burdens overseas.
Residency status, customarily granted to qualifying owners of freehold property valued in excess of 500,000 US dollars, is enticing foreigners to live and invest there. There are no onerous restrictions on foreigners buying freehold property and in addition the Government’s proposed (March 2014) ‘user-friendly’ Immigration policy, is intended to “revolutionise” the Bahamas’ position as an international business centre. Ryan Pinder, Minister of Financial Services, indicated that the policy now under development was designed to attract high net worth investors to follow their assets to the Bahamas, domiciling in the tax-free jurisdiction and, ultimately, potentially investing in the domestic economy.
Located 180 miles off the Florida coast, with direct regular flights from the USA, Canada, Central America and the UK and with connections to Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Australasia this is a viable hub for global business and for living a discerning cosmopolitan family life.
Benefits of Residency in the Bahamas:
- There is no inheritance tax, Capital Gains Tax (CGT) or wealth tax.
- Foreign owners can apply for residency status.
- There are no onerous restrictions on foreigners buying freehold property in the Bahamas.
- Preferential consideration of applications for permanent residence is given to investors and to qualified owners of residential property valued in excess of $500,000.
NTL is proud to offer a residency program in the Bahamas in cooporation with the exclusive development of Stella Maris Village. Located on Long Island, Stella Maris Village is set amongst hundreds of lush acres complemented by unspoiled pristine beaches and contrasting coastlines, from rugged Atlantic beaches to the tranquil Caribbean bays. Here there is the opportunity to build your own beautiful, eco-friendly home with spectacular seascape views and access to a proposed, on-site, serviced, office and business centre facility. Enter your bespoke new home into the Show-Home program and discover how your residency solution, through property investment in Stella Maris Village, can also become a revenue source by reaping the benefits of guaranteed rental returns.
We suggest scheduling an initial consultation with our Bahama consultants by telephone, followed up by a personal meeting in if the conclusion of the telephone conversation is positive. Please contact any NTL International office in the first instance to make arrangements.