Introduction
The Bahamas have been a magnet for digital nomads, expats and retirees for years. The laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches and friendly locals are just some of the reasons why so many people love this island nation—and its reputation as a top tourist destination only adds to the appeal. However, like any vacation spot in the world, it’s important to do your research before you go. My team has rounded up everything you need to know before visiting The Bahamas as a digital nomad or expat: from the best places to live out there (and how much they cost), what kind of work permits are available for foreigners and more!
Why the Bahamas Is Great For Digital Nomads
The Bahamas is an excellent place for digital nomad because it has a low cost of living, a high quality of life and offers tax-free status. The country has many beautiful tropical beaches, clear blue water and an assortment of different cultures. The country also has many delicious foods that you can enjoy as you work on your business from the comfort of your villa or hotel room.
There are many places where you can choose to settle down and set up shop as a digital nomad.
Getting a digital nomad visa for the Bahamas
The Bahamas is an easy country to get a visa for. As a matter of fact, they offer a digital nomad visa specifically designed for people who want to live and work in the country without being tied down by traditional employment. The key word here is “traditional”: the government has recognized that many workers prefer non-traditional arrangements and have created an option that works well for those who can prove their income.
The digital nomad visa is not mandatory, but it's highly recommended if you're planning on residing in the Bahamas long-term (the longest term being one year). This type of visa requires you to earn a minimum of $100 per month from your online business or freelance work—or $750 per month from any other source—in addition to having health insurance and proof of accommodation during your stay within The Bahamas.
What to do in the Bahamas?
There are plenty of activities you can do in the Bahamas. Here's a list:
Explore the island: You can go on day trips to explore the island with your family and friends. There are many things to see and do, such as shops, restaurants, bars, casinos and hotels.
Go diving: Diving is popular in the Bahamas because there are many shipwrecks that have been sunk by storms or pirates over the years! The underwater world is beautiful and colorful with lots of sea life to see!
Go snorkeling: Snorkeling involves swimming while wearing a mask and fin so you can breathe underwater while floating face down on top of it too! It's easy for anyone who knows how to swim well enough
Go jet skiing: Jet skis are small motorboats that are propelled by water jets. You can go on the open ocean or in a lagoon, and it's fun because you can ride with your friends!
Go on a cruise: The Bahamas has many options for cruises around the islands, including glass bottom boats where you can see all sorts of sea life beneath your feet! They also have a lot of different types of boats that are perfect for families or groups with kids.
You can go on a shark dive too! These are typically done from boats, but there are some that you can do from shore; it depends on where you are. It's a great experience because you get to see many different kinds of marine life in one place: sharks, rays, dolphins and even whales!
The cost of living in the Bahamas
How much does it cost to live in the Bahamas? To find out, you'll need to know how much the average salary is. According to Payscale, the average annual income of a worker in the Bahamas is $35,000 USD (and that's without any bonuses or commissions). This number is relatively low compared to other countries; for example, an employee in New York makes an average of $49k per year and one in California earns around $60k per year. In general though, if you're looking for a cheaper place to live than what you'd get back home then this might be your best bet.
But how do these numbers compare with other digital nomads who are actually living there? It all depends on their lifestyle choices! For example: Do they have children or pets? If so then those costs will increase substantially over time; likewise if they live alone and don't have many friends then entertainment may become expensive as well. The key thing here is not just about finding somewhere cheap but rather where will suit what kind of person you are or are hoping to become.
Conclusion
There are many great reasons to move to the Bahamas. The country has a low cost of living and is easy to get around, with a good visa system that allows digital nomads and expats to work online from anywhere in the world. It’s also one of the easiest countries in the Caribbean for obtaining residency!