Author: Bahamas Guides | Bahamas Guides

April 26, 2019April 27, 2019

Health Insurance in The Bahamas

The Bahamian lifestyle sounds pretty idyllic, doesn’t it? Right next to the US there is a tropical paradise with a financial center and very low taxes — what could go wrong?

Well, even in a beach paradise accidents happen, children need immunizations and we all occasionally get sick. The Bahamas has a good (and improving) healthcare system to take care of these eventualities.

Without an option to pay into the national health insurance system, expats should definitely consider buying a private health insurance plan in the Bahamas. This is not like parts of southern Europe or Asia where you could get by paying as you go.

Here you’ll find everything you need to consider and watch out for when deciding on Bahamian health insurance for your family — from costs to essential options and trusted providers.

April 3, 2019April 9, 2019

The Bahamas’ Tax System Explained

Even in a tropical paradise it sometimes has to rain. Similarly, even in tax havens like the Bahamas, there has to be some tax system to fund government spending.

The Bahamas tax system is world famous for not taxing income (personal or corporate), capital gains, wealth or inheritance. With some strategic planning, it is one of the least onerous systems to live under.

Mainly, the Bahamian government fills its coffers by their import duties, value-added tax and stamp duty on various documents needed for certain transactions.

Follow this guide to navigating the tax system here in the Bahamas and you’ll be able to structure your income, portfolio and other activities to minimize your tax bill.

April 3, 2019April 6, 2019

The Bahamas Tax Rates

The Bahamas is generally seen as one of the most pleasant options for where to live in the world. A tropical climate and easy-going way of life put the Caribbean nation on the top of most lists for those looking to relocate.

And tax rates run a close second to climate when it comes to naming what makes the Bahamas a favorite for the very wealthy and location-independent digital nomads.

Some countries that compete for this attention have relatively high nominal taxes but then create a system of complicated exemptions, credits and rebates to significantly reduce the effective tax rate.

The Bahamas approach to tax rates differs a bit. The headline numbers look very attractive: there is no personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax and a very low VAT rate. But there are relatively high rates of duty on imported goods and national insurance contributions on payroll.

This article will guide you through the taxes on everything from property to corporate income and will help inform an important part of your decision to relocate to the Bahamas.

April 2, 2019April 3, 2019

Your Guide to International & Private Schools in The Bahamas

Education for their children is, understandably, top of mind for expats who move their families to the Bahamas.

The school system on the Bahamas follows the British model and the calendar and curriculum will be familiar to those from North America or the UK.

Every child from 5 to 16 must attend school on the Bahamas and the options (roughly) into three categories: public, private, often faith-based options and international schools. The three international schools in the Bahamas are seen as the top options for parents who can afford the tuition.

Living in gated communities or on various, relatively distant islands means that families often choose a school before they pick a community. If you only think you’ll be in the Bahamas temporarily, you may want to opt for one of the international schools that will prepare your children to move easily from one country to another.

Here, I’ll guide you through the best schools in the Bahamas, including top private schools and their curriculum and tuition.

March 30, 2019April 17, 2019

The Best Places to Live in The Bahamas

It almost goes without saying that the Bahamas is a tropical paradise. It’s close to the US but has an entirely more favorable tax regime.

With thousands of hours of sunshine and temperatures that range from mild to hot it’s hard to imagine an unpleasant corner of the island country. And with over 700 islands to choose from, it’s easy to think that options must be unlimited.

The best places to live in the Bahamas for you will depend, at least partly, on your goals and life situation.

Is your relocation part of a dream retirement plan? Are you moving your digital nomad operation to the Bahamas? Will you be working for a company in the country’s financial center?

We’ll take all of these factors into account as we figure out where to live in the Bahamas. Read on for your guide to strategically approaching this essential question.