Permit to Import Bananas

Applications for a permit to import bananas can be made online at a minimum Value Added Tax, (V.A.T. 10%) inclusive cost of $11.00. Bahamians and non-Bahamian individuals and businesses are eligible for this service.

Minimum Fee: $10.00 + Value Added Tax (10%).
Approved Agricultural Permit Valid for Seven (7) Days from the approval date.

Apply Now

Permit to Import Fruits and Vegetables

Applications for a permit to import fruits and vegetables can be made online at a minimum Value Added Tax, (V.A.T. 10%) inclusive cost of $11.00. Bahamians and non-Bahamian individuals and businesses are eligible for this service.

Minimum Fee: $10.00 + Value Added Tax (10%).
Approved Agricultural Permit is Valid for Seven (7) Days from the date approved.

Apply Now

Permit to Import Plants and Flowers

(plant material and plant-based products)

Info! WHEN APPLYING FOR AN ORCHID PLANT PERMIT PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST ALSO APPLY FOR A CITES PERMIT FOR THE ORCHIDS

Applications for a permit to import plants and flowers can be made online at a minimum Value Added Tax, (V.A.T. 10%) inclusive cost of $11.00. Bahamians and non-Bahamian individuals and businesses are eligible for this service.


Minimum Fee: $10.00 + Value Added Tax (10%).

Approved Agricultural Permit Valid Fourteen (14) Days from the approval date

Apply Now

Permit to Import Meats

(exclude POULTRY please see Application to Import Poultry)

Applications for a permit to import meat can be made online at a minimum Value Added Tax, (V.A.T. 10%) inclusive cost of $11.00. Bahamians and non-Bahamian individuals and businesses are eligible for this service.

Requirement(s) for an Agricultural Import Permit to import Meats

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Commercial Import

  • Commercial Importers must have a valid Business Licence from the Department of Inland Revenue that grants permission to import requested agricultural goods for commercial purposes.
  • Upload a Proforma Invoice/Quote indicating that a Meat Inspection has been requested for your shipment and the same must be listed as a line item. INFORMATION MUST BE IN ENGLISH.
  • Select the correct country and or countries of origin of the agricultural good(s) to be imported. Multiple countries can be selected. (Country of Origin- the geographical location where the agricultural goods were created, produced, grown or originated).
  • Upon entry into The Bahamas, goods must be declared and an Approved Agricultural Import Permit along with an original Meat Export Certificate of Wholesomeness is submitted to the Department of Customs.

Personal Consumption ≤ 50lbs per household declaration
1. Unaccompanied Meat for Personal Consumption

  • Upload a Proforma Invoice/Quote indicating that a Meat Inspection has been requested for your shipment and the same must be listed as a line item. INFORMATION MUST BE IN ENGLISH.
  • Upon entry into The Bahamas, goods must be declared and an Approved Agricultural Import Permit along with an original Meat Export Certificate of Wholesomeness submitted to the Department of Customs.

Minimum Fee: $10.00 + Value Added Tax (10%).
Approved Agricultural Permit Valid Seven (7) Days from the approval date.

2. Accompanied Meat for Personal Consumption ≤ 50lbs per household declaration

  • No Agricultural Import Permit Required.
  • On entry into The Bahamas, goods must be declared and an invoice submitted to the Department of Customs.

Minimum Fee: $10.00 + Value Added Tax (10%).

Approved Agricultural Permit Valid Seven (7) Days from the approval date

Apply Now

Permit to Import Poultry

Applications for a permit to import poultry can be made online at a minimum VAT inclusive cost of $10.00. Bahamians and non-Bahamian individuals and businesses are eligible for this service.
Supporting Documents:

  • Food Safety Certificate from the country of export.
  • Commercial traders must provide a valid business licence and specify the nature of the business.

Fee: $10.00 + VAT

Apply Now

Permit to Import Eggs

Applications for a permit to import eggs can be made online at a minimum VAT inclusive cost of $2.24. Bahamians and non-Bahamian individuals and businesses are eligible for this service.

Supporting Documents:

  • Food Safety Certificate from the country of export.
  • Commercial traders must provide a valid business licence and specify the nature of the business.
Apply Now

Permit to Import Dairy

Applications for a permit to import meats can be made online at a minimum VAT inclusive cost of $10.00. Bahamians and non-Bahamian individuals and businesses are eligible for this service.
Supporting Documents:

  • Food Safety Certificate from the country of export.
  • Commercial traders must provide a valid business licence and specify the nature of the business.

Fee: $10.00 + VAT

Apply Now

Farmers Registration Certificate New

The Farmers Registration Certificate is available to all those engaged in farming and in possession of farm land (agricultural crown land, private land used for farming, commonage land use for farming, etc).
Non-Bahamian farmers must have authorization from the Department of Immigration to engage in
gainful employment.

Upload: passport/birth certificate, or residency card and approval letter from The Bahamas Investment
Authority

Fee: None

Apply Now

Farmers Registration Certificate Renewal

The Farmers Registration Certificate is available to all those engaged in farming and in possession of farm land (agricultural crown land, private land used for farming, commonage land use for farming, etc).
Non-Bahamian farmers must have authorization from the Department of Immigration to engage in gainful employment.
Upload: passport/birth certificate, or residency card and approval letter from The Bahamas Investment
Authority

Fee: None

Apply Now

Application for Permit to Import CITES listed plants including Orchids

The CITES Permit allows persons to import or export CITES listed plants including orchids.

Upload: Proforma Invoice

Fee: $10 + VAT per page (effective 1 July 2023)

Apply Now

Dog Licence and Registration

The Application for Annual Dog Registration and Licensing is carried out by the Department of Agriculture for persons to licence and register their dog. All dogs (three months and over) in The Bahamas should have a dog licence. This licence can be issued annually or on a periodic basis.

Upload: Dog vaccination card

Fee: spayed or neutered free; intact $10+ VAT (effective 1 July 2023)

Apply Now

Need more information? See FAQs

Learn More
Passport Photograph Specifications:
  • The photograph should be no more than six (6) months old at the time of the application.
  • The photograph should be 2×2 inches at 600 dpi.
  • The photograph should be in colour with a plain white or an off-white background.
  • No selfies.
  • Photographs must show a neutral facial expression, the applicant must not be smiling and the        mouth must be closed.  
  • Makeup should be neutral and jewelry modest.
  • The photograph must show a full face view; the applicant must be facing the camera directly.
  • Hairline and ears must be visible and not covered.
  • Covering of the head is prohibited unless for medical or religious purposes and a formal written request is presented to and approved by the Passport Office.
  • The applicant’s clothing should be in colour with his/her shoulders covered.
  • The applicant’s clothing must not bear any form of military or civil servant badges or ornaments.
  • Applicants may request photo labs to provide a digital copy of the photograph using one of the following options: e-mail, CD or USB.
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Initially, the Centralized Collection Centre will enable the collection of documents from the Road Traffic Department and the Registrar General’s Office for the services of renewing or replacing a driver’s licence, renewing a learner’s permit, and requesting certified copies of birth, death and marriage certificates. Additional documents for collection will be included in the coming weeks. All documents must be collected in person and one form of a government-issued identification must be provided for verification. 
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Nationality
  • Bahamian citizens, 18 years old or older, residing in The Bahamas or abroad

Business Licence
  • The applicant must currently possess a business licence

Sales Turnover
  • Must have a turnover of less than 5 million dollars per annum
  • Should applicant be a limited company, please give the name(s) of beneficial shareholders

Application and Approval Period
  • The applicant is allowed exemption within a one year period.
  • Applicants approved for the exemption on items within the period of one year may not apply for the same items until the following year. i.e. One-time approval within a one year period.

Supporting Documents 
  • Applicants must provide the following support documents: business national insurance number, tax compliance certificate, business licence number, invoice, income statements
  • Once approved, the applicant can then use the exemption document (certificate) to present to customs.
  • If rejected, the applicant is required to pay the normal duties stipulated by the Customs Department.
  • Documents and items are also subject to physical inspections and review by the Revenue Section.

Start-up Business Exemptions
  • First Time Inventory - There is a limit on a first time inventory. Only startup businesses are eligible for exemption.
  • Inventory may be granted to existing businesses if opening a new or secondary location
  • Equipment/Machinery must to relate to the business

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Nationality
  • Bahamian citizens, 18 years old or older, residing in The Bahamas or abroad

Exemption Period
  • Applicants have up to two years to claim approved concessions. This exemption is available for two years, ending in December 2023.

Location & Prerequisites
  • Applicants must be approved for government service lots throughout The Bahamas.

Frequency of Application
  • Applicants may apply only once for building supplies and furniture on the initial application. Furniture concessions will be approved subject to receipt of the occupancy certificate.

Supporting Documents
  • Applicants must provide the following support documents: 
  • Passport 
  • NIB card 
  • Government land approval letter 
  • Stamp or certification from the Department of Housing 
  • Architectural plan 
  • Copy of invoice(s) or quote 
  • Copy of location/site plan from the Department of Housing

Terms and Conditions
  • The value of furniture and appliances will be equal to the amount of rooms in the house, likewise for appliances per room/per household. They are subject to inspection and review.
  • Applications without the required attachments will be considered incomplete. 
  • Applicants have up to 30 days after submission to provide the relevant information. 
  • If rejected, the applicant is required to pay the normal duties stipulated by the Customs Department.
 

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Nationality
  • Bahamian citizens, 18 years old or older.
Location
The business must operate in qualifying locations and on a qualifying island. 
Qualifying islands are:  
Ragged Island, San Salvador, Rum Cay, Cat Island, Long Island, Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, Long Cay and Andros.
The applicant does not have to be a resident to apply but exemption items must remain in the islands specified or in the approved zone. 

Supporting Documents
Individuals
Individual applicants must provide the following support documents: 
  • Valid passport or voters card
  • NIB Card
  • Copy of invoice(s) or quote
  • The value of furniture and appliances must be equal to the amount of rooms in the house, likewise for appliances per room/per household. They are subject to inspection and review.

Once approved, the applicant may use the exemption document (certificate) to present to customs.

Businesses 
Business applicants must provide the following support documents: 
  • Valid business licence 
  • Business NIB number 
  • Invoice(s) or quote

Terms and Conditions
  • There is no minimum turnover rate for businesses to qualify.
  • If rejected the applicant is required to pay the normal duties stipulated by the customs department.  
 

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Nationality
  • Bahamian citizens, 18 years old or older.
Location
Business must operate in the qualifying locations on qualifying islands. Qualifying islands include Abaco and Grand Bahama.
The applicant does not have to be a resident to apply but exemption items must remain in the islands specified or in the approved zone.
Supporting Documents
Individuals
Individual applicants must provide the following support documents: 
  • Valid passport or voters card
  • NIB Card
  • Copy of invoice(s) or quote

Terms and Conditions
  • The value of furniture and appliances must be equal to the amount of rooms in the house, likewise for appliances per room/per household. They are subject to inspection and review.
  • Once approved the applicant may use the exemption document (certificate) to present to Customs.
Businesses 
Business applicants must provide the following support documents: 
  • Valid business licence 
  • Business NIB number 
  • Invoice(s) or quote

Terms and Conditions
  •  There is no minimum turnover rate for businesses to qualify
  • Businesses may subject to inspection and review
  • Once approved, the applicant may use the exemption document (certificate) to present to Customs.
  • If rejected the applicant is required to pay the normal duties stipulated by the customs department.
 

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Nationality
• Applicants must be Bahamian citizens

Residency
  • • Applicants must be resident in The Bahamas.
  • Family Island residents can apply
  • This home must be your primary residence

Professional​
  • For the purposes of this project, a professional is “someone who is accomplished in his or her field, sufficient independently to sustain a mortgage or the financial responsibility for a residential dwelling in the community”.

First –time homeowner
  • The applicant must be a first-time homeowner.

Age Requirement
  • The applicant(s) must be 18 to 45 years old at the time of application.
Financial Suitability
  • The applicant (s) must show proof that he or she can qualify for a loan from a financial institution to purchase and build on their property if chosen; or,
  • The applicant (s) must provide a letter from a financial institution stating that they currently hold the required cash and have the regular income needed to purchase the property, build and maintain the building.
  • The government will not be providing guarantees for mortgages.

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Special Voter – Must Complete Form K
A person who is a registered voter may, subject to application, vote as a Special Voter where:
 
  • The person is 65 years old or older
  • The person is or is likely to be, on the day appointed for the taking of the poll, a patient in the hospital, nursing home, home for the aged or other institution for the treatment of any chronic illness or disability, except a person suffering from any mental disorder, psychopathic disorder or any subnormality of the mind, as defined by the Mental Health Act (Ch. 230), and such person is likely to be prevented by such illness, infirmity or disability from traveling to the polling place;
 
  • The person is or is likely to be, on the day appointed for the taking of the poll, a patient in the hospital, nursing home, home for the aged or other institution for the treatment of any chronic illness or disability, except a person suffering from any mental disorder, psychopathic disorder or any subnormality of the mind, as defined by the Mental Health Act (Ch. 230), and such person is likely to be prevented by such illness, infirmity or disability from traveling to the polling place;
     
  • The person is by reason of illness, infirmity, pregnancy or recent childbirth unable to vote in the constituency in which he or she is registered on the day appointed for the taking of the poll; the person, not being a person who qualifies to enroll as an overseas voter under section;
     
  • The person expects to be overseas on the day appointed for the taking of the poll;
     
  • The person is a candidate or the spouse of a candidate contesting the respective election;
     
  • The person is an election day worker, an election official or an employee of the Department of the Parliamentary Commissioner.

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Overseas Voter – Must Complete Form J
Persons applying to register overseas may do so at any embassy, high commission, or any other foreign mission of The Bahamas provided that he is otherwise qualified to register in accordance with the Law.

Overseas voter categories are: 
  • A student, or the spouse accompanying such student, pursuing a bona fide programme of study outside of The Bahamas;
  • A member of staff of any embassy, high commission or other foreign mission of The Bahamas who is posted overseas, or the spouse or any immediate member of the family living within the household of that member of staff;
  • A public officer or a member of staff of the Ministry of Tourism or any delegation of The Bahamas who is on official duty overseas or the spouse of such person or any immediate member of the family living within the household of that member of staff; 
  • A member of staff of The Bahamas Maritime Authority or any other agency of the Government of The Bahamas or the spouse of such person or any immediate member of the family living within the household of that member of staff;
  • Persons applying to register overseas may do so at any embassy, high commission, or any other foreign mission of The Bahamas provided that he is otherwise qualified to register in accordance with the Law.
 
Overseas Voter – Form J Required Supporting Documents 
  • Proof of employment or job letter 
  • Copy of transcript and or a letter from college or university
  • Student visa for students studying abroad

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ADVANCED POLL LOCATIONS
 
BARBADOS
St. James
Barbados University
of The West Indies, 
Arts Lecture Theatre, 
Cavehill Campus, Cavehill,
Barbados Honorary Consul's
Telephone: (246) 429-8285		 CANADA
Ottawa
The Bahamas High Commission, 
Metropolitan Life Centre, 
50 O'Connor Suite 1313, 
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1P 6L2 
Telephone: (613) 232-1724		 JAMAICA
Kingston
University of The West Indies, 
Mona Campus,
Kingston, Jamaica 
Honorary Consul's
Telephone: (876) 997-0249
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Port of Spain
Computer Loft, 
Eric Williams Sciences Complex, 
Trinidad and Tobago 
Honorary Consul's Telephone: (868) 680-3039		 UNITED KINGDOM
English
The Bahamas High Commission, 
10 Chesterfeld Street, 
London, England, W1J 5JL 
Telephone: 011-442-07-408-4488		 UNITED STATES
Atlanta, Georgia
The Bahamas Consulate, 
Park Central Building, 
2970 Clairmont Road, NE Suites 690, 
Atlanta, Georgia, 30329, 
Telephone: (404) 214-0492
UNITED STATES
Miami, Florida
The Bahamas Consulate,
Ingraham Building, 
Suite 818, 25 South East Second Avenue, 
Miami, Florida, 33131, 
Telephone: (305) 373-6295		 UNITED STATES
New York, NY 
The Bahamas Consulate, 
Bahamas House, 
231 East 46th Street, 
New York, NY 10017, 
Telephone: (212) 421-6420		 UNITED STATES
Washington, DC 
The Embassy of The Bahamas, 
2220 Massachusetts Avenue, North West 
Washington, DC, 20008 
Telephone: (202) 319-2660
UNITED STATES
Houston Texas
Wyndham Hotel
8686 Kirby Drive, 
Houston Texas, 77054, 
Telephone: (713) 748-3221
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New Firearm Licence Eligibility Criteria
 
  • Bahamian citizen, residing in The Bahamas
  • 18 years or older
  • Clean criminal record 
  • The intended use of the firearm must be hunting, security for a business, or employment purposes.
 

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Applicants are eligible to apply for Economic Empowerment Zone exemption if they meet the following requirements:
 
  • Bahamians citizens and legal residents, 18 years or older and residing in the specified zone for no fewer              than 12 years. 

Applicants must provide the following support documents: 
  • First four pages of valid passport 
  • Voters card
  • Copy of National Insurance Card
  • Land approval letter 

These items from the Department of Housing must be provided:
  • Stamp or certification 
  • Architectural plan
  • Copy of invoice(s) or quote(s)
  • Copy of location/site plan 

Important Information to Know Before You Apply
  • Exemptions can be applied to international purchases.
  • The approval must be stamped and signed by the Revenue Analyst.
  • If rejected, the applicant is required to pay the normal duties stipulated by the customs department. 
  • Applicants are subject to physical inspections and review by the Revenue Section.
  • If the location of the business is rented, tenants must provide a letter of consent from the landlord, copy of       the landlord’s identification and proof of the landlord’s ownership of the property. *Tenants and landlords            may apply for the same property or building. 
  • Applicants have up to 30 days after submission to provide relevant information.
  • There is no minimum turnover rate for businesses to qualify.
  • Should the applicant be a limited company, the name(s) of beneficial shareholders must be provided.
  • Once approved, the applicant may use the exemption document (certificate) to present to customs.
 

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Applications for existing businesses must meet the criteria below and provide the following supporting documents:  
 
  • Businesses must have an annual sales turnover of five million dollars ($5,000,000) or less
  • The exemption is applied to the value of the items
  • Applications to support location expansion must provide proof of expansion: copy of the building permit/ government issued document, lease, business licence, certificate of deposit (receipt of first month rent), NIB contributions
  • Applications to support inventory expansion must provide the value of the inventory for one time use
 

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Department of Agriculture

Notice of Service Transition
The Department of Agriculture Services is Moving to Click2Clear 

 
Effective August 31, 2024, the following services the Department of Agriculture provided will no longer be available on MyGateway. These services will now be accessible through the Click2Clear platform:  
 
  • CITES Permit (available 6-8 months after legal work is completed)
  • Permit to Import Bananas Permit to Import Fruits and Vegetables
  • Permit to Import Plants and Flowers, Permit to Import Meats
  • Permit to Import Poultry Permit to Import Eggs
  • Permit to Import Dairy

 
We encourage all customers to visit Click2Clear to access these services moving forward. We apologise for any inconvenience this transition may cause and appreciate your understanding as we continue to enhance our service offerings.
 
Need Assistance? Contact the Bahamas Customs Helpdesk!
New Providence: 604-3004-07, 3011-3014, 3168 
Mon - Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
Grand Bahama: 602-9419, 602-9530, 605-9549 
Mon - Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
For inquiries and help after hours and on weekends: 
Phone 1 (242) 376-7657, 1 (242) 357-7568, 1 (242) 357-7904
The Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority (BAHFS) 603-3260, 424-1826

Thank you for using MyGateway.
   
  
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