Privacy Policy

The Government of The Bahamas aims to provide an efficient way to deliver services online. Delivery of these services requires interaction with personal data unique to the user of the MyGateway Portal. The Government of The Bahamas mantains its commitment to ensure compliance with the Data Protetction (Privacy of Personal Information) Act, 2003 (referred to as “the Act”).

Reference to the Government of The Bahamas in this document, includes reference to the Ministries, Departments and Agencies owned and operated, managed, and/or controlled by the Government of The Bahamas.

This Privacy Policy sets out how the Government of The Bahamas (GoBh) intends to use any personal data collected from you when you use our website. By law the GoBh is required to comply with the Act. You are encouraged to read the Data Protection (Privacy of Personal Information) Act, 2003 for a full understanding of your rights.

What do we collect?

    1. The GoBh may collect from you personal data and information. Personal data and/or information may include your name, address, email address, telephone numbers, and date of birth. GoBh may also collect information that you may provide from time to time in order to receive a government service, such as government issued identification numbers.

How do we collect your data?

    1. In order to effectively provide Government Services to you, your data may be collected from a number of sources. We may collect it directly from you through MyGateway or alternatively from one of our Ministries, Departments, and/or Agencies that you may have provided data to, or via a third party (with your consent).

When we collect your data, what do we use it for?

    1. When we collect your data we process it to:-
      • Register you online for the delivery of Government Services;
      • Send you notifcations regarding Government Services, in particular, the services you may have requested;
      • Compare the information you have provided for the purposes of verification; or
      • Prevent, detect or investigate offences.
    2. If you agree, we will share your data with private companies and quasi-government agenices in order to provide a more effeicient way for you to access services in country. These companies and agencies may include:-
      • National Insurance Board
      • Bahamas Power and Light Company
      • Water and Sewerage Corporation
      • Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority
      • Registered Insurance Companies and their Intermediaries
      • Registered Financial Service Institutions
    3. When we process your data we will send it to our Ministries, Departments and/or Agencies so that they are able to provide you with a government service. This processing may include the GoBh creating a digital profile of you to avoid duplication.
    4. The data you provide to the GoBh will not be used for marketing unless we get your express authorization to do so. In circumstances, where you have provided your consent, you may request at any time that your data no longer be used for marketing.

What happens when you provide your data to us?

    1. When you provide your data to us, it is verified and processed across a data exchange channel in order to comply with your request for a service. The data is exchanged with the relevant Ministry, Department and/or Agency who verifies the information received and processed. The information is processed to ensure compliance with your request for a particular government service . There may be occasions where your data must be stored.

What are the obligations of the GoBh to you concenring the data you provide?

    1. The GoBh must process your data wihtin the Commonwealth of The Bahamas unless express authorization is granted by the Data Protection Commissioner for the data to be processed otherwise.
    2. The GoBh must collect your data lawfully and ensure that the data provided is accurate and kept current. The GoBh cannot fulfill this obligation if the data you provide is not accurate and/or you fail or neglect to advise of changes to the data provided.
    3. The GoBh must inform you of the reasons why the data is collected and kept. This data cannot be used for a purpose that is not relevant to the purpose disclosed to you.
    4. GoBh cannot disclose your personal data to another individual without your conesnt, except where the data disclosed does not personally identify you or the data must be disclosed in accordance with the Act.
    5. The GoBh is under a duty to ensure that an accurate record is made of the data you provide and in certain circumstances provide a disclosure statement where the information is received from a third party.
    6. Notwithstanding, the GoBh may be under a legal duty to disclose the information provided and in those instances the GoBh must adhere to the laws of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

What are your obligations concerning the data you provide?

    1. The data you provide to the GoBh must belong to you. In circumstances where you may be authrorized by an individual to provide that data, you agree to follow the instructions of that individual and only use the data as instructed.
    2. The data you provide must be accurate, and provided to the best of your knowledge, information and belief. You are required to review the data to check for any errors or ommissions.

What are your rights to your data?

    1. Your data rights are protected by the Act, which fully prescribes your rights as a data subject.
    2. Right to access – You have the right to view your data at any time, provided that the website is functional and internet service is accessible. You have the right to issue a written request to the GoBh to determine whether the data kept includes personal data relating to you. You may also request a copy of the information and where necessary an explanation of the terms on which the data is kept.
    3. Right to Adjust the Data- Where applicable, you may access the system to correct or amend data previously provided. Alternatively, you may request that the GoBh make adjustments to the data provided by you to ensure that the data is accurate and up to date at all times.
    4. Right to Restrict Use – At anytime, you may notify the GoBh that you no longer wish to use the website or request to have your data erased from the website. The GobH is under a duty to comply with your request.
    5. Right to Data Transfer – You have the rigth to request that your data be transferred to another agency. There may be a fee associated with this transfer.

What are cookies and are they associated with the website?

    1. Cookies are files placed on your computer to collect internet log information and visitor behaviour information. When you visit our website we may collect information from you through our cookies for statisitical purposes.

Changes to our Privacy Policy

    1. The GoBh will continue to review and update this policy to ensure consistency with local legislation and established practices around data privacy, protection and sharing.

How to contact us if there is an issue or concern?

    1. If you have an issue or concern about this policy, the data we will receive, process and/or store, please do not hesitate to contact us. Where necessary you may also contact the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. Please see below for contact information:

Data Protection Commissioner

Poinciana House
North Building, First Floor
31A East Bay Street
Nassau, The Bahamas
Tel: 242 – 604 – 1000

Please be advised that the Government of The Bahamas is currently upgrading its laws to ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Rules (GDPR). Individuals who are subject to the GDPR mandate should review and fully understand the Terms of Use and Privacy Statement and are encouraged to consult with the applicable laws of their respective member country before proceeding.

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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