Permits & Concessions FAQs

4) Will I be able to add additional items to the existing approved application if items were inadvertently left out?

• A valid Business License
• Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC)
• (If you are a First time applicant --
  • A government issued ID is applicable e.g. Passport, N.I.B or Voters Card)
  2) Will the approved permit be valid for six months only as before?

  

  3) Will the Click2Clear portal draw down on the yearly approved amounts by the Ministry of Finance?

  

  4) Will I be able to add additional items to the existing approved application if items were inadvertently left out?

  

  Charitable Organization 1) What are the requirements to apply?

  

  • A certificate of Incorporation
  • Invoice of goods imported (if goods are donated, a letter from the donor must be attached)

  2) I am not registered, but I do charitable work for the general public. How can I benefit from the concessions offered by the Government of The Bahamas?

  

  • You must be registered as a non-profit organization to benefit from the various concessions offered by the government of the Bahamas.
  3) What do I need to achieve such benefits?

  

  • You must be registered with a certificate of Incorporation.
  Agricultural Goods 1) What are the requirements to apply?

  

  • Farmer's Permit (bonafide)
  • Invoice(s)
  • A valid Business License.
  • (If you are a first-time applicant--
    • a government issued ID is applicable (Passport, NIB Smart Card or Voter's Card)

    2) What benefits are there for farmers once they are in possession of a valid Farmers Certificate (Hard Card)?

    

    • Once you are in possession of a Farmers certificate issued from the Department of Agriculture, you can apply directly to Click2Clear for the exemption.
    3) Is there a cost associated with the application being submitted directly on the Click2Clear?

    

    • No. There is no cost.
    Fisheries Goods 1) What are the requirements to apply?

    

    • Fisheries Permit (bonafide)
    • Invoice(s)
    • Valid Business License
    • Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC)
    • (If you are a first-time applicant--
      • A government issued ID is applicable (Passport, NIB Smart Card or Voter's Card)

      2) What benefits are there for fisherman once they are in possession of a valid Fishing Certificate (Hard Card)?

      

      • Once you are in possession of a Fishing certificate, issued from the Department of Marine Resources, you can apply directly to the Click2Clear for the exemption.
      3) Is there a cost associated with the application being submitted directly on the Click2Clear?

      

      • No. There is no cost.
      Returning Residents (STUDENT) 1) What are the requirements to apply?

      

      • Copy of Passport (1st four (4) pages)
      • Student Visa Page
      • Proof of Enrollment (1-20)
      • Completion (Diploma)
      • OPT Card
      • Vehicle Registration Title/ Vehicle Invoice (cannot exceed a value of $30,000.00) or
      • Any other supporting Document
      • Household goods invoices cannot exceed $10,000.00
      2) How long do I need to be abroad to benefit from this concession?

      

      • Two (2) years or more.
      3) Can I bring my car and personal items with me?

      

      • Yes, you can, but the vehicle cannot exceed a value of $30,000.00.
      • Also, household goods/personal items cannot exceed a value of $10,000.00.
      4) How long will the application will take to be approved?

      

      • The turnaround period is approximately 24-48 hours.
      Returning Residents Living or Working Abroad 1) What are the requirements to apply?

      

      • Copy of Bahamian Passport
      • Copy of Immigration status from departing country
      • Listing of used personal effects
      • Vehicle Title
      • Job Letter
      • Any other supporting documents
      2) How long do I need to be working abroad to benefit from this concession?

      

      • Two (2) years or more.
      3) Can I bring my vehicle and personal items with me?

      

      • Yes, you can, but the car cannot exceed the $30,000 value. If the vehicle does exceed the $30,000 value, you will be required to pay the relevant taxes on the amount exceeding $30,000.
      4) How long will the application take to be approved?

      

      • The turnaround period is approximately 24-48 hours.
      Taxi, Livery/Tour Car/Omnibus 1) What are the requirements to apply?

      

      • Fill out application
      • Application must be Stamp by RTD (Franchise Unit)
      • Current Franchise Letter
      • Copy of ID eg. Passport Drivers License or N.I.B.
      • Valid Business License
      • Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC)
      • Invoice, VIN#, Serial #
      2) What is the process Tax/Livery/Tour car/Omni Bus to apply for this type of concession?

      

      • A franchise letter issued by the RTD (Road Traffic Department)
      • Business License
      • Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC)
      • Invoice(s)
      3) How old should the Vehicle be?

      

      • Vehicle cannot be older than three (3) years.
      4) How long would it take to receive an approval?

      

      • Approval is granted within 24-48 hours.
      5) How often can I get an approval?

      

      • Once every five (5) years.
      Gift to the Government 1) What are the requirements to apply?

      

      • Applicant must be forwarded through a government agency.
      • Application should include organization, person(s) donating the “Gift to Government”.
      • Any gift valuing $50k must be approved by the Minister of the government agency forwarding the request.
      • Any gift value $50k – 250k must be approved by the Minister of Finance.
      • Any gift value over $250k must be approved by the Cabinet of the Bahamas.
      2) How can I donate $50k to assist with the less privileged in the family island?

      

      • You must inform the Ministry of Social Services of your monetary donation.
      3) Am I limited on items to donate with regard to the quantity or pricing?

      

      • No, and monetary amount over $250k must be approved by the Cabinet of The Bahamas.
      • If it is clothing, food, building material or other donations you must show proof of donated items and the organization to whom it is to be donated.
      4) Is this concession available for Family Island Residents?

      

      Family Island Development Encouragement Act (FIDEA) 1) What are the requirements to apply?

      

      • A valid Business License
      • Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) (Business ONLY)
      • Invoice(s) – (Individual ONLY)

      Important Note:

      • Goods and equipment approved under this Act for Bahamian Citizens and Permanent Residents only (FREE)
      • Goods and equipment approved under this Act for Non-Citizens and Non-Permanent Residents only (50% of the Liable Duty)
      2) What does the FIDEA encompass and what items fall under it?

      

      • The Family Island Development Encouragement Act exemption is applicable for Bahamian citizens and business owners on the full range of materials they will need to build or renovate a house, or to start or expand a business. These materials include: -
      • Building materials, plumbing and electrical, furniture, appliances, motor vehicle (BUSINESS), land clearing equipment, commercial equipment and related fittings, business licence, IT hardware and software (including cell phones, tablet or personal digital assistants), solar panels and related equipment and fittings and real property tax. The exemption applies to local and international purchases.
      3) Can I apply if I am not living on the specified island?

      

      • Yes. Any resident or prospective resident can apply for exemption on the following islands: - Ragged Island, San Salvador, Rum Cay, Cat Island, Long Island, Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins Island, Long Cay and Andros Island. Applicants must provide evidence of operation plans within the above island. All goods can only be released from Customs within the above island.
      4) Can approved items be moved outside of the Zone?

      

      • No. The items being imported should be cleared through the island listed above. If the items are removed from the designated approved islands, all applicable taxes become due.
      5) If I reside outside of The Bahamas am I still eligible to apply?

      

      • Yes, you are eligible. However, you must provide proof or residence in the Bahamas, along with a government issued ID and be tax compliant.
      6) Which Islands qualify for the exemption?

      

      • The islands are Ragged Island, San Salvador, Rum Cay, Cat Island, Long Island, Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins Island, Long Cay and Andros Island.
      7) What documents are necessary for qualifying for the Exemption?

      

      • A Valid Government issued ID evidence of residency or planned eligible activity on the Island. Business License, Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC), Invoice(s) and site plan where applicable.
      8) Can I apply more than once?

      

      • Yes. Once the application criteria’s have been met.
      9) If I am presently part owner of a home or business, am I eligible to apply?

      

      • Yes, the exemption is for ALL persons who will be undertaking qualifying activity within the islands.

      10) After I have completed my application would I be allowed to preview my application before the final submission and make corrections and print a copy of the information submitted?

      

      • Yes. You will receive an email notification
      Special Economic Recovery Zone (SERZ) 1) What are the requirements to apply?

      

      • Fill out the Application.
      • Invoice(s).
      2) When does the SERZ expire?

      

      • On the 1 st December, 2022.
      • NO new applications are being accepted.
      Affordable Homes Exemption 1) is the Affordable Homes Exemption active?

      

      No. Currently the Affordable Homes Exemption is inactive. Economic Empowerment Zone Act 1) What are the requirements to apply and the conditions of eligibility?

      

      • A valid Business License
      • Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC)
      • Invoice(s)

      Small and medium businesses are eligible to apply for and obtain duty-free exemptions on all items needed to start or expand their business, this includes the first stock of inventory, regardless of their location in the Bahamas.

      The applicable exemption waivers will be approved for duties on commercial items procured locally and internationally.

      Eligibility:

      • Nationality
        • Bahamian citizens, 18 years old or older, residing in the Bahamas or abroad.
        • The applicant must currently possess a business license.
        • 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.
        • The applicant is approved for a period of one-year.
        • Applicants approved for the exemption on items within the period of one year may not apply for the same items until the second year.
        • Applicants must provide the following support documents. Business NIB, Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC), invoice(s).
        • Once approved, the applicant can use the exemption document (Certificate) to present to Customs Department.
        • 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 visits by the Ministry of Finance, Revenue Officers.
        • First Time Inventory – There is a limit on the first time inventory. Only new businesses are eligible for exemption.
        • Inventory may be granted for existing businesses if opening a new or secondary location.
        • Equipment Machinery must for relate to the business.