Your Complete Partner for
Bahamas Corporate Services,
All in One Place
The Bahamas combines political stability with a robust financial services sector. We guide you through seamless incorporation, banking introductions, and annual compliance to keep your entity in good standing.
International Recognition & Compliance
The Bahamas has achieved exceptional compliance status, becoming the second Caribbean jurisdiction to meet all 40 FATF technical recommendations.
OECD Standards & Best Practices
The Bahamas maintains 'Largely Compliant' status with OECD Global Forum standards and actively participates in international tax transparency initiatives.
Why Choose a Bahamas Company
The Bahamas stands as one of the Caribbean's most established financial centers, offering sophisticated corporate structures with a 70+ year history in international business.
Zero Direct Taxation
The Bahamas levies no income tax, capital gains tax, or withholding tax. This constitutionally protected status has remained unchanged for decades.
Premier Financial Center
Home to over 250 banks and trust companies, the Bahamas offers world-class financial infrastructure and deep expertise in wealth management.
Efficient Company Setup
IBCs can be incorporated within 2-3 business days. The Registrar of Companies provides efficient processing with digital submissions.
Proximity to the US
Located just 50 miles from Florida, the Bahamas offers convenient access to North American markets while maintaining offshore advantages.
Established Reputation
With decades of experience in international finance, the Bahamas has developed robust legislation that balances transparency with commercial practicality.
Flexible Corporate Structures
Choose from IBCs, Segregated Accounts Companies, or Executive Entities depending on your specific business requirements and objectives.
Privacy Score
Strong privacy framework with regulatory compliance
The Bahamas maintains beneficial ownership information in a centralized register accessible only to competent authorities upon legitimate request. Directors and shareholders are not publicly searchable. The Bahamas has historically been known for strong privacy traditions, though now balanced with international transparency requirements. Bearer shares were phased out, and nominee services are regulated.
Director Anonymity
Filed with registrar, not publicly accessible
Director details must be filed with the Registrar General and are maintained for regulatory purposes, but are not publicly searchable online. The Bahamas does not have a public company registry like Singapore or UK Companies House. Nominee director services are available through licensed trust companies. This provides meaningful privacy for directors.
Beneficial Ownership
Centralized register, authority access only
The Bahamas implemented a centralized beneficial ownership register meeting FATF and OECD standards. Information is accessible to competent authorities for law enforcement and tax purposes, but not to the general public or 'legitimate interest' parties. The 25% threshold is standard. This represents a balanced approach to transparency.
Information Exchange
Full CRS/FATCA compliance, automatic exchange
The Bahamas participates fully in CRS automatic exchange and has a Model 1 FATCA IGA with the United States. Financial account information is exchanged with 100+ jurisdictions annually. The Bahamas achieved 40 of 40 FATF recommendations compliant in 2024, demonstrating comprehensive AML/CFT implementation. Information exchange is efficient and well-managed.
Banking Acceptance
Excellent acceptance, premier financial center
Bahamas IBCs enjoy strong acceptance globally. As one of the Caribbean's premier financial centers with 70+ years of history, major international banks readily service Bahamian entities. The jurisdiction is not on FATF or EU monitoring lists, providing clean regulatory standing. Banks in Switzerland, Singapore, UK, US, and the Caribbean are familiar with Bahamian structures.
Financial Reputation
Premier Caribbean IFC, 70+ years established
The Bahamas has been a leading international financial center since the 1950s, with a deep professional services infrastructure. The jurisdiction is not on the EU blacklist or greylist and achieved 40/40 FATF compliance in 2024. Major global banks, law firms, and accounting firms maintain significant Bahamas operations. This established reputation provides substantial credibility.
Currency Freedom
BSD pegged to USD, no exchange controls for IBCs
The Bahamian Dollar is pegged 1:1 to USD, providing currency stability. International Business Companies are exempt from exchange controls and can operate freely in any currency. There are no capital restrictions or repatriation limitations. Multi-currency accounts are standard. The USD peg eliminates conversion risk for dollar-denominated business.
Banking Partnerships
Strong domestic banking, excellent correspondent network
The Bahamas has a substantial domestic banking sector with over 200 licensed financial institutions including major global banks. Bahamian banks maintain extensive correspondent relationships worldwide. Unlike smaller territories, the Bahamas offers meaningful domestic banking options in addition to international access. This is a significant advantage over smaller Caribbean IFCs.
Regulatory Framework
Sophisticated common law system, modern legislation
The Bahamas operates under English common law with the Privy Council as the final court of appeal. The International Business Companies Act (2000, as amended) and Securities Industry Act provide modern corporate and regulatory frameworks. The Central Bank of The Bahamas and Securities Commission provide robust oversight. Legal infrastructure is well-developed.
OECD Compliance
Largely Compliant status maintained
The Bahamas maintains 'Largely Compliant' status with the OECD Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information. The jurisdiction actively participates in peer reviews and has addressed historical recommendations. Implementation of BEPS minimum standards is ongoing. Score reflects strong tax transparency credentials matching most major IFCs.
EU Recognition
Not on EU blacklist or greylist
The Bahamas is not listed on either EU Annex I (blacklist) or Annex II (greylist). This clean status means no enhanced due diligence requirements triggered by EU listing when dealing with European counterparties. The Bahamas successfully addressed previous EU concerns about economic substance and tax governance. This is a significant competitive advantage.
FATCA/CRS Compliance
Full compliance, achieved 40/40 FATF rating
The Bahamas has a Model 1 FATCA IGA and actively participates in CRS. Remarkably, the Bahamas achieved 40 of 40 FATF recommendations rated compliant or largely compliant in its 2024 evaluation—a near-perfect score matching top jurisdictions globally. This demonstrates exceptional AML/CFT implementation and provides strong regulatory credibility.
Incorporation Speed
2-3 business days, same-day express available
Bahamas IBC incorporation typically completes in 2-3 business days with standard processing. Same-day express service is available. The process requires standard KYC documentation, memorandum and articles, and registered agent appointment. Ongoing filing requirements are minimal. Speed is competitive with leading Caribbean IFCs.
Tax Efficiency
0% corporate tax, no capital gains tax
Bahamas IBCs enjoy zero corporate income tax, zero capital gains tax, zero withholding tax, and zero estate tax. The Bahamas constitutionally prohibits income tax. No VAT exists (one of few jurisdictions without it). Only annual government fees and registered agent costs apply. Economic substance requirements must be considered for relevant activities.
Political Stability
Stable independent democracy since 1973
The Bahamas has been an independent Commonwealth nation since 1973 with a stable parliamentary democracy. Peaceful transitions of power occur regularly. The economy is diversified across tourism, financial services, and maritime sectors. As a Commonwealth member, the Bahamas benefits from institutional frameworks while maintaining independence. Political risk is low.
Legal System
English common law, Privy Council appeals
The Bahamas legal system is based on English common law, providing familiarity for international business. The Supreme Court handles commercial matters with the Privy Council as the final court of appeal. The legal profession is well-developed with international firms represented. Case law precedent from UK and other Commonwealth jurisdictions applies.
Global Reputation
Premier Caribbean financial center
The Bahamas is one of the most recognized offshore financial centers globally, second only to BVI and Cayman in the Caribbean. The 70+ year track record, substantial professional services sector, and clean regulatory standing provide strong credibility. Major international banks and Fortune 500 companies utilize Bahamian structures. Brand recognition is high.
Treaty Network
TIEAs primarily, limited DTAs
The Bahamas has an extensive network of Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEAs) with 40+ jurisdictions but very limited Double Taxation Agreements. DTAs exist with a small number of countries. For businesses requiring treaty benefits to reduce withholding taxes, the Bahamas is not optimal. Score reflects this limitation compared to treaty-rich jurisdictions.
Trade Relations
CARICOM member, proximity to US
The Bahamas is a member of CARICOM (Caribbean Community) and has various trade arrangements including with the US (Caribbean Basin Initiative). The proximity to the United States (50 miles from Florida) is strategically valuable. For active trading companies, the Bahamas offers more advantages than pure holding jurisdictions, though less than Singapore or EU members.
Diplomatic Status
Independent Commonwealth nation
As an independent nation (since 1973) and Commonwealth member, the Bahamas has full diplomatic capacity to negotiate treaties, join international organizations, and maintain bilateral relationships. This provides more flexibility than dependent territories. The Bahamas maintains good relationships with major economies, particularly the US and UK.
Bahamas Corporate Services
Complete Bahamas corporate services from IBC formation to ongoing administration. We manage every aspect of your Bahamas International Business Company.
Company Formation
Establish your Bahamas International Business Company through the Registrar General's Department. We handle all formation requirements and deliver complete corporate documentation.
Complete Bahamas IBC incorporation with the Registrar General. We prepare all documentation, handle government filings, and provide your corporate kit ready for operations.
Mandatory Bahamas registered agent with professional Nassau address. All government correspondence and statutory communications managed on your behalf.
Access Bahamas and international banking partners. The Bahamas has a substantial banking sector. We prepare applications and facilitate the account opening process.
Compliance & Filing
Maintain full compliance with Securities Commission of The Bahamas and Registrar General requirements. We manage annual filings, BO reporting, and regulatory obligations.
Comprehensive annual compliance management including deadline tracking, government fee payments, and good standing maintenance with Bahamas authorities.
Preparation and submission of required annual filings to the Registrar General. We handle fee payments and ensure timely filing to maintain company status.
Management and filing of beneficial ownership information as required under Bahamas law. We ensure proper maintenance and reporting to relevant authorities.
Professional bookkeeping services including transaction recording, bank reconciliation, and financial statement preparation meeting international standards.
Document Retrieval
Obtain official corporate documents from Bahamas authorities. Fast processing with authentication and apostille services available.
Official document confirming current directors, shareholders, and registered office. Verifies corporate structure for banking and commercial purposes. Apostille available.
Confirms your Bahamas IBC is active with no outstanding obligations. Essential for banking relationships and international transactions. Apostille available.
Certified copy of your original incorporation certificate from the Registrar General's Department. Apostille available for international recognition.
Official extract from the Bahamas company registry confirming company details and registration status. Apostille available.
Corporate Administration
Professional Bahamas company administration and nominee services. Maintain proper governance with qualified professionals managing your corporate requirements.
Professional nominee director services with appropriate documentation and indemnity arrangements. Maintains confidentiality while meeting Bahamas corporate requirements.
Nominee shareholder services with declaration of trust arrangements. Handles all shareholder responsibilities while protecting beneficial owner information.
Complete corporate secretarial support including board minutes, shareholder resolutions, statutory register maintenance, and document management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Essential information about The Bahamas as a jurisdiction for international business
The Bahamas operates under English common law, providing a familiar and well-established legal framework for international commerce. The court system includes the Supreme Court for commercial matters, with the Privy Council in London serving as the final court of appeal. This judicial structure provides reliability and predictability for business disputes.
The Bahamas has no income tax, corporate tax, capital gains tax, or withholding tax for International Business Companies. There is no inheritance tax or estate duty. This complete absence of direct taxation makes The Bahamas one of the most tax-efficient jurisdictions globally. Only annual government fees and stamp duties on certain transactions apply.
The Bahamas is not on the FATF grey list or the EU blacklist/greylist, reflecting strong compliance credentials. The jurisdiction achieved a remarkable 40 of 40 FATF recommendations rated compliant or largely compliant in its 2024 evaluation—among the highest globally. This clean regulatory standing facilitates banking relationships and international transactions.
The Bahamas offers International Business Companies (IBCs) under the International Business Companies Act, which is the most common structure for international business. Other options include Segregated Accounts Companies for fund structures, Executive Entities, and foundations. The jurisdiction also has well-developed trust legislation.
The Bahamas maintains beneficial ownership information with registered agents, accessible to authorities through proper legal channels but not publicly available. Director and shareholder details are not on a public register. The jurisdiction has historically valued financial privacy while modernizing to meet international transparency requirements through its regulatory framework.
The Bahamas hosts a significant banking sector with both domestic and international banks. Major global institutions maintain operations in Nassau. Bahamian IBCs generally enjoy good banking acceptance due to the jurisdiction's strong compliance reputation. The Central Bank of The Bahamas provides robust regulatory oversight of the financial sector.
Yes, The Bahamas has been a stable parliamentary democracy since independence in 1973. The country enjoys peaceful transitions of power, strong institutions, and a diversified economy based on tourism, financial services, and maritime industries. Political risk is low, and the jurisdiction maintains strong relationships with the United States, UK, and international community.
Connect With Bahamas Specialists
From private banking relationships to trust planning, discover how Nassau's established financial infrastructure can serve your objectives.
