1.
|
The Bahamas, foremost
the out-islands (also called
„family-islands“), are a true nature paradise. Its snow-white
sandy
beaches and the warm, incredibly clean and clear Ocean waters have no
comparison to fear on this planet. |
2.
|
The Bahamas enjoy an
all-year-around climate that is
considered one of the best in the world. It is also pleasant for
Western and
Northern Europeans being used to cooler weather. |
3.
|
The Bahamas offer a
well-established and fully reliable bank-system,
one of the largest in the world. Among the more than 500 banking
institutions,
most of the important international banks are represented in Nassau, the
capital of the country. Money transfers are easy
to execute, world-wide, and currency conversions are handled without a
problem.
The Bahamian dollar has always been (and still is) equal to the U.S.
dollar. |
4.
|
The Bahamas present
intact bank secrecy that is functional
contrary to other countries that promise same. No
financial or banking information is being exchanged with other nations.
Drug
money laundering is strictly a no-no, though, and will be forcefully
prosecuted
since the Bahamas have signed
respective agreements with the U.S. and EU. |
5.
|
The Bahamas don’t know
the word „taxes“, not for
income/profit, not for assets/net worth. This concerns private persons
as well
as corporations of all types. There are also no gift and inheritance
taxes.
However, there is a modest property tax in place pertaining to real
estate
(land and homes). |
| 6. |
The Bahamas are
presenting a well-established infrastructure.
Flights from Nassau to the
out-islands and the U.S.
(particularly Florida) are well
organized and frequent. There is daily service
to Stella Maris by Bahamasair (45 minutes). Direct flights from Miami
and Ft. Lauderdale (1 ½
hours) to Stella Maris are in preparation.
Private jets only need half the quoted time. In addition, a sizeable
number of
direct flights reach Nassau from the
Northeastern part of the U.S. and Canada. Brit.
Airways arrives from London five times
a week. |
7.
|
The Bahamas are offering
annual
resident permits for homeowners that can be extended for a
fee of $
1,000. No discrimination existing towards citizens of certain countries
with
the exception of the so-called „terrorist nations“. |
8.
|
The Bahamas also
feature permanent residency,
predominantly but not exclusively for those that invest at least $
500'000,
which can be in real estate ownership. Such residency is also valid for
close
family members. The cost involved is negligible but the services of a
local
attorney is still recommended. This allows to have residency in the Bahamas for tax
purposes, with no minimum stay required.
However, legal aspects need to be investigated due to different
respective laws
in the country of citizenship. To obtain Bahamian citizenship
(including a
passport) is rather difficult but not impossible to achieve. For
someone who
plans to engage in substantial business (in the millions of dollar) in
the Bahamas, this could
be accomplished. |
| 9. |
The Bahamas support the
foundation of corporations and trusts
of all kind. The International Business Corporation (IBC) is a favorite
corporation form with over 100'000 of them existing. The purchase and
sale of real
estate by foreigners is made easy, the required permit being just a
formality. |
| 10. |
The Bahamas are
closely connected to the world – thanks to its central location and nearness
to the U.S.,
particularly Florida.
Therefore, and inspite of its (relative) remoteness, „the center of
civilization“ is reached in no time from an out-island like Long Island! That is if
someone has such senseless desire... |
