1.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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... |
