Moving to Spain from the Bahamas

A Bahamian passport lets you travel to Spain without a visa, but to live here you must choose a residence route and, in most cases, apply for the visa before leaving. Spain has no embassy in Nassau: the Bahamas is covered by the Embassy of Spain in Kingston (Jamaica). Here is what you need to know.

Key facts

• Entry: nationals of the Bahamas can stay in the Schengen area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; the Entry/Exit System (EES) records each crossing. This does not allow work and does not, on its own, let you settle.
• Citizenship: the general requirement is 10 years of legal, continuous residence. When swearing allegiance you must declare that you renounce your previous nationality (its effect in the Bahamas depends on local law) and pass the CCSE and the DELE A2, because Spanish is not an official language there.
• Documents: public documents from the Bahamas only need an apostille (Hague Convention), but anything in English requires a sworn translation into Spanish.
• Driving and contributions: there is no licence exchange agreement and no bilateral social security agreement. Once resident you can drive for six months on your licence; after that you need a Spanish licence with theory and practical tests.

How people usually move

• Studies. A degree, master’s or vocational course with a study authorisation, which allows work up to 30 hours a week. It is a stay, not residence: that time does not count towards citizenship. Study permit
• Family. Marriage or a registered partnership with a Spanish or EU citizen gives access to residence as a family member, with the right to work. Family member of a Spanish or EU citizen
• Skilled work. With a highly qualified job in Spain you can apply for the highly qualified professional permit or the EU Blue Card, both processed by the Large Companies Unit (UGE). Highly qualified professional
• Remote work. The digital nomad visa fits if you work remotely for companies or clients outside Spain, with a relationship of at least three months. You can apply at the consulate or from Spain while legally present. Digital nomad
• Non-lucrative residence. For people living on income or savings without working in Spain: a consular visa, private health insurance with no co-payments or waiting periods, a medical certificate and a criminal record certificate. Non-lucrative residence

Documents and apostille

• Police Character Certificate from the Royal Bahamas Police Force, issued by the Criminal Records Office (East Hill Street, Nassau). In Nassau you can apply online or at several police stations; from the Family Islands or abroad, online, by form or through a representative.
• Apostille: issued by the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whose officials are listed as competent authorities with the Hague Conference.
• Birth and marriage certificates from the Registrar General’s Department, recent and apostilled, if you will apply for residence as a family member.
• Sworn translation: every document in English must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator appointed by Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; it can be done in Spain, on the already apostilled document.

What to keep in mind

• The Embassy of Spain in Kingston, also accredited to the Bahamas, handles national visas by appointment and in person for residents of its district, with proof of residence. Factor the trip to Jamaica into your plans.
• The police certificate usually has to be recent: request it once you have a date for your visa application, because it still needs an apostille and a sworn translation afterwards.
• Savings alone are not enough for non-lucrative residence: the health policy must be private, with no co-payments or waiting periods, and you need a medical certificate and a criminal record certificate.
• In Spain: register at the town hall (padrón) and, if you came with a residence visa, apply for your TIE within the first month. If you plan to apply for citizenship, the 10 years run from when you obtain legal residence, not from arrival.

Frequently asked questions

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