Foreign nationals require a work permit sponsored by a local employer. Employers must demonstrate that the role cannot be filled by a Bahamian citizen. Work permits are typically issued for one year and must be renewed annually.

• Employers must register with the National Insurance Board (NIB).
• The Bahamas does not levy personal income tax.
• Payroll obligations focus primarily on national insurance contributions.
• Payroll is typically processed monthly.
• Employers must remit contributions monthly to NIB.

• Contracts may be fixed-term or indefinite and should be in writing.
• Probation Period: Commonly 3 to 6 months.
• Working Hours: Standard workweek is generally 40 hours.
• Overtime: Paid at 150% of the normal hourly rate.
• Termination: Notice periods depend on length of service. Severance pay is required in redundancy situations. Employment protections are governed by the Employment Act.

• National Insurance Contributions (Contributions capped at the insurable wage ceiling.):
  
  • Employer: 5.9%
  • Employee: 3.9%
• Annual Leave: Minimum 2 weeks after one year of service; 3 weeks after 7 years.
• Sick Leave: Typically 1 week paid after one year of service.
• Maternity Leave: 12 weeks, with partial pay under national insurance.
• Paternity Leave: No statutory entitlement.
• Public Holidays: 10 paid public holidays annually.

• Tax System: Determined by immigration and residency status; there is no personal income tax regime.