Permission to Reside in Bermuda: Requirements, the $75k Income Rule and Fees

Last checked 12 October 2026

This guide is general information, not legal, immigration or tax advice. Some links may be affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Permission to Reside on an Annual Basis is the main way for someone with income from outside Bermuda (a remote employee, a retiree, someone living off investments) to live on the island. Since Work From Bermuda closed in February 2025 it’s had much more attention (gov.bm).

This guide is based on the Government’s Permissions to Reside in Bermuda document (gov.bm PDF) and the Residence Permit Application service page. Read both yourself before applying.

Who it’s for

It suits you if:

• you have reliable income or assets from outside Bermuda,
• you don’t need or want a job with a Bermuda employer, and
• you want to stay longer than a normal visit.

It’s not a work permit. The Government document states that a person granted permission to reside “is prohibited from engaging in and/or seeking” employment in Bermuda while the permission lasts. If you want a local job, you need a work permit.

Core requirements

From the Government document:

1. Income of at least $75,000 a year. Bermuda dollars are pegged one-to-one to the US dollar, so treat this as US$75,000.
2. Private health insurance for the entire stay. See health insurance in Bermuda.
3. Passport validity of at least 45 days beyond the period of residence granted.
4. Multi Re-Entry visa, if applicable, also valid for at least 45 days beyond the period. It only applies to nationalities that need one. FCDO advice is that British citizen passport holders can visit without a visa (gov.uk).
5. You must follow Bermuda’s laws and policies, stay self-sufficient, and immediately report any change in your ability to support yourself.

Duration: the document says permission is “typically granted for a year”. When WFB closed, the Government said permission “may be granted for periods of up to five (5) years” (gov.bm). Expect a year to start with, and ask about longer terms when you apply.

Documents you’ll need

The Government’s list for permission to reside on an annual basis:

• Application form for Residence
• Medical certificate
• Two character references
• Original police certificate
• Evidence of private health insurance
• Three passport-size photos
• Certified copy of a valid passport
• Certified copy of a valid multi re-entry visa (if applicable)
• Bank reference showing average daily balance, or 12 months of bank statements
• Proof of financial support, e.g. employment not based in Bermuda, or financial assets
• Any other documents requested
• Proof of payment of the application fee

The general Residence Permit Application page also lists a CV, birth certificate, marriage certificate and partner details where relevant (gov.bm).

Getting documents from the UK

• Police certificate: UK residents usually get this from ACRO. See our certificates guide.
• Certified passport copy: ask Immigration who may certify copies before you pay anyone. Clarien Bank, for example, asks for documents from outside Bermuda to be notarised, so a notary is the safe default.
• Proof of income: an employment contract plus recent payslips, or investment and pension statements. Show how the income reaches you, as well as how much it is.

Fees

The Residence Permit Application page lists a fee schedule. Check the live schedule for the exact fee for your permission type before paying.

Step by step

1. Check you meet the income test with documents you can actually produce.
2. Arrange health insurance that’s valid in Bermuda for the whole stay. An international policy may work. Make sure it meets the Immigration requirement.
3. Order your police certificate early. It’s often the slowest item.
4. Book your medical.
5. Line up two character references. Choose people who know you well. Ask Immigration if you’re unsure who qualifies.
6. Get your bank reference or 12 months of statements.
7. Prepare certified copies of your passport and other identity documents.
8. Pay the fee and submit through the Government’s Residence Permit Application service.
9. Keep copies of everything. You’ll need much of it again at renewal.

Living on permission to reside: practical points

• No local work, including freelance work for Bermuda clients. Keep your income clearly from abroad.
• Housing: you’ll be renting in a tight market. See renting in Bermuda and where to live.
• Banking: Bermuda banks ask for evidence of your residency status. Your permission letter should serve. See opening a bank account in Bermuda.
• Getting around: residents can own one car per household. See getting around Bermuda.
• Renewals: apply well before expiry. The Government’s renewal service is listed as “Renewal of permission to reside” (gov.bm).

Common mistakes

• Using the minimum as a budget. $75k is a legal threshold, not a comfortable income. See cost of living and remote work options compared.
• Assuming travel insurance counts. Short-trip travel insurance is unlikely to meet a “private health insurance for the duration of stay” requirement.
• Starting local side work. That breaks the terms of the permission.
• Booking flights and shipping goods first. Wait for approval. Also note that customs duty relief for household goods requires proof of permission to live in Bermuda (gov.bm).

Tax

Bermuda has no personal income tax, but your home country may still tax you. UK leavers should read UK tax when you move to Bermuda and take professional advice.

Who to contact

Use the contact details on the Department of Immigration pages. If your case is complicated (dependants, past refusals, unusual income), a Bermuda immigration lawyer can be worth paying for.

Sources checked 12 October 2026. The Government says more immigration policy changes are coming, so check the current document before applying.

FAQ

Is the $75,000 per person or per household?

The Government document states “an annual income of at least $75,000” for the applicant (gov.bm PDF). The document doesn’t say how this works for couples or dependants, so ask Immigration before you apply.

Can I count savings rather than salary?

The document’s examples of proof of financial support include “employment that is not based in Bermuda or financial assets”, so assets are listed as acceptable evidence. Ask Immigration how assets are weighed against the income requirement.

Can my partner work if I’m on permission to reside?

Not on the strength of your permission. A partner who wants to work needs their own work permit through a Bermuda employer.

What insurance should I get?

Any plan must cover you in Bermuda for the whole stay. Options worth comparing include international health plans and nomad-style policies such as SafetyWing. Check the cover limits and get confirmation that Immigration will accept it before you buy.

How long does approval take?

The Government doesn’t publish a processing time for this permission in the documents we read. Apply as early as the rules allow, and don’t make irreversible plans (giving up a lease, shipping goods) until you’re approved.

Can I apply from inside Bermuda?

The WFB closure notice told certificate holders to apply from inside Bermuda one to two months before expiry, which suggests in-island applications are possible in some cases. For a brand-new applicant, check the current guidance.

Related: health insurance for Permission to Reside