I'm not an expert in Bahamian law but a number of years ago when we did a similar investigation we learned that in order for a non-Bahamian to start a business they to have a Bahamian as a partner.

Now, on most other islands non-citizens can open up a business if they "invest" a specified amount (differs from island to island) in that business and the business must provide jobs for locals. Many Caribbean islands also require you to obtain a Work Permit before you are allowed to work on that island (even if it means you are working for yourself). On some islands Work Permits are difficult to get unless you have a unique skill and there are no locals qualified to do the same job.



The best way to find out the laws regarding immigration to, working on and/or investing in a business on any given island is to visit the "official" government website for each particular island. That way you'll be able to read about the requirements and subtle differences in the laws of each island.

As a US citizen you'll find it infinitely easier to relocate and start a business on Puerto rico, Culebra, Vieques or any of the US Virgin Islands as you'll already have citizenship and work status.

Try doing internet searches using such topics as "Caribbean Businesses for Sale", "Business opportunities on NAME OF ISLAND", "Dive Shops For Sale", "Caribbean Hotels for sale", etc. and you'll find lots of links. Also, contact Real Estate Brokers on the islands that interest you - they will probably have a few business and hotel listings. There are hotels for sale on almost every island but whether or note they are viable business is something you'll have to determine for yourself. Ask yourself "If it is so good, why is this business for sale?"

A few hints - be prepared to "overpay" for any property/business as nothing is cheap here in the Caribbean. Make sure you do your due diligence as there are many shady deals. Often there is government corruption. Make sure you have a good local attorney that you can trust and that is not related to the seller of the business - many islands have small populations and it is not unusual for almost everyone to be related to everyone else. (Example - when we purchased our land we found out the Real Estate Agent and our "original attorney" were nephews of the seller. Luckily we found out early enough and changed lawyers. Don't buy anything sight unseen - fully investigate EVERYTHING.

LASTLY - Be aware of the old saying: How do you leave the Caribbean with $1 million? Start with $2 million.

Good luck following your dream.

you might read
The Carnival Never Got Started
and
The Carnival Never Got Started Redux

A Trip to the Beach: Living on Island Time in the Caribbean

Don't Stop the Carnival

Also, get a copy of "The Settler's Handbook" (available on Amazon)- it's a must read for anyone contemplating living/working in the Caribbean. It's geared toward living in the US Virgin islands but much of what is written applies to all of the islands.

also, visit the Virgin Island Moving Center website (www.vimovingcenter.com) there's tons of information there - so much, in fact, it will take you a month to read EVERYTHING - start with the dropdown menu at the top of the page (moving from left to right) and you'll find answers to all your questions and hundreds more you haven't even thought of yet. There's also a very active forum with literally thousands of informative threads discussing all types of topics about living/working in the islands.

Depending on which island you are hoping to move to, perhaps check the classified ads of the online newspapers as well. Not sure how many of the islands have there news papers online ut recently there have been listings of business opportunities in the Nation Barbados online newspaper and the Advocate.

These are papers in Barbados.

All the best with everything