Summary
The Department of Inland Revenue says any person who owns or operates a business in The Bahamas is required to apply for and obtain a business licence in compliance with the Business Licence Act 2023.
This article is the general starting point for deciding whether your activity needs a business licence at all. Applications are completed online through the Department of Inland Revenue's tax platform.
What This Means In Practice
- If you own or operate a business in The Bahamas, you should assume you need to review the business licence requirements.
- The application is not just a form. Supporting documents and approvals from other agencies may also be required.
- The Department says the approval process is normally within seven working days if all required information and documentation have been submitted correctly.
How To Apply
- Start the business licence application online through the Inland Revenue platform.
- Gather the supporting documents required for your business type.
- Obtain any other agency approvals that apply to your business before or during the application process.
- Submit the application with all required information to avoid delays.
Where To Get Help
The Business Licence Unit is located at the Department of Inland Revenue, Shops at Carmichael Plaza, Carmichael Road, Nassau. The Department also notes branches in Grand Bahama, Abaco, Eleuthera, and Exuma.
When To Escalate To A Human
- You are not sure whether your activity counts as carrying on a business.
- Your business needs outside-agency approvals and you do not know which agencies apply.
- You submitted the application correctly but the seven-working-day normal processing window has passed.
- Your business structure or ownership situation does not fit a simple online application.