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Nassau

Bahamas
Active
Last updated: 2026-06-23  ·  Last verified: 2026-06-23  ·  Region: International

At a Glance — Nassau Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusPermitted with registration
Permit / License RequiredSame as national; Business License for non-Bahamians/companies
Tax Rate10% VAT plus 10% Hotel Guest Tax
Permit FeePortal registration free
PenaltiesEnforcement action for non-compliance
Primary Residence RequiredNo
Occupancy LimitPer Building Code occupancy certificate
Browse all 3 STR regulations in Bahamas →

Nassau Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Nassau Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental operations in Nassau are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Same as national; Business License for non-Bahamians/companies. The associated permit fees are Portal registration free.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Nassau

Short-term rental operators in Nassau should be aware of these tax obligations: 10% VAT plus 10% Hotel Guest Tax. Yes — DIR portal registration.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Nassau

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Nassau include: Primary residence requirement: No. Occupancy limit: Per Building Code occupancy certificate.

Zoning and Location Requirements in Nassau

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Nassau: Building Code and zoning compliance required.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Nassau

Hosts who fail to comply with Nassau's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Enforcement action for non-compliance.

Platform Obligations in Nassau

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Nassau: Owners collect/remit VAT or platform may remit.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Active
License / Registration
Same as national; Business License for non-Bahamians/companies
Tax Registration
Yes — DIR portal registration
Permit Fee
Portal registration free
Primary Residence Rule
No
Occupancy Limit
Per Building Code occupancy certificate
Tax Rate
10% VAT plus 10% Hotel Guest Tax
Zoning Restrictions
Building Code and zoning compliance required
Platform Obligations
Owners collect/remit VAT or platform may remit
Compliance Notes
Follows national baseline; subject to Ministry of Tourism, Environmental Health, Fire Services inspections
Effective Date
2023-03-01
Key Notes
Registered owners may qualify for SBDC/Tourism Development Corp funding
Penalties
Enforcement action for non-compliance
Additional Context
Largest STR market in the Bahamas; no distinct municipal STR ordinance beyond national rules
Sources
https://inlandrevenue.finance.gov.bs/vacation-rental/
bnbcalc.com/blog/short-term-rental-regulation/Nassau-Bahamas-Guide
📋 Apply / Register with the Official Authority

Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.

Official Source ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Nassau?

Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Nassau with proper registration and permits. Follows national baseline; subject to Ministry of Tourism, Environmental Health, Fire Services inspections

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Nassau?

Yes. Nassau requires the following for short-term rental operation: Same as national; Business License for non-Bahamians/companies.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Nassau?

Short-term rental hosts in Nassau are subject to the following tax obligations: 10% VAT plus 10% Hotel Guest Tax.

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Nassau?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Nassau may face enforcement. Enforcement action for non-compliance.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Nassau?

Registered owners may qualify for SBDC/Tourism Development Corp funding

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