The Economic Empowerment Zone (EEZ) Exemption was created to encourage economic and social development in the Over The Hill community through the granting of exemptions and fiscal incentives. Bahamian citizens and residents in the Over The Hill community are eligible to apply to be exempted from incurring the cost of Customs Duty on international purchases used to build or renovate a house, or to start or expand a business.

Learn more about the Economic Empowerment Zone Exemption application eligibility criteria.

Applicants are eligible to apply for Economic Empowerment Zone exemption if they meet the following requirements:

• Bahamians citizens and legal residents, 18 years or older and residing in the specified zone for no fewer than 12 years.

Applicants must provide the following support documents:

• First four pages of valid passport
• Voters card
• Copy of National Insurance Card
• Land approval letter

These items from the Department of Housing must be provided:

• Stamp or certification
• Architectural plan
• Copy of invoice(s) or quote(s)
• Copy of location/site plan

Important Information to Know Before You Apply

• Exemptions can be applied to international purchases.
• The approval must be stamped and signed by the Revenue Analyst.
• If rejected, the applicant is required to pay the normal duties stipulated by the customs department.
• Applicants are subject to physical inspections and review by the Revenue Section.
• If the location of the business is rented, tenants must provide a letter of consent from the landlord, copy of the landlord’s identification and proof of the landlord’s ownership of the property. *Tenants and landlords may apply for the same property or building.
• Applicants have up to 30 days after submission to provide relevant information.
• There is no minimum turnover rate for businesses to qualify.
• Should the applicant be a limited company, the name(s) of beneficial shareholders must be provided.
• Once approved, the applicant may use the exemption document (certificate) to present to customs.

If you would like to submit the Economic Empowerment Zone Exemption application for an existing business please review the eligibility criteria

Applications for existing businesses must meet the criteria below and provide the following supporting documents:

• Businesses must have an annual sales turnover of five million dollars ($5,000,000) or less
• The exemption is applied to the value of the items
• Applications to support location expansion must provide proof of expansion: copy of the building permit/ government issued document, lease, business licence, certificate of deposit (receipt of first month rent), NIB contributions
• Applications to support inventory expansion must provide the value of the inventory for one time use