In a ministerial statement to the House, Minister of Economy and Labour Jason Hayward outlined changes to Bermuda’s Economic Investment Residential Certificate program under a 2026 policy that took effect at the end of September. The framework removes donations to the Bermuda Trust Fund as qualifying investments, requires applicants to donate at least BD$25,000 to registered Bermuda charities and strengthens controls against money laundering and terrorist financing. Applicants must complete a comprehensive questionnaire and provide enhanced supporting documents. Applications will be assessed through a new risk matrix and two-step compliance check, supported by information-sharing arrangements with agencies including the Bermuda Police Service. The Bermuda Business Development Agency, which conducts enhanced due diligence and verifies investments, will charge a BD$10,000 fee. Residential certificates granted before the new policy took effect remain valid under the rules applicable when they were issued. As of June 29, 2026, investments associated with the program totaled about BD$622 million, of which 51% by value went to new and existing businesses. Since the program began, 94 of 109 applications have been approved, five refused and 10 remain under consideration.
Bermuda Ministry of Finance strengthens investment residency program with enhanced due diligence and BD$25,000 charity donation
Bermuda has strengthened its investment residency program by requiring a minimum BD$25,000 charitable donation, enhanced applicant documentation and risk-based compliance checks. The framework also introduces a BD$10,000 administration fee and greater information sharing, while preserving certificates issued under previous rules.