The hotel Licensing Department (HLD)
Ensuring Quality, Safety, and Compliance Across All Guest Accommodations
About the Department
The Hotel Licensing Department (HLD) is the inspectorate and regulatory arm of the Government of The Bahamas, responsible for maintaining quality, safety, and operational standards across all forms of guest accommodations, from large resorts to family-run vacation rentals.
Operating under the Hotels Act, 1970 and Hotels Regulations, 1971 (Chapter 288), HLD ensures that every property offering accommodation operates legally, safely, and in line with the standards that uphold The Bahamas’ world-class tourism reputation.
Learn More About the Department
Our Mandate
• Regulate, inspect, license and monitor all guest accommodations.
• In collaboration with relevant government agencies, enforce national safety and operational standards.
• Facilitate the work of the Hotel Licensing Boards in New Providence, Grand Bahama, and the Family Islands.
• Strengthen accountability and quality assurance across the tourism accommodation sector.
• Support sustainability of the hotel industry through structured compliance and incentives.
Explore Our Mandate
Our Structure
The Hotel Licensing Department is headquartered at BAF Building (2nd Floor), George Street, Nassau, with officers also serving in Grand Bahama.
HLD operates through five (5) specialized units:
| Compliance Unit | Verify hoteliers’ documents and train them in the Hotel Licensing Property Management System to register, submit application and upload required documents. |
| Inspectorate Unit | Coordinates with other government agencies and conducts hotel inspections to verify safety and operational standards. |
| Vacation Rental Unit (VRU) | Regulates, inspects, provide CARPHA (Caribbean Public Health Association) as well as hospitality training and licenses Short-Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs) across the archipelago. |
| Revenue Unit | Manages the collection of hotel licensing fees. |
| Data Systems Management Unit | Manages the digitalization, performance and enhancement of hotel and vacation rental licensing systems. |
Meet The Units
Digital Transformation: Property Management System (PMS)
The Hotel Licensing Department has fully digitalized its operations with the introduction of a Property Management System (PMS), a secure, online platform that simplifies the entire licensing and inspection process.
• All hotel applications are submitted online
• Licenses are issued digitally through the PMS once compliance and inspection requirements are met
• Real-time application tracking and automated notifications
• Integrated inspection data and management across all islands
This modernization strengthens transparency, accuracy, efficiency, and ease of access for both applicants and regulators.
Access the PMS: hotellicensingdept.com
Apply for a License
Hotel License
All hotels, resorts, villas, and guest houses must obtain a Hotel License before operating.
Applications are submitted digitally and include property details, after physical inspection reports, and ownership documentation.
Hotel Licensing Process
1. Initiate the Licensing Process
• Contact the Chief Licensing Officer and Director (link to contact page) of Ministry of Tourism Investments and Aviation’s Hotel Licensing Department to advise you about your hotel
2. Register Your Business
• Register your property name with the Department of Inland Revenue (DIR).
• Register your property on the MOTIA Hotel Licensing Property Management System (PMS) at hotellicensingdept.com. Complete the application
3. Upload All Required Documents to the MOTIA Portal
This includes:
Business & Compliance Documents
• Business License Certificate
• Tax Compliance Certificate
• Value Added Tax (VAT) registration
• Real Property Tax (RPT) Assessment (Not required for Family Island Hotels)
• National Insurance Board (NIB) Registration
• Liability Insurance Certificate (While not mandatory, it is recommended)
• Ownership & Legal Documents
• Passport of Owner/Operator
• Work Permit or Residency Card (if non-Bahamian or applicable)
• Deed of Conveyance
• Certificate of Registration / Incorporation
• Certificate of Incumbency
• Articles & Memorandum of Association
• Heads of Agreement
• Hotel Encouragement Act Certificate (where applicable)
• Bahamas Investment Authority Approval (non-Bahamian)
• International Persons Landholding Permit (non-Bahamian entities)
• Central Bank Approval (non-Bahamian applicants)
Fire, Safety & Building Documents
• Fire Service Provider Certificate
• Building Permit
• Architectural Drawings
• Occupancy Certificate
4. Complete Mandatory Inspections
Inspections will be conducted by:
• Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation
• Ministry of Works
• Department of Environmental Health Services (DEHS)
• Royal Bahamas Police Force – Fire Department
The Inspectorate Team schedules inspections starting January to March in the Family Islands and in New Providence Inspections are from July - December. Special inspection and re-inspections are also arranged outside the standard timeframe
5. Final Compliance Review
• The Hotel Licensing Compliance Unit will verify that all uploaded documents meet regulatory requirements.
6. Board Review & Approvals
• Once four satisfactory inspection reports are received, your file will be submitted to the Hotel Licensing Board for approval.
• Family Island properties must also receive a letter of no objection submitted by the Ministry of tourism, Investments and Aviation from the Local Government’s Family Island Hotel Licensing Boards on island
7. Issuance of Digital Hotel License
• After all requirements are met, the Chief Licensing Officer will authorize and release your Digital Hotel License in the PMS. Renewing your application follows the same steps in the PMS. Only the current business license certificate and fire certificate along with satisfactory inspection reports are required for hotel license renewal.
Vacation Rental License
All Short-Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs) must be registered with the Department of Inland Revenue -uploading the requirements, inspected and licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation’s Hotel Licensing Department.
Applications are processed online, and licenses are issued electronically.
Apply for a Vacation Rental License
How to Obtain a Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) License
This step-by-step guide outlines the process for property owners and operators to legally operate a Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) in The Bahamas in compliance with the Hotel Licensing Department (HLD) and partner agencies.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility of Your Property
Before applying, ensure that your property qualifies as a Short-Term Vacation Rental:
• The property is offered to guests for short-term stays (generally less than 30 days).
• The property is not a hotel or resort but a home, apartment, cottage, villa, or similar accommodation.
• The property complies with zoning, occupancy, and use requirements.
Note: All STVRs, regardless of size or revenue, must follow Hotel Licensing procedures.
Step 2: Register Your Property click here (Short-Term Rental Owners- You Need to Register)
Visit Department of Inland Revenue @ Vacation Rental
Requirements:
Bahamians
• Property conveyance to prove ownership
• Rental agreement
• Vat registration if over 100K income
• RPT Certificate
• Operators earning less than $100,000 annually are not required to obtain a Business License.
Non-Bahamians And Commercial STVR
• Business License
• Property Conveyance
• Rental Agreement
• Vat registration
• RPT Certificate
• Business License
• Operators exceeding $100,000 in annual revenue must apply for a Business License with the Department of Inland Revenue (DIR) and have guest pay Value added tax
All operators must ensure tax compliance by remitting the taxes collected on a timely basis.
Step 3: Schedule and Complete Inspection
Once your application is approved:
• The Inspectorate Unit will schedule an inspection (physical or virtual, where applicable)
• The inspection will assess: (click here for inspection guidelines)
o Health and safety standards
o Fire and life safety compliance
o General habitability and guest readiness
Any deficiencies must be corrected before approval is granted.
Step 4: Participate in CARPHA and Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation’s Hybrid 3-hour Hospitality Training
• MOTIA will coordinate health and hospitality training with CARPHA. Participation can be online and several hospitality sessions will be conducted in class. CARPHA 2-hour certification session is only done at the initial licensing. Renewal applicants are recommended to participate in any 2-hour hospitality update sessions that will be conducted throughout the year, or verify any other hospitality training they attended.
Step 5: Receive Approval and STVR License
Upon successful registration, inspection, compliance verification and host training:
• The Hotel Licensing Department will issue your STVR License Certificate
• Your property may now legally operate and be marketed on Bahamas.com
• You can also be eligible to apply for Home Sweet Home Grant with the tourism Development Corporation
Step 6: Maintain Compliance
To remain licensed, operators must ( Vacation Rental Program - Tourism Development Corporation Bahamas)
• Renew the STVR License annually
• Maintain valid tax registrations
• Allow inspections as required
• Comply with all reporting and safety obligations
Failure to comply may result in penalties, suspension, or revocation of the license.
Need Assistance?
For guidance or support, contact the Hotel Licensing Department .
Operating without a valid STVR License is a violation of the law.
Benefits of Being Licensed
Operating a licensed accommodation ensures:
• Legal recognition and credibility.
• Access to marketing and partnership opportunities through MOTIA.
• Increased guest confidence and higher booking potential.
• Access to training programs and technical support.
• Eligibility for tax and duty concessions under the Hotel Encouragement Act (Hotels only)
• Eligibility for TDC’s Home Sweet Home Grant
Government Incentives (Hotels Encouragement Act)
Under the Hotel Encouragement Act, licensed hotels operators may qualify for:
• Customs duty exemptions on approved materials and furnishings.
• Real property tax concessions for eligible properties.
• Investment incentives for expansion, renovation, and Family Island development.
• Concessions or duty exemptions for projects under construction
Requests for concessions or duty exemptions must be submitted in writing to the Office of the Prime Minister, addressed to:
Ms. Phylicia Woods Hanna
Director of Investments
Office of the Prime Minister
These incentives stimulate business growth, create jobs, and enhance the quality of The Bahamas’ accommodation product.
Learn About Hotel Incentives › Hotels Encouragement Act
Legislative Update
In accordance with the recent amendments to the Hotels Act,
All hotels operating bars are now required to obtain a valid Hotel License before a liquor license certificate can be issued.
This ensures proper oversight, guest safety, and alignment with national hospitality standards.
Read the Hotels Act Amendment
Contact Us
Hotel Licensing Department
BAF Building (2nd Floor), George Street, Nassau, The Bahamas
Email: hotellicensing@bahamas.gov.bs
Phone: (242) 3022000