Bermuda Bound: The High-Stakes Game of Corporate Real Estate
In Bermuda, real estate isn’t just business, it’s a balancing act.
With only 21 square miles of land, corporate acquisitions are tightly regulated to protect the island’s limited space, unique culture, and social equity. The Government walks a fine line: welcoming international investment while fiercely guarding its environment and housing access.
Who Gets to Own What?
Before snapping up real estate, a company must tick some serious boxes. It needs local incorporation under the Companies Act 1981 and must meet strict approval requirements under the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act.
There are two key players:
- Exempted companies – international-facing firms like reinsurers that can’t do local business
- Local companies – majority Bermudian-owned and active within the island’s economy
What’s Allowed Without Special Permission?
Both can lease property up to 50 years for offices and 21 years for employee housing but with zero renewal guarantees. This keeps corporate footprints light.
When the Stakes Rise: Special Consent Deals
Want more? That takes Government consent and scrutiny.
With approval, companies can buy:
- Commercial space for operations
- Luxury residences or condos (with high rental values)
- Hotel units or properties on former military base land (up to 262 years)
But conditions apply: no unapproved rentals, no flipping, and no development without further sign-off.
Local Companies: A Bit More Wiggle Room
They can own mixed-use properties, certain residential units, and land under trust structures but again, permissions and policy guardrails abound.
Final Word: Real Estate in Bermuda Is Exclusive for a Reason
Here, corporate landholding isn’t about ownership, it’s about purpose, responsibility, and alignment with national interest. If your company’s eyeing Bermuda, bring your business case and a very good lawyer.
