The 28-year-old Brazilian agreed to join the Rio de Janeiro outfit until the end of the season with the option of a two-year extension should both parties agree, reports Xinhua.
Bahia quit Samsunspor last year and sued the Turkish club for allegedly owing him four months of unpaid wages.
He said he was ready to compete for a berth in Botafogo's starting line-up under coach Oswaldo de Oliveira.
"There is always competition for places, no matter where you play," Bahia said.
"I have already played under Oliveira in the past and I know that he is the type of coach who rewards hard work. I am ready to fight for my spot."