Golden Visa

Bahrain Golden Residency Visa

Bahrain is increasingly being recognised by investors and professionals seeking opportunities in the Middle East. The Bahrain Golden Residency Visa facilitates long-term residency for high-net-worth individuals, investors, and skilled professionals allowing eligible individuals to reside, work, and enjoy the benefits of a stable and growing economy. This guide offers a detailed look at the advantages, criteria, and financial considerations associated with obtaining the Golden Residency Visa in Bahrain, providing key insights for prospective applicants.

Benefits and Features of Bahrain’s Golden Residency Visa

Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior, Nationality, Passport & Residence Affairs (NPRA) has been enhancing its residency programmes to draw in foreign investors and skilled workers. While long-term residency is often secured through business establishment, where visas are linked to the company, Bahrain also offers alternative residency-by-investment options that offer permanent residency and are indefinitely renewable as long as the holder continues to meet the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility and investment requirements

Applicants can qualify for the Golden Visa by owning property worth at least BHD 200,000 ($530,000), proving a monthly income of BHD 4,000 for retirees, or demonstrating exceptional talents that meet certain criteria set by the Bahrain government.

Residency and work rights

The Golden Visa grants a renewable ten-year residency permit, significantly longer than standard visas which usually last only two to three years. The extended duration offers stability for personal and professional planning, giving visa holders the right to work in Bahrain.

Family inclusion and social benefits

The visa includes residency rights for close family members and provides the same quality of life and access to services such as education and healthcare as those given to Bahraini citizens.

Minimum stay requirements

To maintain the residency status, there are no minimum stay requirements. Bahrain is flexible, allowing residents to travel or live abroad without jeopardising their residency status.

Requirements for Bahrain’s Golden Residency Visa

To obtain the Golden visa, applicants must meet the criteria for one of the following four application routes:

Property ownership: Owning one or more properties in Bahrain with a combined minimum value of BHD 200,000 ($530,000).
Retirees: Need to demonstrate a stable monthly income of at least BHD 4,000 and must have resided in the country for at least 5 years.
Exceptionally talented individuals: Must provide evidence of exceptional skills or contributions to their professional field, though specific financial requirements for this category can vary based on the evaluation criteria set by the authorities.
Professionals: Professionals or skilled employees must have lived continuously in Bahrain for a minimum of five years and maintained an average monthly base salary of at least BHD 2,000 during that period.

Costs associated with Bahrain's Golden Residency Visa

Applying for and maintaining the Golden Residency Visa in Bahrain involves several financial commitments: The Initial Application, the Residency Visa issuance as well as renewal and long-term costs of maintaining the criteria requirements.

Additionally, applicants should consider the costs of mandatory health insurance, legal fees for document processing, and potential consultancy fees if using the services of a corporate services provider.

Documentation and background checks

All applicants need to submit:

A valid passport with more than six months remaining before expiration.
A comprehensive six-month bank statement to demonstrate financial stability.
A clean criminal record from both Bahrain and the applicant’s country of origin, ensuring the applicant’s suitability for residency.
A health certificate confirming good health and freedom from communicable diseases.

How can we assist?

The Bahrain Golden Visa is a low-maintenance residency for those exploring their options across the GCC. If you would like to obtain a Bahrain Golden Visa, please reach out to Sovereign PPG and we would be delighted to assist you with any visa, PRO and immigration requirements in Bahrain.