Bahrain Reduces Golden Visa Investment to Encourage Global Investors

Bahrain has made it easier for foreigners to live in the country long-term by reducing the investment requirement for its Golden Residency Visa. The minimum amount needed has been cut by 35%, making the programme more affordable for people who want to settle in the Kingdom.

The Ministry of Interior’s Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) confirmed that the investment requirement has dropped from 200,000 Bahraini Dinars (BHD) to 130,000 BHD. This means that anyone who already owns property in Bahrain worth at least 130,000 BHD can now qualify for the Golden Residency programme without any additional investment.

The Golden Residency Visa is available under several categories, giving people multiple ways to apply. These include:

• Real estate investors with property valued at 130,000 BHD or more
• Qualified professionals who earn a monthly salary of at least 2,000 BHD
• Retirees living in Bahrain who have worked in the country for 15 years or longer
• Foreign retirees living outside Bahrain who receive a pension of 4,000 BHD or more
• Skilled and talented individuals who have made valuable contributions to Bahrain’s economy, society, or development

To apply, candidates must submit their request through the NPRA online portal. The required documents include a valid passport, bank statements from the last six months, active health insurance, and proof of a residential address in Bahrain.

There are also small fees involved. The application fee is 5 BHD, and the visa issuance fee is 300 BHD. Both fees are non-refundable.

One of the major advantages of Bahrain’s Golden Residency Visa is its lifetime validity. Unlike many other countries, Bahrain allows visa holders to stay without needing to renew the visa every few years. It also offers wide flexibility, such as:

• The freedom to work in any sector or company in Bahrain
• Unlimited entry and exit from the country
• The ability to sponsor children, parents, and other dependents
• Full rights to own and operate businesses in Bahrain

Government officials say that these relaxed rules are part of a bigger strategy to increase investment, attract talented professionals from around the world, support the real estate market, and strengthen Bahrain’s image as a long-term residency and business-friendly hub in the Gulf region.

Overall, the updated Golden Residency Visa programme aims to create more opportunities for investors, skilled workers, and retirees who want to make Bahrain their home while contributing to the country’s growth.

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