Investor / Golden Visa in Bahrain: Requirements and Fees

Golden Residency - Property Owner

10-year, indefinitely renewable Golden Residency for foreigners owning real estate in Bahrain with a total personal share value of BHD 130,000+ (reduced from BHD 200,000 in late 2025), issued by NPRA.

Processing time: Varies; applications processed via the official Golden Residency portal / NPRA
Validity: 10 years, indefinitely renewable
Language requirement: No language certificate needed
Permanent residence: Golden Residency itself is Bahrain's de facto long-term residence (10 years, renewable indefinitely)
Citizenship: Does not lead to citizenship automatically; naturalisation is discretionary after 25 years lawful residence

Requirements

Ownership of Bahraini real estate with a total personal share value of BHD 130,000+ at the time of purchase
Valid passport
Health insurance
Clean record / good standing

Required Documents

Title deed(s) proving property ownership and value (BHD 130,000+ personal share) required
Valid passport required
Health insurance certificate required
Bank statement

Process Steps

1

Confirm property qualifies

Verify your registered property's personal share value is BHD 130,000 or more.
2

Apply

Submit the Golden Residency application through the official portal (goldenresidency.gov.bh / NPRA).
3

Pay fees

Pay the applicable issuance and any dependant fees.
4

Receive 10-year permit

On approval, receive the 10-year Golden Residency; add dependants.

Official Sources

Golden Residency - Professionals Working in Bahrain

10-year Golden Residency for expatriates who have worked in Bahrain at least 5 years with an average monthly basic salary over BHD 2,000 and continuous social insurance.

Processing time: Varies; via official Golden Residency portal / NPRA
Validity: 10 years, indefinitely renewable
Language requirement: No language certificate needed
Permanent residence: Golden Residency is Bahrain's de facto long-term residence
Citizenship: No automatic path; discretionary naturalisation only after 25 years lawful residence

Requirements

At least 5 years of employment in Bahrain
Average monthly basic salary over BHD 2,000
Continuous SIO (social insurance) coverage for the full period
Valid passport and good standing

Required Documents

Salary certificates / payslips evidencing BHD 2,000+ basic required
SIO contribution records covering 5+ years required
Valid passport required
Health insurance certificate required

Process Steps

1

Verify earnings history

Confirm 5 years of employment at BHD 2,000+ basic salary with continuous SIO coverage.
2

Apply

Submit the Golden Residency application via the official portal.
3

Pay fees & receive

Pay applicable fees and receive the 10-year Golden Residency.

Official Sources

Golden Residency - Retiree

10-year Golden Residency for retirees: resident retirees with 15 years' Bahrain work history and an average pension of BHD 2,000+, or non-resident retirees with an average pension of BHD 4,000+.

Processing time: Varies; via official Golden Residency portal / NPRA
Validity: 10 years, indefinitely renewable
Language requirement: No language certificate needed
Permanent residence: Golden Residency is Bahrain's de facto long-term residence
Citizenship: No automatic path; discretionary naturalisation only

Requirements

Resident track: 15+ years worked in Bahrain plus average pension BHD 2,000+; OR
Non-resident track: average pension BHD 4,000+
Valid passport and good standing

Required Documents

Pension/retirement income certificate required
Evidence of 15 years' Bahrain work (resident track)
Valid passport required
Health insurance certificate required

Process Steps

1

Confirm pension level

Verify the pension meets BHD 2,000 (resident) or BHD 4,000 (non-resident) threshold.
2

Apply

Submit the Golden Residency retiree application via the official portal.
3

Pay fees & receive

Pay applicable fees and receive the 10-year permit.