Obtaining Bahraini Citizenship: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're considering relocating to Bahrain, it's important to understand the requirements and procedures for obtaining Bahraini citizenship. Bahrain, known for its hot climate and high standard of living, has specific regulations in place for foreigners seeking to become citizens. While it might be challenging to acquire Bahraini nationality, there are several pathways to explore, each with its own set of criteria and conditions. In the following paragraphs, we will delve into the main routes to Bahraini citizenship, including citizenship by birth, descent, marriage, and naturalization, as well as the necessary documentation and eligibility requirements for each option.

Citizenship by birth

Children born in Bahrain to a Bahraini father after September 16, 1963, automatically become citizens of Bahrain. This is the easiest way to obtain citizenship in the case of foreign citizens with Bahraini origins. Since the adoption of the Nationality Law in 1963, all children born in Bahrain can become Bahraini citizens, regardless of the citizenship of their parents. However, children born in the country cannot have or apply for citizenship of another country, and dual citizenship is not permitted.

Children born in Bahrain after 1937 whose fathers were citizens of the country can also obtain citizenship. Additionally, those born outside Bahrain after 1937 can obtain citizenship if their father or grandfather was a Bahraini citizen. If the child was born in or outside Bahrain after 1937 and their mother was a citizen, while their father is unknown, without a nationality, or fatherhood cannot be proved, they can also obtain citizenship.

In the case of foreign citizens, if the father has obtained permanent residence in Bahrain and has given up his former citizenship, the child can obtain Bahraini citizenship by birth. All applications for Bahraini nationality must be filed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Citizenship by descent

• Those born in Bahrain after 1937 to Bahraini fathers.
• Those born outside Bahrain after 1937 to fathers or grandfathers who are/were Bahraini citizens.
• Those born in or outside Bahrain after 1937 to Bahraini mothers, where fatherhood cannot be proved, or the father is unknown or without nationality.

In addition, it is also possible to obtain citizenship in Bahrain by birth. In this case, the father can be a foreign citizen who has obtained permanent residence in Bahrain and has given up his former citizenship.

All applications for Bahraini nationality must be filed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is important to note that Bahrain does not permit dual citizenship, and a Bahraini citizen who acquires foreign citizenship will lose their Bahraini citizenship.

Citizenship by marriage

Marriage is one of the ways to obtain Bahraini citizenship. However, it is important to note that this route is currently only available to women. Men who marry Bahraini women are not eligible for a Bahraini passport by marriage.

A foreign woman who marries a Bahraini man can apply for Bahraini citizenship. To do so, she must renounce any other citizenship, which can be a difficult decision as the Bahraini passport offers visa-free access to only 87 countries. However, as an exception, a woman can apply to keep her original citizenship, but such cases are processed individually without a guarantee of approval. In the event of a divorce, the woman can usually retain her Bahraini citizenship.

To apply for Bahraini citizenship through marriage, the following documents are required:

• A completed citizenship application form
• A letter addressed to His Majesty the King, expressing the desire to obtain Bahraini citizenship
• Original and copy of the current passport or travel document
• Original and copy of the marriage certificate (if issued in Bahrain). If the marriage took place abroad, an affidavit from a Bahraini court must accompany the foreign marriage certificate
• Original and copy of the birth certificate
• Document containing the ID data of the applicant's wife and children (if applicable)
• Certificate from the Survey & Land Registration Bureau, confirming ownership of property in Bahrain
• Health/medical certificate
• Certificate from the Commercial Registration Office stating the trade/business activity (if applicable)
• All education certificates or a letter from the Ministry of Education
• Originals and copies of all passports/residence permits held by the applicant
• Employment certificate from the applicant's workplace, stating job title, salary, and joining date. This should be issued no more than three months before the date of application

In addition to the above documents, there are other requirements and conditions that must be met. The applicant must be fluent in Arabic, own property registered in their name, and have sufficient funds to support themselves in Bahrain. They must also be of good character and prove they do not have any mental health conditions.

It is important to note that Bahrain does not permit dual citizenship, and obtaining Bahraini citizenship through marriage or any other means is difficult. The process is solely at the discretion of the Government, and not all candidates will be granted citizenship.

Citizenship by naturalisation

Bahrain has strict requirements for naturalisation candidates. Foreign citizens who want to move to Bahrain must comply with various requirements, depending on their reason for relocating and the intended duration of their stay.

To acquire a Bahraini passport, a foreign citizen must:

• Legally live in Bahrain for 25 years if they come from a non-Arab country, or 15 years if they are of Arab origin.
• Have a legal address in Bahrain.
• Be fluent in Arabic.
• Have permission from the ruler of Bahrain.

In addition, the following conditions are proposed by the government:

• The candidate must be of good character.
• The candidate must own property registered in their name.
• The candidate must have enough money to support their life in Bahrain.
• The candidate must prove they do not have any mental health conditions.

The wife and children of a naturalised man also become Bahraini citizens.

It is important to note that Bahrain does not recognise dual citizenship, with rare exceptions. Therefore, those seeking Bahraini citizenship must be prepared to renounce their previous nationality.

Citizenship by investment

Bahrain has launched the Golden Visa programme for wealthy expats, which is a type of citizenship by investment programme. This type of visa is granted for 10 years and allows the applicant and their family to live and work in Bahrain within this time. The visa can be extended after 10 years.

To be eligible for the Golden Visa, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Own properties in Bahrain worth at least 200,000 Bahraini dinars ($530,530)
• Have been earning more than 2,000 dinars ($5,305) a month for the past five years
• Be a retired person with a confirmed income of at least 4,000 dinars ($10,610)
• Be an exceptionally gifted person and be able to confirm this

The Golden Visa is not the only way to obtain citizenship by investment in Bahrain. Foreign citizens can also apply for citizenship by naturalisation, which has the following requirements:

• Live legally in Bahrain for 25 years before applying for citizenship (15 years for Arab citizens)
• Have a legal address in Bahrain
• Be fluent in Arabic
• Have enough money to support life in Bahrain

Regardless of the type of residence permit, you will still need to live in the country for 25 years to naturalise. After that, you can apply for citizenship.

Frequently asked questions