Golden Visa In Bahrain: Easy Steps To Get Started

The Kingdom of Bahrain launched its Golden Residency Visa program in 2022 to attract foreign investors and skilled workers. The visa is accessible to a wide range of applicants, including property owners, retirees, skilled employees, and talented individuals. The visa offers a 10-year long-term residency option, which can be renewed indefinitely, and provides benefits such as property ownership, family sponsorship, and work authorization. To qualify for the Golden Residency Visa, applicants must meet certain criteria, including minimum income and property ownership requirements. The application process requires several documents, such as a valid passport, bank statements, and proof of income.

Property investment

The Golden Residency Visa programme in Bahrain offers a pathway to residency for property investors. The visa is available to both residents and non-residents, with different eligibility criteria for each.

To qualify for the Golden Visa, residents of Bahrain must meet the following criteria:

• Have resided in Bahrain for at least five years.
• Have earned an average monthly basic salary of at least BHD 2,000 (approximately $5,300) over the past five years.
• Own one or more properties in Bahrain with a total value of at least BHD 200,000 (approximately $530,000).

Non-residents must meet the following criteria to obtain the Golden Visa:

Own real estate in Bahrain with a total value of at least BHD 200,000 (approximately $530,000).

General Requirements for the Golden Visa

In addition to the specific criteria for residents and non-residents, there are also general requirements that all applicants must meet:

• Provide a copy of the relevant pages of a passport valid for more than six months.
• Supply a copy of the Central Population Registry (CPR) card if resident in Bahrain or another ID card if based elsewhere.
• Present the address of the previous residence.
• Provide a copy of recent bank statements from the last six months.
• Share a certificate of good conduct (if available).
• Provide a copy of a valid health insurance certificate in Bahrain.
• Produce a medical report indicating that the applicant is free from contagious diseases (less than three months from the application date).

The Golden Visa offers several advantages, including the right of residence in Bahrain, the ability to hire domestic assistance, the right to work with necessary approvals, and the ability to obtain visas for dependents. The visa is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the holder continues to meet the qualifying criteria, including remaining in Bahrain for at least 90 days each year.

Foreign residents

The application process for the Golden Visa requires several documents, some of which are common across all applicant categories, while others are specific to each group. Here is a breakdown of the requirements for foreign residents:

Common Requirements for All Applicants:

• A passport that is valid for more than six months at the time of application.
• A six-month bank statement showing recent transactions.
• A valid health insurance certificate in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Foreign Resident-Specific Requirements:

• Proof of retirement certificate (for retired applicants).
• Details of the average basic salary to show it exceeds BHD 2,000 per month (approximately $5,300) over a minimum five-year period.

In addition to the above requirements, all applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of 4 Bahraini dinars (approximately $10.60) per person. If the application is successful, a residency issuance fee of 300 Bahraini dinars (around $795) per person is charged.

It is important to note that the Golden Residency Visa is not the same as a typical 2-3 year employment visa. It offers a more extended stay, valid for 10 years, and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the eligibility criteria continue to be met. This visa also grants the right to work in Bahrain and allows multiple entries into the country.

Retired foreigners

Bahrain's Golden Residency Visa programme offers a 10-year renewable residence permit to qualifying retirees and their families. The visa can be renewed indefinitely, provided the eligibility criteria are still met. This includes the right to work in Bahrain, multiple entries and exits from the country, and residency for close family members. Applicants will need to spend a minimum of 90 days each year in Bahrain.

To qualify as a retired foreigner, you must meet the following criteria:

• Provide a clear copy of your passport, valid for more than six months, along with the family information page and any other additional information.
• Supply a clear copy of your identity card or Central Population Registry (CPR) card.
• Present your address and proof of previous residence.
• Provide photocopies of recent bank statements from the last six months.
• Share a certificate of good conduct (if available).
• Display a copy of a valid health insurance certificate in Bahrain.
• Provide a copy of your retirement certificate.
• Prove that you receive a monthly income of at least 4,000 Bahraini dinar (BHD) or around $10,600.
• Provide a medical report indicating that you are free from contagious diseases, issued less than three months from the application date.

Talented foreigners

Bahrain's Golden Residency Visa programme was launched in February 2022 to attract foreign investment and top talent to the country. The visa is available to talented foreigners who meet the following eligibility criteria:

• They must be recognised by the relevant government authority in Bahrain (including an accredited business incubator) as having exceptional skills or talents in a variety of fields, including academic, entrepreneurial, scientific, or sports. Examples of eligible individuals include academics, inventors, athletes, authors, and artists.
• They must have resided in Bahrain for at least five years and earned an average salary of at least BHD 2,000 ($5,300) per month during that time.
• They must provide a certificate proving their talent, such as a PhD certificate or a higher education degree in a priority subject for academics, or a patent document for inventors.
• They must obtain approval from an accredited business incubator in Bahrain if they are entrepreneurs.
• They must provide a copy of their passport valid for more than six months, as well as other relevant documentation such as a medical report, bank statements, and proof of health insurance.
• They must reside in Bahrain for at least 90 days per year to maintain their visa status.

The Golden Residency Visa offers several benefits to talented foreigners, including long-term residency for up to 10 years, the right to work in Bahrain, multiple entry and exit from the country, and the ability to sponsor residence permits for immediate family members. The visa can be renewed indefinitely as long as the eligibility criteria continue to be met.

Application process

The Golden Residency Visa is accessible to a wide range of applicants, including property owners, foreign residents (both employees and retirees), retirees, and highly talented individuals. Here is a step-by-step guide to the application process:

Common Requirements for All Applicants:

• Passport: Applicants must provide a clear copy of their passport, which must be valid for more than six months at the time of application.
• Identity Card: A clear copy of the Central Population Registry (CPR) card if resident in Bahrain or another ID card if based elsewhere.
• Bank Statement: Provide a 6-month bank statement showing recent transactions.
• Health Insurance: A valid health insurance certificate in the Kingdom of Bahrain is required.
• Certificate of Good Conduct: Provide a clear copy of the certificate of good conduct (if available).
• Previous Residence: Include the address of any previous residence.

Property Owners:

• Property Deed: Applicants must attach a copy of the title deed proving that they own one or more properties in Bahrain with a total value of at least 200,000 Bahraini dinar (BHD) (approximately $530,000).
• Medical Report: Submit a medical report indicating that the applicant is free from contagious diseases, issued less than three months before the application date.

Foreign Residents (Employees and Retirees):

• Salary Proof: Foreign residents must provide proof of an average basic salary of at least 2,000 BHD per month over the last five years.
• Residency Requirement: Applicants must have been residents in Bahrain for at least five years.
• Retirement Proof: If retired, supply a copy of a proof of retirement certificate.

Retirees:

• Retirement Proof: Provide a copy of a certificate demonstrating proof of retirement.
• Income Proof: Retirees must show evidence of a monthly average income of more than 4,000 BHD (roughly $10,600).

Highly Talented Individuals:

• Talent Proof: Produce a certificate or evidence that the applicant is gifted in a specific field, such as academics, arts, athletics, authorship, entrepreneurship, or invention.
• Approval from Accredited Business Incubator: Start-ups must provide documented approval from an accredited business incubator in Bahrain.
• PhD Certificate: Academics must present their PhD certificate.
• Higher Education Degree: Provide a copy of a higher education degree in a priority subject determined by the Higher Education Council (for academics).
• Patent Document: Attach a copy of the patent document (if applicable).

Relatives of Golden Visa Holders:

Relatives of primary applicants, including spouses, children, and parents, can also apply for the Golden Residency Visa. Here are the requirements:

• Golden Residency of Primary Applicant: Provide a copy of the primary applicant's Golden Residency.
• Proof of Relationship: Documents establishing the relationship with the primary applicant, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.

Application Submission and Fees:

• Online Application: Visit the Bahrain e-visa website to submit your application.
• Document Review: The submitted documents will undergo an administrative review.
• Fee Payment: Pay the required fees online, including the non-refundable application fee of 4 BHD per person and the residency issuance fee of 300 BHD per person upon approval.
• Form Recheck: Once completed, carefully recheck your form to avoid any mistakes.
• Residency Permit: If your application is successful, you will receive your Bahrain Golden Residency eVisa via email within 10 working days.

Frequently asked questions