Golden Visa In Bahrain: Benefits And Requirements

The Bahrain Golden Residency Visa is a strategic initiative by the Bahraini government to attract foreign investors and skilled employees to boost the country's economy. Launched in 2022, the programme offers a 10-year renewable residence permit, a significant upgrade from the typical 2-3-year employment visa. The Golden Visa is available to property owners, residents (employees and retirees), retirees, and highly talented individuals, providing them with the opportunity to live, work and invest in Bahrain.

Who is eligible for a Golden Visa in Bahrain?

The Golden Residency Visa is available to a wide range of applicants, including foreign nationals who fall under the following categories:

Property Owners

Foreign nationals who own one or more properties in Bahrain with a total value of at least 200,000 Bahraini dinar (approximately $530,000). This category comprises property owners who can provide a copy of the title deed proving the value of their properties.

Residents (Employees and Retirees)

Those currently living in Bahrain, whether working or retired. This includes existing residents of Bahrain who have resided in the country continuously for at least five years and have earned an average monthly basic salary of at least 2,000 Bahraini dinar (around $5,300) throughout that five-year period. For retirees, the monthly income requirement is 4,000 Bahraini dinar.

Talented Individuals

Exceptional talents who can contribute to Bahrain's growth and innovation. This category includes highly talented individuals recognised by the relevant government authority in Bahrain as having exceptional skills in a variety of fields, including academic, athletic, entrepreneurial, artistic, or scientific endeavours. For academics, a PhD certificate and a higher education degree in a priority subject determined by the Higher Education Council are required. For entrepreneurs, documented approval from an accredited business incubator in Bahrain is necessary.

The Golden Residency Visa is issued to foreigners in accordance with the standards and regulations in force in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Applicants must provide various documents, including a valid passport, bank statements, health insurance, and proof of income or retirement status. The visa offers a 10-year long-term residency option, providing a more extended stay than the typical 2 to 3-year employment visa.

What are the benefits of the Golden Visa?

The Bahrain Golden Residency Visa offers a host of benefits to qualifying applicants. Here are some of the advantages of obtaining this prestigious visa:

Permanent Residency

The Golden Visa provides an opportunity for individuals and their families to live, work, and study in Bahrain permanently. It offers stability and the chance to put down roots in the country, with a 10-year renewable residency permit. This is a significant advantage over the typical 2 to 3-year employment visas offered in the region.

Family Sponsorship

The visa is not just for the primary applicant but also extends to their family members, including their spouse, children, and parents. This allows families to reside together in Bahrain and enjoy the benefits of the visa programme.

Multiple Entry and Exit

Golden Visa holders can enter and exit the kingdom multiple times without restrictions. This provides flexibility and freedom to travel, as there are no limitations on the number of entries or exits during the validity of the visa.

Lower Investment Requirements

Compared to its neighbouring countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Bahrain has lower investment requirements for obtaining residency. The property investment threshold is set at BHD200,000 (approximately USD530,000), which is relatively lower than other countries in the region.

Reduced Minimum Stay Requirements

Successful applicants are only required to spend a minimum of 90 days per year in Bahrain to maintain their residency status. This gives visa holders more flexibility for travel and makes it easier to maintain their residency status.

Attractive Lifestyle

Bahrain offers a desirable lifestyle with its warm climate, good standard of living, and access to world-class education and healthcare facilities. It also boasts a thriving business hub and sun-soaked beaches, providing a mix of modern and traditional features for expatriates.

Work Authorization

The Golden Visa grants the right to work in Bahrain, allowing visa holders to pursue employment opportunities in the country. This is a significant advantage for professionals and skilled workers who wish to advance their careers in Bahrain.

Tax Benefits

Bahrain has no corporate or personal income taxes, as well as no capital gains tax. This translates to significant cost savings for businesses and individuals, making it a tax-efficient residency option for high-net-worth individuals.

Business Opportunities

The kingdom's business-friendly environment, efficient regulatory framework, and favourable policies make it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors. Bahrain offers many free zones, tax incentives, and government grants for businesses, simplifying the process of setting up and operating a venture.

Access to Amenities

As a Golden Visa holder, individuals and their families can enjoy access to world-class healthcare, top-tier educational institutions, and a range of recreational facilities in Bahrain. This enhances the overall quality of life for visa holders and their dependents.

How long does the Golden Visa last?

The Golden Visa in Bahrain is a 10-year long-term residency option. This is a significant upgrade from the typical 2-3 year employment visa, providing a more extended stay for investors and their families. The visa can be renewed indefinitely, provided the holders continue to meet the eligibility criteria and spend at least 90 days in the country each year.

The Golden Visa was launched in February 2022 by the Bahraini government to attract foreign investors and skilled employees to encourage growth in the Bahraini economy. The visa is open to both residents and non-residents, with four categories of eligibility: Property Investment, Professionals/Skilled Employees, Retirement, and Specialised Talent.

The benefits of the Golden Visa include the opportunity to live permanently in Bahrain, residency for family members, the right to work, and multiple entry to the country without restrictions. The investment amount required to obtain residency in Bahrain is relatively low compared to other GCC countries, and the monthly income requirements for professionals and retirees are modest.

What are the costs of applying for a Golden Visa?

The Golden Residency Visa in Bahrain is a strategic initiative by the Bahraini government to attract foreign investors and skilled employees, thus encouraging growth in the country's economy. The visa offers a 10-year long-term residency option, which is much more appealing than the typical 2 to 3-year employment visa. It also allows visa holders to work in the country and grants multiple unrestricted entries into Bahrain.

There are two main fees associated with the Golden Visa:

• Application Fee: This non-refundable fee is typically around 4 Bahraini Dinars (BHD) per person.
• Residency Issuance Fee: Upon approval, a residency issuance fee of 300 BHD per person is charged.

In addition to these fees, there are other costs to consider when applying for the Golden Visa. For example, applicants must provide a clear copy of a valid health insurance certificate in Bahrain, which may come at a cost. They must also provide a bank statement showing recent transactions, and proof of income or salary, which must be above a certain threshold. The specific amount required depends on the applicant's category, but it is a minimum of 2,000 BHD for employees and 4,000 BHD for retirees. For property owners, the total value of the properties must be at least 200,000 BHD.

Overall, while there are some costs associated with applying for the Golden Visa, the benefits it offers, such as long-term residency, work authorization, and multiple entry, make it an appealing option for those looking to invest and reside in Bahrain.

What are the requirements for a Golden Visa?

The Golden Residency Visa is issued to foreigners in the following categories: retirees, property owners, talented individuals, and residents. Here are the requirements for each category:

Retirees

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

• Be a resident of Bahrain or any other country worldwide.
• Earn a basic minimum pension income of BD 4,000.
• Provide a clear copy of the passport valid for more than 6 months, including the family information page and any other additional information.
• Provide a clear copy of the identity card.
• Provide a clear copy of the certificate of good conduct.
• Provide a clear copy of the proof of retirement status.
• Hold a valid health insurance certificate in Bahrain.
• Provide a clear copy of the previous residence permit (if available).
• Provide a clear copy of the six-month bank statement.
• Provide a copy of a medical report indicating that the applicant is free from contagious diseases (less than 3 months from the application date).

Property Owners

To qualify as a property owner, you must meet the following criteria:

• Own one or more properties in Bahrain with a total value of at least BD 200,000 at the time of purchase.
• Provide a clear copy of the passport valid for more than 6 months, including the family information page and any other additional information.
• Provide a clear copy of the identity card.
• Provide a clear copy of the certificate of good conduct.
• Provide a clear copy of the title deed proving the value of the properties.
• Hold a valid health insurance certificate in Bahrain.
• Provide a clear copy of the six-month bank statement.
• Provide a clear copy of the previous residence permit (if any) in the case of new applications.
• Provide a copy of a medical report indicating that the applicant is free from contagious diseases (less than 3 months from the application date).

Talented Individuals

To qualify as a talented individual, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be recognized by a government agency or counterpart in Bahrain as having exceptional skills or talents in fields such as academics, athletics, entrepreneurship, inventions, art, or literature.
• Provide a clear copy of the passport valid for more than 6 months, including the family information page and any other additional information.
• Provide a clear copy of the certificate of good conduct.
• Provide a clear copy of the certificate proving that the applicant is talented, such as an academic degree, athletic award, or artistic achievement.
• Hold a valid health insurance certificate in Bahrain.
• Provide a clear copy of the six-month bank statement.
• Provide a copy of a medical report indicating that the applicant is free from contagious diseases (less than 3 months from the application date).
• Provide a clear copy of the identity card (if applicable).
• Provide a clear copy of the previous residence permit (if applicable).
• For entrepreneurs, provide approval from an accredited business incubator in Bahrain.
• For academics, provide a PhD certificate and a higher education degree in one of the priority specializations determined by the Higher Education Council.
• For patent owners, provide a copy of the patent document.

Residents (Employees or Retirees)

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

• Be an employee working in Bahrain for at least 5 years with an average salary of at least BD 2,000 over the past 5 years.
• Provide a clear copy of the passport valid for more than 6 months, including the family information page and any other additional information.
• Provide a clear copy of the identity card.
• Provide a clear copy of the proof of retirement status (if applicable).
• Provide a clear copy of the proof of the applicant's basic salary, which must be at least BD 2,000.
• Hold a valid health insurance certificate in Bahrain.
• Provide a clear copy of the six-month bank statement.
• Provide a clear copy of the previous residence permit (if available).

Frequently asked questions