Golden Residency Visa for Property Owners

Bahrain's Golden Residency Visa for Property Owners is a 10-year self-sponsored residence permit for foreign nationals who own real estate valued at BHD 130,000 or more (~USD 345,000) in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Launched in February 2022 as part of Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030, the program provides the right to work, sponsor family members, and enjoy unlimited entry and exit — all without employer sponsorship. The property investment threshold was reduced from BHD 200,000 to BHD 130,000 in November 2025 to strengthen Bahrain's competitiveness as a Gulf investment destination.

• Own one or more properties in Bahrain with a total personal share value of at least BHD 130,000 at the time of purchase
• Properties must be located in designated freehold zones approved for foreign ownership (Juffair, Amwaj Islands, Reef Island, Bahrain Bay, Seef, Durrat Al Bahrain, and others)
• Multiple properties may be combined to meet the threshold
• Six-month bank statement as proof of financial capability (no minimum balance required)
• Good conduct — no prior convictions for felonies or misdemeanors involving dishonesty
• Valid health insurance issued by a Bahraini provider

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Certified property ownership title deed(s) showing total value of at least BHD 130,000
• Valid health insurance certificate issued in Bahrain
• Six-month bank statement
• Previous residence permit (if applicable)
• ID card (if applicable)

The Golden Residency is issued for 10 years and is renewable indefinitely, provided the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria and maintains property ownership at or above the minimum threshold. The same BHD 300 fee applies for each 10-year renewal. Payment must be completed within 30 days of approval or the application is automatically cancelled.

Holders may sponsor immediate family members including spouse, children, and parents. Family members receive the same benefits as the primary applicant, including the right to work in Bahrain and unlimited entry and exit. Family applications are submitted through the "Golden Residency Visa Issuance for Relatives" eService. If the primary applicant's visa is cancelled, all dependent visas are automatically cancelled.

Golden Residency holders have the right to work in Bahrain. They may work for different employers, freelance, or establish businesses. Investors and partners of an establishment do not need a separate work permit. Other holders who wish to be employed must obtain a work permit through LMRA (BHD 172/year).

Bahrain levies no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, no withholding tax, and no estate or gift tax. There is no property tax on most residential properties. Golden Residency holders may apply for tax residency status upon meeting additional conditions determined by the National Bureau for Revenue.

Applications are submitted online through the eGovernment portal at services.bahrain.bh. Bahrain residents apply using eKey 2.0, while non-residents can apply without an eKey login. The application fee is BHD 5 (non-refundable) plus a BHD 300 issuance fee, totaling BHD 305 (~USD 808). Processing takes approximately 5 working days. For applicants outside Bahrain, a Golden Entry Visa is issued first to facilitate entry, followed by the in-country residency issuance. A dedicated portal at goldenresidency.gov.bh and hotline at +973 17484000 provide information.

The permit provides unlimited entry and exit privileges with no restrictions on trips. The official FAQ states there is no minimum stay requirement, though the underlying legislation includes a provision that residency may be cancelled if the holder does not maintain 90 days of presence per calendar year. In practice, the 90-day rule may be applied at the NPRA's discretion.

Property value is assessed at the time of purchase, not current market value. Foreign nationals may only purchase freehold property in government-designated zones. Sale of the property below the minimum threshold may result in loss of eligibility at renewal. Holders receive a 10-year national ID card (CPR card) upon establishment. If the Golden Residency is cancelled, a 3-month grace period is provided to leave the country.