Self-Sponsorship Residence Permit (Investor)

Bahrain's Self-Sponsorship Residence Permit for Investors allows foreign nationals who hold a stake of at least BHD 100,000 (~USD 265,000) in a Bahraini enterprise to reside in the kingdom on a self-sponsored basis for 2, 5, or 10 years without employer sponsorship. The program is designed for passive investors who wish to maintain residency based on their business ownership. It is important to note that this permit does not authorize employment — holders may participate through the board of directors but cannot work for any employer in Bahrain's public or private sector.

• Hold a minimum share of BHD 100,000 in a Bahraini enterprise (financial, trade, industrial, tourism, or other business)
• Stable monthly income of at least BHD 500 (~USD 1,325) from investments or sources outside Bahraini employment
• Valid commercial register showing the applicant's ownership/partnership
• Good conduct certificate
• Valid health insurance issued by a Bahraini provider
• Residential lease and electricity bill

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Good conduct certificate
• Copy of ID card
• Residential lease and electricity bill
• Company memorandum and commercial register indicating ownership/partnership with share of at least BHD 100,000
• Valid medical insurance certificate issued in Bahrain
• Three months of personal bank statements
• Three months of company bank statements
• Commercial register copy
• Previous residence permit (if applicable)

The permit is available in 2-year, 5-year, or 10-year durations at the applicant's choice. It is renewable on the same conditions provided the investment and income requirements continue to be met. The same documentation and fees apply at renewal. Payment must be completed within 30 days of approval or the application is automatically cancelled.

Family members can be sponsored under the separate Self-Sponsorship Residence Permit (Family) service. Family sponsorship applications are processed independently through the same eGovernment portal. Dependants are typically granted non-working residence permits.

The holder is classified as a passive investor and cannot actively work for the company or any other employer in Bahrain. They may participate through the board of directors but are not considered employees. The BHD 500/month income must come from investments or work outside Bahrain, not from employment within the kingdom. For investors who need the right to work, the Golden Residency (BHD 130,000 property threshold) is the preferable pathway.

Bahrain levies no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, no withholding tax, and no estate or gift tax. Residents may apply for tax residency status upon meeting conditions determined by the National Bureau for Revenue.

Applications are submitted online through the eGovernment portal at services.bahrain.bh or evisa.gov.bh. The application must be submitted by a guarantor or authorized representative — direct submission by the applicant is not possible. The application fee is BHD 5 (non-refundable) plus a residence permit fee of BHD 200 (2-year), BHD 400 (5-year), or BHD 600 (10-year). A BHD 250 visa transfer fee applies if converting from another visa type. Processing takes approximately 40 working days. Contact: [email protected].

The commercial register must show the applicant's share at BHD 100,000 or above. If the company is dissolved or the applicant's share falls below the threshold, the residence permit may be affected at renewal. The investment must be in a legitimate business registered with the relevant Bahraini authorities. Compared to the Golden Residency for Property Owners (BHD 130,000, 10-year, right to work, 5-day processing), this permit has a lower investment threshold but significantly more restrictions including no right to work, longer processing time, additional income requirements, and the need for a guarantor.