The Bahraini government launched a new Golden Residency Visa programme for residents and non-residents, as well as their families, on 7 February. Applications for the visa can be submitted online with immediate effect.
The Golden Residency Visa programme grants qualifying investors, retirees and highly talented individuals with a 10-year renewable residence permit, as well as the ability to sponsor residence permits for immediate family members. Previously, most foreign nationals in Bahrain were limited to two-year renewable residency terms.
The Bahrain Golden Residency Visa gives holders the right to work in Bahrain and allows them multiple entry and exit from the kingdom. Holders can have their visas renewed indefinitely, provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
To qualify for the Golden Residency Visa, existing residents of Bahrain are required to meet the following criteria:
- To have resided in Bahrain continuously for at least five years and earned an average monthly basic salary of at least BHD2,000 (c. USD5,300) throughout the five-year period.
- Retirees must have resided in Bahrain continuously for at least five years and receive a monthly income of at least BHD2,000.
- Investors must own one or more properties in Bahrain with a total purchase value of at least BHD200,000; or
- Highly talented individuals 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.
Prospective residents of Bahrain are required to meet the following criteria:
- Retirees must be retired and receive a monthly income of at least BHD4,000, or an equivalent sum in another currency.
- Investors must own one or more properties in Bahrain with a total purchase value of at least BHD200,000; or
- Highly talented individuals 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.
The minimum stay requirement for individuals who obtain the Golden Residency Visa is to reside in Bahrain for a minimum of 90 days per calendar year.
The new Golden Residency Visa Programme, which was announced during a Cabinet session as part of the country’s economic recovery plan, is aligned with Bahrain’s Economic Vision for 2030 to develop and diversify the economy.
“The introduction of the Golden Residency Visa is designed to attract investors, benefit our businesses, and contribute to the provision of quality opportunities for Bahrainis,” said Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports and Residency Affairs at the Interior Ministry. “This programme will also provide deserved reward to those existing residents who have contributed significantly to Bahrain’s economy and society over many years.”
