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Updated January 2023
Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior has now launched a new permanent Residency Visa known as the Golden Residency Visa, to attract talent and investment into the Gulf state. The Golden Residency Visa programme has primarily been introduced for current Bahraini residents and foreign nationals, seeking to live and work in Bahrain for a long term.
The visa is mainly aimed at attracting investors, entrepreneurs, and highly talented individuals who can contribute to Bahrain’s ongoing success. Moreover, the visa will also be subject to indefinite renewal, including the right to work in Bahrain, unlimited entry and exit, and residency for close family members.
Bahrain new visa rules
Following an announcement towards the beginning of February 2022, Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior has now launched a new permanent Residency Visa known as the Golden Residency Visa, to attract talent and investment into the Gulf state.
Bahrain new Golden Residency Visa
The Golden Residency Visa programme has primarily been introduced for current Bahraini residents and foreign nationals, seeking to live and work in Bahrain for a long term. The visa is mainly aimed at attracting investors, entrepreneurs, and highly talented individuals who can contribute to Bahrain’s ongoing success
Moreover, as announced by the authorities, The Golden Residency Visa will be renewed indefinitely, including the right to work in Bahrain, unlimited entry and exit, and residency for close family members. Applicants will, however, be required to spend a minimum of 90 days each year in Bahrain.
General requirements
To qualify for the visa, the current and prospective Bahraini residents must meet the following requirements:
Current residents of Bahrain
In order to apply for a Golden Residency Visa, current residents of Bahrain must meet the following requirements:
- Must have resided in Bahrain for at least five years and earned an average salary of at least BHD 2000 ($5,306) per month.
- Must be retired in Bahrain, having lived in Bahrain for a minimum of five years with a monthly income of at least BHD 2,000 ($5,306).
- Must own one or more properties in Bahrain with a total purchase value of at least BHD 200,000 ($5,30,550.20), or
- Must be recognized by the relevant government authority in Bahrain (including an accredited business incubator) for having exceptional skills or talent in academics, entrepreneurship, science, or sports, among other fields.
Prospective residents of Bahrain
In order to apply for a Golden Residency Visa, prospective residents of Bahrain must meet the following requirements:
- Must be retired with a minimum monthly income of BHD 4,000 ($10,611) or the equivalent in another currency
- Must own one or more properties in Bahrain with a total purchase value of at least BHD 200,000 ($5,30,550.20)
- Must be recognized by the relevant government authority in Bahrain (including an accredited business incubator) for having exceptional skills or talent in academics, entrepreneurship, science, or sports, among other fields.
Required documents
The following are the documents required to apply for the Golden Residency Visa in Bahrain, for the different categories:
Retirees
- A clear photocopy of:
- Passport valid for more than six (6) months.
- A six-month bank statement for the applicant.
- A valid health insurance certificate in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
- The proof of the basic salary provided that it is BHD 4,000 ($10,611) or more.
- The previous residence permit (If available).
Property owners
- A clear photocopy of:
- Passport valid for more than six (6) months.
- A six-month bank statement for the applicant.
- Property Deed(s) in the Kingdom of Bahrain with a total value not less than BHD 200,000 ($5,30,550.20)
- A valid health insurance certificate in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
- The previous residence permit (If available).
Highly talented individuals
- A clear photocopy of:
- Passport valid for more than six (6) months.
- A six-month bank statement for the applicant.
- A certificate proving that he is gifted.
- A valid health insurance certificate in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
- The previous residence permit (If available).
Residents (employees and retirees)
- A clear photocopy of:
- Passport valid for more than six (6) months.
- A six-month bank statement for the applicant.
- Proof of average basic salary is BHD 2,000 or more in the past five (5) years of residency.
- A valid health insurance certificate in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Relatives
- A clear photocopy of:
- The primary applicant Golden Residency.
- Copy of the relative’s passport.
- Proof of relationship with the relative (i.e., spouse, children, and parents).
Application process
The applicants can apply for the Golden Residency Visa by following the steps given below:
- Visit the Kingdom of Bahrain e-Government portal.
- Select ‘Residency Category’ from the options of Retirees, Highly Talented Individuals, Relatives, Residents (Employees and Retirees), and Property Owners.
- Enter all the required details including ‘Owner details’, and ‘Attachment details’.
- Click on ‘Confirm’
You will now be able to apply for the Golden Residency Visa in Bahrain.
