Other BriefingsBahrain Makes Golden Visa More Affordable, Cuts Property Investment Threshold by 35 Percent
Bahrain has reduced the Golden Residency Visa property investment threshold to BHD 130,000. Learn who qualifies, key benefits, and how this change boosts investor demand.
Bahrain has reduced the minimum real estate investment required for its Golden Residency Visa, making the long-term residency program more accessible to foreign investors and high-net-worth individuals.
The Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs (NPRA) confirmed that the investment threshold has been lowered from BHD 200,000 (US$530,555) to BHD 130,000 (US$345,000) – a 35 percent reduction aimed at boosting property demand and strengthening Bahrain’s competitiveness as a Gulf investment hub.
Bahrain Golden Visa: New lower property requirement
The decision, as reported by Gulf News, forms part of Bahrain’s strategy to attract long-term residents, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals by offering a more affordable pathway to permanent residency.
Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for NPRA, said the move reflects the government’s commitment to a stable and welcoming environment for investors, adding that the new threshold “boosts the program’s competitiveness while preserving its standards and exclusivity.”
Government officials expect the revised investment criteria to stimulate high-end real estate demand, deepen foreign investor participation, and reinforce Bahrain’s positioning in the region’s fast-evolving residency-by-investment landscape.
Updated eligibility criteria for Bahrain’s Golden Residency Visa
Under the revised rules, the following categories now qualify for Bahrain’s Golden Residency Visa:
1. Property investors
- Minimum property investment requirement reduced to BHD 130,000 (US$344,831).
2. Professionals
- Monthly salary of at least BHD 2,000 (US$5,305)
- Minimum five years of employment in Bahrain.
3. Retirees (Residents)
- At least 15 years of work experience in Bahrain.
- Pension income above BHD 2,000 (US$5,305).
4. Retirees (Non-Residents)
- Pension income exceeding BHD 4,000 (US$10.610).
5. Entrepreneurs and High-Skilled Talent
- Eligible if they contribute significantly to Bahrain’s economy or society.
Key benefits of Bahrain’s Golden Visa
Individuals who qualify for Bahrain’s long-term residency receive several advantages:
- Lifetime residency with renewable status
- Work flexibility without a separate work permit
- Unlimited entry and exit privileges
- Family sponsorship rights
- 100 percent business ownership permitted across sectors
Applicants must submit a valid passport, six months of bank statements, proof of residence, and health insurance via the NPRA online portal. The fees remain affordable at BHD 5 for application and BHD 300 for visa issuance (non-refundable).
Impact on Bahrain’s real estate and investment market
Analysts say the lower investment threshold will widen Bahrain’s investor base, incentivize property purchases, and encourage long-term settlement among foreign professionals. The move also aligns Bahrain with regional trends, where GCC states are increasingly competing through residency-by-investment and talent-visa programs. Industry experts believe the changes will energize the kingdom’s real estate sector.
This, particularly in premium and freehold zones, while enhancing Bahrain’s reputation as an accessible and business-friendly destination for international investors.
About Us
Middle East Briefing is one of five regional publications under the Asia Briefing brand. It is supported by Dezan Shira & Associates, a pan-Asia, multi-disciplinary professional services firm that assists foreign investors throughout Asia, including through offices in Dubai (UAE). Dezan Shira & Associates also maintains offices or has alliance partners assisting foreign investors in China (including the Hong Kong SAR), Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Mongolia, Japan, South Korea, Nepal, The Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Italy, Germany, Bangladesh, Australia, United States, and United Kingdom and Ireland.
For a complimentary subscription to Middle East Briefing’s content products, please click here. For support with establishing a business in the Middle East or for assistance in analyzing and entering markets elsewhere in Asia, please contact us at dubai@dezshira.com or visit us at www.dezshira.com.
