Bahrain has taken an important step to make its long term residency program more attractive to foreign investors. The Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs department has announced that the minimum real estate investment required to qualify for the country’s Golden Residency Program has been reduced. Instead of the earlier amount of two hundred thousand Bahraini dinars, the new requirement is now one hundred and thirty thousand Bahraini dinars. This means the investment threshold has been cut by about thirty five percent, making it more accessible for people who want to make Bahrain their long term home.
Officials in Bahrain explained that this decision is part of the government’s strategy to strengthen the country’s reputation as a regional center for business, investment, and residency. Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, who serves as the Undersecretary for the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, said that the reduced requirement shows the government’s desire to build a more welcoming and investor friendly environment. According to him, lowering the property investment level will make the Golden Residency Program more competitive when compared with similar programs in other Gulf countries, while still keeping the program exclusive and high quality.
Why Bahrain’s Golden Residency Program Matters
Over the past few years, Bahrain has worked hard to modernize its economy, attract skilled professionals, and encourage foreign investments. The Golden Residency Program is one of its most important tools in achieving these goals. It gives eligible individuals long term residency that allows them to live in Bahrain with greater stability. It also offers benefits that are appealing for investors and professionals who want to work or retire in the region.
The program does not focus only on property investors. It is open to a wide range of people who contribute to Bahrain’s economy and society. This makes it one of the more flexible residency systems in the Gulf.
Who Can Apply for Bahrain’s Golden Residency
The Golden Residency Program welcomes several types of applicants. These include:
Property Investors
People who purchase real estate in Bahrain worth at least one hundred and thirty thousand Bahraini dinars now qualify. This is the newly reduced amount. The change is especially important for real estate investors who want a stable base in the Gulf while enjoying the lifestyle that Bahrain offers.
Experienced Professionals
Professionals who have worked in Bahrain for at least five years can also apply if their average monthly salary is above two thousand Bahraini dinars. This category is designed for skilled individuals who have already contributed to the country’s development and want a long term place to live.
Retirees Living in Bahrain
Retired individuals with at least fifteen years of service in Bahrain and a pension above two thousand Bahraini dinars qualify as well. This provides an option for people who have spent a significant part of their working life in Bahrain and want to continue living in the country after retirement.
Non Resident Retirees
The program also welcomes retirees who do not live in Bahrain but receive a pension of more than four thousand Bahraini dinars. This allows financially stable retirees from other countries to settle in Bahrain and benefit from its safe environment and modern lifestyle.
Entrepreneurs and Highly Skilled Individuals
Entrepreneurs, innovators, and people with exceptional skills are encouraged to apply too. Bahrain considers these individuals valuable because they contribute to the economy, create job opportunities, and bring new ideas. The program also supports people who have made significant contributions to society or the economy in any form.
Benefits of the Golden Residency
Those who receive Bahrain’s Golden Residency enjoy many privileges. They are allowed to stay in the country long term without needing frequent renewals. They also get the right to enter and exit Bahrain multiple times without restrictions, which is important for businesspeople who travel often.
Golden Residency holders can sponsor their family members, making it easier for them to live together in Bahrain. Another major advantage is the simplified process for setting up businesses. Bahrain has been working to create a business friendly environment, and long term residency is a key part of attracting entrepreneurs.
Additional Advantages of Living in Bahrain
One of the main attractions of Bahrain is its tax system. Like most countries in the Gulf region, except for Oman, Bahrain does not impose personal income tax. This means people can keep more of their earnings, which is appealing for investors, professionals, and retirees.
Another advantage is that Golden Residency holders enjoy visa free mobility within all six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council. This includes Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Bahrain. For businesspeople or frequent travelers, this level of access makes Bahrain a valuable base in the region.
A Step Forward for Bahrain’s Economy
By lowering the investment requirement, Bahrain hopes to draw more foreign investors and professionals. The decision is expected to boost the real estate sector, attract new businesses, and strengthen the overall economy. As the Gulf region continues to grow and modernize, Bahrain aims to remain a competitive and attractive destination for long term residency and investment.
In the end, the updated Golden Residency Program reflects Bahrain’s broader vision of economic growth, openness, and global engagement. It offers new opportunities for people from different backgrounds to build a future in a stable and welcoming country.
Written by; Abiha Bilal
