Bahrain Golden Visa

Bahrain, positioned at the centre of the Gulf, offers foreign investors access to a well-regulated financial hub, a diversified economy, and strong connectivity to Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East. Manama serves as a regional gateway for banking, logistics, and professional services, supported by a pro-business environment and long-standing economic stability. Bahrain’s government has introduced several initiatives to attract international investors and skilled talent. As a result, the kingdom is becoming an increasingly appealing base for investment, particularly for individuals from the GCC, South Asia, Europe, and long-term expatriates already living in the region.

Bahrain Golden Visa

Bahrain’s Golden Visa programme aims to attract investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and retirees seeking long-term residence in the Gulf. First launched in 2022 and updated in 2025, the programme offers 10-year, renewable residency for individuals who meet specific investment, income, or talent-based criteria. Recent reforms have lowered the required investment threshold, further strengthening Bahrain’s position within the GCC’s competitive residency offering.

Bahrain Residency by Investment

There are several pathways available under the Bahrain residency by investment programme:

Property Investment Route

Minimum investment: BHD 130,000 (approximately $345,000), reduced from BHD 200,000($530,000) in 2025.
Applicants must own qualifying real estate in Bahrain and maintain ownership to retain residency.
Residency Duration: 10 year Renewable long-term residency.

Exceptional Talent Route

Entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, and individuals who provide recognised economic or social contributions may be granted long-term residency subject to meeting Bahrain’s talent criteria.

Residency Duration: 10 year Renewable long-term residency.

Both residency visa options can be renewed indefinitely provided applicants continue to meet the criteria. Golden Residency in Bahrain also includes the right to work and provides unlimited entry and exit to the country.

Bahrain Golden Visa Requirements

Applicants must meet Bahrain’s standard golden residency visa requirements, including:

● Minimum age of 21 years

● Valid passport

● Clean criminal record, good health, and proof of financial capability

● Evidence of qualifying investment, income, or professional achievement

● Applicants may include their spouses, parents and dependent family members.

There is no minimum stay requirement in Bahrain to maintain Golden Residency.

Bahrain Citizenship by Investment

Bahrain does not currently offer a citizenship by investment programme. While long-term residency is available through the Bahrain Golden Visa, citizenship is granted only under Bahrain’s strict naturalisation laws. Naturalisation may be possible after a prolonged period of residency, subject to demanding requirements such as language proficiency, cultural integration, and government approval. Investors seeking broader global mobility often pursue alternative citizenship by investment programmes in the Caribbean.

Bahrain Passport Strength and Ranking

The Bahraini passport provides solid access across the GCC and moderate international mobility. A Bahrain passport offers visa-free access to 95 destinations, while this includes all six Gulf Cooperation Council states, its global access remains limited compared to European or Caribbean passports. A Caribbean passport, for example from Grenada can provide visa free access to 153 destinations.

For more details on your options, please contact La Vida’s Advisors.