The Bahrain Golden Residency Visa provides an excellent pathway for foreign investors, retirees, and highly skilled professionals to secure long-term residency in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

To be eligible for the Golden Residency Visa, applicants must meet specific conditions and criteria outlined below.

Before you begin your application process, make sure to review the vital details carefully. If you are planning a shorter tourist, business, or family visit, you may prefer to apply for a Bahrain visa online, which makes entering the Kingdom straightforward and convenient.

Who Can Apply for the Bahrain Golden Residency Visa?

The Golden Residency Visa is accessible to a wide range of applicants, including:

• Property Owners: Foreign nationals owning property in Bahrain.
• Residents (Employees and Retirees): Those currently living in Bahrain, whether working or retired.
• Retirees: Individuals seeking a peaceful retirement in the welcoming environment of Bahrain.
• Highly Talented Individuals: Exceptional talents who can contribute to Bahrain's growth and innovation.

Application Requirements

To apply for the Bahrain Golden Residency Visa, applicants must prepare and submit a set of common documents as well as applicant-specific documents:

Common Requirements for All Applicants

1. Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Bahrain.
2. Bank Statement: Statement of account for the last 6 months.
3. Health Insurance: A valid health insurance certificate.

Requirements by Applicant Category

Retirees

• Resident retirees: Worked in Bahrain 15+ years and receive a pension of BHD 2,000 or more.
• Non-resident retirees: Receive a pension of BHD 4,000 or more.

Property Owners

• Must own property in Bahrain with a personal share value of at least BHD 130,000.
• Can be a single property or multiple properties meeting the total value.

Highly Talented Individuals

Eligible applicants include:

• Entrepreneurs, researchers, scientists
• Artists, innovators, athletes
• Individuals with exceptional achievements in other fields

(*Subject to approval by the specialised talent committee)

Professionals Working in Bahrain

• Must have worked in Bahrain for at least 5 years.
• Basic salary over BHD 2,000 per month (average over the past 5 years).
• Have been registered with SIO at the same basic salary level.
• Only basic salary counts; allowances and bonuses are excluded.

Bahrain Golden Residency Visa Cost, Processing Time, and Validity

Processing Time

• For Employees, Property Owners, and Retiree Categories: 5 working days
• For Applicants under the Talent Category: Up to 10 working days

Cost: There are two main fees associated with the Golden Visa:

• Application Fee: 5 Bahraini Dinars (BHD) per person.
• Residency Issuance Fee: Upon approval, a residency issuance fee of 300 BHD is charged.

Validity
The Golden Residency Visa is valid for 10 years from the date of issue and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the eligibility criteria are met.

Application Process

Step 1: Submit Application: Submit your application through the bahrain.bh portal after creating an eKey account

Step 2: Pay Fees: Pay the non-refundable application fee.

Step 3: Wait for Processing: The processing time is typically 6 - 8 Working Days.

Step 4: Receive Visa: If approved, pay the BHD 300 issuance fee and download your Golden Residency visa online.

Experience the Benefits of Long-term Residency in Bahrain

• Long-term Residency: Settle down in the Bahraini Kingdom for the long term.
• Lower Cost of Living: 30% lower cost of living compared to other Gulf countries.
• Family Sponsorship: Your family can reside with you in Bahrain.
• Work Authorization: The Golden Visa grants you the right to work in the country.
• Multiple Entry: Unrestricted multiple entries into the Kingdom of Bahrain.
• Security: Enjoy the safety and security of living in Bahrain.

FAQs

Is there a minimum stay requirement for the Golden Residency Visa? Can I apply for the Golden Residency Visa while outside of Bahrain? Does the Golden Residency Visa allow me to sponsor my business partners? Is there an age requirement for the Golden Residency Visa program? How many dependents can be included in a single Bahrain Golden Visa application?

Content Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in 2026, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.