There are several ways to obtain a residency in Bahrain. Popular options include the 10-year golden visa, which is available to the following categories of people:
- buyers of real estate worth BHD 200,000 (USD 530,500) or more;
- retirees with a monthly income of BHD 2,000 (USD 5,305) or BHD 4,000 (USD 10,610);
- employees with a monthly income of BHD 2,000 (USD 5,305) or more;
- foreign nationals with outstanding talents.
After 20 years of legal permanent residence in the Kingdom, residents can apply for citizenship by naturalisation. For women who have obtained a residence permit through marriage to a Bahraini citizen, this period is reduced to 5 years.
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Advantages of residency in Bahrain
- Long-term residency. The residence permit allows foreign nationals to reside in the Kingdom for an extended period and to enter and leave the country without difficulty. For example, a golden visa allows one to stay in the country for up to 10 years, and the validity of the document can be extended. The status provides owners with greater stability and confidence in the future and opens up additional opportunities for business, work and investment.
- Opening a bank account. Residency dramatically simplifies opening an account in local banks, which is important for personal financial transactions and business. The state's banking system is one of the most developed in the region. The stable economy and strict regulations of the Central Bank provide a high level of protection for deposits and banking operations.
- Access to medical and educational services. The country is known for its high level of healthcare. Both public and private medical institutions offer quality services that meet international standards. Many hospitals and clinics are equipped with modern facilities and the staff consists of qualified doctors, including specialists from Europe and the USA. Residents can choose schools and universities that participate in international programmes, including those from the United Kingdom, the United States and France.
- Sponsorship of family members. Residence permit holders can sponsor their relatives, including spouses, children under 24 and parents. The family can live together in a stable and safe country with access to its infrastructure, medical and educational systems.
- Tax benefits. The Kingdom does not tax personal income, capital gains, property, inheritance, gifts, dividends, interest or royalties. It is a favourable location for entrepreneurs, investors and highly paid professionals who find it important to retain a large portion of their income.
Ways to obtain a resident visa in Bahrain
Golden Visa
The following categories of foreign nationals can apply for the golden visa:
- Pensioners whose monthly income is at least BHD 4,000 (USD 10,610);
- Pensioners who have worked in the state for at least 15 years, of which during the last 5 years, their pension payments amounted to at least BHD 2,000 (USD 5,305) per month;
- Owners of houses and apartments in Bahrain with a total value of at least BHD 200,000 (USD 530,500) at the time of purchase;
- Individuals with outstanding talents recognised by a government agency in specific fields;
- Employees who have worked in the Kingdom for at least 5 years, during which their average salary was at least BHD 2,000 (USD 5,305) per month.
Bahrain Golden visa requirements include proof of high qualifications. For example, scientists must provide a doctoral diploma or degree in one of the priority scientific fields; entrepreneurs must provide permission from an accredited business incubator, and inventors must provide a patent. Applicants must also possess a certificate confirming their designation as gifted.
Self-sponsorship
A self-sponsorship programme is available to foreign nationals, enabling them to legalise their stay in the Kingdom without requiring support from employers or family members. Buyers of real estate worth BHD 50,000 (USD 132,600) or more, investors in businesses worth BHD 100,000 (USD 265,200) or more and retirees can participate in the programme.
The first two categories of individuals must demonstrate a monthly income of BHD 500 (approximately USD 1,326) or more. A guarantor – a trusted individual or organisation, such as an agent or representative – must submit the documents and ensure that all conditions are fulfilled. The permit can be valid for 2, 5 or 10 years. Residents are eligible to renew their status.
Employment
Individuals who have entered into an employment contract with a local company may be eligible to apply for a residence permit. The employer must obtain a work permit for a foreign employee by submitting an application to the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA). The following documents will be required:
- A license (for certain types of companies);
- An employment contract or agreement in Arabic, on letterhead, containing the employee's details, the signatures of the parties and the company seal;
- A certificate of medical examination for an employee who is outside the Kingdom (the examination must be conducted at an authorised medical centre or any other official medical facility);
- A letter or certificate of non-objection issued by the relevant authority for specialised
If the application is approved, the employer will receive an identification number and pay the state fees. Biometric data must be surrendered at the LMRA office located at the international airport. If the employee's net monthly income exceeds BHD 1,000 (approximately USD 2,652), they may apply for a residence permit for their family members.
Study at accredited universities
Foreign nationals planning to study at a local university must obtain a non-immigrant visa to enter the Kingdom. Processing typically takes no more than three months. The applicant prepares a package of documents, including confirmation of enrollment in the course and receipts for tuition fee payments.
A student residence permit is issued in conjunction with a student visa. If the applicant has not obtained it before the start of the academic semester, they can enter the country on a visitor visa but will have to pay additional fees and state duties. If the application is approved, the foreign national receives a letter granting permission to stay and study in the state.
The residency period is 5 years for students studying in local universities or 1 year for students studying abroad. Holders of this permit category cannot work in the state.
For family members
A residence permit may be issued to family members of a resident or citizen, namely spouses, parents and children under 24 years of age. Documents such as relatives' passports and birth and marriage certificates must confirm the existence of family ties.
Holders of this category of permit are not permitted to work in the state. It can be issued for single and multiple entries into the kingdoms.
Basic list of documents for obtaining Bahraini residency
The list of documents required from a foreign national depends on the residence permit category for which they are applying. In almost all cases, it is necessary to provide:
- an application form;
- a passport valid for at least 6 months;
- health insurance;
- a bank statement for the last 6 months;
- a certificate of absence of a criminal record.
Key differences and benefits of residence permit in Bahrain
| Visa type | Validity | Application conditions | Renewal conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Visa | 10 years |
One of the following conditions:
|
If the conditions for issuance of the visa are met |
| Self-sponsorship | 2-10 years |
One of the following conditions:
|
If the conditions for issuance of the visa are met |
| Employment | 1-2 years | Conclusion of a contract with a local employer | Through the sponsoring company |
| Study at accredited universities | 1-5 years | Admission to an accredited university | Annually upon confirmation of studies |
| For family members | Depends on the type of residence permit of the sponsor | Proof of relationship to a resident or citizen | Through the sponsor |
7 steps to a Bahrain residence permit by buying real estate
| Selecting an object in authorised zones | To obtain a residence permit based on purchasing property in Bahrain, you must choose a property located in one of the zones where foreign nationals are allowed to own property. These include Sif, Jufair, Amwaj, Dilmun and some other areas. In these areas, citizens of different countries can purchase residential and commercial properties. Before purchasing, it is advisable to consult with local lawyers to ensure that the property meets the requirements of immigration law. |
| Signing of the sale and purchase agreement | After property selection, the sale and purchase transaction must be formalised. The parties to the contract should agree on payment terms, terms of property transfer and other key aspects. The document is typically drafted in both Arabic and English. It may require notarisation and the involvement of a real estate agency or a lawyer to ensure that the transaction complies with the country's laws. |
| Registration of title through Survey and Land Registration Bureau | The buyer provides the Survey and Land Registration Bureau with the necessary documents, including a passport, purchase contract and payment receipts. The authorities verify the legality of the transaction and then issue a certificate confirming ownership. The buyer cannot apply for a residence permit without a completed registration. |
| Applying for a residence permit | After receiving the ownership documents, you can apply for residency. The application specifies the applicant's data and information about the purchased real estate. It should be accompanied by copies of the passport, sale and purchase agreement, real estate registration certificate and bank statements confirming solvency. This process can be done online or through a visa center. |
| Payment of state duty and fees | There are various government fees for applying for a residence permit. The amount depends on the type of real estate, the number of applicants (if residency is granted to family members) and other factors. In addition to the basic state fee, additional fees may be required for document processing, medical examination and Bahrain ID. Payment is made online or at the government offices' cash desks. |
| Passing medical and security checks | After submitting the application and paying the fees, the applicant must undergo a medical examination at one of the Kingdom's certified medical centers. The examination includes a general checkup, testing for infectious diseases and a fluorography. A security check is also conducted, during which law enforcement agencies analyse the applicant's criminal history and assess their compliance with the country's security requirements. |
| Obtaining Bahrain ID | After completing all checks, the applicant is issued a residence permit and a Bahrain ID card. This document serves as the primary identification card, enabling free residence and financial transactions within the state. It must be renewed regularly, depending on the validity of the residence permit. |
Possible reasons for denial of residence visas in Bahrain
- Failure to meet Bahrain residence permit requirements. The Kingdom's legislation sets strict criteria for obtaining a residence permit, including income, employment, investments or family ties. If an applicant does not meet the minimum requirements, their application may be rejected.
- Visa violation. Any violations of migration law, including exceeding the period of stay on a visa and working without authorisation, may result in the denial of a resident visa. Local services closely monitor the migration history of applicants.
- Problems with documentation. Errors in the application, submitting an incomplete set of documents, a lack of certified translations, or forged documents may result in
- Lack of financial stability. When applying for a residence permit, it is necessary to confirm the presence of stable income or financial assets. Insufficient income or questionable sources of funding may result in
- Criminal record. Applicants with criminal records or open criminal cases may face denial. Offences involving fraud and violence are taken especially seriously.
- Health problems. Applicants for residency must undergo a medical examination. Identified serious communicable diseases or conditions that threaten public health may be grounds for rejecting the application.
- Threat to national security. If the applicant is blacklisted, has ties to extremist organisations or poses a potential threat to the country, the residence permit will be denied.
Rights and obligations of a Bahrain resident
Residents are entitled to legal residence, employment (with the appropriate visa), healthcare, education, and access to banking services. Additionally, many residence permit holders are eligible to open a business.
Residents' obligations include obeying the country's laws, paying taxes and fees (if their status requires it) and respecting local traditions and behavior. Employees must adhere to the terms of their employment contract, and entrepreneurs must comply with relevant commercial and financial laws. A foreigner must renew their residence permit in Bahrain on time. Violation of laws may result in fines, deportation or criminal liability.
How to extend your residence permit in Bahrain
To extend a residence permit, a foreign national must apply to the Immigration Department at least four weeks before the expiration of the current document. At the same time, the applicant must confirm that they still meet the conditions under which the residency was initially issued. The package of documents is similar to the one submitted initially. In addition, only the expiring residence permit will be required.
Main points about obtaining a residence permit in Bahrain
- A foreign national can obtain a 10-year residence permit in Bahrain by investing in real estate worth BHD 200,000 (USD 530,500) or more.
- Foreigners can only purchase real estate in special zones.
- Residents are exempt from income tax.
- Family members of a foreigner can be legalised if their income is from BHD 1,000 (USD 2,652).
- Health insurance is mandatory for all applicants.
- Denial of a golden visa in Bahrain is possible if the investment conditions are violated.
- Renewal of the residence permit requires proof of financial solvency.