Golden Visa in Bahrain
If you are interested in a Bahrain golden visa, our agents can help you obtain it. Contact us if you want to open a company in Bahrain through this scheme.
If you want to obtain a golden visa in Bahrain, you can do so through several pathways. Our local specialists can help you choose the best approach for you and then submit the application with the relevant authority.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Investor visa availability (YES/NO) | Yes, immigration to Bahrain through an investor visa is possible. |
Multiple options to acquire investor visa (YES/NO) | Yes, it is possible to obatin a Bahraini investor visa in multiple manners. |
Types of investors addressed | Entrepreneurs and citizens who have a stable income are accepted. |
| Startup visa availability (YES/NO) | No, there is no specific startup visa scheme for Bahrain. |
| Sponsorship requirement (YES/NO) | Self-sponsorship is available through the investor visa in Bahrain. |
| Minimum amount requirement | Property worth at least BHD 130,000 (approx. USD 345,000), or a monthly salary/pension of at least BHD 2,000 (long-term residents) or a pension of at least BHD 4,000 (non-resident retirees) |
| Access to permanent residence (YES/NO) | Long-term residency is available with this type of visa (10-year residence permits are issued to successful applicants). |
| Direct citizenship availability (YES/NO) | No, the investor visa is not a direct way to Bahrain citizenship. |
| Possibility to acquire real estate (YES/NO) | Yes, real estate acquisition is one of the ways to access the golden visa for Bahrain. |
| Job creation requirement for Bahraini citizens (YES/NO) | Business creation is an option for entrepreneurs. |
| Possibility to move with family members | Yes, it is possible to bring family members through such a visa. |
| Timeframe to obtain an investor visa (approx.) | The visa is issued in 10 – 15 days from the submission of the documents. |
| Income tax | There is no personal income tax in Bahrain. |
| Benefits for foreign investors | – great living conditions, – access to excellent healthcare and education services, – multiple business opportunities for investors, – the possibility to obtain a long-term residence permit directly |
| Investment immigration services availability (YES/NO) | Yes, our immigration lawyers in Bahrain can help investors relocate here. |
How does the Bahraini golden visa program work?
The program is a long-term residence scheme meant to attract entrepreneurs, skilled workers, and other types of investors in Bahrain.
Who can apply for a golden visa in Bahrain?
The golden visa program addresses the following categories of immigrants:
- retirees;
- property owners;
- highly talented people;
- Bahraini residents who can be retirees or employees;
- family members of Bahraini residents.
You can apply for a Bahraini investor visa as a resident or non-resident.
What are my options if I want to apply for an investor visa in Bahrain?
You have the following options:
- investment through company formation in Bahrain;
- real estate acquisition of a minimum of BHD 130,000 (around USD 350,000);
- employment as a skilled employee;
- retirement.
What documents must I prepare if I want to obtain a golden visa by buying a property in Bahrain?
The document requirements in this case include:
- a copy of a 6-month-valid passport;
- a copy of a bank statement no older than 6 months;
- a copy of the Bahraini property title which must state the value of the said real estate is a minimum of BHD 130,000;
- a health insurance respecting Bahraini regulations;
- the residence permit, provided one was obtained.
We can assist with the registration of the property with the Land Registration Bureau.
Here is also an infographic on this topic:
How do I obtain a golden visa as a talented/ skilled foreign applicant in Bahrain?
You need to prepare the following documents:
- copies of a valid passport and bank reference certificate, both of them issued no longer than 6 months prior to the application;
- a certificate or any other document attesting to the talent/ skills of the applicant;
- a valid health insurance;
- a residence permit, if you have lived in Bahrain before.
Do I still need an employment visa if I want to work in Bahrain based on the golden visa?
No, the Golden Residency allows the holder to work in Bahrain without a separate employer-sponsored work visa. With respect to the authorities to file the documents to, they can be the Labor Market Regulatory Authority or the National Portal of Bahrain. Our local specialists can guide you in this sense.
How can I apply for a Bahraini golden visa as a retiree?
Foreign citizens who want to retire to Bahrain in 2026 benefit from the provisions of the golden visa if they receive a monthly pension of at least BHD 4,000 (or BHD 2,000 after at least 15 years of work in Bahrain). All they need to do is submit proof of having the minimum monthly income as stated above alongside the other requirements.
For this purpose, they must prepare the following set of documents:
- a residence permit (provided the applicant has previously obtained one).
- a valid travel document, such as a passport, which must have a minimum validity of 6 months;
- a bank statement that must not be older than 6 months;
- a health insurance policy that is valid on the territory of Bahrain;
- proof of a monthly pension of at least BHD 4,000 (BHD 2,000 for retirees who worked in Bahrain for 15 years);
Obtaining a Bahraini golden visa is not complicated, and our specialists are at the service of applicants. We also invite you to watch our video below:
Do I need a sponsor if I want to apply for a golden visa in Bahrain?
No. This visa is based on self-sponsorship.
What is the validity of a Bahraini golden visa? Is it renewable?
The validity of the visa is 10 years with the possibility of renewal.
How long does it take to obtain a golden visa in Bahrain?
Approximately one month for the visa to be issued after approval.
What are the benefits of the golden visa in Bahrain?
The following advantages are available to people holding Bahraini golden visas:
- a 10-year renewable residence permit;
- 30% lower living expenses than other Gulf nations;
- 50% lower expenses to start and maintain a business than other Gulf nations;
- residence for immediate family;
- Bahraini employment rights;
- continuous renewal of the visas.
No matter the way you are interested in immigration to Bahrain, our company formation specialists are at your disposal with various services. Contact us if you want to obtain a golden visa for Bahrain and need support. Our agents can also help you set up a company in Bahrain in just a few days.
Akbar Shahzad, Consultant Visit Arabia Services · 2 October 2026Akbar Shahzad is a seasoned Business Consultant and Director of Consultant Visit Arabia Services.