Bahrain's Golden Residency Visa for Property Owners is a 10-year self-sponsored residence permit for foreign nationals who own real estate valued at BHD 130,000 or more (~USD 345,000) in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Launched in February 2022 under Decision No. 20/2022 as part of Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030, the program provides the right to work, sponsor family members, and unlimited entry and exit — all without employer sponsorship. The property investment threshold was reduced from BHD 200,000 to BHD 130,000 in November 2025 to strengthen Bahrain's competitiveness as a Gulf investment destination. It is administered by the Ministry of Interior's Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA).
The Golden Residency is issued for 10 years and is renewable indefinitely, provided the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria and maintains property ownership at or above the minimum threshold. The same BHD 300 fee applies for each 10-year renewal. Payment must be completed within 30 days of approval or the application is automatically cancelled.
Holders may sponsor immediate family members, including spouse, dependent children, and parents. Family members receive the same benefits as the primary applicant — right to work in Bahrain and unlimited entry and exit. Family applications are submitted through the "Golden Residency Visa Issuance for Relatives" eService on the eGovernment portal. If the primary applicant's visa is cancelled, all dependent visas are automatically cancelled as well.
Golden Residency holders may freelance, establish businesses, or seek employment. Investors who are partners in a registered Bahraini establishment do not need a separate work permit. Other holders who wish to be employed by a Bahraini employer must obtain a work permit for Golden Residency holders through LMRA (BHD 195 for one year or BHD 390 for two years, plus a BHD 5 admin fee), processed within 3 working days via the Expat Management System or in person at LMRA offices in Muharraq or Manama.
Bahrain levies no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, no withholding tax, and no estate or gift tax. There is no property tax on most residential properties. Golden Residency holders may apply for tax residency status upon meeting additional conditions determined by the National Bureau for Revenue. Individuals employed in Bahrain are subject to Social Insurance Organisation (SIO) contributions.
Applications are submitted online through the eGovernment portal at services.bahrain.bh. Bahrain residents apply using eKey 2.0, while non-residents can apply without an eKey login. The application fee is BHD 5 (non-refundable) plus a BHD 300 issuance fee, totaling BHD 305 (~USD 808). Processing takes approximately 5 working days. For applicants outside Bahrain, a Golden Entry Visa is issued first to facilitate entry, followed by the in-country residency issuance. A dedicated portal at goldenresidency.gov.bh and a hotline at +973 17484000 provide information and assistance.
Upon establishment, holders receive a 10-year national ID card (CPR card).
The permit provides unlimited entry and exit privileges with no restrictions on trips. The official FAQ states there is no minimum stay requirement, though the underlying Decision No. 20/2022 includes a provision that residency may be cancelled if the holder does not maintain 90 days of presence per calendar year. In practice, the 90-day rule may be applied at the NPRA's discretion.