Bahrain's Golden Residency Visa for Talented Individuals is a self-sponsored, long-term (officially described as permanent) residence permit for foreign nationals with recognized exceptional achievement in academic, entrepreneurial, scientific, artistic, sporting, or innovative fields. Established under Decision No. 20/2022 as part of Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 and administered by the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), it is the only Golden Residency category that grants residency purely on merit — without prior residence in Bahrain, property ownership, employment history, or a minimum salary. It requires no employer sponsorship and provides unlimited entry and exit privileges.
Important: the Golden Residency does not itself grant the right to work. Per the official FAQ, it allows the holder to be located in Bahrain and explore employment opportunities, but a separate work permit from the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) is required to legally work. Once a work permit is held, holders are not tied to any single employer and may change jobs, freelance, or establish businesses subject to LMRA and commercial rules. Since 2025, Golden Residency holders have been able to apply for such work permits, expanding the program into an active gateway for employment.
There is also no minimum stay requirement to maintain validity — holders can settle, work, or remain abroad without annual presence conditions.
The permit is described by NPRA as permanent residency with no restrictions on length of stay. A standard administrative fee of BHD 300 applies every 10 years, provided the holder continues to meet eligibility criteria. The BHD 300 issuance fee must be paid within 30 days of approval, otherwise the application is automatically cancelled.
Holders may sponsor immediate family members — spouse, children, and parents — under the Golden Residency. Dependents receive the same benefits and unlimited entry/exit. Each dependent is subject to the same BHD 5 application fee and BHD 300 issuance fee. Family applications are submitted through the "Golden Residency Visa Issuance for Relatives" eService.
Bahrain levies no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and no corporate income tax on individuals. Golden Residency holders may apply for tax residency status upon meeting additional conditions determined by the National Bureau for Revenue.
Applications are submitted online via the eGovernment portal (services.bahrain.bh) under the Golden Residency service for Talented Individuals. Applicants complete the form, upload documents, and pay the BHD 5 non-refundable application fee; upon approval, the BHD 300 issuance fee is payable within 30 days (total BHD 305, ~USD 808). Applications in this category are subject to specialized talent committee review, and processing takes approximately 10 working days. For applicants outside Bahrain, a Golden Entry Visa is issued first to facilitate entry, followed by in-country residency issuance. A dedicated portal (goldenresidency.gov.bh) and hotline (+973 17484000) provide further information.