Bahrain Golden Residency in 2026: Property from BHD 130,000
Bahrain's Golden Residency is a long-term residence visa for foreigners in four groups: property owners, retirees, long-term residents and nominated talent. For investors, the entry point is property in Bahrain worth at least BHD 130,000 when you bought it. Bahrain's residency authority describes it as a permanent residency, with an administrative fee every 10 years.
Law as at 12 October 2026 · Next review 12 December 2026
Manama
OpenOpen online through the national eServices portal.
| Key fact | Rule |
|---|---|
| Property route | Property in Bahrain worth BHD 130,000 or more at purchase |
| Retiree route | Retirees abroad with a basic salary of BHD 4,000 |
| Issuance fee | BHD 300 per person, charged every 10 years |
| Application fee | BHD 5 per person, non-refundable |
| Insurance | Valid health insurance in Bahrain |
Law as at 12 October 2026.
01
Who runs the Golden Residency?
Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) issues it. You apply through the eServices website (NPRA). The government portal also lists services to apply for relatives, cancel the visa and manage your application (bahrain.bh).
02
How the investment works
The only investment route is property. You must own one or more properties in Bahrain with a total value of at least BHD 130,000 when the properties were purchased. You prove it with a title deed showing the properties are in your name.
Note the wording. The test looks at the price when you bought, not today's market value.
With the application you also file a passport valid for more than six months, your ID card, a valid Bahrain health insurance certificate, six months of bank statements, and any previous residence permit.
The NPRA page gives no other property figure.
03
What are the other routes?
- Retirees living abroad with a basic salary of at least BHD 4,000.
- Long-term employees who have worked in Bahrain for at least five years, on an average salary of at least BHD 2,000 over that time.
- Bahrain retirees who worked there for 15 years or more, with an average pension above BHD 2,000 in their last five years of residence.
- Talented people nominated by a government agency, such as academics, athletes, entrepreneurs, inventors and award-winning artists and authors.
04
What does it cost?
The application fee is BHD 5 per person and is not refunded. The issuance fee is BHD 300 per person. NPRA describes the Golden Residency as a permanent residency, subject to that standard fee every 10 years.
05
Can family come?
The government portal offers a separate request to issue the Golden Residency to relatives. The NPRA page does not say which relatives qualify, so confirm this before you apply.
06
What should families from Asia and the Gulf check?
Tax. We have not yet confirmed Bahrain's personal tax position from an official source, so this page makes no tax claim. Check with a Bahrain adviser, and with the tax authority where you live now.
In our view, the property route suits families who want a Gulf base at a lower entry price than the UAE's AED 2 million.
07
FAQ
What is the minimum property value?
Is it permanent?
Do I need health insurance?
How do I apply?
General information on Bahrain immigration rules as at 12 October 2026, not advice on your circumstances.
Learn about the process, the policies and your eligibility.
Ask Harper Greene
Answers come from our program pages. You can ask to speak with a member of our team.
General information, not legal advice.