Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for the NPRA, said the new threshold reflects the government’s commitment to creating a more investor-friendly environment in the Gulf. He added that lowering the requirement will make the program more competitive while maintaining its standards and exclusivity.
Who qualifies for Bahrain’s Golden Residency?
The program is open not only to property owners but also to:
- Professionals who have worked in Bahrain for at least five years with a monthly salary above BHD 2,000 (US$5,306).
- Retirees with at least 15 years of service in Bahrain and pensions of BHD 2,000 (US$5,306) or more.
- Non-resident retirees receiving pensions above BHD 4,000 (US$10,624).
- Entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, and individuals who contribute significantly to the national economy or society.
Golden Residency holders enjoy long-term residency, multiple-entry privileges, family sponsorship rights, and easier business setup procedures.
Bahrain’s program is further supported by its tax-friendly environment—like most GCC countries except Oman, it imposes no personal income tax—and allows visa-free travel across all six GCC states.
