Bahrain has outlined four categories of foreign nationals who can apply for its Golden Residency programme, which offers successful applicants long-term residency and other benefits in the Gulf kingdom.
The programme is open to four broad groups, with each category subject to specific financial or professional requirements that applicants must meet before their applications can be considered.
Professionals living in Bahrain
Foreign professionals who have lived and worked in Bahrain for at least five years may qualify if they have earned an average monthly basic salary exceeding BHD 2,000, approximately USD 5,306.
Applicants must also have remained continuously registered with the Social Insurance Organization throughout the qualifying period.
Property owners
Property owners can also qualify if their personal share of real estate holdings in Bahrain is valued at a minimum of BHD 130,000, approximately USD 345,000.
The requirement can be met through one property or multiple properties, provided the applicant’s combined ownership share reaches the required value at the time of purchase.
Retirees
The programme has separate requirements for retirees who live in Bahrain and those who reside outside the country.
Retirees who have worked in Bahrain for at least 15 years and receive an average pension of BHD 2,000 or more may qualify.
For retirees living outside Bahrain, the minimum average pension requirement is higher at BHD 4,000, equivalent to about USD 10,624.
Talented individuals
The fourth category covers talented individuals across a wide range of professions and achievements.
It includes entrepreneurs who have established or invested in businesses that contribute to economic growth or promote innovation. Researchers, scientists, artists, musicians, writers and technology innovators whose work has made a tangible impact in their respective fields are also eligible.
Athletes who have won championships, broken records or represented their countries at international level are included under this category.
Bahrain also considers applicants who demonstrate exceptional abilities or achievements in areas such as leadership and community service. Applications from talented individuals are assessed and approved by a specialised talent committee.
The Golden Residency is designed as a long-term pathway for high-value foreign nationals to settle in Bahrain while contributing to the country’s economy and society.