Bahrain Golden Visa Investment Threshold Reduced to Rs 3 crore

Bahrain has significantly reduced the minimum property investment required to obtain its Golden Residency Visa, lowering the threshold from BHD 200,000 to BHD 130,000 (Rs 3crore). The move, announced by the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) is designed to attract a larger pool of foreign investors by making long-term residency in the kingdom more financially accessible. 

The Golden Residency Visa, first introduced in 2022, grants a 10-year renewable residence permit that includes the right to work, sponsor family members, and freely re-enter the country. By easing the property investment requirement, Bahrain aims to encourage long-term settlement and strengthen its position as a regional base for investors, professionals and business owners.

In the official statement, Undersecretary for NPRA Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa said the updated criteria align with the government’s strategy to create stable and attractive conditions for residents seeking long-term opportunities. He noted that lowering the threshold would boost the programme’s appeal while ensuring that the quality and exclusivity associated with the visa remain intact.

Who Qualifies for Visa

Beyond property-owners, the visa remains accessible through other routes, including: professionals who have worked in Bahrain for at least five years earning a minimum monthly salary (BHD 2,000), retirees (on pension), and other high-value contributors such as entrepreneurs, highly-skilled professionals, or individuals making major economic or social contributions.

Why Reduction?

The decision comes amid intensified regional competition, as several Gulf countries have rolled out or expanded residency-by-investment schemes to attract global talent and capital. Bahrain’s move is expected to stimulate interest in the local real estate market, especially among mid-to-high-income expatriates who were previously priced out of the programme. Industry analysts anticipate an uptick in foreign demand for luxury and investment-grade properties, as well as increased business activity driven by long-term residents.

Authorities say the revised threshold is part of a broader economic vision that emphasises diversification, foreign direct investment, and a stable, investor-friendly environment. With the Golden Residency Visa now more accessible, Bahrain is positioning itself to draw a wider segment of global professionals, retirees, and entrepreneurs seeking long-term security and mobility in the Gulf region.