Bahrain cuts property investment threshold for golden residency

The Kingdom of Bahrain has eased access to its Golden Residency programme by lowering the minimum property investment required to qualify

Bahrain has lowered the minimum real estate investment required to qualify for its Golden Residency programme, reducing the entry level by over US$180,000 as part of efforts to widen access to long-term residency for foreign investors.

The minimum investment has been reduced from BHD 200,000 to BHD 130,000, equivalent to around US$345,000.

The change was announced by the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) at the Ministry of Interior and is intended to make the programme accessible to a broader pool of applicants while maintaining its eligibility standards.

The Golden Residency scheme offers long-term residency to qualifying individuals, including property owners, skilled professionals, talented individuals, and retirees, as part of Bahrain’s wider strategy to attract international investment and talent.

By lowering the minimum property investment requirement, the government is seeking to stimulate activity in the real estate sector and reinforce Bahrain’s position as a destination for long-term residence and business within the Gulf region.

The announcement coincided with Bahrain hosting the Cityscape real estate exhibition last November, which brings together regional and international developers, investors and industry professionals.

His Excellency Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, said the decision reflected Bahrain’s approach to encouraging international investment while retaining the programme’s selectivity.

“Reducing real estate investment requirements reflects Bahrain’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for global investors seeking stability and long-term opportunities in the region,” he said.

He added that the update “enhances the competitiveness of the Golden Residency Program while preserving its exclusivity and ensuring its continued ability to attract foreign investors.”

Under the programme, Golden Residency status is available to property owners and individuals who have worked in Bahrain for at least five years with an average monthly salary exceeding BHD 2,000 (USD 5,306).

It also applies to retirees who have worked in the country for a minimum of 15 years and receive an average monthly pension of at least BHD 2,000 (USD 5,306), as well as non-resident retirees with a monthly pension exceeding BHD 4,000 (USD 10,624).

The programme also extends to individuals deemed to have made significant contributions to Bahrain’s economy or society, including entrepreneurs and highly skilled professionals.

Holders of Golden Residency are entitled to long-term residency, multiple-entry privileges, the ability to sponsor family members and streamlined processes for establishing businesses.

The revised investment threshold is expected to increase interest from overseas buyers while supporting Bahrain’s broader economic and residency objectives.

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