Golden Visa in Bahrain
Get 10-Year Golden Visa for Investors & Property Owners in Bahrain
Bahrain’s Golden Residency Visa is a renewable 10-year residence permit. It lets you live in Bahrain without an employer or sponsor, and you can bring your family. GovtLink Solutions is based in Manama. We check which route you qualify for, prepare your documents, submit the application and follow it until the permit is issued.
- 10-year renewable residence, no local sponsor
- Routes for property owners, employees, retirees and talented people
- Government fee BHD 5 + BHD 300; our fee on quote
- Free eligibility check on WhatsApp
What is the Golden Visa?
The Golden Residency Visa is issued by the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) under the Ministry of Interior. It is different from a normal work residence, which depends on one employer. With the Golden Visa, your right to stay does not end if you change job or leave a company.
Main points:
- Valid for 10 years and renewable
- No local sponsor needed
- You can sponsor your spouse and children, and parents under the current rules
- You can live and work in Bahrain
- You must stay in Bahrain at least 90 days in any 12 months to keep it valid
Who can apply?
There are four main routes. You need to meet only one.
1. Property owners. You own property in Bahrain worth at least BHD 130,000. The minimum was lowered from BHD 200,000 in late 2025, and many websites still show the old amount.
2. Employees and professionals. You have lived in Bahrain for at least 5 years and earned a basic salary of at least BHD 2,000 a month during that time.
3. Retirees. You receive a monthly pension of at least BHD 2,000 if you live in Bahrain, or BHD 4,000 if you live outside it.
4. Talented people and entrepreneurs. You are recognised or nominated by a Bahraini government body, for example for business, science, culture, sport or contribution to the economy.
Not sure which one fits? Send us your details on WhatsApp and we will tell you for free.
Golden Visa or Investor Visa?
They are not the same. The Golden Visa is a long residence granted on your own qualification: property, salary history, pension or talent. The Investor Visa is residence linked to a company you set up and own in Bahrain. See our Investor Visa page.
If you plan to open a company, the Investor Visa may suit you. If you own property or have a long career in Bahrain, the Golden Visa may be better. We will advise you honestly.
Documents you need
Missing or unclear documents are the most common reason for delays. We check every paper before we submit.
- Valid passport
- Six months of bank statements
- Health insurance
- Proof of residence in Bahrain
- Proof for your route: property title deed, salary and employment records, pension letter, or nomination letter from the authority
- Documents for family members, if they are included (marriage and birth certificates, attested if issued abroad)
Golden Visa fees
Government fees: BHD 5 application fee and BHD 300 when the visa is approved. Both are non-refundable. Fees can change, so we confirm the current amount for you before you pay.
Our service fee: on quote. Send us your details and we will give you a clear price.
How we help: step by step
- Free eligibility check. You message us on WhatsApp. We tell you which route fits.
- Document review. We list exactly what you need and check each item.
- Application. We submit through the official government portal.
- Follow-up. We track the application and answer any request from the authority.
- Permit issued. We guide you through the final steps and your residence card.
How long does it take?
Public guides say about 5 to 10 working days after a complete application. Delays usually come from missing documents, not from the government.
Common mistakes
- Using an old property amount from an outdated website
- Applying under the wrong route
- Submitting unattested family documents
- Not keeping the 90-day stay requirement after approval
Golden Visa benefits in more detail
- Stability. You are not tied to one employer. If you lose your job, your residence continues.
- Family security. Your family can stay under your sponsorship, with a long visa instead of yearly renewals.
- Fewer renewals. One renewal every 10 years replaces many 1 and 2-year renewals.
- Business freedom. You can start or run a business in Bahrain and invest in property.
- Long-term planning. You can plan schooling, a home and a business for years ahead.
Which route is right for you?
If you meet more than one route, we pick the one with the easiest proof and the lowest risk of rejection.
- You own or plan to buy a property: check the property route and the current minimum value first.
- You have lived and worked in Bahrain for 5+ years on a good salary: the employee route is usually the best.
- You are close to retirement and have a pension: the retiree route may apply.
- You run a business or have a special skill: ask about the talent route, which needs a nomination.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I apply from outside Bahrain?
- The routes for employees and retirees usually need residence in Bahrain first. Property owners and others may have different rules. Contact us with your case.
- Can my family come with me?
- Yes. You can include your spouse and children, and parents under current rules.
- Can I work with the Golden Visa?
- Yes. You can live and work in Bahrain without an employer sponsor.
- Is the Golden Visa the same as citizenship?
- No. It is long-term residence. It does not give a Bahraini passport.
- What happens if I stay less than 90 days a year?
- The visa can become invalid. Plan your travel.
- Can the visa be renewed?
- Yes, after 10 years, if you still qualify.
- Do I need a company to apply?
- No. A company is not needed for the Golden Visa.
- How much does it cost with GovtLink?
- Government fees are BHD 5 + BHD 300. Our service fee is on quote.