MANAMA: In a significant policy shift aimed at attracting long-term foreign investment, Bahrain has lowered the minimum real-estate investment required for its Golden Residency Visa, cutting the threshold from BHD 200,000 to BHD 130,000. The decision, announced by the Kingdom’s Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), marks one of the most substantial relaxations in Bahrain’s residency rules in recent years.
Officials said the revised requirement is part of Bahrain’s broader strategy to boost competitiveness in the region as Gulf states increasingly vie for global investors, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals. The Golden Residency Visa,a 10-year, renewable permit offers beneficiaries the right to live, work and sponsor family members in the Kingdom.
The reduction in required property value by nearly 35 per cent is expected to open the residency pathway to a larger pool of investors, particularly mid-tier expatriates and international buyers who previously found the threshold unattainable. Real-estate developers and investment firms have welcomed the move, expressing optimism that the policy will stimulate demand in Bahrain’s property sector, which has shown steady growth despite global market pressures.
Authorities noted that the updated criteria are designed to balance investment promotion with regulatory safeguards. The Golden Residency remains contingent on ownership of property that is fully title-deeded, legally compliant, and located within areas permissible for foreign ownership.
The latest revision also comes as Bahrain continues to roll out initiatives aligned with its Economic Recovery Plan, prioritising foreign direct investment, economic diversification and job creation. Analysts say the decision may further intensify competition among GCC states, many of which have launched or expanded long-term residency schemes in recent years to attract global talent and capital.
Officials expect the revised threshold to strengthen Bahrain’s appeal as a stable and investor-friendly destination in the region, offering a relatively affordable entry point compared to neighbouring markets.