Bahrain has declared a significant change to its long-term residency system, reducing the required minimum of the property investment to obtain its Golden Visa by 35%. The action will appeal to an increasing number of foreign investors, professionals and high net worth individuals by making residency cheaper and competitive in the Gulf region. This change means that under the new Golden Visa real estate investment pathway, the range of applicants that are potentially interested in finding stability, business, and lifestyle benefits in Bahrain is expanded. The policy also contributes to the overall interests of diversification of the economy, development of real estate and attraction of foreign talents in the Kingdom. For more news updates, visit our Gulf Independent News page.
Lower Investment Threshold Explained
Bahrain under the changed regulations has reduced its minimum real estate investment that is required to qualify one under its Golden Residency Visa by an estimated value of between BHD 200,000 to about BHD 130,000. This will greatly reduce the entry threshold of foreign buyers who are interested in Bahrain residency by investment, especially those who were formerly priced out of it.
This change is indicative of the desire of Bahrain to match its residency services with the changing competition in the region, as well as the need to keep the real estate market appealing to long-term investors, as opposed to short-term speculators.
What the Golden Residency Visa Offers
The Golden Residency Visa offers persons with suitable investments a renewable 10-year permit to the country. Under the Golden Visa real estate investment pathway, the successful applicants are entitled to reside, work, and conduct business in Bahrain without having to have a local sponsor.
The other advantages are family sponsorship, multiple entry, and long-term security to the expatriates who want to acquire roots in the Kingdom. These strengths make the program a powerful alternative to other Gulf residency programs, especially to individuals who are considering real estate investment residency programs.
Who Stands to Benefit Most
The redefined threshold will be more attractive to mid-level investors, entrepreneurs and other professionals interested in Bahrain Golden Visa opportunities without obliging itself to high capital demands as witnessed in other regions of the region.
Also likely to be benefited are the retirees with steady income streams, overseas Bahrainis, and business owners who want to have a regional base. By opening up Bahrain residency by investment to more people, the Kingdom opens its borders to more than ultra-high-net-worth clients.
Read more: Bahrain Posts Strong 4% Real Economic Expansion in 2025
Impact on Bahrain’s Property Market
The industry observers also expect demand to rise in residential projects especially in the freehold zones that are favored by the expatriates. The change in policy will potentially trigger property transactions and new developments and boost investor trust.
In the long run, the increased flow of long-term residents due to the real estate investment residency will promote local businesses, enhance the integration of communities, and lead to sustainable economic growth, which are among the priorities of the Bahrain long-term development strategy development.