FAQ
Your questions, answered.
Straight answers from the official sources.
What is the minimum property value for the Bahrain Golden Residency?
BHD 130,000 (about USD 345,000) of total personal-share purchase value, since the November 2025 cut from BHD 200,000. Read more
Can I combine two apartments to reach BHD 130,000?
Yes. The official site says the requirement can be met with a single property or multiple properties, as long as the combined value of your shares is at least BHD 130,000. Read more
Does off-plan property qualify?
Yes, you can buy off-plan, but the residency is granted only once you have actually paid BHD 130,000 towards the property. The ASK team prepares the payment proof the NPRA needs. Read more
When do I get the visa if I buy off-plan?
When your payments to the developer reach BHD 130,000, not at handover. Example: on a BHD 200,000 unit, you qualify once your payments total BHD 130,000. Read more
Can I get the Bahrain Golden Residency with a mortgage?
In ASK's experience, the property must be fully paid (or, off-plan, BHD 130,000 actually paid). The ASK team confirms mortgaged cases with the NPRA. Read more
Is the value based on today's market value or purchase price?
Purchase price at the time of purchase as shown on the deed. Read more
Can I own the property jointly with my spouse?
Only your personal share counts; your share must reach BHD 130,000. Read more
Where can foreigners buy property in Bahrain?
Only in designated freehold areas (residential category A/B/C zones and listed investment and tourism areas), e.g. Seef, Bahrain Bay, Juffair, Amwaj, Reef Island, Durrat Al Bahrain, Riffa Views, Diyar Al Muharraq, Dilmunia, Bilaj Al Jazayer. Read more
How long does it take?
5 working days once the application is complete (talent: up to 10). Read more
How much does it cost?
BHD 5 application fee plus BHD 300 issuance fee per person, payable every 10 years. Health insurance is extra. Read more
How long is the Golden Residency valid?
Legally 10 years, renewable; the government markets it as permanent residency with a BHD 300 fee every 10 years. Read more
Do I have to live in Bahrain to keep it?
No. There is no minimum stay; the old 90-days-a-year rule was repealed in November 2025. Read more
Can my parents be included?
Yes. Spouse, children and parents can be sponsored, with no age limit. Read more
Can I sponsor a housemaid or driver?
Not addressed in official Golden Residency sources. The official rules don't spell this out, so the ASK team confirms it with the NPRA for each client. Read more
Can I work in Bahrain with the Golden Residency?
Yes, but you still need an LMRA work permit, which your employer applies for. Dependants receive non-working permits. Read more
Can I apply from outside Bahrain?
Yes. Non-residents can apply on bahrain.bh without an eKey. Read more
Do I need health insurance?
Yes, a valid Bahrain-issued health insurance certificate, kept valid throughout the permit. Read more
Do I need a police clearance or medical test?
Not on the official document lists. The law requires good conduct and the authority can request extra documents at any time. Read more
Does the Golden Residency lead to Bahraini citizenship?
No, not directly. Naturalisation requires 10 (Arab) or 20 (non-Arab) years of legal consecutive residence, Arabic and other conditions. Read more
Is there property tax or income tax in Bahrain?
The official site states 0% income tax. A one-off title registration fee of 2% (1.7% if filed within 60 days) applies on purchase. No annual property tax source was retrieved; ASK Real Estate to confirm. Read more
What if I sell the property?
Official sources do not say whether the residency is cancelled on sale. The official rules don't spell this out, so the ASK team confirms it with the NPRA for each client. Read more
Is my off-plan money protected?
Off-plan projects must be RERA-licensed and buyer payments go into a project escrow account with a CBB-licensed bank, protected from the developer's creditors (Law 27/2017). Read more
Golden Residency vs Golden Visa: which is the right name?
The official name is 'Bahrain's Golden Residency'. 'Golden Visa' is the common informal term. Read more
Can I hold another country's residency too?
Yes, other residencies do not affect eligibility. Read more