Bahrain Golden Residency Requirements 2026: All Routes & Documents

Requirements by route

Property owners

Property owners: own property in Bahrain with a total personal share value of BHD 130,000 (USD 345,000) or more at the time of purchase, through one property or several properties combined.

Long-term residents and professionals

Professionals working in Bahrain: at least 5 years working in Bahrain, average monthly BASIC salary over BHD 2,000 (USD 5,306) over the past 5 years, continuously insured with SIO for that amount the whole period. Bonuses and allowances excluded.

Resident retirees

Resident retirees: worked in Bahrain at least 15 years with average pension of BHD 2,000 (USD 5,306) or more (law: average over the last 5 years of residence).

Retirees from abroad

Non-resident retirees: average pension of BHD 4,000 (USD 10,624) or more per month. The law text says retirees who worked in Bahrain or abroad with a pension of at least BHD 4,000.

Talented individuals

Talented individuals: entrepreneurs, researchers and scientists, artists and creatives, innovators, athletes, other exceptional talent. Subject to a specialised talent committee review; NPRA lists extra documents (incubator approval for entrepreneurs, PhD for academics, patent copy for inventors). Processing up to 10 working days.

Platinum Residency

Platinum Residency (separate, higher tier): for Golden Residency holders resident in Bahrain at least 15 years with average basic salary of at least BHD 4,000 over the last 5 years, or anyone the Crown Prince and Prime Minister chooses. Issued after Crown Prince approval. Platinum holders may own property outside the freehold zones (Decision 48/2023).

The property details

Value is the PURCHASE price at the time of purchase as shown in the ownership documents, not a current market valuation. No separate valuation report is listed among required documents.
Only the applicant's personal share counts (joint ownership allowed if your share value meets the threshold).
Property must be in an area where non-Bahrainis may own (freehold zones under Decision 43/2003 as amended) since a foreigner can only hold a deed there; Platinum holders excepted.
Mortgaged property: the official rules don't say. In ASK's experience the home should be fully paid, or for off-plan, BHD 130,000 actually paid. The ASK team confirms your case with the NPRA.
Company-owned property: the law asks for property registered in your own name. If you plan to buy through a company, the ASK team checks it with the NPRA first.
Selling the property: the rules don't say what happens if you sell during the 10 years. Keep your health insurance valid throughout, and talk to the ASK team before selling.

Documents

Passport valid more than 6 months (with family information page).
Title deed(s) showing total personal-share purchase value of at least BHD 130,000.
Valid health insurance certificate issued in Bahrain.
Latest 6-month bank statement.
Previous Bahrain residence permit, if any; ID card copy if any.
Copy of signature specimen and residential address in country of residence.
Dependants: marriage certificate (spouse), children's birth certificates, holder's birth certificate (parents), copy of the holder's Golden Residency.
Police clearance and medical exam: not on the official document list, though applicants must be of good conduct. The ASK team confirms the current checks with the NPRA for each client.

Questions people ask.

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.

Do I need health insurance?

Yes, a valid Bahrain-issued health insurance certificate, kept valid throughout the permit.

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.

Sources: goldenresidency.gov.bh · npra.gov.bh · lloc.gov.bh · gdnonline.com