In a significant policy move aimed at attracting global investors and strengthening its real estate sector, the Kingdom of Bahrain has lowered the minimum property investment required to qualify for its Golden Residency programme. The threshold has been reduced from USD 530,555 (BHD 200,000) to USD 345,000 (BHD 130,000), making long-term residency more accessible to foreign investors.
The announcement was made by the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, which functions under the Ministry of Interior. The move is widely seen as a strategic step to boost demand for premium real estate while maintaining the exclusivity associated with Bahrain’s long-term residency programme.
With this reduction, Bahrain is positioning itself more competitively among Gulf Cooperation Council nations that are increasingly using residency-linked investment programmes to attract global capital, skilled professionals, and high-net-worth individuals. The revised investment limit is expected to stimulate activity in Bahrain’s high-end residential property market, which has witnessed steady interest from overseas buyers in recent years.
Officials said the decision forms part of Bahrain’s broader national strategy to reinforce its status as a regional hub for business, investment, and long-term settlement. By easing entry barriers while retaining strict eligibility standards, the country aims to balance growth with quality investment.
The development also aligns with Bahrain’s efforts to promote sustainable economic growth and diversify beyond hydrocarbons. Real estate, tourism, financial services, and start-ups remain key focus areas under the country’s economic expansion plans.
The timing of the announcement is equally notable. It coincided with Bahrain hosting the Cityscape exhibition, one of the region’s prominent property showcases. The exhibition has traditionally served as a platform for developers, investors, and policymakers to exchange ideas and explore emerging opportunities in the regional real estate market. The policy update added fresh momentum to discussions around foreign participation in Bahrain’s property sector.
Commenting on the decision, Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, said that lowering the real estate investment requirement reflects Bahrain’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for global investors looking for long-term stability in the region.
He noted that the change enhances the competitiveness of the Golden Residency programme while preserving its core principle of exclusivity. According to him, the programme continues to attract serious investors who view Bahrain not merely as a short-term opportunity but as a long-term base for business, family life, and professional growth.
Under the current Golden Residency framework, long-term residency is granted to property owners who meet the revised investment threshold. The scheme also covers professionals who have worked in Bahrain for at least five years and earn an average monthly salary of more than BHD 2,000, or roughly USD 5,306.
Retirees form another important category under the programme. Individuals who have worked in Bahrain for at least 15 years and receive a minimum monthly pension of BHD 2,000 are eligible. Non-resident retirees with an average pension of more than BHD 4,000, or USD 10,624, may also apply.
Beyond salaried workers and retirees, the Golden Residency extends to talented individuals including entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, researchers, innovators, and those who make significant contributions to Bahrain’s economy or society. This inclusive approach is designed to support Bahrain’s ambition to become a magnet for global talent and innovation.
Golden Residency holders enjoy several privileges, including long-term residency rights, multiple-entry travel facilities, and simplified procedures for setting up businesses. They are also permitted to sponsor family members, making the programme particularly attractive to investors seeking stability for their families alongside business opportunities.
With the revised investment threshold, Bahrain is now expected to attract a wider pool of property investors from Asia, Europe, and other parts of the Middle East. Industry experts believe the move could lead to a rise in transactions in premium residential projects, especially in well-developed waterfront and urban districts favored by foreign buyers.
At the same time, policymakers appear keen to ensure that the quality of investment remains strong. By retaining income, pension, and contribution-based criteria, the government aims to filter speculative interest while encouraging genuine, long-term participation in the economy.
As Gulf economies continue to compete for global capital through residency-linked investment policies, Bahrain’s latest decision signals a clear intent to remain among the region’s most open and investor-friendly destinations. With its relatively lower living costs, stable regulatory environment, and growing lifestyle infrastructure, the Kingdom is sharpening its pitch to investors seeking both financial returns and quality of life.
