Bahrain, the country of the Middle East, which is between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, has lowered the investment requirement of its 10-year renewable residency scheme commonly known as Bahrain golden visa. This was changed to ensure that Pakistani investors and foreigners can easily acquire Bahrain residency. Moreover, it also enhances the role of Bahrain as one of the global investing centers in the region.
What is the Bahrain Golden Visa?
Bahrain offers a residency program that allows foreign investors, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals including Pakistanis to live and work in Bahrain for a long-term. The program provides two investment routes to numerous individuals and the major benefit that attracts them is that they do not need an employer sponsor to rely on, under this program.
Bahrain Residency By Investment: Lower Investment Threshold
In 2025, the threshold under the real estate investment route for the Bahrain residency by investment program was reduced. The Ministry of Interior’s Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs (NPRA) announced the cost has been cut down from 200,000 BHD (Bahraini Dinar) to 130,000 BHD, which is 35% less and makes it more affordable for Pakistani investors.
The purpose behind this move by the government is to stimulate the property market in Bahrain and make it accessible for a wider range of investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled individuals. Now people owning a property worth 130,000 BHD or more (≈ US $345,000) can qualify for Bahrain golden visa.
Bahrain Golden Residency Requirements
For people seeking long-term residency in Bahrain, you need to fulfill the following requirements to become eligible for its golden residency program.
Must provide legitimate sources of income.
Meet the investment criteria.
Clean background with no criminal record.
Hold valid health insurance.
Valid passport.
Minimum age required is 21 years.
There is no mandatory stay requirement for Bahrain golden residency making it suitable for business owners and investors who travel most often or manage interests across countries.
Bahrain Permanent Residency: What Does It Offer?
Although Bahrain does not grant citizenship, the Bahrain permanent residency under golden visa provides investors with stability and predictability for their work. The individuals under the golden residency program in Bahrain can:
Reside in Bahrain for a long-term.
Sponsor family members.
Own property in the designated area.
Operate businesses without local sponsorship in permitted areas.
What This Means For Pakistani Investors?
For Pakistani nationals, updates in the Bahrain golden residency is very beneficial as the country already has strong relations with Pakistan. Furthermore, its business-friendly environment and culture familiarity makes it more appealing for citizens of Pakistan.
The reduced threshold reduces the barriers Pakistani nationals usually face when seeking a Gulf residency program. They can live and run their brands in the calm and most importantly English-speaking business environment in Bahrain.
Major Benefits of Becoming a Bahrain Resident
The applicants of Bahrain golden visa can benefit from the following:
Family Inclusion: Bahrain residency program allows family members such as spouse, children, and parents to be included in the application.
Right to Work: The residents are allowed for employment in Bahrain, making it easier for them to manage business operations.
Right to Live Permanently: Applicants get the opportunity to live for a long-term in Bahrain which means they can also access the country’s healthcare and education.
Bahrain vs UAE Golden Residency: Comparison
Today, most individuals seek long-term residency opportunities to manage their business and enhance their lifestyle with stability and predictability. In the Gulf region the most popular option is the UAE Golden visa which offers the real estate investment options to its applicants providing them the opportunity to invest in one of the world’s most stable property markets.
Furthermore, the United Arab Emirates is well-known for its business-friendly environment attracting many global investors. The other option is the Bahrain golden visa which is cost-effective for many investors. Both country’s residency programs offer renewable 10-year residency but offer different benefits and investment pathways. Below comparison can help investors understand the programs of both countries in a better way.
Comparison Point | Bahrain Golden Visa | UAE Golden Visa |
Eligibility Scope | Focused on investors, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals. | Eligibility for broad categories including investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, IT professionals, executives, skilled students, and creatives. |
Economic System | Smaller regionally focused Gulf economy. | Major and diversified global hub for finance, trade, innovation, and technology. |
Real Estate Market | Applicants qualify by investment in residential-based property. | One of the strongest growing real estate markets with high capital appreciation. |
Business Environment | Emerging business center. | UAE is ranked among the top counties for ease of doing business. |
Ideal for | Individuals who prefer affordability, lower entry points, and investment in a stable less-saturated property market. | Individuals who prefer living in massive, well-recognised global hubs, and buy a property for luxury such as villas. |
Conclusion
The fact that the Bahrain government decided to minimize the level of investment is a significant move towards openness and permanent establishment. To Pakistani investors, the Bahrain golden visa is now one of the affordable gulf residency routes.
Having clear requirements, eligibility criteria, lower threshold, long-term stability and security, Bahrain golden residency program can be viewed as a middle ground between investors willing to be stable and gain access to the region.