Middle East
Bahrain immigration and visa guide
Bahrain provides the 10-year Golden Residency Visa for talent, retirees, and property owners, along with LMRA work permits and 0% personal tax.
Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) & Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA)
- Processing time
- 1 – 3 weeks
- Passport validity
- 6+ months
- Points-based system
- No
- Digital nomad friendly
- No
Visa options in Bahrain
Key requirements
- For Golden Residency (Talented Individuals): validated salary of at least BHD 2,000/month (~$5,300 USD) or academic/athletic credentials
- For Golden Residency (Property Owners): property in Bahrain with purchase value ≥ BHD 200,000 (~$530,000 USD)
- For Standard Work Permit: LMRA employer sponsorship and GAMCA medical clearance
How to apply for a Bahrain visa: step by step
- 1
Golden Residence Online Application
Submit digital application on the official Bahrain Golden Residence portal with salary slip and proof of qualifications.
5 - 10 business days
- 2
NPRA Security Clearance
Receive approval letter and pay statutory BHD 300 fee.
3 - 5 business days
- 3
CPR Card (Identity Card) Issuance
Issue or update smart Central Population Registry (CPR) biometric card with 10-year validity.
1 - 2 days
Official government links
Frequently asked questions
Does Bahrain require Golden Visa holders to stay in the country?
To keep the Bahrain Golden Residency Visa valid, the holder only needs to visit Bahrain at least once every 90 days (every 3 months).
Find a licensed adviser
For advice on your own case, use a licensed immigration lawyer or adviser. Always check they are registered before you pay anyone. Imiatlas does not refer or review cases.
Look for a lawyer registered with the national bar association or law society in Bahrain. The official immigration website explains any rules on who may represent applicants.
Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) & Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA)General information to help you research, not legal advice. Rules change often: always confirm with Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) & Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) on the official website before applying.