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If you have ever dreamed of living in the Gulf with long-term security for yourself and your family, Bahrain now offers one of the most attractive options. The country’s Golden Residency Visa allows foreigners to live, work, and bring their families to Bahrain for ten years at a time – and you can keep renewing it as long as you meet the conditions. In simple words, it’s a way to enjoy a lifetime in Bahrain without the constant visa renewals many expats face.
The scheme is open to four main groups – real estate investors, salaried professionals, retirees, and highly talented individuals. It has become very popular among Indians because the requirements are more achievable compared to similar visas in other Gulf countries.
For Indians considering relocation to the Gulf, property investment, retirement abroad, or long-term stays for work or family reasons, Bahrain now offers a practical and comparatively affordable option.
Once approved, you get a visa valid for ten years. You can live in Bahrain full-time, work for a company, run your own business, or simply retire in comfort. Your spouse, children, and even your parents can be included in your residency. You can travel in and out of Bahrain freely, and the country’s location makes it an ideal base for both Middle East and international travel.
The Golden Residency is available through four main routes:
If you own property in Bahrain worth BHD 200,000 or more (around ₹4.4 crore), you can apply under this category. The property must be in an approved freehold area such as Amwaj Islands or certain developments in Manama. You will need to submit your title deed, proof of purchase, and supporting bank documents. For Indians, this is a popular route because Bahrain’s property prices are lower than in some other Gulf hotspots, yet the investment still gives you a long-term visa.
This route is for people who have already been living and working in Bahrain. If you have stayed in the country for at least five years and earned a basic monthly salary of BHD 2,000 or more during that period, you can qualify. You will need to show salary slips, employment proof, and residency history. For Indian professionals already working in Bahrain, this is a smooth upgrade to long-term residency.
Bahrain is also welcoming retirees. If you are already living there and receive a pension of BHD 2,000 or more per month, you can apply. If you live outside Bahrain, the pension requirement is BHD 4,000 per month. Applicants must show pension certificates, bank statements, and proof of health insurance. Many Indian retirees with overseas pensions or substantial passive income find this route appealing because Bahrain offers good healthcare and a peaceful lifestyle.
This category is designed for people with outstanding achievements in areas such as science, arts, sports, business, or academics. You must be nominated or endorsed by a relevant authority in Bahrain and provide evidence of your achievements. While the financial requirements here can be flexible, the focus is on proven excellence.
Applying for the Golden Residency is relatively straightforward. The application fee is just BHD 5 (non-refundable). If your application is approved, you pay an issuance fee of BHD 300 per person. Family members pay separately.
Processing time is usually around five working days for investors, professionals, and retirees, though the talented category may take longer due to extra verification.
For Indians looking at the Gulf, Bahrain’s Golden Residency stands out for several reasons. The property investment requirement is lower than in some other countries, and you can include your whole family. Professionals who have already been working in Bahrain for a few years can switch to a more secure long-term visa without huge investments.
Retirees with good pensions can enjoy a stable base close to India. And for talented Indians – from IT innovators to award-winning artists – Bahrain offers a platform to work and grow in an international environment.
If you are investing in Bahraini property or transferring funds for the application, you must follow India’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) rules. This is where Unimoni can help. We offer:
Bahrain’s Golden Residency Visa is one of the most accessible and flexible long-term residency options in the Gulf today. Whether you are an investor, a professional, a retiree, or a talented achiever, it can give you and your family the security to live, work, and enjoy life in Bahrain.
For Indians, the process is even smoother when you have the right support for international payments and compliance. Unimoni can guide you every step of the way – from sending your property investment funds to paying your visa fees – so you can focus on planning your new chapter in Bahrain.