Forget the UAE Golden Visa: Bahrain's residency offers more freedom, lower costs: Here's the application process
TL;DR:
Bahrain
's 10-year
Golden Residency Visa
is emerging as a cost-effective and flexible alternative to the
UAE
's
Golden Visa
and Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency.
With easier eligibility, lower financial thresholds, and a straightforward application process, Bahrain is fast becoming the Gulf's hidden residency gem.
Here's why Indians and expats alike are increasingly choosing Bahrain over pricier, more restrictive Gulf residency options and how to apply.
Why Bahrain's Residency is the Gulf's Best-Kept Secret
The glitter of UAE's Golden Visa and the prestige of Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency have dominated headlines, but Bahrain's Golden Residency is quietly gaining serious traction.
Introduced in 2022 as part of Bahrain's broader economic diversification strategy under Vision 2030, this visa offers long-term security, full work flexibility, and a family-friendly structure all at a fraction of the cost of its Gulf neighbours.
Where the UAE demands steep investments or salaries, and Saudi Arabia places hefty price tags on its premium residency, Bahrain's requirements are refreshingly accessible.
Whether you're a mid-level professional, a property investor, or a retiree, Bahrain's visa opens a door to a stable life in the Gulf without draining your bank account.
What Makes Bahrain's Golden Residency Better?
The first advantage is the freedom to work without employer sponsorship.Unlike many Gulf countries where your residency is tied to a job contract or a specific employer, Bahrain's Golden Residency grants you the liberty to work for any employer, start your own business, or freelance as you please. This work flexibility is a rare perk in the region.
Secondly, Bahrain's cost of living is notably lower compared to the UAE or Saudi Arabia. From housing to education, healthcare, and everyday expenses, Bahrain offers a more affordable lifestyle while still providing a high standard of living. This makes it particularly appealing for families who wish to settle long-term without the financial pressure seen in places like Dubai or Riyadh.
Additionally, Bahrain imposes no restrictions on how long you can stay abroad without losing your residency. In contrast, other countries in the Gulf often require residents to return within a certain time frame or risk forfeiting their residency status.
Finally, the Golden Residency also extends comprehensive family benefits. Spouses, parents, and children can be sponsored easily, and renewals do not depend on continued employment or property holdings once the visa is secured.
Who Can Apply?
Bahrain has defined four clear eligibility categories:
Skilled Professionals
: You must have worked in Bahrain for at least five years with a stable monthly income of BHD 2,000 (approximately USD 5,300). This criterion ensures that the applicant has established roots and a sustainable career within the kingdom.
Property Investors
: If you own property in Bahrain valued at BHD 200,000 (about USD 530,000) or more, you qualify for the Golden Residency. Compared to the UAE's real estate threshold of AED 2 million, Bahrain's bar is much lower and thus more achievable for mid-level investors.
Retirees
: For retirees already residing in Bahrain, a pension income of BHD 2,000 per month qualifies them for the residency. Non-resident retirees can also apply if they earn BHD 4,000 monthly from pensions.
Exceptional Talent
: This includes individuals in fields such as science, sports, arts, and entrepreneurship who have been recognised by the Bahraini government for their contributions or achievements.
This clear categorisation ensures that applicants from diverse backgrounds and not just the ultra-rich have pathways to long-term residency.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Bahrain's Golden Residency
Check Your Eligibility
: Confirm you meet the criteria in one of the four categories. This can be done by reviewing Bahrain's official Golden Residency portal.
Prepare Your Documents
: Depending on your eligibility path, gather necessary documents such as:
Valid passport with at least six months' validity
Health insurance coverage
Proof of income or property ownership
Bank statements
Employment certificates or pension statements
Awards or official letters for talented individuals
Create an eKey Account
: Bahrain's digital services require an eKey registration for a seamless application process.
Apply Online
: Submit your application via the official government portal. The application fee is a modest BHD 5 (around USD 13).
Processing Time
: Applications are processed within 5 to 10 working days depending on your eligibility category. Skilled workers, retirees, and property investors can expect faster turnaround, while the talented category may take slightly longer due to verification processes.
Visa Issuance Fee
: Upon approval, applicants pay a BHD 300 fee (around USD 795) to obtain their Golden Residency permit.
Receive Your 10-Year Residency
: Once approved and paid, you'll receive the 10-year residency, including the right to sponsor your family members.
Sponsor Dependents
: Family sponsorship is straightforward, allowing for spouses, children, and parents to be included under the same residency umbrella.
Work Permit (Optional)
: While the residency itself grants many rights, individuals who wish to work formally may need to apply for a separate work permit through Bahrain's Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).
All steps, fees, and official requirements are clearly outlined on
Bahrain's official Golden Residency portal
:
Why Expats, Especially Indians, Are Choosing Bahrain
A growing number of Indian expatriates are viewing Bahrain's Golden Residency as the smarter, less costly alternative to similar schemes in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
On online forums like Reddit's r/Bahrain, users frequently mention the affordability and lack of red tape in Bahrain's residency process compared to the UAE's high income and investment thresholds.
Beyond cost, there's the allure of a more relaxed and culturally diverse society. Bahrain's education, healthcare, and multicultural fabric make it an appealing environment for families looking for stability without the hyper-competitiveness of Dubai or the strict social rules of Saudi Arabia.
Furthermore, Bahrain's location within the GCC makes it a strategic hub, providing easy access to neighbouring Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE all within a short flight or drive.
Bahrain's Golden Residency and Vision 2030
This residency initiative is a key part of Bahrain Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy away from oil dependency by attracting skilled professionals, investors, and innovators. The Golden Residency aims to make Bahrain not just a financial hub but also a magnet for global talent, which aligns with broader regional competition for foreign expertise.
Over 10,000 Golden Residencies have already been issued, according to official figures. This success positions Bahrain as a viable, less costly alternative for those who want the Gulf lifestyle without the associated financial strain.
Verdict:
For anyone looking to settle in the Gulf, whether as a professional, retiree, or investor, Bahrain's Golden Residency presents a golden opportunity. It's flexible, affordable, family-friendly, and refreshingly straightforward in both its process and maintenance.
If the soaring costs of the UAE or the rigid social norms of Saudi Arabia are deterrents, Bahrain offers a balanced middle path, a stable, welcoming, and economically sensible choice for long-term residency in the Gulf.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Deccan Herald
an hour ago
- Deccan Herald
Russia to import 10 lakh skilled workforce from India by end of 2025
The migration of Indians would fill the shortage of a highly qualified workforce in the Sverdlovsk region.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
₹23 lakh Golden Visa? These residency schemes are meant only for ultra-rich
Golden Visas are for the ultra-wealthy, not middle-class dreamers. Last week, a fake scheme claiming Indians could secure a 'lifetime UAE Golden Visa' for ₹23.30 lakh went viral, offering what seemed like a budget-friendly shortcut to long-term residency in one of the world's wealthiest nations. Within 48 hours of the buzz, the UAE government shut down the story completely, calling it baseless and warning that such residency routes must go through official channels only. The fact is that the Golden Visas aren't for the average migrant. They're built for rich investors with deep pockets, not middle-class families. Golden Visas are for the wealthy — no shortcuts Golden Visas do exist, but they're not a shortcut to permanent residency for the middle class. They're investment-driven and geared towards those who can inject substantial capital into a country's economy. 'These are not immigration pathways for the general population; they are exclusive to High Net-Worth Individuals and Ultra High Net-Worth Individuals seeking to expand their global footprint,' Andri Boiko, founder and CEO of international advisory firm Garant In told Business Standard. According to Boiko, entry into these programmes doesn't come cheap. Most countries require investments ranging from hundreds of thousands to several million US dollars or euros, depending on the route. 'Over the years, I've seen various nations fine-tune their offerings, tailoring them to appeal to affluent investors by offering a mix of security, mobility, and premium lifestyle benefits. But the entry point remains firmly out of reach for most,' he said. There's usually a long list of requirements too—proof of legal income, a clean legal record, and holding the investment for a minimum number of years. What other countries offer UAE: Requires real estate investments worth AED 2 million (approx. USD 545,000) for a 10-year visa Singapore: Demands a SGD 2.5 million investment under its Global Investor Programme Grenada: Offers citizenship via a $235,000 donation or $270,000 property investment Now, Trump is also planning to come up with a similar, yet much pricier 'Gold Card' for $5 million. 'These visas are about opening borders with capital,' said Boiko. 'For the select few who qualify, the world becomes significantly more accessible.' Why the ₹23 lakh rumour took off The idea of a Golden Visa for just ₹23 lakh caught fire for a reason. It felt reachable. 'The viral belief in the ₹23 lakh UAE Golden Visa scheme among Indians was fuelled by a mix of economic aspiration and a genuine desire for a better life abroad,' said Boiko. 'The UAE is always seen as a land of opportunity—offering tax-free income, modern infrastructure, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle.' Compared to the usual ₹4 crore needed for such programmes, ₹23 lakh didn't sound that far-fetched. And that's what made it so easy to believe. The story spread fast—consultancy firms hinted at it, and influencers jumped on board. Soon, it was all over YouTube, Facebook and family WhatsApp groups. Prashant Ajmera, an immigration lawyer and founder of Ajmera Law Group, didn't mince words. 'The so-called scheme was fake, generated by those wanting to scam Indians,' he told Business Standard. Ajmera pointed to a deeper problem — media channels picking up such news without checking the facts. 'I received several phone calls, and when I said the information wasn't true, people simply replied, 'But it's in the newspaper.' There's a deeply ingrained assumption that if something appears in print, it must be true,' he said. 'In my view, the media failed to verify this information properly, which is what led to all the confusion over the past four days.' He added that some firms in the global residency business release sensational reports just to stay in the spotlight and attract high-profile clients. 'These firms, who are often legal advisors in the residency and citizenship business, use this attention to grow their practice. And their clients? Often politicians, corrupt bureaucrats, and even criminals looking for safe havens abroad,' he said, though he did not name specific firms. Fake visa pitch preys on real hopes Boiko said the fake visa pitch preyed on real hopes. 'This misinformation exploits the aspirations of individuals seeking better opportunities abroad,' he said. He made it clear that Golden Visas are not something you can simply purchase. 'The Golden Visa is indeed a legitimate pathway for highly skilled professionals, investors, and other eligible categories, but it is not a commodity to be bought outright. Eligibility is determined by professional merit, contributions to the UAE economy, and a thorough vetting process—not by a simple fee payment.' He said the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has confirmed that no internal or external consultancy is authorised to process Golden Visa applications. Any offer that claims otherwise, he said, is fraudulent. How did the ₹23 lakh Golden Visa rumour start? It all began with a press release from Dubai-based firm Rayad Group, which claimed that Indians could secure a Golden Visa at a fraction of the usual cost. News agency PTI picked it up, and within hours, the story was everywhere. The offer sounded almost too good to be true, and it was. Soon, WhatsApp forwards, Facebook reels and X threads were flooded with posts marvelling at the deal. Some went as far as saying that for the price of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class in India, you could not only get the same car in Dubai but also bag a long-term UAE residency. However, after two days of #UAEGoldenVisa trending online, the UAE government broke its silence. It called the claims baseless and confirmed there is no such 'lifetime residency' visa. It also reminded the public that all Golden Visa applications must go through official government channels only. Rayad Group then withdrew its press release and issued an apology, saying its managing director, Rayad Kamal Ayub, had made incorrect statements.
NDTV
2 hours ago
- NDTV
Why Indians Are Picking Monsoon As Peak Travel Season, From Goa To Udaipur
Whenever we travel, we generally want the weather to be pleasant and sunny. In fact, whenever it rains, we think it is the worst thing that can happen to our vacation plans. But what if we told you that Indians are actually stepping out in the rain intentionally? Yes, in fact, monsoon, once the most loathed weather to travel in, as it would spill water all over plans (quite literally), is now becoming the new cool time of the year to travel. Data Also Agrees Data also shows the rise in monsoon travel. According to data from Thomas Cook (India), monsoon getaways are rapidly gaining traction among young Indian travellers - Gen Z, millennials, working professionals, couples, multigenerational families, and a new emerging group known as "frolleagues" (friends who are also colleagues). Cleartrip's PeekABoo travel tracker highlights a significant 46% increase in monsoon trip bookings this year, with Tier I cities driving the surge and accounting for a remarkable 78% of total travellers. Most of these adventurers are between 24 and 30 years old, opting for refreshing three-day escapes, what they've dubbed "70-hour monsoon breaks" as an antidote to the typical 70-hour work week (sorry, Narayana Murthy). Despite the growing interest, hotel rates have remained relatively stable with only a slight 3% rise, while airfares have climbed by 13% - still keeping travel within reach for many. PeekABoo also notes a preference for short hotel stays (averaging two nights), while flight bookings suggest longer holidays around seven days. Interestingly, spontaneity is trending - with last-minute bookings up 14% - but so is early planning, which rose by 10%. In short, monsoon travel is peaking in India. But Why? " Yeh mausam ka jaadu hai mitwa (It's the magic of the weather)," is an iconic song from the film Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, and clearly, the rise of monsoon travel is also about the weather (the vibes), above anything else. Let's have a look at some reasons: Natural beauty and waterfalls Monsoon breathes life into landscapes, turning them into vibrant green paradises. For example, Coorg is famously called the "Scotland of India" because of its mist-covered hills and lush coffee plantations that come alive during the rains. Waterfalls like Abbey Falls, Irupu Falls, Chelavara Falls, and Barapole River in Coorg are at their most spectacular, attracting nature lovers and photographers who want to witness the roaring cascades and verdant surroundings. Similarly, places like Cherrapunji and Mawsynram in Meghalaya become mesmerising with their dramatic waterfalls and living root bridges during the monsoon. Adventure and trekking The monsoon season offers thrilling activities such as white-water rafting on Barapole River in Coorg, trekking through the Brahmagiri range, and exploring misty trails in hill stations like Kodaikanal and Lonavala. The rains add an element of excitement, thrill and freshness to these adventures, attracting young travellers and adventure seekers. Cultural and festive experiences Some regions celebrate monsoon-related festivals and offer rich cultural experiences. Cost-effective travel Many hotels and resorts in monsoon hotspots offer attractive discounts and packages, especially because traditionally people avoid travelling during these seasons (the off-season), making it an affordable time to even stay at luxury resorts for leisure trips. Peaceful and less crowded Destinations like Goa and Udaipur see fewer tourists during the monsoon, allowing visitors to enjoy serene beaches, lake views, and heritage sites without the usual crowds. Monsoon enhances the charm of places like Udaipur's Monsoon Palace and boat rides on Lake Pichola with the cool, refreshing weather. Unique experiences Monsoon brings out a different side of destinations. Waterfalls are at their peak, lakes brim with water, and cultural festivals related to the rains are celebrated in many regions. The allure of this is now understood by many, thanks to the rise in promotion on social media. The tea-garden belt of India, from North Bengal to Assam, is also at its greenest best in monsoon. A drive down tea-garden-flanked roads, or a cup of steaming hot tea in one of the many tea estates in the area make for a stunning escape. Short getaways Many travellers, especially Gen Z and millennials, are opting for short, frequent breaks -- "mini-cations" or "micro-breaks" -- to enjoy the monsoon ambience (it's all for the vibes), often just for a weekend. In A Nutshell Monsoon is no longer the time to cancel travel plans -- it's the season to make new ones. What was once considered an inconvenience is now nature, culture, and spontaneous adventure. So, pack your raincoat, playlist, and chai flask, because it seems the best time to travel in India might just be when the clouds burst open.
