Tuesday, July 15, 2025

In the Gulf, Bahrain is emerging as a popular place to take up long-term residency with its simple, low-cost Golden Visa which stands out in a region of wealthier neighbours. Introduced in 2022 as part of the Bahrain Vision 2030 economic diversification plan, the Golden Residency scheme is growing very popular, particularly among professionals, retirees and the in-between investors. Contrary to the flashier Golden Visa in the UAE or the Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain provides a more affordable, easy to access option.

As the first Gulf nation to introduce a more flexible residency option for expats, Bahrain’s Golden Visa provides a decade-long residency with fewer strings attached, making it the region’s most practical choice for those seeking long-term residence without the need for large financial investments.

One of the main reasons Bahrain’s Golden Residency has captured the attention of expats is its flexibility. Unlike other Gulf nations where residency is tied to employer sponsorship, Bahrain’s Golden Visa gives holders the freedom to work for any company, freelance, or even run their own business. This is a significant shift in a region where work visas are typically tethered to specific employers and job contracts.

Additionally, the cost of living in Bahrain is more affordable compared to cities like Dubai or Riyadh, making it an attractive option for families, retirees, and professionals. From housing to healthcare and education, Bahrain offers a quality lifestyle at a lower cost, allowing expats to enjoy a comfortable and sustainable living without breaking the bank.

Another key advantage is the lack of re-entry restrictions. While many Gulf countries impose limits on how long residents can stay abroad without risking the loss of their residency status, Bahrain allows its Golden Visa holders to travel freely without worrying about their status being jeopardized. This feature is especially beneficial for remote workers, frequent travelers, or retirees with international ties.

Moreover, the Golden Visa is family-friendly. It allows for easy sponsorship of spouses, children, and even parents, with no mandatory property or employment renewals once approved. For those looking to settle in Bahrain long-term, the process is straightforward, secure, and designed with families in mind.

Bahrain has made the eligibility criteria for its Golden Residency program relatively simple. Applicants must fall into one of four main categories:

The process to apply for Bahrain’s Golden Visa is streamlined and user-friendly. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to apply:

Bahrain’s Golden Residency program has been particularly appealing to Indian professionals and retirees. Its affordability, simplicity, and flexibility make it an attractive alternative to the more complex and expensive visa processes in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Expats from India appreciate Bahrain’s inclusive cultural environment, liberal social norms, and access to well-rated education and healthcare systems.

Bahrain’s strategic location also plays a role in its growing popularity, offering easy access to neighboring Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. For families seeking a balanced lifestyle with a focus on both tradition and openness, Bahrain offers an ideal solution.

To sum up, Bahrain Golden Visa emerges as a viable, easily accessible and cost-effective path to resettle long term stayers in UAE. With its accessibility, flexibility, and family-friendly features, Bahrain is vying to be the welcoming place to live for those looking to live long term without the On the other end of the wealth spectrum, potential trappings of the other Gulf states.