Bahrain Self-Sponsorship Residence Permit

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Program Type:

Independent Means Visa

Processing Time:

40 days

Citizenship Timeline:

N/A

Permanent Residency Timeline:

N/A

Physical Presence Required:

90 days per year

Citizenship Visa-Free Access:

87 countries

Minimum Contribution:

None

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Bahrain Self-Sponsorship Permit IMI

Program Overview

Bahrain Self-Sponsorship Residence Permit

The Bahrain Self-Sponsorship Residence Permit allows foreigners who retire after a career in GCC, with a minimum stable income of 500 (~US$1,325) per month, to obtain or renew residence permits for durations of 2, 5, or 10 years, depending on the fee they elect to pay.

This visa provides retirees the opportunity to reside in Bahrain independently, provided they continue to meet the required terms and conditions.

Bahrain Self-Sponsorship Residence Permit

How to Qualify

Retirement Status:

  • The applicant must be a retired foreign national.
  • Proof of retirement is required, such as a certification of retirement from the Bahraini government or private sector (or from a GCC country) indicating at least 15 years of service.

Stable Income:

  • The applicant must demonstrate a stable income of at least BHD500 (US$1,325) per month.

Valid Documentation:

  • The applicant must provide a passport valid for more than 6 months, a certificate of good conduct, and other required documents (listed in the “Required Documents” section below).

Residency Proof:

  • A clear rental lease contract and corresponding electricity bill must be provided to confirm residency in Bahrain.

Medical Insurance:

  • The applicant must hold valid medical insurance issued in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Financial Compliance:

  • Applicants must submit a 3-month bank statement showing financial stability and pay all applicable fees.

Permit Fees and Durations:

Applicants can choose between 2, 5, or 10-year renewable permits. The fees for each duration are as follows:

  • 2-Year Permit: BHD 600 (US$1,600)
  • 5-Year Permit: BHD 1,000 (US$2,650)
  • 10-Year Permit: BHD 2,000 (US$5,300)

Bahrain Self-Sponsorship Residence Permit

Salient Benefits

  • Freedom of movement (but not settlement) within GCC countries
  • Lower tax
  • Safety and security
  • Warm climate
  • Enhanced business access to large economies
  • English widely spoken

Bahrain Self-Sponsorship Residence Permit

Citizenship Timeline and Requirements

Similar to other residence programs in Bahrain and the broader GCC region, the Bahrain Self-Sponsorship Residence Permit does not lead to citizenship. GCC countries strictly regulate citizenship and grant it only in extremely rare cases, often through a royal decree.

Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.

Bahrain Self-Sponsorship Residence Permit

Program Authority and Legal Basis

Applications for this program may be directed to Government of Bahrain.

Legislation upon which this program is based Ministerial Resolution No. (142) of 2019.

Bahrain Self-Sponsorship Residence Permit

IMI Pros Who Can Help You

Bahrain Self-Sponsorship Residence Permit

Qualifying Real Estate

As noted in the program qualifications above, an investor can qualify for this program with a local property purchase above the minimum investment threshold. View eligible properties curated by IMI and our real estate partners:

Bahrain Self-Sponsorship Residence Permit

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Bahrain Self-Sponsorship Residence Permit

Program Statistics

See more statistics on this program and others in the IMI Data Center.

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