Bahrain Cuts Golden Residency Investment to Just BD 130,000

Manama: The Kingdom of Bahrain has announced a significant reduction in the minimum real estate investment required for the Golden Residency Programme, from BD 200,000 to BD 130,000. This move aims to boost demand for high-end properties and attract more foreign investors to the country's competitive real estate market.
The Golden Residency Programme is part of Bahrain's broader strategy to position itself as a regional hub for long-term residency, business, and investment. By lowering the investment threshold, the government hopes to stimulate growth in the real estate sector and provide more opportunities for foreign investors to benefit from Bahrain's high living standards and attractive property market.
Driven by high-net-worth individuals from the GCC and within Bahrain, the Kingdom’s luxury real estate market is experiencing a significant surge in demand. The limited availability of shoreline plots is pushing up villa and luxury home prices, while flood-resistant designs and sustainability measures are adding value for buyers prioritising ESG goals.

Key Trends
High-net-worth purchasers are prioritising location, privacy and long-term value in Bahrain's luxury real estate market. Waterfront villa projects are seeing strong early demand, with over 80% pre-sales, driven by policy changes that attract overseas capital. Full foreign ownership and the Golden Visa scheme have eased restrictions on non-Bahraini buyers, making Bahrain an attractive destination. Additionally, operating costs in Bahrain are 27% lower than in competing Gulf financial hubs, further boosting the market's appeal.

Market Outlook
Villas and landed homes dominate Bahrain's real estate market, accounting for 70.11% of sales in 2024, driven by Gulf families' preference for space, privacy, and multi-generation layouts. However, apartments and condominiums are projected to grow faster between 2025 and 2030, with a forecast CAGR of 7.89%, as younger buyers and foreign investors gravitate toward ready-to-live units featuring amenities. Transport projects, including the $2 billion Bahrain Metro and the $3.5 billion King Hamad Causeway, are expected to support market growth by improving access to new districts and expanding the potential buyer base for luxury homes.

Investor Interest
European and Asian investors are showing increased interest in Bahrain's real estate market, having previously hesitated due to joint-venture requirements. Younger expatriates and professionals are also attracted to ready-to-live units with amenities such as hotel-style services, private lifts and shared leisure rooftops. This growing interest is driven by Bahrain's strategic location, business-friendly environment, and high living standards.

Eligibility Criteria
The Golden Residency Programme is open to property owners with a minimum investment of BD 130,000, professionals with at least 5 years of work experience and a monthly salary exceeding BD 2,000, retirees with at least 15 years of work experience and a monthly pension of BD 2,000 or more, non-residents with a monthly pension exceeding BD 4,000, and talented individuals, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals.

Benefits of Golden Residency Programme
The Golden Residency Programme offers long-term residency, ease of establishing businesses, multiple-entry privileges and the ability to sponsor family members. Beneficiaries also gain access to healthcare, education and other services, making Bahrain an attractive destination for investors and businesses.
For more information on the Golden Residency Programme, including eligibility requirements and benefits, visit the official website at http://www.goldenresidency.gov.bh