Under the revised rules, property investors who purchase real estate worth at least BD 130,000 can now qualify for the 10-year Golden Residency permit. The scheme remains open to a variety of applicant categories, including professionals with five years’ experience earning a monthly salary of BD 2,000 or more, retirees with defined pension thresholds, and skilled individuals recognised for talent in fields such as entrepreneurship or the arts.
Officials overseeing the Golden Residency Programme described the reduction in the investment floor as part of a wider national strategy to reframe Bahrain as a hub for long-term residency, business and investment. Expectations are that a lower entry cost will make luxury housing more accessible to a wider segment of foreign investors.
Market observers report that the policy change is likely to increase demand for high-end properties, particularly along Bahrain’s limited shoreline plots. Developers of waterfront villas and high-value residences are already witnessing an uptick in enquiries and pre-sales interest, attributing the surge largely to the amended residency criteria.
Analysts caution that while lowering the threshold may democratise access to the Golden Residency for mid-tier investors, it could also intensify competition in an already tight property market. With demand rising, prices for premium real estate could edge upward, potentially squeezing mid-range buyers aiming to capitalise on the policy change.
Real estate agents and consultants observe that the ease of obtaining long-term residency via property investment may attract not only wealthy buyers but also salaried professionals or retirees seeking stability. The flexibility offered by the Golden Residency—including the right to work for any employer, sponsor family members and enjoy a stable residency status—adds to the scheme’s attractiveness compared with more restrictive residency programmes in the Gulf.
Some investors highlight the appeal of living standards in Bahrain combined with a lower cost of entry compared with comparable Gulf markets. For individuals whose budgets fall short of the previous threshold, the new BD 130,000 requirement represents a significant reduction in the barrier to entry.
Critics argue that the reduction could lead to speculative buying, pushing up real estate prices and potentially creating a bubble in high-end segments. They suggest that authorities should monitor the market closely to ensure balanced growth, and perhaps consider additional safeguards such as property-use requirements or caps on speculative sales.
Advisors recommend potential applicants assess not just the property value but also long-term aspects such as maintenance costs, location desirability and liquidity. They note that acquiring the Golden Residency through property investment should be part of a broader personal or business plan rather than solely a route to residency status.
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Bahrain