Bahrain's Golden Residency Visa vs UAE's Golden Visa: Which is Best for Indians?

Bahrain's 10-year Golden Residency Visa offers a lower-cost, flexible alternative to the UAE's Golden Visa, with options for professionals, retirees, and property investors. It offers a 10-year renewable residency, no employer sponsorship requirement, and lower cost of living. The Bahrain Golden Visa is open to employed professionals, retirees, property owners, and individuals with exceptional talent. Dependents can also be sponsored under the same visa.

Bahrain has recently introduced the Golden Residency Visa as part of its Vision 2030 plan, offering a low-cost and flexible alternative to the UAE's Golden Visa and Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency. This new 10-year residency visa targets employed professionals, retirees, property owners, and individuals with exceptional talent.

The Golden Residency Visa provides several benefits. It allows holders to live and work in Bahrain for 10 years, with the option to renew. Unlike many Gulf schemes, continuous stay in the country is not mandatory to maintain the visa, making it ideal for digital nomads and remote workers. Additionally, Bahrain's relatively lower cost of living compared to regional neighbours like Dubai or Riyadh makes it an appealing choice for families, retirees, and professionals seeking an affordable base in the Gulf.

The visa also facilitates family sponsorship, allowing spouses, children, and even parents to be sponsored under the same residency without additional income or property requirements. This flexibility is a significant advantage over other Gulf residency schemes.

Eligibility for the Golden Residency Visa is open to individuals from four primary categories. Employed professionals must have resided in Bahrain and earned a minimum monthly salary of BHD 2,000 for at least five consecutive years. Retirees need a monthly pension of at least BHD 2,000, with the requirement doubling to BHD 4,000 for non-residents. Property owners must own real estate in Bahrain worth BHD 200,000 or more. Finally, talent-based applicants with exceptional skills or achievements in fields like science, arts, sports, or entrepreneurship are also encouraged to apply.

Applying for the Golden Residency Visa is a straightforward, fully online process. Applicants need to confirm their eligibility, gather required documents, create an eKey account, and submit their application online. The application fee is BHD 5, making it one of the most affordable long-term visa schemes in the region. Once approved, applicants pay a BHD 300 visa issuance fee to secure the 10-year residency.

Bahrain's Golden Residency Visa stands out as a highly accessible and flexible long-term residency option in the Gulf, particularly for professionals, retirees, and mid-tier investors seeking a more affordable and less restrictive living environment.

References:
[1] https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/bahrain-golden-residency-visa-details-13907570.html
[2] https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/travel/why-bahrains-10-year-golden-visa-is-the-most-accessible-gulf-residency-option-ws-el-9439899.html