Bahrain has reduced the minimum real estate investment required for the Golden Residency from BD200,000 ($530,494) to BD130,000 ($344,821).

The step is expected to increase demand for high-end properties in a competitive market, while maintaining the high standards of the Golden Residency Programme, which forms part of a broader national strategy to enhance Bahrain’s appeal as a regional hub for long-term residency, business and investment, said the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) at the Ministry of Interior.

By lowering the investment threshold, Bahrain aims to stimulate growth in the real estate sector and enable a wider segment of foreign investors to benefit from the kingdom’s high living standards and attractive property market, said a Bahrain News Agency (BNA) report.

Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for NPRA, said the move reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for global investors seeking stability and long-term opportunities in the region.

Under the current programme, the Golden Residency is granted to property owners and individuals who meet the required criteria. These include professionals who have worked in the Kingdom for at least five years with an average monthly salary exceeding BD2,000 ($5,306) during the past five years; retirees who have worked in Bahrain for at least 15 years and receive an average pension of BD2,000 or more; and non-residents with an average monthly pension exceeding BD4,000.

The Golden Residency is also granted to talented individuals such as entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, and those who make significant contributions to the national economy or Bahraini society.