Bahrain: Platinum Residency Program for Long-Term Residents Forthcoming

• Eligibility. In order to be eligible for Platinum Residency, foreign nationals must have lived in Bahrain for at least 15 years (it is not yet clear if this must be continuous residence), hold a Golden Residency, have maintained good conduct as evidenced by a “Good Conduct Certificate”, and have never been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving breach of honor or trust.
• Minimum salary eligibility. Foreign nationals must earn an average basic monthly salary of at least BHD 4,000 (approximately USD 10,610) in the last five years of holding residence prior to applying for the Platinum Residency.
• Real estate benefits. Individuals holding Platinum Residency will be able to own real estate and land in most regions of Bahrain. Generally, foreign nationals are limited to purchasing properties at designated investment projects in Bahrain.
• Dependents. Platinum Residency holders can sponsor dependents, including opposite-sex spouses, children and parents; however, these individuals will not be granted work authorization.

The Platinum Residency will allow foreign nationals to own property in areas that were previously restricted to Bahraini nationals, creating additional incentives to invest and reside long-term in the country.

Bahrain continues to make significant reforms to its comparatively open and well-regulated immigration system in the region. Earlier this year, Bahrain launched a Golden License that offers incentives and streamlined services to foreign and local companies that bring large-scale investment projects into Bahrain. Investors who receive the license obtain benefits including automatic issuance of Golden Residency Permits.

Additional details regarding the application process, among other items, are expected to be announced by the Ministry of Interior and other relevant authorities in the coming months. It is not yet clear when the Platinum Residency program will open to applications.