Bahrain to grant residency for foreigners married or related to citizens

Gulf state has introduced a golden visa scheme to attract talent

Previous rules meant that residents of Bahrain had renewable visas valid for just a few years. Photo: Alamy

Bahrain on Monday approved a series of new laws that includes granting entry and residence permits to the relatives and spouses of citizens.

The approval includes a "draft law regulating the granting of entry visas and residence permits to the relatives of Bahrainis, the wives of Bahrainis, and the husbands of foreign Bahraini women," read a statement published by Bahrain's News Agency.

Previous rules meant that residents had renewable visas valid for just a few years. These were linked to their employment, limiting their stay.

To attract talent, Bahrain recently introduced a new system by which foreigners could apply for a golden visa that offers permanent residency.

The golden visa allows them to extend their visa for an indefinite period and provides a residency permit for close family members.

The visa “will help enhance the competitiveness of the Kingdom of Bahrain and support the development of various sectors, such as economic, investment and services,” the Bahrain News Agency reported.

It will provide the holder the right to work in Bahrain, residency benefits for a spouse and other close family members, and unlimited entry and exit to the country.

In 2019, the UAE unveiled its own golden visa plan in a bid to attract skilled workers while allowing talented professionals to stay longer in the country.

Options have expanded since then to include a green visa that provides investors or businesspeople with more benefits for sponsoring family members.