Expats in Bahrain form 52% of its population, which is why in the past years; the government has issued laws regarding property and consumer rights that allowed foreigners to not only own a property in Bahrain but also obtain Bahrain residence permit.
Whether you are buying-to-let or buying with the intention to immediately move in, you will become entitled to apply for Bahrain residence permit.
In 2003, the government of Bahrain issued a law that foreign nationals can own real estate on a freehold basis in Bahrain in designated areas where under this law expats will have access to a residence permit.
Bahrain residence for real estate investors will allow them to sponsor their spouse, children, and vote in elections in addition to cross-border mobility, access to education, employment, and social services such as healthcare.
The required terms to obtain the Self Sponsorship
1. Applicant must attend in person or through his legal representative to implement the service.
2. Applicant must not be working in governmental or private sectors of the Kingdom.
3. Applications must be separated in case of having more than one application and each request must have its own documents.
4. In case of residence cancellation, a grace period is to be given not to exceed three months from the date of issuing.
Terms and Documents Required for Property Owners
1. The applicant may be a foreigner who has purchased property in his name, worth not less than 50,000 BHD.
2. The applicant must have a Bank Deposit Certificate for not less than 15,000 BHD in the name of the applicant in one of the banks or financial institutions with a working license in the kingdom.
3. The applicant must have a regular income of not less than 500 BHD per month, to cover his living expenses.
4. The applicant must not work for the public or private sector in Bahrain.
5. Service request form.
6. A valid certificate of health insurance issued from the Kingdom of Bahrain
7. A copy of the applicant’s card or his legal representative
8. A clear copy of passport.
9. A clear copy of ID.
10. Certificate of good conduct deed.
11. The owned residential property must be located in the touristic zone. For example Al Juffair, Amwaj, Riffa Views, Busaiteen town, Abraj Allulu, AlAreen, etc…
Procedures
1. Submit the request for Self Sponsorship Residence Permit renewal before 6 months of its expiry.
2. Go to Nationality, Passport & Residence Affairs, make sure to provide the required documents and follow the submission procedures.
3. Fill out the application form and wait to be summoned.
4. Go to the concerned employee to submit the required documents.
5. Pay the fees and receive the receipt.
Renewal and cancellation
The residence permit or self-sponsorship visa is valid for only two years where it can be renewed within six months of its expiry date.
However, the permit will be considered cancelled if not renewed within the given timeframe.
It is also worth noting that the residence permit will be considered cancelled in case the applicant sells the property.
Residential and commercial buildings zones 10 or more floors in Manama:
A. Ahmed Al Fateh suburb (previously known as Juffair)
B. Hoora suburb
C. Bu Ghazal Area
D. Seef and North Sanabis (10, 5 and 3-storey buildings)
E. Northern suburb of Manama, including the diplomatic area
Tourist areas
B. Danat Howar Area
C. Amwaj Islands area
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