Moving to Bahrain
9 ways to move to Bahrain in our guide: 1 talent scheme, 3 investor routes, 2 pay-to-stay routes, 1 work visa, 1 student visa, 1 spouse visa.
No digital nomad visa. Smallest investment: Self-sponsored investor, BHD 100k+ ≈ $266k. Tax for newcomers: Bahrain: no personal income tax, No personal income tax. Checked against official sources on .
Bahrain offers a permanent residency route for people who invest in property, bring exceptional talent, or retire with a solid pension. The programme is built around long-term residence, and it lets you explore work while you are there.
Talent schemes · 1
Investing · 3
Golden · BHD 130k property
Investment needed: BHD 130k+ ≈ $346k
Self-sponsored investor
Investment needed: BHD 100k+ ≈ $266k
Self-sponsored property owner
Assets needed: BHD 50k+ ≈ $133k
Retire or live on savings · 2
Golden · Non-resident retiree
Income needed: BHD 4,000+ a month ≈ $11k
Self-sponsored retiree
Income needed: BHD 500+ a month ≈ $1,330
Work · 1
Student · 1
Student residence
Spouse visas · 1
For people married to, or in a partnership with, a citizen or permanent resident.
Spouse of a citizen
Tax
Bahrain states there is no personal income tax, so employment and foreign-source income of individuals is not taxed under an income tax. VAT applies at the standard rate to most goods and services, and a Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax applies to large multinational groups. The no-income-tax statement comes from the Golden Residency programme and the Economic Development Board, not a tax authority page, so treat it as general context.
Standard rules
Bahrain: VAT 10%, Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax, no personal income tax stated by Golden Residency programme
0% tax
Details
- On: No tax on personal income per the programme page
- Limit: €750/yr ≈ $840
Bahrain's National Bureau for Revenue applies VAT at a standard rate of 10% from 1 January 2022 and a Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax to multinational groups with annual global revenue of EUR 750 million (≈ $838,000,000) or more; the Golden Residency programme states 0% income tax.
Taxed on
No tax on personal income per the programme page; VAT on supplies; DMTT on large multinational groups.
Who it applies to
- DMTT scope: multinational enterprises with annual global revenue equal to or above EUR 750 million (≈ $838,000,000) (Decree-Law No. 11 of 2024).
Limits
- EUR 750 a year (≈ $840) · Group annual global revenue (millions of euro) at or above which the Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax applies.
Tax residence
the 0% income-tax statement comes from the Golden Residency FAQ, not a tax authority page.
Visas
Golden Residency has no minimum stay requirement.
Other taxes
VAT standard rate 10% from 1 January 2022 (5% from 1 January 2019). The Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax under Decree-Law No. 11 of 2024 applies from 1 January 2025 and ensures a rate of at least 15% for in-scope groups.
Checked against official sources on , some details partly verifiedChange log
Standard rules
Bahrain: no personal income tax; 10% VAT
No personal income tax
Details
Bahrain's Economic Development Board states there is no personal income tax, wealth tax or capital gains tax; VAT is 10% on most goods and services.
Taxed on
No personal income tax base exists. a Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax administered by the National Bureau for Revenue applies to constituent entities of large multinational groups.
Who it applies to
- Applies to individuals regardless of nationality, including foreign workers holding a residence permit (Bahrain EDB).
Exclusions
- Oil and gas sector companies are subject to corporate tax; multinational-group constituent entities fall under the Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax regime.
Tax residence
No personal tax residence test applies because there is no personal income tax;.
Visas
EDB states foreign workers are not charged income tax as long as they hold a residence permit through their employer.
Other taxes
VAT is 10% (National Bureau for Revenue portal).
Checked against official sources on Change log
Checked against official sources on Change log
Bahrain in pictures
Switch to later · 1
Retire or live on savings
Golden · Resident retiree
Income needed: BHD 2,000+ a month ≈ $5,320
Path to permanent residence · 1
- PR after 5 years · Golden Residency - Professionals working in Bahrain
Arriving in Bahrain: first steps
- Arrange valid Bahrain health insurance, which is required for the property route.
- Keep your passport valid for more than the minimum period stated in the requirements.
- Prepare bank statements covering the period the route asks for.
- If you plan to work, remember a work permit from the Labour Market Regulatory Authority is still needed.
- For family sponsorship, expect an application and issuance fee for each sponsored person.
Questions people ask
What special talent visas does Bahrain have?
Bahrain has 1 talent scheme. It is Golden · Talent.
How much do you need to invest for residency in Bahrain?
Bahrain has 3 investor routes. Golden · BHD 130k property asks for an investment of at least BHD 130,000 (≈ $346,000). Self-sponsored investor asks for an investment of at least BHD 100,000 (≈ $266,000). Self-sponsored property owner asks for assets of at least BHD 50,000 (≈ $133,000).
Can I retire or live in Bahrain on my savings or pension?
Bahrain has 2 retirement or pay-to-stay routes. Golden · Non-resident retiree asks for an income of at least BHD 4,000 a month (≈ $10,600). Self-sponsored retiree asks for an income of at least BHD 500 a month (≈ $1,330).
What work visas does Bahrain offer foreigners?
Bahrain has 1 work visa. It is Work permit.
How do I get a student visa for Bahrain?
Bahrain has 1 student visa. It is Student residence.
Can I join my spouse or partner in Bahrain?
Yes. Bahrain has 1 spouse visa. It is Spouse of a citizen.
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≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.
Ask the AI about Bahrain AI
An AI assistant answers from the published records on this page and cites them. It can't assess your personal eligibility. Don't include personal details.