The situation
The Ministry of Interior has issued a decision extending the validity of residence permits obtained under personal sponsorship in Bahrain for up to five or ten years, depending on the foreign national’s circumstances.
Background
Foreign nationals in Bahrain can obtain a residence permit through personal sponsorship under the following circumstances:
- If the foreign national has worked in private or government sector in Bahrain or in another Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country for at least 15 years; or
- If a foreign national owns real estate in Bahrain with a minimum value of BHD 50,000; or
- If a foreign national invests in a business in one of the approved sectors in Bahrain, with a minimum share of BHD 100,000.
Impact
Foreign nationals eligible for residence permits through personal sponsorship will benefit from longer residence permit validity, reducing the need for renewal applications, which involve additional administrative steps and costs.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner Haider Hussain discusses how countries across the Middle East are embracing technological advancements to streamline and secure immigration processes.
Media mentions
Manager Andreia Ghimis discusses how EU law permits extended border checks in the Schengen Area, despite the European Commission's hesitation to enforce limits on these measures.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg discusses the immigration risks international NCAA athletes may face if the House v. NCAA settlement is approved.
Fragomen news
Senior Manager Rodrigo Garcia is re-elected to the Mexican Bar Association’s Board of Directors for the 2025-2027 term.
Awards
Five Fragomen professionals are recognised as leading immigration lawyers in the 2025 Doyles Guide.
Fragomen news
Ahead of Germany's February 2025 federal elections, Adela Schmidt and Ruben Fiedler outline the contending parties and their approaches to immigration policy.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik and Manager Russell Hodges discuss cost-effective alternatives for visa sponsorship in the UK for science professionals.
Media mentions
In an interview, Partner Julia Onslow-Cole shares her insights on the evolving global immigration landscape.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik discusses how the UK needs immigration reforms to align with business needs to remain competitive when recruiting global AI talent.
Media mentions
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s rising visa costs are affecting its economic ambitions.
Blog post
Partner Haseena Enu and Associate Samuel Wernick provide essential strategies for employers to effectively plan and navigate the H-1B visa cap process for the fiscal year 2026.
Media mentions
Partner Shayan Sultan outlines who qualifies for the UAE’s visa grace period and extended stay.
Media mentions
Partner Haider Hussain discusses how countries across the Middle East are embracing technological advancements to streamline and secure immigration processes.
Media mentions
Manager Andreia Ghimis discusses how EU law permits extended border checks in the Schengen Area, despite the European Commission's hesitation to enforce limits on these measures.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg discusses the immigration risks international NCAA athletes may face if the House v. NCAA settlement is approved.
Fragomen news
Senior Manager Rodrigo Garcia is re-elected to the Mexican Bar Association’s Board of Directors for the 2025-2027 term.
Awards
Five Fragomen professionals are recognised as leading immigration lawyers in the 2025 Doyles Guide.
Fragomen news
Ahead of Germany's February 2025 federal elections, Adela Schmidt and Ruben Fiedler outline the contending parties and their approaches to immigration policy.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik and Manager Russell Hodges discuss cost-effective alternatives for visa sponsorship in the UK for science professionals.
Media mentions
In an interview, Partner Julia Onslow-Cole shares her insights on the evolving global immigration landscape.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik discusses how the UK needs immigration reforms to align with business needs to remain competitive when recruiting global AI talent.
Media mentions
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s rising visa costs are affecting its economic ambitions.
Blog post
Partner Haseena Enu and Associate Samuel Wernick provide essential strategies for employers to effectively plan and navigate the H-1B visa cap process for the fiscal year 2026.
Media mentions
Partner Shayan Sultan outlines who qualifies for the UAE’s visa grace period and extended stay.