Moving to Bahrain: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Bahrain: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 7 residence programmes, tax-residency requirements and climate. Explore the basics and compare residence routes.
Taxes
In Bahrain the top income tax rate is 0%, dividends are taxed at up to 0% and companies pay 0% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
To become tax resident in Bahrain you need at least 183 days a year (No statutory individual test; NBR TRC with CPR/residence permit + ~183 days). The typical route is Golden Residency (property BHD 130k): Property(ies) ≥BHD 130k owned (lowered from BHD 200k, Dec 2025); or pension BHD 4k/month; clean record, health insurance There are 7 open residence programmes in Bahrain — see the list below.
Living there
Manama has a hot desert climate with winter highs around 20.5 °C and summer highs around 38.5 °C.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 0% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 0% |
| Corporate tax | 0% |
| 税務上の居住地 | 183 日後 — No statutory individual test; NBR TRC with CPR/residence permit + ~183 days |
| あなたのルート | Golden Residency (property BHD 130k) — Property(ies) ≥BHD 130k owned (lowered from BHD 200k, Dec 2025); or pension BHD 4k/month; clean record, health insurance |
| 気候区分 | hot desert · 20.5° / 38.5° (Manama) |
Residence programmes in Bahrain
Active programmes
- Golden Residency – Property Owners — 投資額 CHF 276'900 · 2026-10
Threshold cut to BHD 130k in Dec 2025
- Golden Residency – Retirees — 所得 / 年 CHF 102'240 · 2026-10
- Golden Residency – Talents and Long-Term Residents — 所得 / 年 CHF 51'120 · 2026-10
- Self-Sponsorship Residence Permit for Property Owners (≥ BHD 50,000) — 投資額 CHF 106'500 · 2026-10
- Investor Visa (own company via Commercial Registration) — entrepreneur · 2026-10
- Employment Work Permit and Residence — employment · 2026-10
Flexi Permit self-sponsorship closed Oct 2022
- Family Residence (sponsored dependants) — 所得 / 年 CHF 10'224 · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Bahrain to become tax resident?
183 日後. No statutory individual test; NBR TRC with CPR/residence permit + ~183 days Golden residency (property/income) gives visa, not TRC by itself
How much tax will I pay in Bahrain?
In Bahrain the top income tax rate is 0%, dividends are taxed at up to 0% and companies pay 0% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Bahrain offer?
Golden Residency – Property Owners (CHF 276'900); Golden Residency – Retirees; Golden Residency – Talents and Long-Term Residents; Self-Sponsorship Residence Permit for Property Owners (≥ BHD 50,000) (CHF 106'500); Investor Visa (own company via Commercial Registration)
What is the usual way to move to Bahrain?
Golden Residency (property BHD 130k). Property(ies) ≥BHD 130k owned (lowered from BHD 200k, Dec 2025); or pension BHD 4k/month; clean record, health insurance
Compare with nearby countries
Kuwait · Oman · Qatar · Saudi Arabia · United Arab Emirates
General information only — not tax, legal, immigration, investment or financial advice, and no client relationship. Figures are simplified, indicative and may be out of date. Always verify with the official authority and a licensed professional in the country concerned before acting. Partner links, if any, are marked and may earn us a fee.