What is the story about?
Golden Visas are increasingly attracting global investors seeking residency, business opportunities, and lifestyle flexibility. Two popular destinations
- Bahrain and Italy - offer distinct advantages, catering to different priorities. Here’s a closer look at how they compare in 2025.
Bahrain Golden Visa 2025
Bahrain’s Golden Visa program is emerging as a lower-cost, tax-friendly option in the Middle East. Key features include:
- Residency Benefits: Long-term residency for investors, professionals, and entrepreneurs.
- Tax Advantages: No personal income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax.
- Cost: Significantly lower investment threshold compared to other GCC countries like UAE or Saudi Arabia.
- Business Environment: Easy access to a growing financial and commercial hub with strategic regional connectivity.
- Lifestyle & Security: Modern infrastructure, safe environment, and access to quality healthcare and education.
- Minimum qualifying investment: BHD 130,000 (≈ USD 345,000), reduced from BHD 200,000 (≈ USD 530,000) in 2025.
- Applicants must own qualifying real estate in Bahrain.
- Ownership must be maintained to retain residency.
- Residency validity: 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
2. Exceptional Talent Route
This route is for individuals whose skills or achievements contribute significantly to Bahrain’s economy, culture, or society.
Also Read - Switzerland Golden Visa: Know The Eligibility Criteria And Advantages Of It
Eligible categories include:
- Entrepreneurs who have founded, scaled, or invested in businesses creating jobs or economic value.
- Researchers and scientists with measurable contributions, publications, or innovations.
- Artists and creatives recognised in visual arts, music, literature, or related fields.
- Innovators developing impactful products, services, or methodologies.
- Athletes with notable competitive achievements or international representation.
- Individuals with exceptional skills or achievements in leadership, entrepreneurship, or community service.
Key points:
- Residency approval is contribution-based rather than investment-based.
- Offers 10-year renewable residency with full work freedoms.
3. Retiree Route (Income-Based Eligibility)
Bahrain provides clear residency options for retirees, a rarity in the Gulf.
- Resident retirees (previously employed in Bahrain): Minimum average pension of BHD 2,000/month (≈ USD 5,306).
- Non-resident retirees: Minimum average pension of BHD 4,000/month (≈ USD 10,624).
- Attractive for retirees seeking long-term Gulf residence without employment dependency.
4. General Eligibility Requirements
All applicants must satisfy standard Golden Residency conditions:
- Minimum age: 21 years
- Valid passport
- Clean criminal record
- Good health
- Proof of financial capability
- Evidence supporting the qualifying route (property, income, or exceptional achievement)
Golden Residency holders can sponsor spouses, parents, and dependent family members. No minimum stay requirement is needed to preserve residency.
Also Read: How Can You Get The UAE Golden Visa Using Crypto
Italy Golden Visa 2025
Italy’s Golden Visa opens doors to Europe and Schengen residency, appealing to investors who value travel, culture, and business opportunities across the EU. Key features include:
- Residency Benefits: Immediate residency in Italy, with the ability to move freely across 26 Schengen countries.
- Investment Options: Real estate purchases, government bonds, or business investments starting at €250,000.
- Path to Citizenship: Potential to apply for Italian citizenship after 10 years of residence.
- Lifestyle & Culture: Access to Italy’s world-class education, healthcare, and rich cultural heritage.
- Tax Considerations: Italy has standard European tax policies; tax incentives may apply to new residents under certain programs.
Italy Golden Visa 2025: Complete Guide
Investment OptionsYou can get an Italian Golden Visa by making one of these investments:
- €250,000 (≈ ₹2.57 crore) in an Italian innovative start-up.
- €500,000 (≈ ₹5.15 crore) in an Italian limited company.
- €2 million (≈ ₹20.6 crore) in Italian government bonds.
- €1 million (≈ ₹10.3 crore) donation to an Italian philanthropic initiative.
Note: You’ll also need to pay extra fees like residence permit charges, legal fees, and renewal costs. These vary depending on the investment type.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, you must:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Hold a valid passport.
- Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
- Have enough funds to make the required investment.
- Make the investment within three months of arriving in Italy.
- Provide proof of funds.
- Have a clean criminal record.
- Have comprehensive health insurance.
Documents Required
For Nulla Osta (Certificate of No Impediment) Application:
- Valid passport with at least 2 years and 3 months validity.
- Criminal record certificate.
- Updated CV.
- Proof of consent from investment/donation recipient.
- Bank statements and a bank letter confirming funds.
- Letter describing your investment or donation (max 1,000 words).
- Signed declaration of commitment, including investment amount and intended residence.
- Contact details and proof of authority if applying for a company.
- Recent passport-size photographs.
For Italian Investor Visa Application:
- Copy of the Nulla Osta and original documents submitted for it.
- Passport and photo.
- Proof of accommodation in Italy.
- Evidence of income over €8,500 from the previous fiscal year.
- Proof of residence in the consular jurisdiction where applying.
- Documents related to your chosen investment.
You may need additional documents depending on the type of investment. Check the official website for the complete list.
Application Process
- Create a personal account on the Italian investor visa portal.
- Fill in the online application with correct details.
- Upload all required documents.
- Download, electronically sign, and submit the final declaration.
- Wait for the Committee’s preliminary evaluation (up to 30 days, may vary).
- If approved, download your Nulla Osta.
- Apply for a 2-year investor visa at your nearest Italian consulate/embassy within 6 months.
- Enter Italy within the visa validity period (2 years).
- Complete the investment within three months of arrival.
- Apply for a residency permit within 8 days of arrival.
- Submit proof of completed investment to validate your residency.
- Renew your residency permit every 3 years by maintaining the investment and applying with a new Nulla Osta.
Always check the official Italian investor visa website for updates, as rules and requirements may change.
Bahrain is ideal for investors prioritising tax savings, lower costs, and a hassle-free Middle Eastern residency. Italy appeals to those seeking EU mobility, cultural experiences, and a path to European citizenship.
Before deciding, investors should consider their long-term goals, tax strategies, and lifestyle preferences to choose the Golden Visa that aligns best with their needs.
