An enhanced digital work permit renewal service for Golden Residency holders is now available as part of efforts to improve the quality of services.
According to the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), the new service enables employers to renew work permits for Golden Residency holders before the expiry of their existing permits.
Work permits can be renewed for six months, one year or two years.
Under the enhanced service, the processing time has been reduced from 10 working days to an immediate automated process.
The required documentation has been reduced by 50 per cent, while the Service Level Agreement (SLA) has been cut by 25pc.
The number of application steps has also been reduced, services have been fully digitised, and the number of approvals required to obtain the service has been reduced by 25pc.
Additionally, the information published about the service has been standardised across all channels, improving the service’s efficiency while providing beneficiaries with a more convenient and clearer digital experience.
LMRA deputy chief executive officer for operations and services Ahmed Al Arabi affirmed that the development of this service comes as part of the authority’s efforts to adopt innovative digital solutions.
“This will contribute to enhancing the efficiency of services provided, streamlining procedures and improving the beneficiary experience,” said Mr Al Arabi.
“The development of the service reflects the LMRA’s commitment to enhancing the quality of its services in a manner that helps reduce the time and effort required and strengthens the effectiveness of the work system.”
More than 1,300 government services have been digitalised, documented, translated and published in recent years as part of ongoing development and re-engineering efforts.
Of these, 800 services have undergone development based on suggestions and feedback received through the national suggestions and complaints system Tawasul, as well as investors’ feedback and programmes used to evaluate government services.
This also includes the launch of user guides and Service Level Agreements, contributing to greater procedural efficiency, improved service quality, an enhanced beneficiary experience and support for the government’s digital transformation journey.
Bahrain’s Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) Golden Residency Visa provides a 10-year, renewable, self-sponsored residency status tailored for investors, property owners, highly-skilled professionals, and retirees seeking long-term stability in the kingdom.
Eligible applicants must fulfil distinct threshold criteria depending on their pathway, such as owning real estate valued at BD130,000 or more, maintaining a continuous monthly salary of BD4,000 or a pension of at least BD2,000, or holding recognised exceptional talent certifications.
Every candidate must also provide a passport with at least six months of validity, clear a mandatory local medical examination, and present a clean criminal record background check to successfully qualify.
Successful applicants gain the immediate right to sponsor their spouses, children and parents, thereby securing long-term residency benefits for their entire immediate family unit. The visa also accommodates frequent global travellers by permitting unlimited entry and exit privileges alongside flexible physical presence guidelines, ensuring residents can maintain their status even while spending extended periods outside of the country.
The GDN reported in 2024 that the NPRA had issued more than 10,000 Golden Residency permits to people from 99 countries, following Bahrain’s ongoing efforts to enhance its residency system, drive economic and investment growth, and attract skilled talent.
This initiative aligns with the directives of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and the follow-up of Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.
Those interested in applying for the Golden Residency may do so via the NPRA’s website at- www.npra.gov.bh/en/services/visas-residence-permit/residence-permits-services/golden-residency/
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