No general jus soli. Article 5 (as amended) retains only a foundling rule: a person born in Bahrain to unknown parents is Bahraini, and an abandoned infant is presumed born there unless the contrary is proved. Ordinary nationality at birth follows a Bahraini father (article 4).
Sources: Bahraini Citizenship Act 1963, consolidated (Legislation & Legal Opinion Commission)
Article 7(1): a foreign woman who marries a Bahraini after the Act's commencement becomes Bahraini. A Bahraini woman who marries a foreigner loses Bahraini nationality only if and when she acquires her husband's nationality. There is no corresponding automatic route for foreign husbands of Bahraini women.
Sources: Bahraini Citizenship Act 1963, consolidated (Legislation & Legal Opinion Commission)
A child born in or outside Bahrain to a Bahraini father at the time of birth is Bahraini (article 4 as amended). A child of a Bahraini mother acquires only where the father is unknown or paternity is not legally established.
Sources: Bahraini Citizenship Act 1963, consolidated (Legislation & Legal Opinion Commission)
Ordinary naturalisation under article 6 requires twenty-five consecutive years of lawful ordinary residence (fifteen for an Arab), good character, adequate Arabic, and immovable property registered in the applicant's name. Grant is by order of the King and fully discretionary; naturalised persons are barred from electoral and representative rights for ten years (art. 6(3)).
Sources: Bahraini Citizenship Act 1963, consolidated (Legislation & Legal Opinion Commission)
Foreigners owning real estate in Bahrain with total purchase value of at least BHD 130,000 qualify for the Golden Residency: an indefinite/permanent residency renewed every 10 years for a BHD 300 administrative fee, with right to work, multiple entry, and sponsorship of spouse, children and parents.
Sources: NPRA — Golden Residency for Foreigners Owning Real Estate in Bahrain
Retirees not residing in Bahrain, from any country, qualify for the Golden Residency with proof of basic salary/pension of at least BHD 4,000 per month, a Bahrain health-insurance certificate and a 6-month bank statement.
Sources: Bahrain eGovernment portal — Golden Residency Visa Issuance Request (eService)
Retirees who worked in Bahrain's government or private sector for 15 years or more, with an average pension exceeding BHD 2,000 per month during their last five years of residence, qualify for the Golden Residency (permanent residency renewed every 10 years for BHD 300, with work rights, multiple entry and family sponsorship).
Sources: NPRA — Golden Residency (general information, terms and fees)
Where a licence connected to Bahrain can be exchanged, based on mapped official lists. Search every issuing country.
Licence issued in Bahrain
3 mapped destinationsExchange normally requires residence in the destination and replaces the original licence. The official authority still decides validity, deadlines, classes, and any extra checks.
This passport benefits from: E-2 Treaty Investor