“The ministerial decree No 74 of 2007 allows the grant of three types of self sponsorships: Property owners, foreign investors and retired foreigners (after completing a 15 years employment in the public or private sector). The purchase of real estate does not automatically guarantee a residence permit. The property owner must apply at the GDNPR for self-sponsorship, fulfilling the following stipulations:

■ Property purchased in the foreigner's name should not be less than BD50,000.

■ The property owner must also show a credit of BD15,000 at an accredited bank in the Kingdom.

■ He should show an adequate monthly source of income, not less than BD500, to support him and his dependants.

“The following documents are also mandatory:

• Health Insurance for him and his dependants.
• A good conduct certificate.
• A CPR card (or a temporary CPR certificate).