How to obtain a Work Visa in Bahrain

With its strategic location, pro-business policies and some of the lowest costs in the Gulf, the Kingdom of Bahrain continues to attract investors as both a place to establish a business and as a gateway through which to enter the markets of the broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions.

There are no taxes in Bahrain on income (corporate or personal), sales, capital gains or estates, with the exception, in limited circumstances, of businesses operating in the oil and gas sector in Bahrain. So, whatever you or your business earns, it’s yours. There’s also no tax on dividends or capital gains. So, if you have a subsidiary in Bahrain, the profits and dividends are tax-free.

Increasing inflows of foreign investment and capital reflect the kingdom’s overall dynamism as a destination for business. Bahrain attracted a record-breaking USD6.8 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows in 2023, according to the United Nations Conference of Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in its latest World Investment Report 2024.

The introduction of corporate tax in neighbouring UAE has only increased Bahrain’s competitive position for businesses exploring their regional options and, with its diversified economy spanning financial services, ICT, logistics and manufacturing, it’s no surprise that Bahrain has become a magnet for international talent.

For employers looking to hire foreign professionals, the ability to navigate Bahrain’s work visa system has therefore become an essential HR requirement. This guide is intended to provide the key information that you need, as well as good practice on how to operate.

What is a Bahrain Work Visa?

A Bahrain work (or employment) visa, which allows foreign nationals to live and work in Bahrain legally, are visas are issued by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA). Employers play a central role as ‘sponsors’. They are responsible for applying for the visa on behalf of prospective employees and ensuring that all the required documentation is in order.

The number of visas that a company can sponsor is dependent on its size and Bahrain’s national quotas. Understanding the process and requirements is essential for onboarding new staff. Sovereign PPG Bahrain offers these work visas as a bundled service – The Green Pack – which groups together the essential PRO, visa and licensing requirements that are required by companies establishing in Bahrain.

Types of Work Visas in Bahrain

Bahrain offers several categories of work visas tailored to different employment needs:

• Employment Visa (Work Permit): This is the standard visa for long-term employment in Bahrain. Valid for one to two years, it allows foreign nationals to live and work legally, provided they are sponsored by a Bahraini employer.
• Dependant Visa: Employees with valid work permits can sponsor residence visas for their immediate family members, including spouses and children. However, this visa does not grant family members the right to work.
• Temporary Work Visa: Designed for short-term assignments, this visa is ideal for seasonal or project-based work. Typically, it’s valid for less than one year.
• Business Visit Visa: This visa doesn’t permit long-term employment or residency but is well-suited for short business trips such as attending conferences or meetings.

Each visa category comes with specific requirements and limitations, so it’s important to select the right one for your needs.

Key Requirements

Documentation requirements may vary, but employers will typically need the following to begin the process:

01 - A completed visa application form.

02 - A valid passport with at least six months’ validity.

03 - A recent passport-sized photograph.

04 - A copy of the employment contract specifying role, salary, and duration.

05 - A medical report from an approved clinic.

06 - Proof of payment for the visa fee

Certain roles, such as teachers, doctors and engineers, may require additional approvals or ‘no-objection certificates’ (NOCs) from the relevant Bahraini authorities. You should ensure you have all necessary documents and approvals obtained before applying for the work permit.

Application Process

Obtaining a Bahraini work visa involves several steps, starting with employer registration and ending with securing a residence permit for the employee.

Employer Registration: the applying employer must register with the LMRA to act as a visa sponsor.

Submit the Online Application: Once registered, the sponsoring employer must submit the visa application via the ‘New Expatriate Permit’ section of the Expat Management System (EMS) portal. Employers must provide all required details, including the duration of the employment contract and the type of work permit needed.

Verification and Approval: The LMRA will review the application and verify the documentation. This will generally be completed within 3 to 5 business days but can take up to two weeks when application volumes are particularly high.

Issuance of the Work Permit: The work permit will be issued directly from the EMS system.

Residence Permit: Having obtained the investor work permit, the investor will obtain a residency permit from the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports & Residency Affairs (NPRA). This can be applied for once the employee has travelled to Bahrain. This final step ensures the employee’s legal residency during their time in Bahrain.

Work visa costs in Bahrain

The basic costs for the work permit will depend on their duration, as below:

• One-year work permit: BHD172
• Two-year work permit: BHD344
• Dependent visa: BHD90
• Administrative fee: BHD5

?As these costs are set by the Bahrain authorities, they may be subject to change.

How Can Sovereign PPG Help

Sovereign PPG Bahrain has in-depth knowledge of Bahrain’s corporate landscape and strong connections with regulatory authorities. We can simplify the work visa process, from employer registration to obtaining residence permits. If you are looking to obtain multiple employee and dependent visas then you can discuss our bundled Green Pack – PRO, Visa, and Licensing for your Bahrain company requirements. If you require assistance with hiring international talent, managing visa applications, or ensuring compliance with Bahrain’s labour and immigration requirements, please do get in touch with us at +973 1777 2011, or email [email protected]. We’ll be delighted to assist you.