Bahrain has taken substantial measures to enact reforms and create the most open, favorable business conditions for investors and businessmen. Fortunately, by virtue of its strategic location, Bahrain has the advantage of being an ideal gateway to the trillion-dollar Gulf market.
It is this commitment to building for a better future that Bahrain has come to be the most well-established business hub in the Gulf, providing the freest, most open and transparent environment for businesses and communities. Bahrain has maintained its position as a globally competitive base for business thanks to its focus on sustainability, skills, and good governance.
Bahrain is committed to the rule of law, free markets, and democratic principles; serving the needs of many; and, above all, ensuring the long-term, future prosperity of its people.
Visas are required by all visitors to Bahrain except passport holders of the GCC States (except for Qatar). All other visitors require one of the following visas:
Visiting and Tourist Visas
Two Weeks Tourist Visas
Tourist visas are issued for stays of two weeks to citizens of the European Union (EU), Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and the USA. Applicants must possess valid, up-to-date passports and a return or onward ticket. A visa fee of BD5 ($12) is applied and can be obtained at entry at the Bahrain International Airport. Tourist visas don’t allow visitors to engage in any employment.
72 hour / 3 day Visas
Obtained on arrival at Bahrain International Airport or at King Fahad Causeway. In addition to a passport, the passenger must have a confirmed return/onward journey ticket for the visa application to be processed.
Current Requirements to Live and Work in Bahrain
Anyone wishing to live and legally work in Bahrain will need to apply for the following visas and permits. Employers are advised to arrange and process necessary documents to the Labor Market Regulatory Authority prior to the arrival of their employees.
Work Visa, submitted to and issued by Labor Market Regulatory Authority. Requirements:
• Visa application form
• Employee’s passport
• Passport size photograph
• Sponsorship Letter: a letter of employment indicating employer’s name/organization, commercial registration number, employee’s capacity, salary, contract duration, employee’s name, birth date and nationality
• Copy of the contract
• Health record from an authorized clinic
• BD100 fee
Residency Permit (Family Visa), submitted to Labor Market Regulatory Authority and issued by General Department for Nationality & Passport Residence. Requirements:
• Application form
• Employee & family’s passport copies
• Employee’s sponsorship letter
• Employee’s contract
• Family health record from an authorized clinic
• BD22 fee per applicant
CPR Card (Identification Card), submitted to and issued by Central Informatics Organization. Requirements:
• Employee (or spouse) passport
• Sponsorship letter stating names of dependents
• Marriage certificate (for spouse) and birth certificate (for children)
• BD1 fee per applicant
Getting Started
Bahrain's Economic Development Board offers an investor facilitation service to first-time investors who are interested in setting up a business in Bahrain. This service includes acting as the first point of contact to the Kingdom, understanding the objectives of investors, providing them with information regarding the relevant procedures for setting up business, and helping them to form a network of contacts in Bahrain.
Working across Government Ministries and bodies, we can facilitate easy entry to the Bahrain market, ensuring you can make it happen for your business in the Kingdom.