Bahrain attracts many companies and workers thanks to its liberal business environment, low taxes, and operating costs. However, planning an expansion to Bahrain also involves hiring the right employees and ensuring compliance with local regulations. If you don’t know how to get a work visa in Bahrain or what type of visa your employees will need, here are a few guidelines.
Types of work visas in Bahrain
If you wish to hire international employees in Bahrain, you must determine if they need a visa. Every nationality entering Bahrain needs an entry visa, except for the Gulf Cooperation Council nationals (Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar).
All other individuals must apply for 1 of the following visas:
- Bahrain electronic visa: In 2014, the electronic visa system was introduced in Bahrain allowing certain nationalities to get a visa electronically for tourism or business-related reasons. Depending on the nationality of the applicant, the visa may be granted for a period ranging between 14 to 90 days for 1 or multiple entries. It does not allow for employment.
- Embassy or consular visa: Nationals from other countries that want to come to Bahrain through this visa may need the sponsorship of a Bahraini citizen, travel agent, or company, to act as the guarantor. This visa is valid for 1 month and doesn’t allow employment.
- Work visa: Employees will all need work visas to participate in any type of employment. This permit is valid for 1 to 2 years and also entitles workers to residency. Employers arrange most of the paperwork.
- Family visa: Workers’ immediate family members will need a family visa too, also known as a residence permit, so they can live in Bahrain during the employment period. Family members cannot work unless they obtain a separate work visa.
Requirements to obtain Bahrain work visas
Employers need to sponsor employees looking to obtain a Bahrain working visa. The number of visas a company can sponsor depends on the physical size of the company’s office and international quotas set by national regulations. Employers handle most of the application process on behalf of the employee and must show a letter of employment that includes the employer’s name/organization, commercial registration number, employee’s capacity, salary, contract duration, name, birth date, and nationality.
Other requirements include:
- A completed visa application form
- Employee’s passport
- Passport-size photo
- Copy of the contract with the employee’s name, birth date, and nationality
- Health record from an authorized clinic
Application process
The Bahrain Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) processes and issues all visas before international workers arrive to the country. In addition to providing a medical report, employees must show academic or professional qualifications for the position. Bahrain typically processes all work visa applications in around 5 business days, but delays could take up to 2 weeks.
Other important considerations
Upon obtaining their work permit, employees are automatically entitled to live in Bahrain. All family members will need a family visa, but the visa does not apply to extended family members. When applying for a family visa, employees will need to apostille their documents, including their birth certificate, marriage certificate, and educational degree certificate.
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