How to Obtain a Commercial Registration (CR) in Bahrain  (2026 Guide)

5. Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a CR in Bahrain

Here is the complete process from start to finish.

Step 1: Create an Advanced eKey

To access the business registration system, you need an advanced eKey.
This can be done:

• At eGovernment Centers in Bahrain
• Using your CPR (if inside Bahrain)
• Or through an authorized representative if you live abroad

The eKey allows you to log into the Sijilat portal. If you are outside Bahrain, most investors use:

• A lawyer
• A consultancy
• A relative in Bahrain
• Or a corporate services provider

They can complete the CR on your behalf with a Power of Attorney.

Step 2: Log Into the Sijilat Portal

The entire registration happens on Sijilat, Bahrain’s official business registration platform.
Inside the portal, you will:

• Choose your business legal form
• Enter owners’ details
• Add business activities
• Select a commercial name
• Submit initial application

The system will automatically show if your business activity requires extra approvals.

Step 3: Choose Your Business Activity

This is a crucial step.

Bahrain offers thousands of approved business activities. Examples:

• IT consulting
• E-commerce
• Restaurant
• Real estate brokerage
• Beauty salon
• Import/export
• Logistics
• Professional services
• Manufacturing
• Construction contracting

The activity determines:

• Whether you need a physical office
• Required licenses
• Time frame for approval
• Municipal and regulatory approvals
• Visa quota eligibility

Choose wisely to avoid delays later.

Step 4: Choose the Legal Structure

Your options include:

1. Single Person Company (SPC)

Owned by one individual, limited liability.

2. With Limited Liability (WLL/LLC)

Two or more partners.

3. Individual Establishment

Ideal for small businesses.

4. Foreign Company Branch

For expanding companies.

5. Partnership

Multiple owners, shared responsibilities.

6. Simple Commandite or Partnership Limited by Shares

Less common but available.

Each structure has different legal responsibilities and document requirements.

Step 5: Select a Commercial Name

You will propose three names, and MOIC will approve one of them based on:

• Uniqueness
• Compliance with branding rules
• Language guidelines
• Trademark restrictions

You may choose:

• Arabic name
• English name
• Mixed name

A name is valid for a limited time before approval expires.

Step 6: Submit Initial CR Application

Once all information is filled in, you submit the CR request.
Approval for CR WITHOUT LICENSE usually happens:

• Within minutes
• Or within 24 hours

If you are a foreign investor, security clearance may take 2–5 working days. After approval, you will receive:

• CR number
• Commercial name confirmation
• Access to next steps for licensing

Step 7: Arrange Commercial Office Address (if required)

Not every activity requires a physical office. For example:

Activities Requiring an Office:

• Corporate services
• Consultancy firms
• Travel agencies
• Restaurants and cafes
• Logistics and import/export
• Real estate offices
• Medical centers
• Beauty salons
• Contracting companies

Activities NOT Requiring an Office:

• Sijili activities
• Some IT services
• Online businesses
• Freelance services

Your address must be:

• A commercial building
• Approved by the Municipality
• Compliant with zoning requirements

You will upload:

• Lease contract copy
• Landlord CPR or CR
• Municipality certificate (if applicable)

Step 8: Obtain Activity Licenses and Approvals

For CR WITH LICENSE, you must obtain approvals from relevant authorities.

Examples:

Health & Safety / Municipality

For food, beauty, industrial, or retail activities.

Ministry of Tourism

For travel agencies, hotels, tour guides.

National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA)

For medical, dental, clinics, pharmaceuticals.

RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority)

For real estate brokerage, development, valuation.

CBB (Central Bank of Bahrain)

For:

• Money exchange
• Payment service providers
• Insurance businesses
• Investment firms

Ministry of Education

For training institutes or educational centers. Each authority has its own:

• Fees
• Documentation
• Approval timelines

Most approvals take 1–15 working days.

Step 9: Notarize the Memorandum of Association (For Companies)

If you are forming a:

• WLL / LLC
• SPC
• Partnership
• Joint stock company

You must:

1. Draft the MOA (Memorandum of Association)
2. Submit it on Sijilat
3. Schedule a notarization appointment
4. Sign digitally or physically

Foreign investors may sign via:

• Power of Attorney
• Embassy attestation
• Digital approval (in some cases)

Once notarized, the company becomes legally valid.

Step 10: Final Approval & Payment of Fees

After all steps are complete:

• Pay the CR issuance fee
• Pay municipal fees (if applicable)
• Receive the official CR certificate

You can download the certificate immediately from your account.

6. How Long Does It Take to Get a CR in Bahrain?

The timeline depends on your activity:

Fastest Cases (Virtual CR / Simple Activities):

• Same day approval

Most Standard Businesses:

• 1 to 5 working days

Activities Requiring External Approvals:

• 5 to 20 working days

Complex sectors (Finance, Medical, Education):

• 2 weeks to 3 months

7. Cost of Obtaining a CR in Bahrain

The cost includes:

Government Fees

• CR issuance fee
• Annual renewal fee
• Municipality fees (if office required)
• Licensing authority fees
• Notarization fees
• Name reservation fees

Other Costs

• Office rent
• Professional service fees (if using an agent)
• Visa fees (if hiring employees or applying for investor visa)

Virtual CR (Sijili) costs are the lowest, while regulated industries cost more.

8. Benefits of Obtaining a CR in Bahrain

Getting a CR in Bahrain comes with many advantages:

100% Foreign Ownership

You do not need a local Bahraini sponsor.

Zero Corporate Tax

Most businesses pay no corporate income tax.

• No Capital Gains Tax
• No Withholding Tax
• Access to the GCC Market

Your Bahrain company can operate across the Gulf.

Easy Banking and Payment Gateways

Having a CR enables you to:

• Open corporate bank accounts
• Use payment gateways
• Register for VAT (if required)

Ability to Hire Employees

Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) allows companies with a CR to hire staff and apply for work permits.

Eligibility for Investor Visa

A CR allows you to secure a 2–10 year investor residency visa.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Choosing the wrong business activity
2. Selecting a legal form that doesn’t match your needs
3. Not understanding license requirements
4. Using a residential address for a commercial activity
5. Not completing regulatory approvals
6. Incorrect documentation
7. Not renewing CR on time
8. Applying without understanding foreign ownership rules

Proper planning ensures faster approvals.

10. Conclusion

Obtaining a Commercial Registration (CR) in Bahrain is a smooth and straightforward process when you understand the requirements, documentation, and steps involved. Bahrain offers one of the most flexible and investor-friendly environments in the Middle East, with a fully digital registration system, attractive tax policies, and the freedom for foreign investors to own 100% of their business. Whether you are opening a virtual service business, launching a large corporation, or expanding as a foreign investor, the CR is the key to legally operating in Bahrain. By following the step-by-step guide above  from creating an eKey, selecting your activities, submitting the application, arranging approvals, notarizing documents, and completing payment you can establish your business quickly and confidently