A Bahrain work visa requires a valid passport, signed employment contract, LMRA work permit approval, medical examination, and biometric data collection. Total processing: 2–4 weeks. Employers bear all government fees in Bahraini Dinar. The process follows the Setup in Bahrain 6-Step Visa Pipeline: Job Offer → LMRA Permit → Entry Visa → Medical → Biometrics → Residence Permit & ID Card. Over 2,500 companies have used this process since 2018.
- 1 Why the Kingdom of Bahrain Attracts Workers
- 2 Types of Bahrain Visas
- 3 Labour Market, Relevant Authorities & Framework
- 4 Bahrain Work Visa Requirements — Documents & Eligibility
- 5 Step-by-Step Visa Application Process (6-Step Pipeline)
- 6 Visa Processing Time — How Long Does It Take?
- 7 Bahrain Work Visa Fees & Government Fees
- 8 Work Permit — Application, Types & Renewal
- 9 Employer Sponsorship & Changing Employers
- 10 Bahrain Work Visa for Indians
- 11 Visa by Nationality
- 12 Frequently Asked Questions
- 13 Where to Find Jobs in Bahrain
Why the Kingdom of Bahrain Attracts Workers from Across the Middle East
Bahrain sits at the center of the Gulf Cooperation Council economies, connected by road to Saudi Arabia via the King Fahad Causeway and a short flight from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman. The country's zero income tax policy on personal earnings, combined with a modern regulatory framework and a welcoming stance toward foreign nationals, has made Bahrain business a magnet for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs from the United Kingdom, United States, India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Pakistan, and beyond.
Work Opportunities, Job Opportunities, and the Bahrain Business Landscape
The job opportunities in Bahrain span banking, fintech, construction, hospitality, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing. Foreign workers and skilled workers fill roles across these sectors based on labor market demand. For every position offered to a foreign employee, the employer must demonstrate compliance with Bahrain's labor laws — including advertising the role locally before issuing a job offer to an overseas candidate. The job role and job title specified in the employment contract directly determine the type of visa the employee receives and the work permit fees the employer pays.
Bahrain's global mobility framework also supports knowledge transfer programs, encouraging multinational companies to send expatriate employee specialists on short- and long-term assignments. Whether you are relocating permanently or exploring Bahrain business opportunities on a project basis, the work visa system accommodates both scenarios through different visa categories.
What Types of Bahrain Visas Are Available?
Bahrain operates a structured visa system managed by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), the Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs (NPRA), and the Ministry of Interior. Each Bahrain visa category serves a specific purpose. Understanding the different types helps you choose the right pathway.
Employment Visa — The Standard Bahrain Employment Visa
The employment visa (also called the Bahrain employment visa) is the standard category for foreign nationals taking up full-time positions with a Bahraini employer. It requires a signed employment contract, LMRA-approved work permit, and an employment offer letter on the company's letterhead. This is the most common type of visa for expatriate employee professionals.
Business Visa for Short-Term Assignments
A business visa covers professionals visiting Bahrain for meetings, conferences, site inspections, or contract negotiations without entering the local labor market. It does not allow you to work for a Bahraini employer. Validity ranges from 7 to 90 days, and applicants need a hotel reservation, bank statement, and a letter of invitation. Business visitors who decide to take up employment must exit and re-enter on a proper employment visa after securing a work contract and LMRA approval.
Visit Visa, Tourist Visa, and Transit Visa
The visit visa allows short stays for tourism, family visits, or personal matters. A tourist visa is available for nationals of over 110 countries through the Bahrain eVisa system — an electronic visa you apply for entirely online. The transit visa is for passengers transiting through Bahrain International Airport with a layover exceeding 8 hours. None of these visa categories permit employment.
Family Visa and Family Sponsorship
The family visa allows work visa holders to bring family members — spouse and children — to live in Bahrain under family sponsorship. The sponsoring employee must meet a minimum salary threshold set by LMRA, provide proof of accommodation, and submit a marriage certificate and birth certificate for dependents.
Entry Visa for Arriving Workers
An entry visa is the initial authorization that allows a foreign employee to physically enter the Kingdom of Bahrain after their work permit has been approved by LMRA. Entry visas are typically single-use with a 30-day validity window. Once the employee arrives, they complete medical tests, biometric data collection, and document verification to convert the entry visa into a full residence permit.
Bahrain eVisa and the eVisa Portal
The Bahrain eVisa system operates through the eVisa Portal managed by Residence Affairs. Nationals from eligible countries apply online by filling in personal details, uploading a passport copy, paying the visa fee electronically, and receiving their electronic visa via email address. Visit the official Bahrain eVisa Portal for updates.
Residence Visa and Permanent Residency
A residence visa grants the right to live in Bahrain for the duration tied to the work permit. After consecutive years of legal residency, foreign nationals may become eligible for permanent residency — the Golden Residency Permit — removing the need for employer sponsorship.
Types of Work Visas and Work Visa Type Categories
- Standard two-year work visa for regular employees under employer sponsorship
- Temporary work permits for project-based or seasonal assignments (3–12 months)
- Sponsored work visa tied to a specific Bahraini employer
- Flexible work permits (Flexi Permits) for foreign workers seeking employment independently
Visas for Digital Nomads and Senior Citizens
Bahrain has introduced visa pathways for digital nomads — remote workers employed overseas who want to live in Bahrain. Senior citizens from eligible countries can apply for long-stay visas for retirement living. Both categories have specific eligibility criteria around financial stability, health insurance, and proof of income.
| Visa Category | Purpose | Duration | Work Allowed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Visa | Full-time employment | 1–2 years (renewable) | Yes |
| Business Visa | Meetings, conferences | 7–90 days | No |
| Visit / Tourist Visa | Tourism, family visits | 14–90 days | No |
| Transit Visa | Airport layover | 48–72 hours | No |
| Family Visa | Dependent sponsorship | Tied to sponsor | Per permit type |
| Entry Visa | Initial arrival for workers | 30 days | After conversion |
| Temporary Work Permit | Project-based work | 3–12 months | Yes |
| Residence Visa | Long-term residency | 1–10 years | Per permit type |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote work | Up to 1 year | Remote only |
Which Authorities Manage the Bahrain Labour Market?
Bahrain's Labour Market is regulated by several relevant authorities that manage the entry, employment, and residency of foreign workers. The Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) sits at the center.
| Authority | Role | Website |
|---|---|---|
| LMRA | Work permits, Expat Management System, labor laws | lmra.bh |
| NPRA | Residence permits, entry visas, ID cards, eVisa Portal | npra.gov.bh |
| Ministry of Interior | Immigration control, border security | interior.gov.bh |
| Ministry of Health | Approves medical facilities for examinations | moh.gov.bh |
| Ministry of Labour | Labor disputes, employee rights protection | mlsd.gov.bh |
Expat Management System and LMRA Digital Services
The Expat Management System (EMS) is LMRA's primary platform where employers submit work permit applications, track visa processing status, pay government fees, manage expatriate employee records, and handle renewal applications. Employees can check their visa status and work visa status through the LMRA official website.
Healthcare, Health Insurance, and Medical Requirements
Healthcare in Bahrain requires all employers to provide health insurance for expatriate employee workers. Several insurance company options operate in Bahrain. Companies like Tata AIG offer travel and health insurance packages covering the initial entry period before employer-sponsored healthcare activates. The chosen insurance company must meet Bahrain's minimum coverage standards.
Service Providers — Professional Help with Bahrain Work Visa Applications
Service providers like Setup in Bahrain assist employers with the entire Bahrain work visa process — from company formation and CR registration through LMRA work permit application submission, document submission, and visa processing.
What Are the Bahrain Work Visa Requirements?
Every Bahrain work visa application demands a specific set of required documents. Incomplete submissions are the most common reason for delays.
- Valid passport — minimum 6 months validity, 2+ blank pages. Clear passport copy (color scan with passport number, issue date, expiry)
- Passport-sized photographs — recent, white background, ICAO standards
- Employment contract — signed by employee and Bahraini employer, specifying job title, salary details, job role, terms and conditions
- Employment offer letter — on company's letterhead
- Visa application form — personal details, email address, intended stay
- Bank statement — last 3–6 months showing financial stability
- Supporting documents — educational certificates, professional qualifications, travel documents
- Health insurance — proof of valid coverage or employer commitment
Medical Examination, Medical Tests, and Medical Examination Report
Every expatriate employee must complete a medical examination at a Ministry of Health–approved facility after arriving in Bahrain. Medical tests screen for tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, HIV, and other communicable diseases. Results are compiled into a medical examination report. A health check failure results in visa denial and potential deportation. Results typically take 3–5 business days.
Employer-Side Documents
The Bahraini employer submits their own documents — a valid Commercial Registration (CR), an active business license, and a bank account confirmation showing the company can pay wages through the Wage Protection System.
How Does the Bahrain Work Visa Process Work? (The 6-Step Visa Pipeline)
The Bahrain work visa process follows a structured visa application process we call the Setup in Bahrain 6-Step Visa Pipeline. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough.
Job Offer and Employment Contract
Everything begins with a confirmed job offer from a Bahraini employer. The employer prepares an employment offer letter on company's letterhead and a formal employment contract with terms and conditions, salary details, and the job role. The employee signs the work contract and returns it with their required documents.
Visa Processing — Employer Submits LMRA Work Permit Application
Visa processing begins when the employer logs into the Expat Management System on the LMRA official website and submits a work permit application. They upload the employee's passport copy, employment contract, job offer, and supporting documents. Processing: 3–7 business days.
LMRA Visa Approval and Entry Visa Issuance
LMRA issues an approval letter after labor market assessment. The employer receives a visa approval notification, then arranges an entry visa through the eVisa Portal or immigration department. If an objection certificate exists from a previous employer, it must be resolved before proceeding.
Arrive in Bahrain and Complete Medical Examination
The employee books flight tickets, arrives at Bahrain International Airport, and completes mandatory medical tests at an approved facility within the first week. Results take 3–5 business days.
Biometrics, Document Verification, and Residence Permit
The employee visits the NPRA office for biometric data collection (fingerprints and photograph) and document verification. After clearance, they receive a residence permit and ID card — the personal number becomes their official identity for everything from opening a bank account to signing contracts.
Visa Status Check and Confirmation
The employer and employee verify visa status and work visa status through the LMRA Expat Management System using their application ID or application reference number. The dashboard shows visa validity, permit duration, residency status, and expiry date.
Need Help with Work Visa Processing?
Setup in Bahrain handles the entire 6-Step Visa Pipeline — from company formation to LMRA work permit submission to residence permit issuance. Over 2,500 companies served since 2018.
How Long Does the Bahrain Work Visa Take?
The Bahrain work visa processing time follows a predictable pattern when everything is in order. Here is the breakdown for each stage of the 6-Step Visa Pipeline.
| Stage | Processing Time | Handled By |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit application (LMRA review) | 3–7 business days | Employer via EMS |
| LMRA approval + approval letter | 1–3 business days | LMRA |
| Entry visa issuance | 1–3 business days | NPRA / eVisa Portal |
| Medical examination + tests | 3–5 business days | Employee at facility |
| Biometric data collection | Same day | Employee at NPRA |
| Residence permit + ID card | 5–10 business days | NPRA |
| Total (standard) | 2–4 weeks |
Delays most commonly occur when the employer submits incomplete documents, when an objection certificate is pending, or when the medical examination report flags a health concern.
How Much Does a Bahrain Work Visa Cost?
All Bahrain work visa fees are in Bahraini Dinar (BHD) and paid by the employer unless noted otherwise. Confirm current rates on the LMRA official website. For company formation fees, see our cost guide.
| Fee Type | Paid By | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit issuance (LMRA) | Employer | Per permit |
| Admin fee (LMRA processing) | Employer | Per application |
| Visa fee (entry visa) | Employer | Per visa |
| Medical examination | Employer | Per employee |
| ID card issuance | Employer | Per employee |
| Monthly LMRA levy | Employer | Monthly recurring |
| Health insurance | Employer | Annual |
Work permit fees represent the largest single expense. The work permit fee varies by sector, nationality, and work visa type. All government fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome. Fee payment accepts bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and the LMRA portal.
How Does the Bahrain Work Permit Application Work?
The Bahrain work permit is the legal authorization from LMRA allowing a foreign employee to work for a specific Bahraini employer. Without it, no foreign nationals can legally earn wages — even with a valid entry visa.
New Work Permit for Skilled Workers
A new work permit for skilled workers follows an expedited pathway when the employer demonstrates the position cannot be filled locally. Categories include professional, technical, clerical, and manual labor — each with different work permit fees and processing time.
Work Permit Renewal
Work permit renewal must be initiated 30 days before expiry. The employer submits updated documents, pays renewal fees, and confirms the employment contract remains active. A valid CR renewal is mandatory — expired CRs block permit renewals. LMRA processes renewals within 3–7 business days.
Visa Validity and Service Conditions
Standard two-year work visa permits are most common, with renewals extending in two-year cycles. Service conditions from LMRA govern job change restrictions, terms and conditions, and obligations during the grace period. Violating conditions can result in penalties, deportation, or a re-entry ban.
How Does Employer Sponsorship Work in Bahrain?
Employer sponsorship means the Bahraini employer is legally responsible for the employee's visa, work permit, and residency permit. If an employee wishes to change jobs, the system requires either the current employer's consent or a valid objection certificate clearance.
Bahrain reformed its labor laws to give employees more flexibility — a foreign employee can transfer to a new employer after 12 months of service without the original sponsor's permission. The LMRA official website publishes detailed guidance on the objection certificate process and service conditions.
How Do Indians Apply for a Bahrain Work Visa?
India is one of the largest source countries for expatriate employee workers in Bahrain. The Bahrain work visa for Indians follows the same general process with India-specific steps: Indian passport must have 6+ months validity, Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), and emigration clearance if required under the Emigration Check Required (ECR) category.
Attestation for Indian Documents
Documents issued in India — educational certificates, employment contract, marriage certificate, birth certificate — must be attested by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), then by the Bahrain embassy in New Delhi or the Indian Embassy in Bahrain. Indian nationals must also register on the eMigrate portal before departure. The Bahrain Ministry of Foreign Affairs has current attestation procedures.
Bahrain work visa processing time for Indian applicants: 2–4 weeks with complete attested documents.
Which Nationalities Need a Bahrain Work Visa?
Gulf Cooperation Council member states citizens — Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman — enter freely using national ID (though they still need a work permit for employment). Others fall into visa-exempt, eVisa-eligible, or visa-required categories.
| Country/Region | Visa Requirement | Work Eligible? |
|---|---|---|
| GCC member states | Visa-free | Yes (LMRA permit) |
| United Kingdom | eVisa / Visa on arrival | Yes (LMRA permit) |
| United States | eVisa / Visa on arrival | Yes (LMRA permit) |
| Hong Kong, New Zealand, South Korea | eVisa eligible | Yes (LMRA permit) |
| South Africa, Sri Lanka | Visa required (pre-arranged) | Yes (LMRA permit) |
| India | Visa required + eMigrate | Yes (LMRA permit) |
| Caribbean nations | Varies by country | Yes (LMRA permit) |
Domestic workers from certain nationalities follow a separate process managed jointly by LMRA and Residence Affairs.
Where Can I Find Jobs in Bahrain?
Several established platforms advertise positions daily — connecting foreign nationals, expatriate employee professionals, and Indian nationals with companies hiring across the Kingdom of Bahrain.