How to Register a Public Shareholding Company (PSC) in Bahrain (2025 Guide)

What is a Public Shareholding Company (PSC) in Bahrain?

A Public Shareholding Company (PSC) in Bahrain is a type of joint-stock company that issues shares to the public through a public offering. The shares of a PSC can be traded publicly on the Bahrain Bourse, making it a great option for businesses that require large capital investments and wish to attract public investors.

Unlike Closed Joint-Stock Companies (CJSC), a PSC allows unlimited shareholders, and ownership is divided into tradable shares. This structure is ideal for large-scale businesses and projects in sectors like finance, telecommunications, manufacturing, and real estate.

Key Features of a Public Shareholding Company in Bahrain

Before diving into the registration process, let’s understand the key features that make a PSC unique:

• Unlimited Number of Shareholders: A PSC allows businesses to raise significant capital by attracting public investors.
• Tradable Shares: Shares can be freely bought and sold on the Bahrain Bourse.
• Limited Liability Protection: Shareholders’ liability is limited to the value of their shares.
• Capital Requirements: A minimum capital of BHD 1 million is required for registration.
• Public Offering: PSCs must issue at least 40% of their shares to the public through an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

Who Should Register a Public Shareholding Company (PSC) in Bahrain?

A Public Shareholding Company (PSC) is the right choice for:

1️⃣ Large Enterprises looking to raise substantial capital.
2️⃣ Companies Seeking Public Investment through share offerings.
3️⃣ Businesses Planning for Expansion across Bahrain and the GCC region.
4️⃣ Industries in Regulated Sectors, such as banking, insurance, and telecommunications.

Step-by-Step Process for Registering a Public Shareholding Company in Bahrain

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Setting up a Public Shareholding Company (PSC) in Bahrain involves several steps. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Step 1: Obtain Security Clearance

Before you can proceed with your company registration, you must obtain security clearance from the Ministry of Interior for all directors, shareholders, and board members.

What You’ll Need:

• Passport copies of all shareholders and directors.
• Proof of address for each individual.

Pro Tip:
We handle the security clearance process for you to ensure there are no delays.

Step 2: Register Your Business Name

The next step is to reserve a unique trade name for your Public Shareholding Company.

✅ Submit three preferred business names to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism (MOICT) for approval.
✅ Ensure that the name complies with Bahrain’s trade name regulations and does not infringe on any trademarks.

Pro Tip:
We help you choose memorable and compliant trade names to enhance your company’s branding.

Step 3: Secure an Office Address

Every business in Bahrain is required to have a registered office address. This can be:

• A physical office space
• A shared workspace
• A virtual office

The office address must meet municipal requirements and be approved by the relevant authorities.

Pro Tip:
We offer affordable office solutions, including virtual offices, to help you meet this requirement without incurring high costs.

Step 4: Draft and Notarize Legal Documents

The Memorandum of Association (MOA) and other legal documents must be drafted and notarized by the Ministry of Justice.

The MOA outlines:

• The company’s name and objectives.
• Shareholder details and their respective shares.
• The company’s management structure.

Pro Tip:
Our legal experts ensure your MOA is compliant and accurately reflects your business goals.

Step 5: Open a Corporate Bank Account

To finalize your registration, you must open a corporate bank account in Bahrain and deposit the minimum required capital of BHD 1 million.

✅ Obtain a capital deposit certificate from the bank, which will be submitted to the MOICT as part of the registration process.

Pro Tip:
We assist you in choosing the right bank and completing the account opening process quickly and efficiently.

Benefits of Registering a Public Shareholding Company in Bahrain

Benefits of Registering a Public Shareholding Company in Bahrain

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Choosing a Public Shareholding Company (PSC) in Bahrain offers several benefits:

1️⃣ Access to Public Capital: Raise substantial funds through public share offerings.
2️⃣ Enhanced Credibility: PSCs are considered more credible and trustworthy by investors.
3️⃣ Limited Liability Protection: Shareholders’ personal assets are protected.
4️⃣ Tradable Shares: Shares can be publicly traded on the Bahrain Bourse.
5️⃣ Expansion Opportunities: Ideal for large-scale projects and regional expansion.

Documents Required for PSC Registration in Bahrain

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Here’s a checklist of the documents you’ll need for PSC registration in Bahrain:

• Trade Name Approval Certificate
• Memorandum of Association (MOA)
• Passport Copies of Shareholders and Directors
• Proof of Address
• Capital Deposit Certificate
• IPO Prospectus

Why Work with SetupinBahrain for PSC Registration?

At SetupinBahrain, we make the PSC registration process seamless by providing:

✅ Personalized Consultation: We help you choose the right structure for your business goals.
✅ Legal Document Preparation: Our experts ensure your MOA, IPO prospectus, and other documents comply with Bahrain’s laws.
✅ Government Liaison: We handle all communication with MOICT, Bahrain Bourse, and other regulatory bodies.
✅ Post-Registration Support: We assist with ongoing compliance, CR renewal, and more.