What is the visit-to-work visa conversion fee in Bahrain?

The visit-to-work visa conversion fee in Bahrain is BHD 250. This applies when converting a visit/tourist visa to an Investor Visa or work permit without leaving the country.

Bahrain Investor Visa & Businessman Visa: Requirements, Cost, How to Apply, Benefits, Renewal & Transfer Guide 2026

Name: Bahrain Investors Center
Address: Building 534, Road 1010, Block 410, Sanabis
Telephone: +973 17383838

The Bahrain Investor Visa (also called Businessman Visa Bahrain) allows foreign entrepreneurs to live and work in Bahrain through self-sponsorship. This complete guide covers everything about Bahrain Investor Visa requirements, Investor Visa fees in Bahrain, how to apply for Investor Visa in Bahrain through LMRA, Investor Visa Bahrain benefits, Investor Visa renewal steps Bahrain, work visa to Investor Visa transfer, local transfer to Investor Visa in Bahrain, medical for Investor Visa in Bahrain, documents required to apply for Investor Visa in Bahrain, Bahrain Investor Visa processing time, Bahrain Investor Visa cost, Bahrain Investor Visa check status, and Bahrain Investors Center location. Whether you’re searching for business visa Bahrain cost, business visa for Bahrain from India, or how much is a visa for Bahrain, this guide answers all your questions.

Bahrain is one of the easiest countries in the Gulf for foreign investors. Unlike UAE or Saudi Arabia, Bahrain has no minimum investment requirement—you can qualify for an Investor Visa with as little as BHD 1 in company shares. You don’t need a local partner, you can own 100% of your business, and you can sponsor your entire family. The visa is renewable indefinitely as long as your company stays active.

I’ve helped over 2,500 entrepreneurs get their Investor Visas since 2018. Some invested millions, others started with BHD 1,000. The process is identical for everyone. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step—no confusing jargon, no hidden information, just exactly what you need to know to get your visa approved.

Quick Facts: Bahrain Investor Visa 2026

Also Known As	Businessman Visa
Minimum Investment	BHD 1 (no minimum required)
Visa Duration	1 Year or 2 Years
Processing Time	5-15 Business Days
1-Year Cost	BHD 195
2-Year Cost	BHD 390
Monthly Fee	BHD 7.5
Family Sponsorship	Yes (Spouse, Children, Parents)
Renewable	Indefinitely

What is a Bahrain Investor Visa?

A Bahrain Investor Visa is a residence permit that allows foreign entrepreneurs to live and work in Bahrain by owning a business. Also called a Businessman Visa, it lets you sponsor yourself without needing a local partner. You can get this visa with any investment amount—even BHD 1. The visa is valid for 1-2 years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as your company stays active.

The Investor Visa is different from an employee work visa. With an employee visa, your employer controls your status—they can cancel your visa anytime. With an Investor Visa, you control your own destiny. You’re the sponsor and the sponsored person at the same time.

Who is the Investor Visa For?

Entrepreneurs starting a new business in Bahrain
Investors buying shares in an existing Bahraini company
Business owners who need to manage operations from Bahrain
Professionals who want to freelance or consult independently
Families looking for a tax-efficient base in the Gulf
Remote workers who want GCC residency

Real example: Last month, I helped Raj from India set up an IT consulting company. He invested BHD 2,000, got his Investor Visa in 9 days, and brought his wife and two kids within a month. Total time from first contact to family reunion: 6 weeks.

Investor Visa vs Businessman Visa: Are They the Same?

Yes, they are identical. Investor Visa and Businessman Visa are two names for the exact same residence permit. LMRA (Labour Market Regulatory Authority) uses both terms interchangeably in their systems and documents.

When you apply through the LMRA portal, you might see “Investor” in one section and “Businessman” in another. Don’t let this confuse you—it’s the same visa with the same:

Requirements
Fees
Benefits
Application process
Validity period

So whether someone told you to get an “Investor Visa” or a “Businessman Visa,” you’re looking at the same thing.

Investor Visa vs Business Visit Visa: What’s the Difference?

These are completely different visas. Many people confuse them, so here’s a clear comparison:

Feature	Investor Visa (Businessman Visa)	Business Visit Visa
Duration	1-2 years (renewable forever)	14-90 days
Purpose	Own and run a business	Attend meetings, conferences
Requires Company?	Yes (must own shares)	No
Work Permitted?	Yes	No
Family Sponsorship?	Yes	No
Cost	BHD 195-390 per year	BHD 29-80 one-time
Renewable?	Indefinitely	Limited extensions
Residency Status?	Yes (resident)	No (visitor)
CPR Card Issued?	Yes	No
Bank Account?	Yes (corporate + personal)	No

Bottom line: Choose Investor Visa if you want to live and work in Bahrain long-term. Choose Business Visit Visa only for short trips to attend meetings.

Bahrain Investor Visa Requirements (2026)

To apply for an Investor Visa in Bahrain, you need the following:

Mandatory Requirements:

Active Commercial Registration (CR) – Your company must be registered and showing “Active” status in Sijilat portal
Valid Passport – Minimum 6 months validity remaining from application date
CR Extract – Official document from Sijilat showing your company details and shareholding percentage
Medical Fitness Certificate – From GAMCA center (if outside Bahrain) or any licensed hospital in Bahrain
Office Electricity Bill (EWA) – Recent bill proving your business address is operational
Passport-size Photograph – Recent photo with white background
Security Clearance – Obtained automatically during company registration

What You DON’T Need:

❌ Minimum capital requirement (BHD 1 is enough)
❌ Local Bahraini partner or sponsor
❌ Specific educational qualifications
❌ Age restrictions (no minimum or maximum)
❌ Language requirements
❌ Previous business experience proof

Document Specifications for LMRA Upload:

File Size	Under 200KB each (CRITICAL)
Format	GIF or JPG only (no PDF)
Quality	Clear and readable

💡 Pro Tip: Many applications get rejected because files are too large. The LMRA system silently rejects files over 200KB without any error message. Use tinypng.com to compress your images before uploading.

Bahrain Investor Visa Cost & Fees (2026)

A Bahrain Investor Visa costs BHD 195 for 1 year or BHD 390 for 2 years. This includes the Work Permit Fee and Basic Health Care Fee. You also pay a monthly LMRA fee of BHD 7.5 per worker. These fees were updated on January 1, 2026, as part of LMRA’s four-year market rebalancing plan (2026-2029).

LMRA Work Permit & Health Care Fees (2026)

Permit Duration	Work Permit Fee	Health Care Fee	Total Fee (2026)
6 Months	BHD 52.5	BHD 45	BHD 97.5
1 Year (12 Months)	BHD 105	BHD 90	BHD 195
2 Years (24 Months)	BHD 210	BHD 180	BHD 390

Plus BHD 5 administrative fee per application.

Monthly LMRA Fees (2026)

How much is the monthly LMRA fee in Bahrain? Employers pay BHD 7.5 per month for workers 1-5, and BHD 12.5 per month for the 6th worker onwards. These fees will gradually increase to BHD 30 per worker by 2029.

Worker Number	Monthly Fee (2026)	Projected Fee (2029)
1st to 5th Worker	BHD 7.5 per worker	BHD 30 per worker
6th Worker & Onwards	BHD 12.5 per worker	BHD 30 per worker

Total First-Year Cost for Investor Visa (2026)

What is the total cost for Bahrain Investor Visa? For a single investor with no employees, the total first-year cost is approximately BHD 310.

1-Year Work Permit + Health Care	BHD 195
Administrative Fee	BHD 5
Monthly LMRA Fees (12 × BHD 7.5)	BHD 90
Medical Examination	~BHD 20
Total First Year	~BHD 310

Total Two-Year Cost for Investor Visa (2026)

2-Year Work Permit + Health Care	BHD 390
Administrative Fee	BHD 5
Monthly LMRA Fees (24 × BHD 7.5)	BHD 180
Medical Examination	~BHD 20
Total Two Years	~BHD 595

Additional LMRA Fees (2026)

What are the other visa fees in Bahrain? Here are the additional fees you may need to pay:

Service	Fee (2026)
Visit-to-Work Visa Conversion	BHD 250
Work Visa to Investor Transfer	BHD 250
Dependent/Family Visa (per person)	BHD 90
Non-Bahrainization Optional Fee (2 years)	BHD 500

📌 2026 Fee Update: On January 1, 2026, LMRA implemented new tiered fees as part of a four-year market rebalancing plan. Monthly fees will gradually increase from BHD 7.5-12.5 (2026) to BHD 30 per worker (2029). Plan your budgets accordingly.

💡 Pro Tip: The 2-year visa saves money long-term. You pay BHD 390 once instead of BHD 195 twice, saving BHD 5 in admin fees. Plus, you avoid renewal hassle for an extra year.

How Much is a Visa for Bahrain? (Quick Answer)

Bahrain Investor Visa costs BHD 195 for 1 year or BHD 390 for 2 years, plus BHD 7.5 monthly fee and BHD 5 admin fee. Total first-year cost: approximately BHD 310.

Bahrain Visa Fees Comparison (2026)

Visa Type	Duration	Cost
Investor/Businessman Visa	1 Year	BHD 195
Investor/Businessman Visa	2 Years	BHD 390
Business Visit Visa	14 days	BHD 29
Business Visit Visa	30 days	BHD 80
Dependent/Family Visa	1 Year	BHD 90
Tourist eVisa	14 days	BHD 29

Note: Domestic worker visas are not subject to the new 2026 tiered fee structure—they remain under the previous fixed-fee system.

How to Apply for Investor Visa in Bahrain (Step-by-Step)

Here’s the complete process in 7 clear steps:

Step 1: Register Your Company

Before anything else, you need a Bahraini company. Your options:

Form a new WLL (With Limited Liability) company
Buy shares in an existing company
Register a branch of your foreign company

Process:

Choose 3 company names (in order of preference)
Submit application through Sijilat portal (sijilat.bh)
Pay registration fees (BHD 100-200)
Wait for approval (3-5 days)

Timeline: 7-15 days for complete company registration

💡 Pro Tip: Your CR must show “Active” status before you can apply for Investor Visa. “Pending” or “CR Without License” won’t work—you’ll get rejected.

Step 2: Get Security Clearance

This happens automatically during company registration. The Ministry of Interior runs a background check on all shareholders. Usually takes 3-7 days. You don’t need to do anything extra.

Step 3: Activate Your CR

Your Commercial Registration must be “Active” before applying.

How to check:

Login to Sijilat (sijilat.bh)
Go to your company dashboard
Check status—should say “Active”

If it shows “CR Without License,” complete the “Obtain License” workflow first.

Step 4: Complete Medical Examination

You need a medical fitness certificate. Three options:

Option A: Inside Bahrain

Visit any licensed health center
Cost: BHD 15-25
Results sync automatically to Sehati system
Ready: Same day or next day

Option B: GAMCA Center (Outside Bahrain)

Book at gamca.gov.bh
Cost: $50-150 (varies by country)
Results uploaded to Wafid system
Ready: 2-5 days

Option C: No GAMCA in Your Country

Visit any licensed hospital
Download official LMRA Medical Form
Doctor completes, signs, and stamps the form
Upload with your visa application

Step 5: Register as Employer in LMRA

This is the “hidden step” many people miss.

Go to lmra.gov.bh
Login with your eKey credentials
Navigate to “Expat Management System (EMS)”
Activate your “Employer Status”

This step “binds” your company to the national labor database. Without it, the system won’t recognize your company as a valid sponsor.

Step 6: Submit Visa Application

Login to LMRA EMS portal
Select “New Work Permit”
Choose “Investor” category
Enter passport details (must match CR exactly)
Select duration: 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years
Upload documents (all under 200KB, GIF/JPG format):
- Passport copy
- CR Certificate
- CR Extract
- Medical certificate
- EWA bill
- Passport photo
Submit application

💡 Pro Tip: Passport name must match CR name exactly—character by character. “Mohammed” vs “Muhammad” or “Ahmed” vs “Ahmad” will cause rejection.

Step 7: Pay Fees & Receive Visa

After approval:

Pay online through LMRA portal (debit/credit card or BenefitPay)
Digital residency appears in Bahrain eGovernment App within 24-48 hours
Book appointment at NPRA for biometrics (fingerprinting)
Receive your CPR card (Smart Card) within 7 days

Bahrain Investor Visa Processing Time

The Bahrain Investor Visa takes 5-15 business days to process after submitting complete documents.

Processing Timeline Breakdown:

Stage	Authority	What Happens	Timeline
Stage 1	LMRA	Document verification	1-3 days
Stage 2	CIO	ID generation & CPR mapping	2-5 days
Stage 3	NPRA	Security approval	2-7 days
Total		Complete approval	5-15 days

What Speeds Up Processing:

✅ Complete documents (nothing missing)
✅ All files under 200KB
✅ Passport name matches CR exactly
✅ Medical already synced to system
✅ Submitting Sunday-Tuesday (avoids weekend delays)

What Slows Down Processing:

❌ Documents over 200KB (system rejects silently)
❌ Name mismatch between passport and CR
❌ Medical certificate not uploaded properly
❌ Submitting Thursday afternoon (weekend delays)
❌ Missing EWA bill

Documents Required for Bahrain Investor Visa

Here’s your complete checklist:

Document	Specification	Where to Get It
Passport Copy	Valid 6+ months, clear scan	Your passport
CR Certificate	Shows “Active” status	Sijilat portal
CR Extract	Shows company details & shares	Sijilat portal
Medical Certificate	GAMCA or local hospital	Medical center
EWA Bill	Recent office electricity bill	Your office landlord
Passport Photo	White background, recent	Photo studio

Critical: All files must be under 200KB and in GIF or JPG format. No PDFs accepted.

Bahrain Investor Visa Benefits

Here’s what you get with an Investor Visa:

Personal Benefits:

100% Self-Sponsorship – You sponsor yourself through your company. No dependency on any employer or partner.
Family Sponsorship – Bring your spouse, children (sons under 24, daughters any age), and parents (special approval needed).
Unlimited Entry/Exit – Travel freely without exit permits. Come and go as you please.
GCC Access – Easier travel to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman. Get Saudi eVisa automatically.
No Age Limit – Apply at any age. No restrictions whether you’re 25 or 65.
Renewable Forever – Keep renewing as long as your business stays active.

Business Benefits:

100% Foreign Ownership – Own your entire company. No local partner required in most activities.
No Minimum Investment – Qualify with any shareholding amount, even BHD 1.
Bank Account Access – Open corporate and personal bank accounts easily.
Hire Employees – Sponsor work visas for your staff.
0% Personal Income Tax – Bahrain has no personal income tax. Keep 100% of your earnings.
0% Corporate Tax (Most Sectors) – Most business activities have no corporate tax.

Future Benefits:

Path to Golden Visa – Eligible for 10-year Golden Residency upgrade after meeting criteria.
Family Stability – Your family can live, study, and work in Bahrain.
Regional Hub – Use Bahrain as your base to serve the entire GCC market.

Medical for Investor Visa in Bahrain

You must be medically fit to get an Investor Visa. Here are your options:

Option 1: Medical Inside Bahrain

Best for: People already in Bahrain on visit visa

Visit any licensed health center in Bahrain
Tell them you need “LMRA medical for Investor Visa”
Cost: BHD 15-25
Results sync automatically to Sehati system
Ready: Same day or next day

Option 2: GAMCA Center (Outside Bahrain)

Best for: Applying from countries with GAMCA centers

Book appointment at gamca.gov.bh
Visit the GAMCA-approved medical center
Cost: $50-150 (varies by country)
Results uploaded to Wafid system automatically
Ready: 2-5 days

Option 3: No GAMCA Center in Your Country

Best for: Countries without GAMCA centers (Europe, Americas, many others)

Download official LMRA Medical Form from lmra.gov.bh
Visit any licensed hospital
Doctor completes all tests and fills the form
Doctor signs and stamps the form
Upload with your visa application

Medical Tests Required:

Blood Test	HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis
Chest X-Ray	Tuberculosis screening
Physical Exam	General health assessment

💡 Pro Tip: GAMCA medical certificates expire in 3 months. Don’t do your medical too early—get it done within 3 months of your visa application.

How to Check Bahrain Investor Visa Status

After submitting, you’ll want to track your application. Here’s how:

Method 1: LMRA EMS Portal

Go to lmra.gov.bh
Click on “Expat Management System (EMS)”
Login with your eKey credentials
Select “Application Status” from the menu
Enter your application number
View your current status

Method 2: Call LMRA

Phone: +973 17506055
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Have your application number ready

Method 3: Bahrain eGovernment App

Once approved, your visa appears in the app:

Download “Bahrain eGovernment” app (iOS/Android)
Login with your eKey
Check “Residency” section

Status Meanings:

Status	What It Means	What to Do
Under Processing	Application being reviewed	Wait (normal)
Pending at LMRA	LMRA reviewing documents	Wait 1-3 days
Pending at CIO	ID being generated	Wait 2-5 days
Pending at NPRA	Final security check	Wait 2-7 days
Pending Payment	Approved! Waiting for payment	Pay immediately
Approved	Visa issued	Check eGovernment app
Returned	Documents need correction	Fix and resubmit

Investor Visa Renewal Steps Bahrain

Renewal is simpler than the first application. Here’s the process:

When to Start Renewal:

Ideal: 30 days before expiry
Latest: 7 days before expiry
After expiry: Possible but may incur late fees

Renewal Process (5 Steps):

Ensure your CR is still active – Login to Sijilat, check status shows “Active”
Update medical if expired – GAMCA certificates valid only 3 months
Login to LMRA EMS – Go to lmra.gov.bh, use your eKey
Select “Renew Permit” – Choose duration: 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years
Pay renewal fee – Online payment, processed within 3-7 days

Renewal Fees:

6 Months	BHD 97.5
1 Year	BHD 195
2 Years	BHD 390

Can I Renew from Outside Bahrain?

Yes! You can renew your Investor Visa even while outside Bahrain, as long as your CR is active and you have a valid medical. Just login to LMRA EMS from anywhere in the world.

💡 Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder 45 days before expiry. This gives you buffer time to handle any unexpected issues.

Work Visa to Investor Visa Bahrain

Already working in Bahrain and want to become an investor? Here’s how to transfer:

Transfer Process (6 Steps):

Register or Join a Company – Form a new WLL company or buy shares in an existing company
Get Your CR Active – Complete company registration, wait for “Active” status
Request Release from Current Employer – Get NOC (No Objection Certificate) from your employer
Cancel Current Work Permit – Your employer cancels through LMRA
Apply for Investor Visa – Submit through LMRA EMS under your new company
Complete Biometrics – Visit NPRA for fingerprinting, receive new CPR card

Transfer Fees:

Transfer/Conversion Fee	BHD 250
Investor Visa Fee (1 year)	BHD 195
Admin Fee	BHD 5
Total	BHD 450

Timeline: 15-30 days total

⚠️ Important: Don’t let your current visa expire during the transfer process. Start while your work visa is still valid.

Local Transfer to Investor Visa in Bahrain

“Local transfer” means changing your visa type while staying in Bahrain—no need to exit the country.

From Visit Visa to Investor Visa:

Can you do it? Yes!

Enter Bahrain on visit/tourist visa
Register your company while on visit visa
Wait for CR to become “Active”
Apply for Investor Visa through LMRA
Pay conversion fee (BHD 250)
Receive Investor Visa without leaving Bahrain

Timeline: 15-25 days total

From Work Visa to Investor Visa:

Can you do it? Yes!

Get NOC from current employer
Register/join a company as shareholder
Employer cancels your work permit
Apply for Investor Visa under your company
Pay transfer fee (BHD 250)

Timeline: 10-20 days

Important: You have 30 days after work permit cancellation to get your new visa.

From Dependent Visa to Investor Visa:

Can you do it? Yes!

Own or buy shares in a company
Apply for Investor Visa
Transfer from dependent status to investor status
Your previous sponsor (spouse/parent) will no longer sponsor you

Timeline: 10-15 days

Business Visa for Bahrain from India

Indian citizens are among the largest investor groups in Bahrain. Here’s everything you need to know:

Why Bahrain is Popular with Indian Investors:

100% foreign ownership allowed for Indians
No minimum investment required
Strong Indian business community already established
Direct flights from major Indian cities
English widely spoken in business
Familiar business culture

GAMCA Medical Centers in India:

Available in: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Lucknow, Kochi, Trivandrum, Ahmedabad

How to book: Visit gamca.gov.bh and select India
Cost: ₹3,000-5,000 approximately
Results: 2-5 business days

Process for Indians (Step-by-Step):

Get GAMCA medical done in India – Book through gamca.gov.bh, visit approved center
Register company in Bahrain – Can be done remotely with our help, takes 7-15 days
Apply for Investor Visa through LMRA – Online submission, upload all documents
Receive visa approval – 10-15 days typically
Travel to Bahrain – Complete biometrics at NPRA, receive CPR card

Special Notes for Indian Applicants:

✅ PAN card: Helpful but not mandatory
✅ Aadhaar: Helpful but not mandatory
✅ Bank statements: Indian bank statements accepted
✅ 100% ownership: Yes, Indians can own 100% of their Bahrain company
✅ No attestation: Embassy attestation not required for most documents

Timeline for Indians:

GAMCA Medical	2-5 days
Company Registration	7-15 days
Visa Processing	10-15 days
Total	3-5 weeks

Bahrain Investors Center Location

If you need in-person help with business registration, the Bahrain Investors Center is your one-stop shop:

Address:

Bahrain Investors Center
Building 534, Road 1010, Block 410
Sanabis, Kingdom of Bahrain

Contact:

Phone: +973 17383838
Email: info@bahraininvestors.com
Website: bahraininvestors.com

Working Hours:

Sunday – Thursday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Friday & Saturday: Closed

Services Available:

Company registration
Commercial license issuance
CR amendments
Name reservation
Business activity approvals
Investor support and guidance

💡 Pro Tip: Most services are now available online through Sijilat (sijilat.bh). Visit in person only if you need help with complex cases or prefer face-to-face assistance. Arrive early (before 9 AM) to avoid queues.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After helping 2,500+ clients, here are the mistakes I see most often:

Mistake 1: Uploading Large Files

The problem: LMRA system silently rejects files over 200KB. Your application looks submitted but goes nowhere.

The fix: Compress every file to under 200KB using tinypng.com before uploading.

Mistake 2: Name Mismatch

The problem: Your passport says “Mohammed Ahmed” but your CR says “Muhammad Ahmad.” The system sees these as different people.

The fix: Ensure passport name matches CR exactly, character by character. If there’s a mismatch, amend your CR before applying.

Mistake 3: Applying Before CR is Active

The problem: You submit your visa application while CR status is “Pending” or “CR Without License.” Application gets stuck.

The fix: Wait until Sijilat shows “Active” status. Complete the “Obtain License” step first.

Mistake 4: Expired Medical Certificate

The problem: You got your GAMCA medical 4 months ago. It’s only valid for 3 months.

The fix: Get your medical done within 3 months of applying. If it’s expired, get a new one.

Mistake 5: Wrong File Format

The problem: You upload PDF documents. The system only accepts GIF and JPG.

The fix: Convert all PDFs to JPG before uploading. Use any free online converter.

Mistake 6: Starting Renewal Too Late

The problem: You remember to renew your visa 2 days before it expires. Now you’re rushing and might face penalties.

The fix: Set a calendar reminder 45 days before expiry. Start the renewal process 30 days early.

Mistake 7: Not Activating Employer Status

The problem: You apply for Investor Visa but never registered as an employer in LMRA EMS. Application gets rejected.

The fix: Before applying for the visa, login to LMRA EMS and activate your “Employer Status.”

Mistake 8: Submitting on Thursday Afternoon

The problem: You submit Thursday at 3 PM. Friday and Saturday are holidays. Your application sits untouched until Sunday.

The fix: Submit Sunday through Wednesday morning for fastest processing.

Frequently Asked Questions: Bahrain Investor Visa

1. What is the difference between Investor Visa and Businessman Visa in Bahrain?

There is no difference. Investor Visa and Businessman Visa are two names for the same residence permit. LMRA uses both terms interchangeably. You’ll get the same visa with the same benefits, regardless of which term you use.

2. What are the requirements for Bahrain Investor Visa?

You need: an active Commercial Registration (CR), valid passport (6+ months), CR extract, medical certificate, office electricity bill (EWA), and passport photo. There’s no minimum investment—even BHD 1 shareholding qualifies.

3. How much does Bahrain Investor Visa cost?

The Investor Visa costs BHD 195 for 1 year or BHD 390 for 2 years. Additionally, you’ll pay a monthly fee of BHD 7.5. So the total annual cost is approximately BHD 285 (BHD 195 + 12 months × BHD 7.5).

4. How long does Investor Visa processing take?

Processing takes 5-15 business days with complete documents. The application goes through LMRA (1-3 days), CIO (2-5 days), and NPRA (2-7 days). Incomplete documents can extend this to 3-4 weeks.

5. Can I apply for Investor Visa with BHD 1 investment?

Yes. Bahrain has no minimum investment requirement for the Investor Visa. You can qualify with any shareholding amount, even BHD 1. This makes Bahrain one of the most accessible countries for foreign entrepreneurs.

6. How do I check my Investor Visa status?

Login to the LMRA Expat Management System (EMS) at lmra.gov.bh using your eKey. Go to “Application Status” and enter your application number. You can also call LMRA at +973 17506055.

7. Can I sponsor my family on Investor Visa?

Yes. With an Investor Visa, you can sponsor your spouse, children (sons under 24, daughters any age), and parents (special approval needed). Each dependent visa costs BHD 90 per year.

8. What is the medical requirement for Investor Visa?

You need a medical fitness certificate. Options: (1) GAMCA center in your country, (2) any licensed hospital in Bahrain, or (3) any hospital using the official LMRA medical form if no GAMCA center exists in your country.

9. How do I renew my Investor Visa?

Login to LMRA EMS, select “Renew Permit,” choose duration (6 months/1 year/2 years), upload updated documents, and pay the fee. You can renew even while outside Bahrain. Start the process 30 days before expiry.

10. Can I transfer from Work Visa to Investor Visa?

Yes. Get an NOC from your current employer, register or join a company, cancel your work permit, then apply for Investor Visa. The transfer fee is BHD 250 in addition to regular visa fees. Timeline: 10-20 days.

11. Where is the Bahrain Investors Center located?

Bahrain Investors Center is at Building 534, Road 1010, Block 410, Sanabis, Bahrain. Open Sunday-Thursday, 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Phone: +973 17383838. Most services are also available online at sijilat.bh.

12. Can Indians get 100% ownership in Bahrain?

Yes. Indian citizens can own 100% of a Bahraini company in most business activities. No local partner or sponsor required. This applies to all foreign nationalities, not just Indians.

13. Is there an age limit for Investor Visa?

No. The Bahrain Investor Visa has no age limit. Whether you’re 25 or 65, you can apply as long as you own shares in an active Bahraini company and pass the standard medical examination.

14. What documents are required for Investor Visa?

Required documents: passport copy (6+ months validity), CR certificate, CR extract, medical certificate, office EWA bill, and passport photo. All files must be under 200KB in GIF or JPG format for LMRA upload.

15. Can I get Investor Visa without visiting Bahrain?

Partially. You can register your company remotely and apply for the visa online. However, you’ll need to visit Bahrain once to complete biometrics (fingerprinting) and receive your CPR card.

A Note from Our Founder

“I’ve been helping entrepreneurs get their Investor Visas since 2018. What I’ve learned is that the process isn’t complicated—but small mistakes can cost you weeks of delays.

A file that’s too large. A name that doesn’t match exactly. An expired medical certificate. These tiny issues cause 90% of the problems I see.

That’s why we check every document twice before submission. We’ve developed a checklist based on 2,500+ applications. We know what causes delays and how to avoid them.

If you’re reading this guide and feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry. You can do this yourself—everything you need is here. But if you’d rather have someone handle it for you, we’re just a WhatsApp message away.

Either way, I wish you success in your Bahrain business journey.”

– Waqas Akram, ACMA, CPA, CAML
Founder, Setup in Bahrain
13+ Years Experience | 2,500+ Successful Applications

Ready to Get Your Investor Visa?

You have two options:

Option 1: Do It Yourself

Everything you need is in this guide. Follow the steps, prepare your documents, and submit through LMRA. It’s totally possible to do it yourself.

Best for: People who have time, are comfortable with online systems, and want to save money.

Option 2: Let Us Handle It

We’ll take care of everything—from company registration to visa approval. You just provide the documents and we do the rest.

What we handle:

Company registration and CR activation
Document preparation and optimization
LMRA submission and follow-up
Status tracking and updates
Problem resolution if issues arise

Timeline: 15-20 business days (company + visa)

Best for: People who value their time, want guaranteed results, and prefer expert handling.

Contact Us

WhatsApp: +973 3373 3381

Email: info@setupinbahrain.com

Office: Floor 15, EBC Tower, Diplomatic Area, Bahrain

Hours: Saturday-Thursday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

We reply to every WhatsApp within 2 hours during business hours.

This guide was written and reviewed by Waqas Akram (ACMA, CPA, CAML), Founder of Setup in Bahrain. Last updated: January 2026.

Setup in Bahrain is an authorized service provider by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Tourism (MOICT) of Bahrain.

Learn All About Our Attorneys

Meet The Partners

01

Extensive Knowledge

We know the ins and outs of visa applications in Bahrain. We’ve got the playbook.

02

Expert Guidance

Our team of experts will be with you every step of the way. We’ll make sure you have all the right documents and meet all the requirements.

03

Less Hassle

From preparing and submitting your application to talking to the authorities, we handle it all.