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Issued through the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA). Any nationality can be sponsored by a Bahraini employer; the employer handles the application and immigration sponsorship. No minimum salary is legislated for most roles but varies by profession.
Bahrain unique permit allowing individuals to work without a specific employer sponsor. Open to all nationalities; costs approximately BHD 450 per year and allows the holder to work for multiple employers.
Long-term visa for investors, retirees, and skilled professionals. Investors must have property worth at least BHD 200,000 or a monthly income of BHD 4,000; retirees need BHD 4,000/month income. Includes family members.
Dependents of valid Bahrain work permit holders. The primary sponsor must meet a minimum salary threshold (varies by family size, typically BHD 300-500/month). Work authorization is not included.
Bahrain is one of the most expat-friendly Gulf states, with a flexible immigration system that allows job-seekers to enter without a pre-arranged employer and switch employers without needing to leave the country (unlike the traditional kafala model). The Bahrain Golden Residency Program offers long-term residency for investors and retirees. The country also participates in a unified GCC tourist visa, simplifying regional travel.
Bahrain reformed its labor market in 2009, eliminating the requirement for employer permission to change jobs, making it the most flexible labor market in the GCC. Work permits are obtained through the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and are tied to a specific employer but can be transferred more easily than in neighboring countries. The Flexi Permit allows expats to work for multiple employers or as freelancers.
Expats earning at least BHD 200/month (approximately $530 USD) can sponsor spouses and children for family residence permits. Dependents receive a CPR (Central Population Registry) card. Same-sex partners are not recognized. Sponsored dependents do not have work authorization; they must apply separately for a work permit if they wish to work.
Bahrain has no personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax for individuals, making it one of the most tax-friendly jurisdictions globally. VAT was introduced in 2019 at 5%, later raised to 10% in 2022. Corporate income tax applies only to oil companies. Bahrain has tax treaties with about 45 countries and is a major banking and financial services hub.
Bahrain has good public hospitals (Salmaniya Medical Complex) available to all residents, and private hospitals such as American Mission Hospital and Bahrain Defence Force Hospital offer international standards. Most employers provide health insurance for expat employees. The overall cost of healthcare is moderate by international standards.
Bahrain is the financial hub of the Gulf, hosting major international banks including HSBC, Standard Chartered, Citibank, and regional powerhouses like Arab Banking Corporation (ABC) and Gulf International Bank. Opening an account requires a CPR card, passport, and employer letter. English is the language of business. Bahrain has no currency controls and the dinar is pegged to the USD.
Bahrain offers the Golden Residency Visa for investors who purchase property worth at least BHD 50,000 ($133,000 USD) or have a monthly income of BHD 4,000 ($10,600 USD). The visa is valid for 10 years, renewable, and covers the spouse and children. Bahrain also welcomes business investors through its Economic Development Board, with no minimum capital requirement for most company types.
| Program | Min. Investment | Residency | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Residency Visa - Property | $133k+ | ✓ Yes | No |