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Key Takeaways
Bahrain’s LMRA Work Visa is the standard employer-sponsored route for hiring foreign workers in the country.
The visa is tied to a specific employer and role, with sponsorship handled entirely through the LMRA system.
Employers must meet Bahrainisation requirements and obtain work authorisation before the employee enters Bahrain.
Government fees, renewals, and labour levies are a key part of the cost structure for employers.
Ongoing compliance—renewals, reporting changes, and proper cancellations—is essential to avoid fines or sponsorship restrictions.
What is the Bahrain Work Visa (LMRA), and Who is it For?
The Bahrain Work Visa, issued through the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), is the standard route for employing foreign nationals in Bahrain. It allows non-Bahraini workers to legally live and work in the country under the sponsorship of a Bahraini employer. The visa is directly tied to a specific employer, job role, and employment contract, making it a tightly regulated but predictable system.
For employers, the LMRA Work Visa is the foundation of compliant hiring in Bahrain. It’s used across sectors such as construction, engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, IT, and professional services. Because the process is employer-led, companies must be registered with the LMRA, meet Bahrainisation requirements, and handle sponsorship from start to finish. When managed correctly, the LMRA system enables employers to access international talent while staying aligned with Bahrain’s labour and immigration rules.
Basic Eligibility Requirements for the Bahrain Work Visa (LMRA)
The LMRA Work Visa applies to foreign nationals employed by a Bahrain-registered company. The visa is based on an approved employment contract and requires the employer to obtain work authorisation before the employee enters Bahrain. Because Bahrain closely monitors its labour market, employers must also comply with Bahrainisation quotas and sector-specific rules.
Employee Requirements
- A confirmed job offer from a Bahrain-based employer
- Qualifications or experience relevant to the role
- Agreement to work only for the sponsoring employer
- A valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
- Ability to meet medical and security clearance requirements
Required Documents for Employees
- Valid passport
- Passport-style photos
- CV and proof of qualifications or experience
- Signed employment contract
- Medical examination results from an approved clinic
- Police clearance (if required for the role or nationality)
Required Documents for Employers
- Company registration and commercial registration (CR) documents
- LMRA registration and employer account
- Employment contract compliant with Bahraini labour law
- Proof of compliance with Bahrainisation requirements
- Job description and role classification
Step-by-Step Process for Sponsoring a Work Visa in Bahrain
- The employer confirms the role, salary, and eligibility under Bahrainisation rules.
- The employer submits a work authorisation application through the LMRA portal.
- Once approved, the employee applies for entry clearance (if outside Bahrain).
- The employee enters Bahrain and completes medical testing and biometrics.
- The employer finalises residency permit issuance through the LMRA.
- The employee can legally begin work once all approvals are complete.
Costs & Fees Employers Are Responsible For to Sponsor a Bahrain Work Visa
Bahrain’s LMRA system includes government fees that vary based on visa duration, employee category, and sector. Employers should budget for both visa-related fees and ongoing labour compliance costs.
Government Fees & Who Pays What
- LMRA work authorisation fee: Paid by the employer.
- Visa issuance and residency fees: Often employer-paid as part of onboarding.
- Medical and biometric fees: Usually paid by the employer or reimbursed.
Employer Costs vs. Employee Costs
Costs Born By the Employer
- LMRA application and renewal fees
- Bahrainisation levies (where applicable)
- HR and administrative resources
- Legal or immigration advisory fees (if used)
Costs Born by the Employee
- Personal document preparation (if not reimbursed)
Costs Covered by Both
- Medical tests and onboarding formalities
Renewal/Extension Fee
Work visas and residence permits are typically issued for one to two years and must be renewed through the LMRA before expiry. Late renewals can trigger fines or work interruptions.
Employer Responsibilities to Ensure Compliance
Bahrain enforces labour and immigration rules strictly, placing ongoing responsibility on sponsoring employers:
- Ensure the employee works only for the sponsoring company.
- Maintain compliant salary, working hours, and contract terms.
- Track visa and residence permit expiry dates and renew on time.
- Report termination, role changes, or sponsorship transfers through the LMRA.
- Maintain accurate employment and immigration records.
- Understand non-compliance risks, including fines, blacklisting, or suspension of sponsorship privileges.
Hire Global Talent Your Way with Playroll
Borders shouldn’t limit your hiring plans. Playroll gives you two flexible ways to hire globally. If relocation to Bahrain is required, our visa sponsorship services support you through the LMRA Work Visa process – from authorisation to compliance.
If relocation isn’t necessary, Playroll’s Employer of Record solution lets you hire talent in their home country. We handle employment, payroll, taxes, benefits, and compliance so you can onboard quickly without setting up a local entity. Wherever your next hire is based, we make global employment simple.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Milani Notshe
Milani is a seasoned research and content specialist at Playroll, a leading Employer Of Record (EOR) provider. Backed by a strong background in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, she specializes in identifying emerging compliance and global HR trends to keep employers up to date on the global employment landscape.
Bahrain Work Visa (LMRA) FAQs
Can employers sponsor workers on the Bahrain Work Visa (LMRA)?
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Yes. Employers registered in Bahrain can sponsor foreign workers through the LMRA by obtaining work authorisation and issuing a compliant employment contract. The employer acts as sponsor throughout the employee’s stay.
What compliance checks or reporting are required from employers?
Employers must ensure the employee works only for the sponsoring entity, maintain compliant employment terms, track visa expiry dates, and report termination or role changes through the LMRA system.
What happens if the visa is denied or delayed?
If a Bahrain Work Visa application is delayed, the employee’s start date may need to be postponed. If it’s denied, the individual cannot legally work in Bahrain under that sponsorship, and employers may need to reassess the hiring plan.
Can I hire the worker as a contractor instead of an employee?
Usually no. If the individual is working in Bahrain under your direction, an LMRA-sponsored Work Visa and compliant employment relationship are generally required. Misclassification can result in fines and sponsorship penalties. For more details, see our Misclassification Guide.
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