Bahrain Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Who Needs a Work Permit in Bahrain?

In Bahrain, any non-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) national intending to engage in employment activities requires a work permit. This mandate applies to all foreign nationals, regardless of the industry or position. Employers are responsible for securing the necessary work permits for their international hires to ensure legal employment status within the country.

Types of Work Visas in Bahrain

Bahrain offers several types of visas catering to different employment and residency needs.

Work Visa (Employment Visa)

The Work Visa (Employment Visa) in Bahrain is the primary route for foreign nationals to live and work legally in the country. Managed by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), this visa requires employer sponsorship and is generally valid for one to two years, with the possibility of renewal. The application involves a formal job offer, a medical exam, and submission of key documents like passport copies, academic qualifications, and employment contracts.

This visa is ideal for companies seeking to employ foreign nationals across a wide range of industries, including finance, healthcare, construction, technology, and professional services. It is used when a business needs to fill local positions with global talent that may not be readily available in the Bahraini labor market.

Employers should initiate the application process and are responsible for ensuring compliance with labor regulations, including maintaining valid contracts, offering competitive compensation, and renewing visas on time.

💡Best work permit option if: You are hiring foreign nationals into full-time, long-term roles that require in-country presence. This is the most common and versatile visa option for global companies establishing operations in Bahrain or expanding their workforce with international talent.

Vocational Work Permit

The Vocational Work Permit in Bahrain is designed for laborers and workers in skilled and semi-skilled trades, often hired for roles in construction, manufacturing, or service industries. Like the standard work visa, this permit requires employer sponsorship and is processed through the LMRA.

This permit is best when used to legally employ blue-collar workers for specific vocational roles that require manual or technical labor.

💡Best work permit option if: You’re in an industry like construction or industrial services and need to bring in foreign labor for ongoing or project-based work.

Investor Visa

The Investor Visa is issued to foreign nationals who invest in a Bahraini business or establish their own company. This visa allows the holder to live and work in Bahrain as an owner/operator. It typically requires proof of capital investment, business registration, and company ownership documents.
‍

As an employer, you may use this visa structure to bring in partners, co-founders, or executives who are financially invested in the business and play an active management role.

💡Best work permit option if: You are launching or expanding a business in Bahrain and want to onboard co-investors or entrepreneurial talent who will have both an ownership stake and operational role in the company.

Golden Visa

The Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa launched by Bahrain to attract investors, highly skilled professionals, and individuals who meet certain financial criteria. Valid for 10 years and renewable, it offers greater residency stability and flexibility, including the ability to sponsor dependents and, in some cases, employ domestic workers.

To qualify, applicants must meet one of several conditions: owning property above a certain value, earning a high salary, or having notable expertise in specific sectors. While not tied to employer sponsorship, individuals can still work, start businesses, or invest locally.

Hiring individuals on a Golden Visa means avoiding the administrative burden of sponsorship for employers. It also opens doors to hiring top-tier global talent who already hold legal residence status and may be seeking regional opportunities with minimal relocation friction.

💡Best work permit option if: You're recruiting highly experienced professionals, senior executives, or investors already residing in Bahrain under this visa. It's an optimal path for accessing top talent without the regulatory obligations of visa sponsorship.

Bahrain Electronic Visa (eVisa)

The Bahrain eVisa is a short-term visa that allows eligible foreign nationals to enter Bahrain for up to 14, 30, or 90 days depending on the type (single or multiple entry). It is often used for business visits, site inspections, interviews, training programs, or temporary assignments. The eVisa can be applied for online and processed within days.

This visa does not authorize employment but is useful for companies hosting short-term international guests or candidates who need to visit Bahrain before formal work authorization is granted.

As an employer, the eVisa can streamline international business operations by enabling quick and lawful entry for consultants, executives, or job candidates.

💡Best work permit option if: You need to bring in foreign staff or business partners for a short-term, non-remunerated visit such as onboarding, project kickoff, or a business meeting. It's perfect for temporary presence without employment commitments.
‍

Requirements for a Work Permit in Bahrain

To obtain a work permit in Bahrain, employers must ensure that both they and their prospective employees meet specific criteria.

   
• Valid Passport: The employee's passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of the permit issuance.
• Employment Contract: A formal contract detailing the job role, salary, and duration of employment is essential.
• Medical Examination: The employee must undergo a medical examination at an authorized health center to confirm fitness for employment.
• Educational and Professional Qualifications: Proof of relevant qualifications and experience related to the job position is required.
• Employer's Sponsorship: The employer must be a registered entity in Bahrain and act as the official sponsor for the employee's work permit application.

Bahrain Work Permit Application Process

   
• Log in to the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) Expat Management System (EMS) and initiate a new work permit application.
• Complete the application by entering the required data, ensuring that the permit period matches the employment contract duration.
• Submit the application and pay the administrative and advertisement fees for job vacancy announcements if hiring from outside Bahrain.
• Monitor the application status through the EMS or by contacting the LMRA.
• Upon approval, pay the applicable work permit fees via the EMS or at accredited banks.
• Print the work permit from the EMS. For employees outside Bahrain, print the Residence Permit via Bahrain's National Portal once the employee arrives.

Process for Visa Sponsorship in Bahrain

In Bahrain, employers act as sponsors for their foreign employees' work permits and visas. This sponsorship involves submitting the necessary applications and ensuring compliance with Bahrain's labor laws. Employers must maintain accurate records and promptly report any changes in employment status to the relevant authorities.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Bahrain

The fees for work permits in Bahrain vary based on the permit's duration.

The above fees reflect government fees for work permits and visas in Bahrain, and is not associated with Playroll's fees for visa support services. Please contact our team for detailed information on our visa support services.

Processing Time for a Work Permit or Visa in Bahrain

The processing time for a work permit or visa in Bahrain can vary depending on the type of visa or work permit, the specific circumstances of the applicant, and the employer’s role in the process. Below are general guidelines for employers seeking to hire foreign workers in Bahrain:

1. Work Permit (Employment Visa)

Employers in Bahrain must apply for a work permit for foreign employees who will be employed in Bahrain for more than 90 days.

• Processing Time: Typically, the processing time for a work permit in Bahrain is around 5 to 10 business days. However, this can vary based on factors such as the applicant's nationality, the job position, and whether additional documentation or approvals are required.
• Approval from the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA): The work permit application process requires approval from the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), which ensures that there are no qualified local candidates available for the job. If there are no local candidates, the permit is usually approved within the above time frame.

2. Work Visa (Entry Visa)

After the work permit is approved, employees will need a work visa (entry visa) to enter Bahrain. Employers typically sponsor the employee for this visa.

• Processing Time: The processing time for a work visa generally takes around 1 to 2 weeks. This process includes obtaining the required clearances from relevant authorities such as the LMRA and the Bahrain immigration department.
• The visa process may involve submitting documents such as the employee's passport, medical certificate, and proof of employment.
  

3. Residence Permit (Work and Residency Visa)

Once the employee enters Bahrain on a work visa, the employer must also apply for a residence permit for the employee, which allows the individual to live and work in Bahrain legally. This process is usually handled by the employer.

• Processing Time: The processing time for a residence permit can take about 7 to 14 business days. The employer must submit relevant documents, including the employee's passport, work contract, and other necessary documentation, to the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports, and Residence.
• The employee will need to undergo a medical examination as part of this process, which may take additional time.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Bahrain

Work permits in Bahrain are renewable, and the renewal process is generally managed by the employer. Renewal can be initiated up to six months before the permit's expiration, depending on its initial validity period. The renewal fees are:

• Six-Month Renewal: BHD 50
• One-Year Renewal: BHD 100
• Two-Year Renewal: BHD 200

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in Bahrain

As of now, Bahrain does not offer a specific visa category for digital nomads. Individuals wishing to work remotely from Bahrain should explore available visa options and comply with local regulations. Employers should ensure that any remote work arrangements adhere to Bahrain's legal and regulatory framework.

   
• Employment Status: Applicants must be employed by a company outside of Bahrain.
• Minimum Income: A minimum monthly income of $1,500 USD is required.
• Passport Validity: Applicants should have a valid passport with at least six months remaining.
• Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance coverage is necessary.
• Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is mandatory.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

• Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
• Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
• Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.