Spouse Visa In Bahrain: All You Need To Know

Spouse Visa In Bahrain

Embarking on a life in Bahrain with your better half and need visa help? The spouse visa is your golden ticket to a new chapter in this island kingdom. Don’t worry! We’ve got your back!

From the bustling souks of Manama to serene Arabian Gulf shores, Bahrain offers a blend of modernity and tradition. Our guide helps you navigate the spouse visa process, ensuring a smooth transition into your shared Bahraini adventure.

Let’s dive in!

The Bahrain Family Visa: What Is It?

Foreign nationals can bring their immediate family members to Bahrain for family reunions using the Bahrain Family Visa, also known as the Dependant Residency Permit

This visa is generally granted to foreign nationals living or working in Bahrain and wanting to bring their spouse, kids, and, occasionally, other dependent family members.

A Bahrain Family Visa Is Available To Whom?

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If you are a close relative of someone who works or lives in Bahrain, you may be eligible for a family visa. 

You cannot, however, apply for this visa on your own. For their employer to apply on your behalf, the Bahraini member of your immediate family must ask. This makes the family visa a sponsored visa.

Eligibility Criteria For A Spouse Visa In Bahrain

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 To apply for a spouse visa in Bahrain, several eligibility criteria must be met:

  • Sponsorship And Residency: The sponsor residing in Bahrain must hold a valid residency permit or Bahraini citizenship. They must also be capable of sponsoring their spouse.
  • Financial Stability: The sponsor should demonstrate a stable and sufficient income to support their spouse financially during their stay in Bahrain.
  • Marriage Certificate: A valid marriage certificate issued by the relevant authorities and duly attested is mandatory for the visa application process.
  • Medical Examination: The sponsor and the spouse intending to move to Bahrain may be required to undergo a medical examination to ensure they are free from contagious diseases.
  • No Criminal Record: Both parties must provide a certificate confirming they have no criminal record, ensuring compliance with Bahraini laws.

Application Process

Application Process for a Spouse Visa The application process for a spouse visa in Bahrain typically involves the following steps:

  1. Documentation: The sponsor must compile and submit all necessary documents to the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports, and Residence (NPRA). These documents include the visa application form, valid marriage certificate, passport copies, proof of financial stability, and certificates verifying good health and lack of criminal record.
  2. Visa Application Form: Completing the visa application form accurately is crucial. The form will require personal details, marriage information, and comprehensive information about the sponsor’s status and residency in Bahrain.
  3. Medical Examination: As part of the visa application process, both the sponsor and the spouse might have to undergo a medical examination at authorized health centers in Bahrain. This step ensures public health safety within the country.
  4. Approval and Issuance: Upon successful verification of documents and clearance from the relevant authorities, the spouse visa is granted, permitting entry and residency in Bahrain.

Duration And Renewal Of Spouse Visa 

The initial spouse visa granted in Bahrain is typically valid for one year. However, the validity duration may vary depending on specific circumstances and the discretion of immigration authorities.

Upon the visa’s expiration, individuals can apply for a renewal by submitting updated documents and fulfilling requirements to the NPRA

The renewal process generally follows procedures similar to those used for the initial application.

Rights And Responsibilities Of Spouses On A Visa In Bahrain 

Spouses holding a visa in Bahrain are entitled to certain rights and are responsible for adhering to specific obligations:

  • Residency Rights: Spouses holding a valid visa have the right to reside in Bahrain throughout the visa validity period legally.
  • Employment Opportunities: Subject to obtaining the necessary work permits from the labor market regulatory authority, spouses may seek employment in Bahrain.
  • Access To Services: Spouses have access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and other public amenities available to residents in Bahrain.

It is imperative for spouses residing in Bahrain to adhere strictly to the country’s laws and regulations. Any violations may result in legal consequences or visa cancellation.

DocumentType Of Document
Dependent’s PassportCopy. Every employment or dependent application must include the first page of the passport with the applicant’s first name, father’s or family name, and all other information that has been updated or changed. Along with the paper with the previous passport number, there are other pages stating the father’s or spouse’s name (for nationalities such as Indian and Pakistani).
The passport must be valid for at least six months, but it’s best to apply with at least two years left.
Birth Certificate Of The DependantCopy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain (MOFA) and the Embassy of the employee’s country in Bahrain shall verify the certificate.
Passport Of The Expatriate Employee’s Wife/HusbandCopy
The Dependant’s Identity Card, If AvailableCopy
Marriage CertificateCopy
For children accompanying their working mother/ Father: No objection letter from the dependant’s father/mother.Copy. The letter or certificate should be attested to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Bahraini Embassy in the native country of the expatriate employee.
If the parents are divorced, then a divorce certificate and a verdict proving custody of the dependant are required.Copy. The letter or certificate should be attested to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Bahraini Embassy in the native country of the expatriate employee.
Death certificate if one of the spouses’ is deadCopy. The letter or certificate should be attested to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Bahraini Embassy in the native country of the expatriate employee.
For the private sector: Latest paid electricity bill
If the electricity is not your responsibility (for example, shops in Malls or electricity paid by the landlord), you will need to attach the lease contract as proof.
Copy. 3 months should not have elapsed from the electricity bill’s issue date.
The supply address in the bill must match the CR’s address.
There should not be a disconnection notice.

Specific Conditions

  • The applicant needs to be listed in the system on the relevant CR or Unit as an authorized or responsible LMRA user.
  • According to their Social Insurance Organization (SIO) registration, the expatriate employee’s net monthly salary must be BHD 400 or more.
  • The permission must still be valid if the employee’s family members are already in the Kingdom on a visit or under another kind of authorization.
  • Depending on the terms and regulations of the department, if the employee’s dependents are over 24,  obtaining and renewing the residence permit is done directly through Nationality Passports and Residency Affairs (NPRA).
  • When applying for a residency permit, dependents who have previously had a personal number should include that number in the personal number form.
  • Those born in Bahrain or who received a new passport should open a new file at Nationality Passports and Residency Affairs (NPRA) and update their information.

Description Of The Process

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  1. To apply for a new residency permit for the employees’ dependents, use the link to connect to the LMRA EMS System.
  2. Select the New Expatriate Permit option after selecting the New Work Permit folder. Select the type of work visa and fill out the relevant forms with the necessary information.
  3. An application ID will be provided to you after applying.
  4. The application confirmation should be printed.
  5. You can check the application status by:
    • Logging on to the EMS system.
    • Call LMRA’s Contact Centre at +973 17506055.
  6. After receiving the approval on the new work permit, pay the fees through the EMS system or visit one of the accredited banks.
  7. Print the work permit from the EMS system.
  8. If the expatriate employee you applied for is out of the Kingdom of Bahrain, then the employer should print the Residence Permit via the Kingdom of Bahrain’s National Portal once the expatriate arrives.
  9. If the expatriate employee you applied for resides in the Kingdom of Bahrain, you will need to print the Residence Permit via the Kingdom of Bahrain’s National Portal, or you can contact 8000 8001.

Conclusion 

As our guide concludes, remember the spouse visa is more than just paperwork; it’s the bridge connecting you and your spouse to a future in Bahrain’s multicultural tapestry.

With these insights, you’re well on your way to enjoying the warm hospitality and rich heritage that make Bahrain a unique place to call home.

Heart’s Home!

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