Temporary Residence Permits In Bahrain

Embarking on a Bahraini adventure but not ready for a long-term commitment? A Temporary Residence Permit might be your perfect match. Fret not! We’ve got complete assistance for you!
This permit is your key to exploring Bahrain’s rich culture, from the dazzling skyline of Manama to the serene shores of the Arabian Gulf. Our guide simplifies this first step in your Bahraini journey, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Let’s dive in!
Types Of Resident Permits In Bahrain

Relocating to Bahrain has multiple advantages due to the various types of residency licenses available. Usually, a sponsor is required when moving to a Middle Eastern country.
However, a Bahrain self-sponsorship residency visa is also available.
If you want to immigrate to Bahrain, you can apply for the following various types of permits:
- The work permit, which is one of the most prevalent methods used by foreign people to obtain a residence permit in Bahrain;
- The residence permit, which typically requires a sponsor but, as previously stated, can also be obtained by self-sponsorship;
- The investment residency visa, which is available to those who desire to buy real estate.
Each sort of residency has its unique requirements, which is why the immigration lawyers in Bahrain can explain in detail how to apply for any of them.
How Can You Gain Residency In Bahrain Through A Work Permit?
Foreign nationals looking to relocate to Bahrain will discover plenty of job options. If you find yourself in this circumstance, you may be able to seek a residence permit in Bahrain based on your profession in 2023.
This is one of the simplest ways to relocate here, as the procedure must be initiated by the employer, who must file the following documents on the foreign employee’s behalf:
- The personal details of the employee (copy of the passport);
- Proof that the employee is qualified for the job (diplomas, education background information);
- The employment contract;
- A healthcare certificate.
The documents must be filed with the Labor Market Regulatory Authority in Bahrain.
Self-Sponsorship Residency Permits In Bahrain
Self-sponsorship is one of the most convenient ways to obtain a 2023 resident permit in Bahrain. The Bahrain self-sponsorship residency permit is accessible to foreign nationals:
- Investors
- Retires
- Owners of real estate
Employee relocation is one of the options available for obtaining temporary residency in Bahrain.
Its main advantage is that it allows you to become acquainted with the working circumstances and lifestyle in this nation so that if you decide to relocate long-term, you can make an informed decision.
Financial Requirements For Self-sponsorship In Bahrain

Foreign nationals who wish to live and work in Bahrain must obtain both a residence visa and a work permit. The application process for a Bahrain investor work permit is the quickest and easiest way to obtain a visa for the Kingdom of Bahrain.
This two-year authorization is available to local company investors.
After acquiring the investor work permit, the investor can apply for a resident visa from the General Directorate of Immigration and Passport (GDIP) using a “No Objection Certificate.”
The holder of the investor work permit may also function as the sponsor for related residency permits.
Aside from the Bahrain residency permit fee, each option has its financial criteria. For investors seeking to establish businesses in Bahrain, these are:
- The expat must contribute a minimum of BD 100,000 to the company’s share capital.
- The individual must additionally deposit BD 15,000 in a local bank account and receive a certificate of retaining the deposit every 6 months.
- The bearer of a residence permit must also have a monthly income of at least BD 500.
If a retiree requests a residence permit in Bahrain, a BD 5,000 deposit must be made in a bank account opened with a local bank.
A real estate owner must meet the following standards to get a Bahrain self-sponsorship residency visa in 2023:
- The property must be worth at least BD 50,000.
- A BD 15,000 deposit must also be placed in a local bank account.
- A monthly income of at least BD 500 is also required.
How Do You Get A Job In Bahrain Through Family Sponsorship?

Immigration to Bahrain is accessible through a variety of ways, one of which is family sponsorship.
A family visa allows close relatives to join a resident in Bahrain more easily. These are the requirements for this type of relocation procedure:
- people who seek to sponsor foreign wives or children as Bahraini citizens
- people with legitimate work permits as foreign residents and a monthly salary of at least BHD 1,000
- Those who are citizens of another nation and have adequate money to sustain dependents as well as a legitimate investment or self-sponsorship permit
Permit To Reside As A Student
A student permit enables you to study in a college or university in Bahrain. You can apply for this permit if you are enrolled in a school in Bahrain or elsewhere.
The permit’s validity ranges from one to five years, depending on your enrollment status and the length of your academic program. You can study and enhance your studies in Bahrain with a student permit.
Documents Required To Receive A Bahraini Resident Permit
For applications for resident permits in Bahrain, the following documents are typically required:
- A valid passport (validity must be at least 6 months)
- A certificate of Bahraini health insurance
- A certificate of good behavior (criminal record) that is no more than 6 months old;
- A financial statement
- A health exam certificate
Additional conditions may be imposed depending on the type of residency and its intended purpose. In some cases, evidence of property ownership or retirement status, for example, may be required.
Duration Of The Residency Visa
The duration of a Bahraini residency permit is determined by the cause for immigration. Most visas for employment are valid for one or two years and can be renewed. The validity duration for family-based residency visas is directly two years.
It is critical to check the status of your residence permit to ensure compliance with immigration rules and regulations.
Bahrain Residency Permit Costs
The cost of a residence permit in Bahrain varies depending on the kind and duration of the permission. However, the following are some usual fees linked with Bahraini resident permits:
- Application cost (non-refundable): BHD 4B
- Fees for obtaining a residency permit: BHD 50-59
Temporary residence permit types | – Work permits,– Long-term residence permits,– Dependent residence permits |
The time needed to obtain the temporary residence permit (approx.) | The approval of a residence/work permit can take between 1 and 10 days. |
Temporary residence permit validity | A residence permit obtained through employment usually has a validity duration of one or two years. |
Documents for obtaining temporary residence | – Valid passport (at least 6 months of validity is recommended),– Reason for immigration (employment contract, self-sponsorship, investment, family reunion),– Application form,– Health certificate |
Special residency program availability (YES/NO) | Yes |
Sponsorship requirements (YES/NO) | Sponsorship is required for those who do not have sufficient funds for self-sponsorship (BHD 5,000). |
Dependents can join the temporary permit holder (Yes/No) | Dependents can relocate to Bahrain through dedicated visas. |
Temporary or permanent residency for investment purposes | Long-term residence permits can be issued to investors, self-employed persons, and retirees. |
Type of investments available for residency purposes | Business opening, real estate purchase |
Minimum investment amount | The minimum amount to invest in Bahrain is BHD 100,000 for company registration.An additional BHD 15,000 is also required as a deposit in a local bank account, plus BHD 500 as a monthly income. |
Minimum temporary residence before applying for permanent residence | Permanent residency can be obtained after 5 years of living in Bahrain. |
Residency for individuals married to a citizen of the country | 5 years |
Long-term residency option (YES/NO) | The golden visa allows applicants to obtain 10-year residence visas. |
Naturalization requirements | – Arab citizens can apply for citizenship after 15 years of living here,– non-Arab citizens can apply for Bahrain passports after 25 years of living here |
Dual citizenship permitted (Yes/No) | No, Bahrain does not recognize dual citizenship. |
Conclusion
As we wrap up our guide to Bahrain’s Temporary Residence Permits, remember, this permit is not just a document; it’s your passport to discovering a nation brimming with hospitality and heritage.
Whether it’s for work, study, or exploration, Bahrain awaits to unfold its wonders to you. Embrace the experience, and let Bahrain leave its mark on your heart.
Temporary Home!
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