Bahrain Work Visa | Types, Requirements, Process & More

Living in Bahrain is the dream of many thanks to its liberal business environment, low taxes and operating costs, and well-known shopping areas. 

If you are thinking about working in Bahrain or if you have just accepted a job offer in the Gulf country, we are showing you the essentials of applying for a job and working in Bahrain. 

If you don't know how to get a work visa in Bahrain or what type of visa your employees will need, this article is for you. It also mentions the requirements you need to apply for identification card, and residency permit in the country.

What are the types of work visas in Bahrain?

Business visa: This visa is valid for up to four weeks, and the duration varies depending on the type of trip. Anyone wanting to stay in Bahrain for longer than a week for business needs a business visa. 

Work visa: Employees will all need work visas if they are taking up any type of employment. This permit is valid for one to two years and also entitles the workers to residency. Employers in this case arrange most of the paperwork.

What are the requirements to obtain Bahrain work visas?

An employer or Bahraini national needs to sponsor anyone looking to obtain a Bahrain working visa. Employers will handle most of the application process on behalf of the employee and must show:

• Sponsorship letter/Letter of employment 
• Commercial registration number
• The contract duration
• A completed visa application form
• The employee's passport
• A passport-size photo
• A copy of the job contract with the employee’s name, birth date, and nationality
• Health record from an authorized clinic
• Proof of payment of work visa fees

As employers submit the necessary documents on their end, employees will also need to complete certain steps such as:

• Providing a medical report
• Showing academic or professional qualifications for the position

Application Process

The Bahraini Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) processes and issues all visas before expats arrive in the country. 

Bahrain typically processes all work visa applications in around five business days.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the LMRA likewise facilitates medical appointments or check ups. When your contract ends or when you apply for a new job in the country, this agency is also in charge of transferring your work visa to another employer.

What are the requirements for identification card or CPR card?

To apply for an identification card, known as CPR card, you will need to prepare:

• Your passport
• Sponsorship letter 
• Marriage certificate (for spouse) and birth certificates (for children) if you are planning to bring your family with you
• Proof of payment of fee 

How to get a job in Bahrain?

There are different approaches to finding a job in Bahrain and they depend on the kind of job that you are qualified to do.

Company websites: This is the first thing that you should look for when searching for a job as the positions available are listed here as well as requirements and application processes.

Recruitment agencies: Companies hire recruitment agencies to find the most qualified candidates for the employment position that they require. 

Network: Whenever you meet a person you are networking and creating a network of people that you know could get you hired. They could pass your CV onto the person that is in charge of recruiting and put in a good word on your behalf.

Cold calling: Find out the name of the company and the relevant telephone numbers, be assertive and stand your ground when calling them, then ask to speak to the hiring manager.