Bahrain

Pääkaupunki Manama

Valuutta BHD

Kielet Arabic، englanti

Virallinen maksu 20 – 808 BHD

Bahrain's residence system is sponsorship-based and administered chiefly by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) for work-related permits and by Nationality, Passports & Residence Affairs (NPRA, Ministry of Interior) for family, student and long-term residence. Standard residence permits are tied to an employer or business sponsor and run 6 months to 2 years (renewable). Self-sponsorship options exist via the LMRA Registered Worker (formerly Flexi) Permit and the NPRA self-sponsorship residence permit for investors and property owners, while the flagship long-term tier is the 10-year, indefinitely renewable Golden Residency for property owners, high-earning professionals, retirees and recognised talent. There is no general permanent-residence status in the Western sense; long-term residence is effectively the Golden Residency or the 10-year self-sponsorship permit, which never convert automatically to citizenship. Naturalisation is legally possible only after 25 years of continuous lawful residence (15 for nationals of Arab states) plus Arabic proficiency and is granted at the discretion of the King, so it is realistically unattainable for the overwhelming majority of migrants.

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Maahanmuuttoreitit

(12) Viimeksi päivitetty: 14.6.2026 · tänään

8 / 12 reitistä johtaa pitkäaikaiseen asumiseen — 8 pysyvään oleskelulupaan, 1 kansalaisuuteen.

12 / 12 reitistä perustuu virallisiin valtion lähteisiin.

Lajittelu: Suositeltu Alhaisin virallinen maksu

Työ / Työsuhde Korkea luottamus

New Work Permit and linked Residence Permit (LMRA)

Standard employer-sponsored work permit issued by the LMRA that authorises an expatriate to live and work in Bahrain for a specific employer, with a linked residence permit printed via the National Portal. This is the main route by which most migrants enter and reside in Bahrain.

Käsittelyaika: 3 working days (applicant inside Bahrain); 21 working days (applicant outside Bahrain)
Voimassaoloaika: 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years (renewable)
Kielitaitovaatimus: Kielitodistusta ei tarvita
Asiakirjat: 2 vaaditaan

Vaatimukset

Job offer from a Bahraini employer registered with the LMRA
Passport valid at least 6 months (2 years recommended)
Employer holds valid Commercial Registration and active LMRA account
Pass the medical fitness examination (Wafid-accredited centre if applying from abroad)
Employer up to date on LMRA monthly fees and social insurance

Vaaditut asiakirjat

Valid passport (6+ months) with required name/details pages pakollinen
Medical examination report (issued within 2 months; from a Wafid-accredited centre if applying from abroad) pakollinen
Employment contract/agreement (in Arabic or bilingual) - optional but recommended
Valid licence from the concerned authority (for certain non-commercial institutions/NGOs)
No-objection/approval letter from the relevant authority for regulated occupations (e.g. teachers, doctors, engineers, banking)

Viralliset maksut

New work permit service fee (1 year) 195 BHD

New work permit service fee (2 years) 390 BHD

New work permit service fee (6 months, cancelled permit, inside Bahrain) 97.5 BHD

Admin fee 5 BHD

Job advertisement fee (applicant outside Bahrain only) 30 BHD

Dependant permit service fee (each) 90 BHD

Arvioitu kokonaissumma 807.5 BHD

Prosessin vaiheet

1
Secure employment

Receive a job offer from an LMRA-registered Bahraini employer.
2
Employer applies

Employer submits the New Expatriate Permit application via the LMRA Expat Management System (EMS) and pays admin (and, if applicable, advertisement) fees.
3
Approval and fees

On LMRA approval, the employer pays the service fee and prints the work permit from EMS.
4
Medical and residence

Complete the medical fitness test (if from abroad); print the residence permit via the National Portal once the worker is in Bahrain.
5
Maintain and renew

Employer pays monthly fees and renews the permit before expiry.

Viralliset lähteet

Virallinen LMRA - New Work Permit · Labour Market Regulatory Authority
Virallinen LMRA - Fees · Labour Market Regulatory Authority
Virallinen LMRA - Work Permit Renewal · Labour Market Regulatory Authority

Opiskelu Korkea luottamus

Student Residence Permit

Residence permit issued by NPRA to expatriates enrolled at Bahraini universities/institutes (up to 5 years) or studying abroad (1 year). Holders are not permitted to work, paid or unpaid.

Käsittelyaika: Per NPRA service page (commonly a few working days)
Voimassaoloaika: Up to 5 years (local enrolment); 1 year (study abroad)
Kielitaitovaatimus: Kielitodistusta ei tarvita
Asiakirjat: 3 vaaditaan

Vaatimukset

Confirmed enrolment at a recognised university/institute
Valid passport
Proof of sufficient financial means
Medical examination where required

Vaaditut asiakirjat

Official enrolment letter from the university/institute pakollinen
Valid passport pakollinen
Proof of financial means pakollinen
Medical examination certificate

Viralliset maksut

Application fee

Visa approval fee

Visa issuance fee

Prosessin vaiheet

1
Get admission

Secure enrolment at a recognised Bahraini institution.
2
Apply via NPRA

Submit the Student Residence Permit application through NPRA.
3
Pay fees

Pay the applicable application/approval/issuance fees per the NPRA service page.
4
Receive permit

Receive the student residence permit; renew per enrolment (no work rights).

Viralliset lähteet

Virallinen NPRA - Student Residence Permit · Nationality, Passports & Residence Affairs

Itsenäinen ammatinharjoittaja / Freelancer Keskitasoinen luottamus

Registered Worker Permit (formerly Flexi Permit)

LMRA self-sponsorship permit allowing an eligible expatriate already in Bahrain (with a terminated work permit) to live and work for multiple employers/clients in skilled/vocational activities without a single sponsoring employer.

Käsittelyaika: LMRA: 2 working days; cooperative entities: 7 working days
Voimassaoloaika: 6 months, 1 or 2 years (renewable)
Kielitaitovaatimus: Kielitodistusta ei tarvita
Asiakirjat: 4 vaaditaan

Vaatimukset

Present in Bahrain with a terminated work permit
No criminal record or absconding offence and not in breach of contract
Not listed in the ownership of any Commercial Registration (CR)
Eligibility confirmed via the LMRA Registered Worker eligibility check
Payment of the permit fees and monthly fee; own health insurance

Vaaditut asiakirjat

Valid passport pakollinen
Completed and signed Registered Worker Permit Service Form pakollinen
Passport copy submitted to the Approved Labour Registration Centre pakollinen
Proof of fee payment pakollinen

Viralliset maksut

Monthly fee per registered worker 15 BHD

Admin fee 5 BHD

Arvioitu kokonaissumma 20 BHD

Prosessin vaiheet

1
Check eligibility

Use the LMRA Registered Worker eligibility check to confirm you qualify.
2
Apply at a centre

Complete and sign the Registered Worker Permit Service Form and submit it with a passport copy at an Approved Labour Registration Centre.
3
Pay fees

Pay the BHD 5 admin fee and the applicable permit/monthly fees.
4
Verification & issuance

LMRA and NPRA review the application; on approval the work card is issued and handed over at the centre.
5
Maintain & renew

Pay the monthly fee on time and renew before expiry.

Viralliset lähteet

Virallinen LMRA - Apply for a Registered Worker Permit · Labour Market Regulatory Authority
Virallinen LMRA - Fees · Labour Market Regulatory Authority

Itsenäinen ammatinharjoittaja / Freelancer Keskitasoinen luottamus

Self-Sponsorship Residence Permit and Re-entry Visa (Investor / Property Owner)

Self-sponsored residence permit (issuable/renewable for 2, 5 or 10 years) granted by NPRA to foreign investors in a Bahraini company or foreign property owners who meet investment and income thresholds, removing the need for employer sponsorship.

Käsittelyaika: Variable; via NPRA
Voimassaoloaika: 2, 5 or 10 years depending on category
Kielitaitovaatimus: Kielitodistusta ei tarvita
Asiakirjat: 4 vaaditaan
Pysyvä oleskelulupa: Kyllä · The 10-year self-sponsorship tier is Bahrain's de facto long-term residence

Vaatimukset

Investor track: shareholding of at least BHD 100,000 in a Bahraini enterprise
Investor track: stable monthly income of at least BHD 500 and a bank deposit
Property-owner track: qualifying property ownership in Bahrain
Valid passport, Bahraini health insurance and clean record

Vaaditut asiakirjat

Evidence of investment/shareholding (CR, capital/deposit proof) or title deed pakollinen
Proof of stable income (investor track) pakollinen
Valid passport pakollinen
Bahraini health insurance certificate pakollinen

Prosessin vaiheet

1
Confirm thresholds

Verify the investment (BHD 100,000+) and income (BHD 500+) thresholds, or property criteria, for your track.
2
Apply

Submit the Self-Sponsorship Residence Permit application via NPRA.
3
Receive permit

On approval, receive a 2/5/10-year self-sponsored residence permit with re-entry visa.

Viralliset lähteet

Yrityksen perustaminen Keskitasoinen luottamus

Investor Residence via Company Formation (WLL / mainland)

Residence pathway for a foreign investor who establishes or owns a company in Bahrain (typically a WLL) registered with the Ministry of Industry & Commerce, leading to a self-sponsored investor residence permit issued by NPRA.

Käsittelyaika: Company formation ~1-3 weeks; investor residence a few additional working days
Voimassaoloaika: 2, 5 or 10 years (self-sponsorship investor permit), tied to active CR
Kielitaitovaatimus: Kielitodistusta ei tarvita
Asiakirjat: 3 vaaditaan
Pysyvä oleskelulupa: Kyllä · The 10-year self-sponsorship investor permit (or Golden Residency, BHD 130,000 property / BHD 100,000+ investment categories) is Bahrain's de facto long-term residence

Vaatimukset

Established Bahraini company with active Commercial Registration
Proof of ownership/shareholding in the company
Local bank account/deposit and capital as required by activity/bank
Stable monthly income (reported BHD 500+)
Valid passport and Bahraini health insurance

Vaaditut asiakirjat

Commercial Registration (CR) certificate pakollinen
Memorandum / Articles of Association pakollinen
Proof of capital/deposit in a local bank
Valid passport and photographs pakollinen

Prosessin vaiheet

1
Reserve name & activity

Reserve the company name and select MOIC business activities.
2
Incorporate

Submit shareholder/director and activity details; MOIC issues the CR after approvals.
3
Open bank account

Open a corporate bank account and deposit capital as required.
4
Apply for investor residence

Apply for the self-sponsorship investor residence permit through NPRA with the CR and supporting documents.
5
Issuance

Receive the residence permit and sponsor dependants if desired.

Viralliset lähteet

Startup-viisumi Korkea luottamus

Golden Residency - Talented Individuals

10-year Golden Residency for highly talented individuals (entrepreneurs, researchers/scientists, artists, innovators, athletes) recognised by a relevant Bahraini government authority and approved by a specialised talent committee.

Käsittelyaika: Variable; subject to committee review
Voimassaoloaika: 10 years, indefinitely renewable
Kielitaitovaatimus: Kielitodistusta ei tarvita
Asiakirjat: 4 vaaditaan
Pysyvä oleskelulupa: Kyllä · Golden Residency is Bahrain's de facto long-term residence

Vaatimukset

Recognition of exceptional talent by a relevant Bahraini authority
Evidence of achievement (track record, awards, contributions)
Approval by the specialised talent committee
Valid passport and good standing

Vaaditut asiakirjat

Portfolio / evidence of achievements and recognition pakollinen
Endorsement from a recognising authority pakollinen
Valid passport pakollinen
Health insurance certificate pakollinen

Prosessin vaiheet

1
Obtain recognition

Secure recognition/endorsement from a relevant Bahraini authority.
2
Apply

Submit the Talented Individuals Golden Residency application via the official portal.
3
Committee review

Application is assessed by the specialised talent committee.
4
Receive permit

On approval, receive the 10-year Golden Residency.

Viralliset lähteet

Sijoittaja / Kultainen viisumi Korkea luottamus

Golden Residency - Property Owner

10-year, indefinitely renewable Golden Residency for foreigners owning real estate in Bahrain with a total personal share value of BHD 130,000+ (reduced from BHD 200,000 in late 2025), issued by NPRA.

Käsittelyaika: Varies; applications processed via the official Golden Residency portal / NPRA
Voimassaoloaika: 10 years, indefinitely renewable
Kielitaitovaatimus: Kielitodistusta ei tarvita
Asiakirjat: 3 vaaditaan
Pysyvä oleskelulupa: Kyllä · Golden Residency itself is Bahrain's de facto long-term residence (10 years, renewable indefinitely)

Sijoittaja / Kultainen viisumi Korkea luottamus

Golden Residency - Professionals Working in Bahrain

10-year Golden Residency for expatriates who have worked in Bahrain at least 5 years with an average monthly basic salary over BHD 2,000 and continuous social insurance.

Käsittelyaika: Varies; via official Golden Residency portal / NPRA
Voimassaoloaika: 10 years, indefinitely renewable
Kielitaitovaatimus: Kielitodistusta ei tarvita
Asiakirjat: 4 vaaditaan
Pysyvä oleskelulupa: Kyllä · Golden Residency is Bahrain's de facto long-term residence

Vaatimukset

At least 5 years of employment in Bahrain
Average monthly basic salary over BHD 2,000
Continuous SIO (social insurance) coverage for the full period
Valid passport and good standing

Vaaditut asiakirjat

Salary certificates / payslips evidencing BHD 2,000+ basic pakollinen
SIO contribution records covering 5+ years pakollinen
Valid passport pakollinen
Health insurance certificate pakollinen

Prosessin vaiheet

1
Verify earnings history

Confirm 5 years of employment at BHD 2,000+ basic salary with continuous SIO coverage.
2
Apply

Submit the Golden Residency application via the official portal.
3
Pay fees & receive

Pay applicable fees and receive the 10-year Golden Residency.

Viralliset lähteet

Sijoittaja / Kultainen viisumi Korkea luottamus

Golden Residency - Retiree

10-year Golden Residency for retirees: resident retirees with 15 years' Bahrain work history and an average pension of BHD 2,000+, or non-resident retirees with an average pension of BHD 4,000+.

Käsittelyaika: Varies; via official Golden Residency portal / NPRA
Voimassaoloaika: 10 years, indefinitely renewable
Kielitaitovaatimus: Kielitodistusta ei tarvita
Asiakirjat: 3 vaaditaan
Pysyvä oleskelulupa: Kyllä · Golden Residency is Bahrain's de facto long-term residence

Vaatimukset

Resident track: 15+ years worked in Bahrain plus average pension BHD 2,000+; OR
Non-resident track: average pension BHD 4,000+
Valid passport and good standing

Vaaditut asiakirjat

Pension/retirement income certificate pakollinen
Evidence of 15 years' Bahrain work (resident track)
Valid passport pakollinen
Health insurance certificate pakollinen

Prosessin vaiheet

1
Confirm pension level

Verify the pension meets BHD 2,000 (resident) or BHD 4,000 (non-resident) threshold.
2
Apply

Submit the Golden Residency retiree application via the official portal.
3
Pay fees & receive

Pay applicable fees and receive the 10-year permit.

Viralliset lähteet

Perheenyhdistäminen Korkea luottamus

Dependants Residency Permit (Spouse and Children)

Residence permits for the spouse and children of an expatriate sponsor, applied for via LMRA, subject to a minimum sponsor net monthly income of BHD 400 (per SIO records).

Käsittelyaika: LMRA: 3 working days; cooperative entities: 7 working days
Voimassaoloaika: Tied to sponsor's permit (renewed alongside it)
Kielitaitovaatimus: Kielitodistusta ei tarvita
Asiakirjat: 4 vaaditaan

Vaatimukset

Sponsor holds a valid Bahrain residence permit
Sponsor net monthly income BHD 400+ (per SIO) for spouse/children
Valid health insurance for dependants (and higher income for parents via NPRA)
Proof of relationship (attested marriage/birth certificates)

Vaaditut asiakirjat

Dependant's passport (6+ months validity) with required name pages pakollinen
Marriage certificate (in Arabic or English; MOFA-attested where applicable) for spouse pakollinen
Birth certificates for children pakollinen
Health insurance for dependants pakollinen

Viralliset maksut

Dependant permit service fee (each) 90 BHD

Admin fee 5 BHD

Arvioitu kokonaissumma 95 BHD

Prosessin vaiheet

1
Confirm income

Ensure the sponsor's net monthly income (per SIO) is BHD 400+ for spouse/children.
2
Apply

Apply through LMRA EMS (spouse/children) or NPRA (parents).
3
Submit documents & pay

Provide attested relationship documents and health insurance; pay the BHD 90 service fee and BHD 5 admin fee.
4
Receive permits

On approval, dependants receive residence permits aligned to the sponsor; print via the National Portal.

Viralliset lähteet

Pysyvä oleskelulupa Korkea luottamus

Long-Term Residence (de facto PR via Golden Residency / Self-Sponsorship)

Bahrain has no classic permanent-residence status; the 10-year, indefinitely renewable Golden Residency (and the 10-year self-sponsorship permit) are the closest equivalents to permanent residence for migrants.

Käsittelyaika: Per the relevant Golden Residency / self-sponsorship category
Voimassaoloaika: 10 years, indefinitely renewable (no unconditional PR exists)
Kielitaitovaatimus: Kielitodistusta ei tarvita
Asiakirjat: 1 vaaditaan
Pysyvä oleskelulupa: Kyllä · Golden Residency / 10-year self-sponsorship is the de facto long-term residence; granted on meeting a category, not after a fixed waiting period

Vaatimukset

Qualify under a Golden Residency category (property BHD 130,000+, salary BHD 2,000+ over 5 years, retirement, or talent) OR the 10-year self-sponsorship permit
Continue to meet the qualifying criteria for renewal

Vaaditut asiakirjat

Documents per the relevant Golden Residency or self-sponsorship category pakollinen

Prosessin vaiheet

1
Choose a qualifying category

Identify which Golden Residency or self-sponsorship category you meet (property, salary, retirement, talent, or investment).
2
Apply

Apply via the official Golden Residency portal or NPRA.
3
Maintain status

Renew while continuing to meet the criteria.

Viralliset lähteet

Kansalaisuus / Naturalisaatio Matala luottamus

Naturalisation as a Bahraini Citizen (Bahraini Citizenship Act)

Citizenship by naturalisation is legally provided for after 25 years of continuous lawful residence (15 for nationals of Arab states), but is granted at the King's discretion and is realistically unattainable for the vast majority of migrants. There is no citizenship-by-investment programme.

Käsittelyaika: Indefinite / discretionary; no published guaranteed timeline
Voimassaoloaika: Permanent if granted
Kielitaitovaatimus: Arabic proficiency required
Asiakirjat: 4 vaaditaan
Pysyvä oleskelulupa: Kyllä · Citizenship confers permanent status, but is rarely granted to migrants
Kansalaisuus: Kyllä · Earliest 25 years lawful residence (15 for Arab nationals), then discretionary royal approval; realistically not attainable for most migrants

Vaatimukset

25 years continuous lawful residence (15 years for Arab nationals)
Arabic-language proficiency
Good character and mental competence
Typically property ownership and proof of lawful means
Generally renounce prior citizenship (dual nationality not generally permitted)

Vaaditut asiakirjat

Proof of continuous lawful residence (residence permits over the qualifying period) pakollinen
Evidence of Arabic proficiency pakollinen
Clean criminal/good-conduct record pakollinen
Valid passport pakollinen

Prosessin vaiheet

1
Accumulate residence

Maintain 25 years (15 for Arab nationals) of continuous lawful residence.
2
Meet conditions

Acquire Arabic proficiency, good character, and typically property/means.
3
Apply to the Ministry of Interior

Submit the naturalisation application to the Ministry of Interior.
4
Discretionary decision

Await the discretionary royal decision; grants are rare for ordinary migrants.

Viralliset lähteet

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