Questions we hear most.
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8 questions
How long does it take to establish my company and get my investor visa?
If all the required documents are received, the whole process takes three to four weeks. You receive your investor visa after the active Commercial Register (CR) is issued.
When should I sign the rental agreement for my company?
Sign the rental agreement after you receive security clearance and commercial name approval. Rents start from BD 80/month depending on office size.
I am from a GCC country — can I open an establishment or company in Bahrain?
Yes. GCC nationals are treated as Bahrainis and may establish an Individual Establishment or a company with 100% ownership.
I am American — can I own any activity in the Bahrain market?
Yes. US nationals are treated the same as Bahrainis and can own 100% of any activity — service, industrial or trading — with no Bahraini partner required.
I am not from a GCC country — do I need a Bahraini partner?
It depends on the activity. Many activities permit full foreign ownership; a small number still require a Bahraini partner. Share your intended activity with us and we will confirm the exact requirement for your case.
Can I work in a GCC country and start my business in Bahrain as well?
Yes. You can work in a GCC country and invest in Bahrain at the same time with no problem at all.
I work for a Bahraini company — can I establish my own company?
Yes. You can start your own business in Bahrain provided you obtain a no-objection letter from your current employer.
Can I have more than one business activity in one CR?
Yes. You can register multiple activities under one CR, and you can also open additional branches or companies.
What is the minimum amount of the company's capital?
There is no fixed minimum capital. You can start with any amount, provided it is suitable to carry out the company's objectives.
When should I deposit the company capital in a local bank?
Capital should be deposited with a local bank before the final CR is issued — the bank certificate is required to complete registration. The capital can then be used normally.
What is the cost of establishing a new company?
Indicative costs: Government fees BD 251 (all ministry fees; higher for some activities); electricity & water deposit BD 100 (refundable if unused); investor/employee visa BD 344 for 2 years or BD 172 for 1 year, plus BD 5/month LMRA; family visa BD 90 per member (2 years, no monthly LMRA fee); office rent from BD 80/month; and LevantBMS processing fees of BD 450 for commercial/service activities or BD 800 for industrial activities.
What are the annual fees for renewing my company?
Just BD 50 to renew your company's CR each year. (1 BD ≈ 2.65 USD.)
What is the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) bill?
The LMRA bill is a nominal BD 5 per month for each investor or employee working in the company.
What are the types of residence permits in the Kingdom of Bahrain?
Property owner, business owner, employee of a Bahrain company, student, and dependant visa.
Can I get residence permits for my employees?
Yes. The number of residence permits depends on the size and type of the company's activity. Initially you can typically obtain two or three visas.
Can I modify information about my company after it is established?
Yes. After establishment you can change the company name, add or remove partners, add or delete business activities, open new branches, increase capital, and make other amendments.
What are the company's obligations after incorporation?
Renew the Commercial Register annually, renew residence permits every two years, pay rent and electricity bills, pay the LMRA bill, and prepare the company's financial report after each financial year.
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