Residence in Bahrain: permits and requirements
Living legally in Bahrain is possible through 4 permit types: work, investment, family, other. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Standard work visa (LMRA)
Residence type #1 of 4
Employer-sponsored work and residence permit; 390 BHD component for 2 years per the April 2026 LMRA fee schedule (LMRA/NPRA).
Requirements
- Sponsorship by an employer registered with LMRA with levy and Bahrainization
- Contract registered and work title from the LMRA list
- Medical exam and CPR (population card)
Documentation
- Employer application on the LMRA EMS portal
- Passport, photo, and certified certificates
- Fees
- Biometric data
Frequently asked questions about residence in Bahrain
How many types of residence permits are there in Bahrain?
Bahrain offers 4 residence permit types, grouped into the categories work, investment, family, other. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in Bahrain last?
Durations vary by permit type: 1-2 years (renewable); 5 or 10 years (renewable); 1-2 years (tied to the sponsor's permit); 1 year (renewable; new admissions suspended). The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Bahrain be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of Bahrain (4 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
Does residence in Bahrain lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Naturalization by residence pathway, which requires 25 years (15 years for Arabs) of legal residence. The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Bahrain.
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Anything to correct or add about Bahrain?
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