Visas for Bahrain fall into several different categories. The type of visa required will depend on the purpose of the visit, the number of expected visits and the length of an expat's stay in the Kingdom.
Depending on their nationality, many expats will be able to obtain a visa on arrival in Bahrain and will receive a stamp in their passport when entering. Otherwise, expats may be eligible for an eVisa, which is applied for in advance and stored online. Those not eligible for an eVisa or a visa on arrival will need to apply for a tourist visa in person at their local Bahraini embassy.
Foreigners entering Bahrain will often be required to have a Bahraini sponsor to support their visa application. Sponsors can be an individual, a company or an institution. In most cases, it will be the expat’s employer. That said, Bahrain has introduced alternative pathways, like the Flexi-Work Permit, that allow some expats to live and work in the Kingdom without being tied to a single employer sponsor.
Tourist visas for Bahrain
Foreigners visiting Bahrain for a holiday or those on a short fact-finding trip prior to accepting an employment contract will need to apply for a tourist visa. Some travellers will be entitled to a visa upon arrival at the airport in Bahrain, providing that they are in possession of a valid passport and an onward or return ticket.
Visitors ineligible for a visa on arrival must pre-arrange their visa, either through the eVisa system or by application through a Bahraini embassy. These applications must be supported by a sponsor. Those without a contact in Bahrain may be able to use a travel agency or hotel as their sponsor.
Once the visa has been granted, the foreigner is entitled to visit Bahrain for the duration of the period stated on their visa. A tourist visa does not permit the holder to take up employment or engage in paid work during their stay.
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Business visas for Bahrain
Business visas are issued to those visiting Bahrain for business and representing a company. Those in possession of a business visa are only permitted to carry out official company business while in the Kingdom. They are not entitled to look for alternative employment or take up any form of employment with another company in Bahrain. Business visas are typically available for 30, 60, or 90 days and may be issued as single- or multiple-entry.
Work visas for Bahrain
Most expats moving to Bahrain do so with a job offer in hand. Anyone who plans on working for either a local or international business in Bahrain will need a work visa to allow them to do so legally. In most cases, the employer will take care of arranging the work visa on the expat's behalf. That said, it's worth being aware of the requirements, as expats will need to provide their employer with several important documents.
Once a job offer is solidified, the hiring company will usually completely bear the burden of organising visas and paperwork. In such cases, expats will merely need to help supply the requested documents.
A health check is required for the work permit application. This can be done in one's country of origin at an accredited health centre no more than three months before moving to Bahrain.
Once the work permit is approved by the LMRA, the employer handles the necessary documentation for the employee.
Work permits are renewable and are issued for the length of the expat's employment contract (either one or two years).
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Residency permits for Bahrain
Those taking up employment in Bahrain will need a residency permit in addition to their work permit. This should be granted to the employer when the work permit is approved. Once the expat is in the country, the employer will use the Bahrain National Portal to complete the residency permit process.
All expats in the Kingdom will need to acquire a local identity card, known as a CPR (Civil Personal Registration) card. The application for the card can be done online.