At the end of the 19th century, Bahrain was a British protectorate. The country gained independence in 1971. Its form of government is a constitutional monarchy. The highest legislative body in the country is the National Assembly.
Bahrain is a permanent member of the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and a dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Visa
Bahrain provides a comfortable environment for online processing of electronic pre-arrival visa or obtaining approval after arrival. If there are no claims to the applicant, it is possible to get approval in just 3-5 days. There are simplified conditions for citizens of some countries, allowing them to visit the country and stay without a visa for up to 14 days. It is sufficient to present a valid passport.
The cost of processing depends on the type of request and the duration of the visit. Expedited and super-expedited processing options are available. Currently, the government of Bahrain offers the following visas:
- Tourist.
- Student.
- Business.
- Work.
- Family.
- "Golden."
Each entry permit can be obtained without personally visiting the embassy. You can fill out the application and submit the required documents on the eVisa portal.
In the article about Bahrain visas, you will be able to learn more in detail about all types of permits, the nuances of application, validity periods, and possible restrictions.
Residence Permit
It is not possible to obtain the right to permanent residence permit in Bahrain. Foreigners are only eligible for temporary residence permits based on the appropriate visa and citizenship. The right to long-term residence can be granted on several grounds, but each application must be supported by a solid justification. Additionally, some residence permits require a sponsor, who must be either a Bahraini citizen or a local company.
The validity of a residence permit can range from 6 months to 10 years, with the possibility of renewal in each case.
As of 2024, foreigners in Bahrain can apply for one of the following types of residence permits:
- Student
- Work
- Family
- Self-sponsorship program
Alternative options, based on the relevant visa types, include residence permits for marriage (with certain limitations), for digital nomads, and for investors.
Find out more about the available options for obtaining residency, the conditions for application, the costs, and the current requirements.
Citizenship
Obtaining permanent residence permit in Bahrain is not the easiest task. The government imposes strict requirements on foreigners. The basic requirements for candidates are standard, but a critically important condition is the minimum residency period in the country — 25 years.
You can obtain Bahraini citizenship on one of the following grounds:
- By birthright.
- By descent.
- Through adoption.
- Through marriage.
- By naturalization.
Despite the challenges of obtaining citizenship, the status attracts both individuals and legal entities. The main advantage is the ability to optimize personal and corporate taxes. The country does not have a tax base on net income and capital gains.
The relevant article will help to fully understand the processes of obtaining citizenship, study all available programmes, their conditions, terms and restrictions.
Passport
Only a citizen of Bahrain can obtain a national identity card. The path to residency is not straightforward, but the status opens up a multitude of opportunities and advantages, including global mobility. In the Kingdom, alongside the traditional passport, an electronic passport is also issued.
If the simplified procedure cannot be initiated, one will need to prove language proficiency, cultural knowledge, and financial stability, as well as live in the country for the established period.
Reasons for applying for a passport may include:
- Birth in the country.
- Adoption.
- Marriage to a citizen (applicable only to women).
- Repatriation.
- Naturalization.
- Special achievements.
One of the advantages of civil legislation is the ability to submit an application remotely through the state services portal.
Learn more about the procedures for obtaining a Bahraini passport, required documents, costs, and possible restrictions in the target article.
Climate Conditions
Bahrain has a subtropical desert climate. Hot, humid winds predominantly blow from the northwest, while dry, hot winds come from the south from the Rub' al Khali desert. Summers are long, scorching, and dry, whereas winters are pleasant and dry, but strong winds can occur. Throughout the year, the weather is almost cloudless.
The hot and humid summer lasts 4-5 months (May-September), with an average daytime temperature exceeding +35°C. July is the hottest month of the year, with maximum temperatures reaching +38°C and minimum temperatures +32°C. Intense sandstorms are not uncommon.
The cool season lasts 4 months (December-March) with maximum daytime temperatures of +23°C. January is the coldest month, with minimum temperatures of +15°C and maximum temperatures of +20°C.
Precipitation is minimal in the country (about 10 rainy days per year). The average annual rainfall is only 70 mm. Most of the precipitation occurs from December to March, with 1-2 rainy days per month.
The coastal waters are very warm. At its peak in August, water temperatures can reach +32°C.
Demographics
According to unofficial estimates, in 2023, the country had a population of 1,792,218 people with a population density of 2,524 people per square kilometer. The annual population growth rate is 3.6%. The average age of the population is 32 years. The number of births per woman is 1.7. The average life expectancy is 77.4 years: 78.6 years for women and 76.6 years for men.
Bahrain's population is ethnically diverse and is divided into two main ethnic groups: Bahrani and Ajam, who are predominantly Shiite Muslims.
Sunnis in Bahrain are a national minority and are also divided into two ethnic groups: Arabs (al-Arab) and Huwala. Sunni Arabs are an influential community holding many government positions.
The official language of Bahrain is Arabic, although English is widely used. Baluchi is the second most widely spoken language.
Islam is the state religion, followed by 70.2% of the population. According to the latest census, 9% of the population are Christians and 9.8% follow other religions (Hinduism, Catholicism).
Economy
Bahrain ranks 23rd in the world for GDP per capita based on real purchasing power. In 2023, the country's GDP was $79 billion. The annual GDP growth rate is 4.9%. GDP per capita stands at $30,146.
The economy is dominated by the export of oil, gas, and aluminum. Two-thirds of the revenue is generated from the service sector, while oil and gas account for 12% of GDP. Oil and gas extraction and processing are fundamental to the country. 32% of the population is employed in industry, and 67% in the service sector. There is a traditionally high level of unemployment, which was 15% in 2023.
Thanks to oil revenues, numerous industrial projects are being implemented in other sectors such as cement, aluminum, and shipbuilding. The country hosts a large oil refinery processing its own oil and imports from Sudan, an aluminum plant that imports bauxite ore, and cement factories.
Despite challenging climatic conditions and poor soil, agriculture has historically played an important role in the economy, although less than 1% of the population is employed in this sector. Major agricultural products include dates, citrus fruits, grapes, peaches, vegetables, cereal crops, and pistachios.
The service sector has a significant impact on the archipelago's economy. Bahrain serves as a highly active international financial center. The capital city is developing a free economic zone, which provides favorable conditions for the establishment of major banks and the development of port, road, and communication infrastructure. Despite substantial investments in the banking and tourism sectors, Bahrain's average income is the lowest among the small oil states in the Persian Gulf.
Freedom of Travel (Visa-Free Countries)
In the passport power ranking, Bahrain is at 51st place, sharing this position with East Timor. It ranks higher in global mobility compared to the Maldives and Belize, which are 52nd. Saudi Arabia and Ecuador are ranked just above.
The Freedom of Movement Index is 101. It means that residents can visit 48 countries visa-free (for stays up to 180 days). Additionally, 46 countries offer visa-on-arrival with the same duration. Seven countries provide e-visas that allow stays of up to 120 days. For 97 destinations, advance entry approval is required.
Visa-free entry does not apply to Schengen Area countries, the United Kingdom, the United States, and China. These destinations require a visa.