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In order to reside legally in Bahrain for a longer period of time (beyond the validity of the visa), it is necessary to obtain a residence permit. Foreigners have access to various ways of obtaining a temporary residence permit depending on the purpose of their stay. In most Middle Eastern countries, a local sponsor is required for relocation. Bahrain is an exception – a residence permit can be applied for through self-sponsorship.
A valid residence permit is an official confirmation of the legal status of a resident and gives the right to participate in various activities, including work, study, commercial activities during the specified period of validity.
The possibility of obtaining a residence permit is granted upon meeting one of the following conditions:
- Ownership of real estate.
- Obtaining a work visa and an employment contract with a local company.
- Having family ties with citizens of the Kingdom.
- Registering a company in the jurisdiction of Bahrain.
A residence permit is generally granted for 24 months with the right to extend it upon justification of the need. The valid permit does not automatically grant the right to work in local companies. To engage in employment, a corresponding request is required.
Types of Residence Permits
The Kingdom has a well-structured policy for obtaining legal residence, depending on the goals and interests of foreigners. As of 2024, the Kingdom offers the following types of residence permits:
- Work Permit. Based on a work visa, this requires an invitation from a local employer acting as a sponsor. It requires a valid employment contract and compliance with additional program requirements. The duration depends on the employment period.
- Family Permit. Based on a family visa, this type is aimed at family reunification. The applicant must have relatives willing to act as sponsors or provide proof of self-sponsorship.
- Self-sponsorship. This allows individuals to legalize their stay without the need for sponsorship from employers or family members. It involves investments in business/real estate of at least 100,000 Bahraini dinars. Retirees with sufficient funds to live in the country may also apply.
- Student Permit. Issued for study at a college or university in the Kingdom. It is granted upon submission of enrollment information and is valid for 1 to 5 years.
Residence Permit by Purchasing Real Estate
In February 2022, the government launched the "Golden Residence Visa" program for wealthy foreigners. One of the conditions for joining the program is the purchase of an approved real estate property. The standard duration of the visa is 10 years, with the option for renewal. The visa holder gains the right to reside in the country, enter and exit multiple times, and apply for a residence permit for close relatives.
Required Justifications
A person interested in purchasing real estate may submit a request for a "Golden Residence Permit." The right is granted when acquiring ownership of real estate with a value of at least 200,000 Bahraini Dinars (equivalent to $530,000). Temporary residency can be extended indefinitely, provided the right to the property is maintained.
Required Documents
- Valid identification document
- Current visa/residence permit
- Medical certificate confirming the absence of dangerous diseases
- Certificate of no criminal record
- Title documents for the real estate property
- Documents confirming the value of the property
Student Residence Permits
To reside in the Kingdom for the purpose of studying at a local university, a foreigner needs a non-immigrant visa. This permit must be obtained before arriving in Bahrain, from the candidate's home country. The process involves several stages and may take up to 3 months. During this time, the applicant must provide the necessary documents and meet the requirements set by the program.
The student residence permit is granted based on the student visa. Upon approval of the application by the government, the candidate receives a letter with the decision allowing them to enter the country and begin their studies. The standard validity period is 12 months.
Justifications for obtaining
In addition to the basic visa requirements for foreigners and payment of visa fees, the applicant must provide a letter confirming enrollment in an educational institution in Bahrain. Receipts confirming the payment of tuition fees must be submitted with the application.
The review process takes up to 1 month. If a foreigner does not manage to obtain a student visa before the start of the academic year, they may enter the country on a visitor visa and wait for approval. In this case, additional fees and charges will apply. The application can be submitted online through the eVisa portal.
List of documents:
- Application form.
- Valid passport.
- Letter confirming student enrollment in the course.
- Proof of sufficient financial means for self-support.
- Medical examination certificate.
- Criminal record information.
Residence Permits for Financially Independent Persons (freelancers, digital nomads)
There is no separate residence permit program for freelancers in Bahrain. However, digital nomads can obtain a short-term residence permit based on a visitor visa, which allows a stay of up to 6 months. There are no specific requirements for a minimum remote income, but without a local sponsoring host, proof of self-sufficiency (self-sponsorship) may be required. In such a case, you would need to provide evidence of financial stability.
Eligibility conditions
A foreigner can apply for a temporary residence permit as a digital nomad if they meet the following requirements:
- Stable, legal income regardless of location.
- Self-employment is formalized, there is an active contract with a company registered outside of Bahrain, or work is conducted through their own company registered abroad.
- Proof of income is provided.
- There is documented proof of a place of residence.
List of documents:
- Valid passport.
- Visa application form.
- Documents confirming that the job is not tied to the place of residence.
- Proof of employment with a foreign company.
- Bank statements confirming the existence of a legal and stable income.
- Resume outlining intentions.
- Certificate of no criminal record.
- Medical certificate proving the absence of dangerous diseases.
Residence Permit by Marriage
Along with a series of innovations in 2022, the government of Bahrain approved a number of new laws providing for entry and long-term residence permits for relatives and spouses of citizens. The previous legal framework involved obtaining a visa valid for several years. However, some of the permits were tied to legal employment, which limited the period of lawful residence in the Kingdom.
Required justifications
In the Kingdom, there is a program for issuing family visas to the relatives of foreigners who have work permits. This program allows spouses and dependents to live in the country long-term without the right to work. However, strict conditions apply to marriage regarding residence permits and citizenship.
Foreign women who marry a Bahraini citizen can immediately apply for citizenship. In doing so, they will have to renounce their initial residency. Foreign men marrying Bahraini women do not have the right to obtain permanent residency. The conditions for legalizing marital unions are outlined in Part One of the Bahraini Citizenship Law.
Required documents
In the case of a request from the foreign wife of a Bahraini citizen, the following document package is required:
- Application form
- Valid identification of the applicant and spouse
- Marriage certificate and its legalized copy
- Birth certificates of children (if applicable)
- Certificate of no criminal record
- Medical examination report
Family Reunification
The residence permit for family reunification is based on a family non-immigrant visa. Foreigners who have close relatives legally residing and working in Bahrain are eligible for this permit. The family visa can be issued for single or multiple entries into the country. Its validity ranges from 2 weeks to 6 months, with the possibility of extension.
Requirements for obtaining
The primary requirement for obtaining a residence permit is having family ties with the main residence permit holder or a citizen. The relative making the request acts as the sponsor. If this relative is a labor migrant, they must be registered with the Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA). Additionally, the host must provide information about housing and income level as supplementary evidence.
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Completed application form
- Birth certificate (if applicable)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Additional proof of relationship with the sponsor (e.g., documents for children)
- Information about the sponsor’s current visa/residence permit
- Proof of permanent residence
- Information about the sponsor’s income level
Residence Permit for Work
A residence permit for work in Bahrain is based on a work visa. Every employee, regardless of their type of employment, must obtain an entry permit with the right to work. The permit is valid for 1-2 years and can be extended as long as the employment contract with the local employer is in effect. The inviting company, which becomes the sponsor of the future employee, must be the initiator. The number of work visas that an organization can apply for depends on its size and the quotas established by national regulations. Most of the organizational matters are handled by the employer.
Justifications for obtaining
To obtain a residence permit for work, you need to receive an offer from a Bahraini employer who will act as your sponsor. The employer's representatives initiate the process through the Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and oversee the progress of the employment permit issuance. The hosting company is responsible for obtaining, renewing permits, and ensuring compliance with the country’s legislation.
List of documents:
- Completed form
- Valid passport
- Passport-sized photo
- Confirmation of a job offer or employment contract with the employer
- Medical certificate of no dangerous diseases
- Certificate of no criminal record
- Receipts for visa fees (100 Bahraini dinars)
Residence Permit for Business and Self-Employment
Individuals engaging in commercial and business activities in Bahrain can obtain a short-term business visa. A long-term residence permit for paid activities is available through a self-financing program. In this case, a foreigner acts as an investor and can obtain a residence permit for a period ranging from 2 to 10 years.
Required justifications
A long-term residence permit is granted to individuals with business intentions and a sponsor who is a Bahraini citizen or through self-financing arrangements. Sponsors can include commercial organizations. The applicant must provide information on the registration of an industrial, commercial, tourism, medical, educational, or other types of companies. Additionally, the applicant’s share in the authorized capital must be at least 100,000 Bahraini Dinars.
Required documents
- Application form.
- Valid identification.
- Copy of the company's articles of association and commercial registration.
- Valid health insurance issued in Bahrain.
- Proof of a deposit of at least 15,000 Bahraini Dinars in a bank in the Kingdom.
- Evidence of a stable and legal source of income to support oneself and dependents.
- Information on the current visa or residence permit.
Extension of Residence Permit
The questions regarding the extension of expiring visas and residence permits are handled by the Department of Citizenship, Passports, and Residency of the Ministry of Interior of Bahrain. The required procedures vary depending on the type of the current permit and the purpose of the request.
The government of the Kingdom offers several methods for extending a residence permit based on visas. The simplest method is to apply online. The traditional method involves a personal visit to the Ministry of Interior's Department of Citizenship, Passports, and Residency (NPRA).
Employers can submit a request for the extension of residence permits and work permits online through the Expat Management System. In the application, you can request an extension for 6, 12, or 24 months. Depending on the duration, the government fee is 50, 100, or 200 Bahraini Dinars, respectively.
Applications for extension should be submitted before the current permit expires. Overdue applications may result in fines or deportation. Additionally, ensure that you prepare a complete set of documents, as incomplete applications will be rejected without refunding the paid fees.
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