Visa to Bahrain

Since 2014, Bahrain has implemented a visa policy that significantly simplifies the visa acquisition process and allows foreigners to enter without prior arrangements. However, the number of countries whose citizens are granted visa-free entry to Bahrain is very limited. Only residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are allowed to enter and stay in the Kingdom without special permits. An exception is Qatar, which does not have a visa-free travel agreement.

Visa requirements for travelers vary depending on the traveler's current citizenship, the purpose, and the duration of the visit. Citizens of 120 countries entering for tourism or business purposes are eligible for an electronic visa or visa on arrival. This visa allows legal stay in Bahrain for up to 30 days. If current citizenship does not permit online visa application, authorization must be obtained at the Kingdom's embassy. Typically, the application is processed within 3-5 days.

Freelancer Visa

Although Bahrain does not have a specific digital nomad visa, it has become a popular destination for remote workers from around the world, and the number of foreigners working remotely here is growing.

Additional opportunities

An alternative option is a visitor visa, which can be obtained online. The visitor visa is valid for six months. A crucial condition for obtaining it is that the foreign national must not be employed by a local employer.

The guest visa allows foreigners to reside in Bahrain and work remotely while earning income from abroad. Additionally, the visa grants access to essential government services, including the ability to open a local bank account. This visa is suitable for:

• Freelancers
• Entrepreneurs (in limited business sectors)
• Self-employed individuals

One of the main advantages of remote work in Bahrain is the complete absence of income taxes for workers earning income abroad.

Most of the digital nomad visa programs around the world set minimum income requirements. In Bahrain, there is no such condition. However, despite the lack of remote income requirements, it is recommended in practice to have a verified income of at least $4,000 per month. This threshold allows for a confident move to the Kingdom as a freelancer.

How much does a visa cost

The cost of a visa to Bahrain depends on the type of permit issued, the applicant's current citizenship, and the duration of the visit. Administrative fees and processing charges, which are non-refundable regardless of the outcome, are added to each application.

The government provides expedited processing options. The current rates are as follows:

• Urgent processing – $59.
• Super-urgent processing – $99.

A single-entry visa, allowing a stay in Bahrain for up to 14 days, will cost 5 Bahraini dinars (about $14). Foreigners can obtain permits valid for up to 1 month, in which case the cost is 40 Bahraini dinars (about $106).

Important

An additional service fee of 0.5 Bahraini dinars will be charged for each application. Each processing request will be accompanied by a government fee of 1 Bahraini dinar.

Types of Visas

Bahrain has a well-designed online visa system that allows obtaining the required type of permit with minimal effort. As of 2024, the Kingdom offers the following visas:

• Tourist Visa – for short-term tourism purposes. Employment is not permitted.
• Student Visa – for studying at higher education institutions for one year or more.
• Business Visa – for short-term business visits, such as attending conferences or seminars. Does not grant permission to work.
• Work Visa – a specific permit for employment in local companies and long-term residence in the country.
• Family Visa – for family members of a work visa holder.

Additional opportunities

Each type of visa can be obtained through the government eVisa online portal or at the nearest embassy/consulate of Bahrain.

Student Visa

A study visa allows foreigners to temporarily move to Bahrain for the purpose of attending an academic course. The student visa grants the right to reside in the country for the duration necessary to complete the course. The minimum validity period is 1 year.

The permit must be obtained in the country of residence before traveling to the Kingdom. When applying, the following requirements must be met:

• A letter of enrollment for full-time study from the educational institution.
• Proof of sufficient funds to support oneself in the country.
• Receipts for full payment of the course fees.
• Medical insurance.
• Documentary evidence of intent to return to the home country upon completion of studies.

The application processing takes up to 2 months. Visa issuance is handled by the General Directorate of Citizenship, Passports and Residence (GDNPR) of the Ministry of Interior of Bahrain.

Tourist Visa

This type of non-immigrant visa is intended for short-term trips for tourism, visiting friends/relatives, or participating in various events. There are two options available for application:

• Single Entry: Valid for 3 months after arrival, but allows only one entry into the country and a stay of up to 14 days.
• Multiple Entry: Valid for 3 months with the right for multiple entries. The duration of each visit must not exceed 30 days.

The visa application is submitted online. The decision and entry permit are sent to the email after the application is reviewed. The usual processing time is 5-7 working days.

Business

An electronic business visa allows entry to Bahrain for attending various business events. This permit differs from a work visa as it is intended to legalize business obligations without granting the right to employment or conducting business.

Important

The business visa is solely for business visits and does not allow the holder to engage in any commercial activity.

Conditions for obtaining a business visa include:

• A valid passport.
• An invitation letter from a local company.
• Confirmed accommodation.
• A return ticket.
• Medical insurance.
• Proof of financial means (as required individually).

The validity period may vary depending on the applicant's specific circumstances, but the standard duration of stay is 14 or 30 days.

Work Visa

The issuance of employment visas in Bahrain is regulated by Decision No. 76 of 2008. According to the decree, any employer planning to hire a foreign employee must submit a request to the Bahrain Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) for the issuance of a new permit.

Attention

The future employer assumes full responsibility for processing the work visa application on behalf of the employee. The standard processing time for the application is 5 days.

To process the application, the foreign applicant must provide a standard set of visa documents and demonstrate the required professional qualifications for the intended position. Once the work permit is issued, the foreign national is automatically granted the right to reside in the country. Family members must obtain a family visa, which does not grant the right to work.

Required Documents

Every foreigner can submit an application for an electronic visa through the official website of the Bahrain government. Each application must be supported by a relevant dossier that contains a mandatory set of document copies:

• Completed application form.
• Valid passport.
• Return ticket.
• Hotel reservation and other documents confirming accommodation.
• Receipt of visa fee payment.
• Bank statement confirming sufficient funds for living.

Depending on the type of visa and the purpose of the visit, the list of required documents may be extended. Up-to-date information can be found on the official website of the Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom.

The Latest Changes in Visa Regulations with Bahrain

In early 2024, new requirements came into effect in Bahrain regarding the conversion of guest visas into work visas or residency permits for dependents without a sponsor. According to the decree issued by the Ministry of Citizenship, Passports, and Residency Affairs, foreign nationals are now prohibited from converting guest visas into work visas without having a local sponsoring organization.

For individuals holding a guest visa supported by a Bahraini company, the right to convert it into a work visa remains in place (provided they have a job offer). However, retaining the sponsor who initially helped with the visa application becomes a mandatory requirement of the program. The fee for the conversion process has been increased from 60 Bahraini dinars ($160) to 250 dinars ($663).

This procedure aims to prevent the misuse of guest visas by migrants seeking work in circumvention of government restrictions on the recruitment of foreign workers.