Family Visa
Dependent visa allowing family members of work visa or residency holders to live in Bahrain. Sponsor must meet minimum income and housing requirements. Covers spouse and children. Golden Residency holders can also sponsor parents (unusual benefit in Gulf region). Dependents can apply for work permits separately if they wish to be employed.
Key Requirements:
- •Valid residency/work visa as sponsor
- •Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates)
- •Minimum income requirement (varies)
- +3 more requirements
Flexi Permit
Unique work permit allowing expatriates to work for multiple employers or be self-employed in Bahrain. Introduced by LMRA to provide flexibility for workers between jobs or seeking multiple income sources. Holder is self-sponsored rather than tied to a single employer. Valid for 2 years, renewable. Good option for freelancers and those exploring multiple opportunities. Requires proof of financial means.
Key Requirements:
- •Valid passport (6 months validity)
- •Existing legal status in Bahrain (or meeting entry requirements)
- •Proof of financial means
- +2 more requirements
Golden Residency
Premium 10-year renewable residency program launched in 2022 and updated in 2025. Multiple pathways: real estate investment (BHD 130,000 minimum, reduced from BHD 200,000), skilled professionals (5+ years in Bahrain, BHD 2,000+ monthly salary), retirees (BHD 2,000+ pension for residents, BHD 4,000+ for non-residents), and exceptional talent (entrepreneurs, researchers, artists). No minimum stay requirement. Allows employment with any employer, family sponsorship including parents (rare in Gulf), and provides pathway to permanent residency. Processing takes 6-8 working days.
Key Requirements:
- •Property investment: BHD 130,000+ in real estate (no mortgage)
- •OR Skilled professional: 5+ years in Bahrain, BHD 2,000+ avg monthly salary
- •OR Retiree (resident): 15+ years work in Bahrain, BHD 2,000+ pension
- +4 more requirements
Student Visa
Residence visa for international students enrolled in higher education institutions in Bahrain for one year or more. Requires acceptance from a recognized Bahraini educational institution. Bahrain hosts several international universities including branches of UK and US institutions. Students may work part-time with proper authorization. Health insurance typically required.
Key Requirements:
- •Acceptance letter from Bahraini educational institution
- •Valid passport (6 months validity)
- •Academic transcripts and certificates
- +3 more requirements
Tourist Visa
Short-term visa for tourism and leisure. Two options: Single Entry (valid 3 months, 14-day stay) and Multiple Entry (valid 3 months, multiple entries up to 30 days each). eVisa available for citizens of 116 countries. Visa on arrival for 68 countries. GCC nationals and residents enter visa-free. Requires proof of accommodation and financial means (minimum BHD 300 bank balance). No work permitted. Popular option for remote workers exploring Bahrain before committing to longer-term visas.
Key Requirements:
- •Valid passport (6 months validity)
- •Recent passport photo
- •Proof of accommodation
- +2 more requirements
Work Visa
Employment permit allowing foreign nationals to live and work in Bahrain under employer sponsorship. Managed by LMRA (Labour Market Regulatory Authority). Requires confirmed job offer from a Bahraini-registered company. Valid 1-2 years and renewable. Holders can sponsor spouse and children subject to income and housing requirements. All salaries must be paid through the Wage Protection System (WPS) to a local bank account. Processing typically takes 5 business days, though delays of up to 2 weeks possible.
Key Requirements:
- •Confirmed job offer from Bahraini employer
- •Employer registered with LMRA
- •Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- +5 more requirements
Questions
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