Hiring foreign employees in Bahrain is a strategic move for many businesses aiming to grow with global talent. Bahrain’s open-market approach, tax-friendly environment, and streamlined work permit system make it easier for employers to bring skilled professionals into the country.

This in-depth guide explains the full process of getting work permits for non-Bahraini employees—step by step. Whether you’re a startup, SME, or established enterprise, this article will help you handle visa compliance, avoid delays, and onboard your team legally and efficiently.

Why Hire Foreign Employees in Bahrain?

Bahrain’s workforce is diverse and welcoming to expatriates. Many sectors—like construction, healthcare, IT, hospitality, and finance—heavily rely on international expertise.

Hiring foreign employees in Bahrain helps companies:

• Fill skill gaps in niche or technical roles
  
• Support expansion with globally experienced staff
  
• Serve multilingual and multicultural clients
  
• Scale operations with specialized professionals
  

Bringing in foreign talent also aligns with Bahrain’s national economic diversification strategy, Vision 2030, which encourages skilled migration in high-demand industries.

Understanding the Bahrain Work Permit System

Before hiring any non-Bahraini worker, businesses must secure a work permit. The authority responsible for this process is the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).

A work permit in Bahrain is not just a paper document—it’s a legal requirement that allows an expatriate to work and reside in the country. The permit is typically valid for 1 or 2 years and is renewable.

Key entities involved:

• LMRA (Labour Market Regulatory Authority): Handles all foreign labor permits and registrations
  
• NPRA (Nationality, Passport & Residence Affairs): Issues the residence permit (linked to the work visa)
  
• Ministry of Health (MOH): Conducts medical fitness screening

Step-by-Step Process to Get Work Permits for Foreign Employees

Let’s break down the full process into clear, actionable steps so your company can stay compliant and efficient when hiring internationally.

Step 1 – Register the Company on LMRA

Before applying for permits, the company must have an active CR (Commercial Registration) and register on the LMRA portal. This includes:

• Submitting a copy of the CR
  
• Sharing details of office lease and location
  
• Declaring workforce quotas
  

Once approved, you get access to the employer portal where all future permit applications are managed.

Step 2 – Understand the Bahrainization Quota

Each company must comply with a required percentage of Bahraini citizens in its workforce—known as Bahrainization.

If you’re in retail, logistics, manufacturing, or professional services, check your sector-specific quota. You can still hire expats, but meeting the minimum Bahraini employment ratio is essential before your work permit request is approved.

Step 3 – Submit the Work Permit Application

For each new hire, employers must file an individual work permit application via the LMRA system. Documents required usually include:

• Copy of passport (valid for 6+ months)
  
• Employment contract (signed by both parties)
  
• Job offer letter
  
• Educational qualifications
  
• Medical test appointment slip
  
• Recent passport-size photo
  

LMRA may also require proof of the employee’s experience for regulated professions.

Step 4 – Schedule Medical Fitness Examination

All foreign employees in Bahrain must pass a pre-employment medical test. This includes screenings for:

• Infectious diseases (HIV, TB, etc.)
  
• General health conditions
  

The examination is conducted at MOH-approved clinics. Once passed, the clearance is uploaded directly to LMRA.

Step 5 – LMRA Approval and Payment

Once the application is approved, LMRA will notify the employer. Fees are payable at this stage, and they vary based on:

• Type of permit (standard or flexi)
  
• Duration (1 year or 2 years)
  

After payment, LMRA issues the work visa electronically, which the employee can use to enter the country (if outside) or proceed with residence formalities (if inside).

Step 6 – Residency and ID Issuance

After entering Bahrain, the employee must:

• Complete biometrics and fingerprinting
  
• Submit digital photo
  
• Receive their CPR (Central Population Registry) card—this is their official national ID
  

This step is managed by NPRA in coordination with LMRA.

Key Requirements to Hire Foreign Nationals in Bahrain

To legally employ foreign employees in Bahrain, companies must ensure the following:

Valid Business License

Your company’s commercial registration must be active and the business activity should match the employee’s job title.

Compliant Office Space

You must have an approved and inspected office or workspace, matching LMRA’s zoning and physical requirements.

Clean Track Record

Businesses with unresolved violations or unpaid labor fees may face rejection or suspension of their permit applications.

Visa-Specific Criteria

The employee must:

• Have a valid passport
  
• Be at least 18 years old
  
• Not be blacklisted
  
• Meet job-specific requirements (especially in healthcare, engineering, or education)
  

How Long Does It Take to Get a Work Permit?

Generally, the full process takes 7 to 21 working days, depending on:

• Completeness of documents
  
• Medical fitness results
  
• Employer’s compliance history
  
• Current LMRA workload
  

Delays can be avoided by using professional visa services or hiring a PRO (Public Relations Officer) to manage documentation.

Costs Involved in Hiring Foreign Employees

Here’s a general overview of the costs:

Item	Estimated Cost (BHD)
LMRA work permit (2 years)	500 – 700
Medical test	20 – 30
Residence permit issuance	50 – 100
CPR (ID card) fee	10 – 15
LMRA monthly tax per employee	10

Note: Some fees may vary based on the industry and employee role.

Legal Obligations After Hiring Foreign Staff

Hiring expats comes with long-term responsibilities:

• Renew permits on time
  
• Keep all labor data updated on LMRA portal
  
• Pay LMRA monthly fees
  
• Provide health insurance (mandatory)
  
• Maintain safe and ethical working conditions
  
• Cancel visas if the employee resigns or is terminated
  

Failure to comply can result in fines, business blacklisting, or deportation of employees.

Employer Tips for Smooth Hiring of Foreign Nationals

• Always validate the job title and description before submission
  
• Maintain employee files in digital and hard copy format
  
• Use the LMRA’s estimation tool to check eligibility before applying
  
• Stay updated with immigration changes and labor reforms
  
• Hire compliance experts to avoid administrative hurdles
  

Building a skilled team of foreign employees in Bahrain requires structure and diligence—but the rewards are worth it.

Conclusion

Hiring foreign employees in Bahrain is a smart move for businesses looking to scale, innovate, and access global talent. The government’s clear procedures and digital systems make it easier than ever to bring in the right professionals—legally and efficiently.

But success lies in knowing the process and staying compliant every step of the way. If you want to focus on growth instead of paperwork, it’s wise to partner with experts who understand Bahrain’s labor laws inside-out.

That’s where experienced teams in Business Setup in Bahrain come in. They simplify licensing, visa processing, renewals, and compliance—so you can focus on building a winning workforce.

FAQs

How many foreign employees can a company hire in Bahrain?

It depends on your company size, activity, and Bahrainization quota. LMRA allows you to estimate how many expats you’re eligible to hire.

Can foreign employees switch employers in Bahrain?

Yes, but they need a no-objection certificate from their current employer and must apply for a transfer through LMRA.

How long is a Bahrain work permit valid?

Work permits are usually issued for 1 or 2 years and are renewable as long as the employer and employee meet the legal criteria.

Can I hire freelancers or part-time foreign workers in Bahrain?

Freelancing is limited under standard work permits. You’d need to explore flexi visa or contract-based models where legally permitted.

What happens if a foreign employee overstays their visa?

Overstaying is a legal offense and may result in fines, deportation, or employer penalties. It’s critical to manage renewal deadlines in advance.

Are foreign employees entitled to health insurance?

Yes. It is mandatory for employers to provide basic health insurance coverage to all expatriate staff as per Bahrain’s labor regulations.