Company Formation in Bahrain - A Complete Guide

Company formation in Bahrain is now faster, simpler, and fully open to foreign investors. Entrepreneurs can now register a company in Bahrain. They can do this with 100% foreign ownership. There is no need for a local partner or sponsor. The government has made it easier to set up a business in Bahrain and assists first-time investors.

Bahrain company registration for foreigners usually takes 5 to 15 business days. Company formation packages in Bahrain start at BHD 1350. The price can change based on the legal type, office space, and licensing needs. Bahrain offers a pro-business tax regime, with 0% corporate tax and a 10% VAT applicable to domestic sales and services.

Corporate bank accounts are available to foreign shareholders, typically opened within 2 to 3 working days. Bahrain has clear legal rules, helpful economic policies, and full ownership rights. Therefore, it attracts startups, SMEs, and global businesses looking to establish a presence in the GCC region.

Picture of Bahrain World Trade Center - Company Formation in Bahrain

What Documents are Required for Company Formation in Bahrain?

Here is a categorized list of all essential documents needed for CR issuance and licensing approval:

  • Clear copy of Passport (valid)
  • National ID (CPR) for Bahraini nationals
  • Signed KYC Form (Know Your Customer)
  • Signed Engagement Letter with the service provider
  • Authorization Letter (to allow a legal representative)
  • Office Photos (required for municipal pre-approval)
  • Lease Agreement or Virtual Office Contract
  • Electricity Bill (in the company’s name, post-registration)
  • For Bank Account & Capital Deposit:
  • 6-Month Personal Bank Statement (stamped, English)
  • Business Summary or Plan (overview of proposed activities)
  • 6-Month Personal Bank Statement (stamped, English)
  • Business Summary or Plan (overview of proposed activities)
  • Power of Attorney (PoA) for remote registration
  • If issued abroad, it must be notarized & apostilled
  • NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the employer (for residents)
  • MoA / AoA (Memorandum & Articles of Association)
  • Special Approvals, if your activity requires third-party licensing (e.g., CBB, NHRA, Telecom, etc.)

Submitting clear and well-organized documents can speed up your company formation in Bahrain. Our advisors at PI Expansion Partners ensure that every document complies with MOIC and banking rules.

Key Features

Essential requirements and features for company formation in Bahrain

Category

Details

Ownership

100% foreign (some sector limits)

Business Structures

WLL, Single-Person WLL, Free Zone, Branch, JSC, Partnership

Min. Share Capital

BHD 2,150

Min. Shareholders

1 (WLL)

Setup Time

11–40 business days

Corporate Tax

0% (46% for oil/gas)

Tax

0% Corporate Tax, 0% Income Tax

VAT

10% standard, 0% for some goods

Registered Address

Yes

Local Director

Yes

Annual Meeting

Yes (virtual allowed)

Redomiciliation

No

E-signature

Yes

Accounting

Required

Documents Needed

Passport, KYC, Engagement Letter, Authorization Letter

What are the Five Steps of Company Formation in Bahrain?

Starting a company in Bahrain is straightforward when you follow a structured process. With 6+ years of experience and 700 successful registrations, we’ve made a simple 5-step guide for easy company registration in Bahrain. 

Each step needs approval from the government. You must gather the necessary documents and comply with the rules set by the authorities. This includes the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC), Sijilat, and the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA). Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you register a company in Bahrain successfully:

Step 1: Submit Required Documents for Onboarding & Security Clearance

To begin, shareholders, directors, and authorized signatories must provide:

  • Passport copies
  • A filled and signed Service Request Form, KYC Form, Authorization Letter, and Engagement Letter.
  • A 6-month original personal bank statement (each page must have a bank stamp)
  • A business summary outlining planned activities

This step also includes eKYC and background clearance by Bahrain’s NPRA.

Step 2: Reserve Company Name

Choose three proposed trade names for your business in order of preference. These will be submitted to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) for approval. Only one compliant name will be approved.

Step 3: Register a Business Address

To meet municipality requirements, you’ll need to sign a lease agreement for your business location. We assist in providing a compliant commercial address and handling all documentation.

Step 4: Visit Bahrain for Final Formalities

Shareholders must be physically present in Bahrain to complete various steps, including:

  • Signing required documents in person
  • Verifying identity
  • Coordinating with local authorities for final approval

This visit ensures everything proceeds without delays.

Step 5: Deposit Capital and Complete Final Registration

According to MOIC Resolution No. 43 of 2024, it is mandatory to open a corporate bank account in Bahrain before company registration is finalized. 

Transfer the required capital amount to your corporate bank account along with BHD 11 for the company registration certificate. Once the deposit is confirmed, the Commercial Registration (CR) is issued, and your business is officially registered.

Total Time for Company Formation in Bahrain

7–15 business days, depending on document readiness, bank selection, and entity type. Whether you’re a foreign investor or a GCC national, our end-to-end service ensures a transparent, compliant, and efficient process for setting up a company in Bahrain.

What is the Timeline for Company Formation?

Bahrain’s legal and regulatory framework for business has undergone significant evolution over the years. Below is a chronological summary of the major legal milestones that have shaped the process of company registration in Bahrain, along with upcoming changes that will further simplify and modernize business setup.

1961- Company Formation Legislation Timeline

1961

Launch of the Commercial Registry (CR), making it mandatory for all businesses to register before starting operations.

1987

Introduction of core commercial laws outlining merchant responsibilities, trade practices, and contractual frameworks.

2001 - Company Formation Legislation Timeline

2001

Legal recognition of company types, including:

  • With Limited Liability (W.L.L.)
  • Joint Stock Companies (JSC)
  • Single Person Companies (SPC)
  • Holding Companies

Defined:

  • Minimum capital thresholds
  • Ownership structures (with emphasis on local majority)
  • Governance and compliance requirements

2014

Amendments to corporate governance and capital regulations for W.L.L. and closed joint stock companies.

2014 - Company Formation Legislation Timeline
2018 - Company Formation Legislation Timeline

2018

Enhanced transparency measures for Joint Stock Companies:

  • Board accountability
  • Financial reporting obligations

2020

Major Decree No. 28 of 2020 reforms included:

  • Abolishment of SPCs: All Single Person Companies were converted to W.L.L.
  • W.L.L. Flexibility: Now allowed to be formed by a single shareholder
  • Capital Rules: No minimum capital required for W.L.L.
  • JSC Financing: Permission to raise capital via convertible bonds and debt-to-equity swaps
2020 - Company Formation Legislation Timeline
2024 june - Company Formation Legislation Timeline

June 2024

  • Mandatory opening of business bank accounts for all companies
  • E-payment integration becomes a compliance requirement
  • Non-compliance penalties include potential CR deletion by the MOIC Announcement

November 2024

  • New penalty structure for late CR renewals
  • Simplified delegation and CR submission processes
  • Auto-deletion of inactive CRs after 12 months
  • Extended timeframe for reinstating deleted CRs
2024 november - Company Formation Legislation Timeline

What are the Types of Companies in Bahrain?

Choose the right business structure for your needs. Each type has specific requirements and benefits.

  • Minimum Capital: BHD 1,000,000
  • Shareholders: At least 5
  • Board of Directors: 5–15 members; majority Bahraini residents
  • Auditor: An independent auditor is required
  • Regulation: Oversight by MOIC and possibly CBB for finance sectors
  • Compliance: Annual audited financials; mandatory general meetings; must uphold transparency and governance standards; maintain minimum capital at all times
  • Minimum Capital: BHD 250,000
  • Shareholders: 2–50
  • Board: At least 3 members; one must be a Bahraini resident
  • Auditor: Licensed auditor required
  • Regulation: Cannot list shares publicly; may convert to a public company
  • Commitments: Annual audited accounts; shareholder meetings; comply with Commercial Companies Law and sector licensing.
  • Minimum Capital: No legal minimum (≥ BHD 20,000 recommended)
  • Shareholders: Minimum 1; up to 50
  • Audit Threshold: Required if capital > BHD 100,000
  • Foreign Ownership: Up to 100% allowed in most sectors
  • Legal Name: Must include “W.L.L.”
  • Responsibilities: Annual CR renewal, bookkeeping, reports as required, hiring, and immigration compliance
  • Minimum Capital: No minimum (depends on activity).
  • Shareholders: At least 2.
  • Profit Use: Must be reinvested in the organization.
  • Licensing: Requires approvals from ministries as needed.
  • Auditor: As per capital or donor requirements.
  • Duties: Upload annual reports; renew CR and activity licenses; ensure full compliance with nonprofit regulations.
  • Minimum capital: None
  • Partners: Minimum 2
  • Liability: Joint and several (unlimited)
  • Name: Must include a partner’s name + “& Partners”
  • Foreign Participation: Typically requires local partners; foreigners are restricted.
  • Obligations: Annual CR renewal; transparent records; partners equally responsible/liquidatable; recommended formal agreements
  • Minimum capital: None
  • Ownership: Local or mixed; foreign investment needs sector approval
  • Management: Only general partners may manage
  • Requirements: Must specify general partners in the company name
  • Compliance: CR renewal; maintain partner agreements; limited partners must not engage in management
  • Minimum capital: BHD 20,000.
  • Structure: ≥1 general partner (unlimited liability) + ≥4 shareholders.
  • Liability: General partners unlimited; shareholders limited.
  • Management: Exclusive to general partners; board and general assembly required.
  • Regulation: Foreign ownership needs approval; external audit mandatory.
  • Obligations: Financial records, AGMs, CR renewal, full compliance with Company Law.
  • Activity Type: Branch may trade; Representative Office limited to promotion
  • Foreign Ownership: 100% allowed
  • CR required: Yes
  • Regulation: May need a local agent for regulated sectors
  • Auditor: Required for branches
  • Office: Physical address required
  • Responsibilities: Coordinate with parent company; annual financial filings; license renewals; compliance with Bahraini and home-country laws
  • Owner: One individual (Bahraini, GCC; some foreign sectors allowed)
  • Capital: No legal minimum
  • Liability: Unlimited personal liability
  • CR & License: Mandatory; specific activities require qualifications
  • Office: Physical presence may be necessary depending on the activity
  • Compliance: Annual CR renewal; record-keeping; sector-specific licenses
  • Eligibility: Bahraini nationals only; selected activities
  • Capital: None
  • Liability: Unlimited
  • Registration: Via the Sijilat portal
  • Approvals: May need ministry sign-offs, depending on activity
  • Controls: CR renewal, maintain activity scope, account records, and compliance.

Not sure which company type fits your business? Get expert advice now.

Book A Free Appointment Now!

Feature / Type

W.L.L (LLC)

BSC (Closed)

BSC (Open)

Partnership

Commandite Company

Branch Office

Individual Est.

Legal Entity

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

❌ No (not separate)

❌ No

Min. Capital (BHD)

None (BHD 1000+ advised)

250,000

1,000,000

None

None (20,000 by shares)

None

None

Shareholders / Partners

No Restriction

2–50

≥5

≥2

≥2 (1 general + 1 limited)

Parent Co. only

1 (Owner)

Foreign Ownership Allowed

✅ Yes (most sectors)

✅ Yes (varies)

✅ Yes (with IPO)

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Public Share Offering

❌ No

❌ No

✅ Yes

❌ No

✅ Yes (shares only)

❌ No

❌ No

Limited Liability

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

❌ No

✅ Limited (shareholders)

✅ Yes

❌ No

Management Structure

Manager or Board

Board of Directors

Board of Directors

All partners

General partners only

Authorized Signatory

Owner

Audit Required

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

❌ Not mandatory

✅ Yes (shared)

✅ Yes

❌ No

Best For

SMEs, Startups

Private Corporates

Large Corporates

Local Partnerships

Risk-sharing Ventures

Expanding Foreign Co

Small local trades

Why Choose Bahrain for Starting a Business

Bahrain is now a leading spot for entrepreneurs, startups, and foreign investors in the Middle East. Many people choose to form companies in Bahrain. This is due to its business-friendly rules, clear legal system, and welcoming attitude toward foreign investment.

Why choose bahrain for business formation

100% Foreign Ownership

Bahrain allows 100% foreign ownership in most business sectors. That means you don’t need a local sponsor or partner, giving you full control and decision-making power in your company

Affordable Company Setup

Compared to nearby countries like the UAE or Qatar, company registration in Bahrain is faster and more cost-effective. You can easily reserve names and get your CR online using the government’s Sijilat platform.

Strategic Gulf Location

Bahrain is in the Gulf’s center. It provides easy access to major markets such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the entire GCC region.

Digitally-Enabled System

Need to write, write , something, something, here, here, new, new. Reserve names and get your CR online using the government’s Sijilat platform.

English-Friendly

In Bahrain, English is commonly spoken. Most government services and legal documents are in both English and Arabic. This helps foreign investors avoid confusion. They can move forward without delays or language barriers.

0% Corporate and Personal Tax

One of the biggest attractions is Bahrain’s 0% corporate tax and 0% personal income tax in most sectors. This tax-friendly environment helps you keep more of your earnings. You can reinvest this money to grow your business. This is ideal for startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Avoid setup delays — Let our PROs handle the paperwork for you.

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How to Get an Investor Visa in Bahrain

mainIf you want to live and start a business in Bahrain, the Investor Visa, or Businessman Visa, is the easiest option. Bahrain offers foreign investors flexible visa options and low capital requirements. This makes it one of the most welcoming countries for investors in the Gulf.

Types of Investor Visas in Bahrain

Bahrain offers two types of investor visas:

1. Businessman Visa:

Issued to founders, directors, or significant shareholders of a Bahraini company.

2. Investor Visa:

Offered to those holding shares or ownership in an existing company in Bahrain

Both of the investor visas are issued under the supervision of:

  • Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA)
  • Ministry of Industry & Commerce (MOIC)
  • Nationality, Passports & Residence Affairs (NPRA)

Eligibility for LMRA Investor Visa

  • Open to all foreign nationals who own or co-own a business in Bahrain.
  • No minimum investment is required; even BHD 1 ownership is sufficient.
  • You must either form a new company or purchase shares in an existing one.

Bahrain Investor Visa Requirements

To apply for an investor visa, prepare the following documents in GIF format, each under 200 KB in size:

  • Copy of Passport
  • Commercial Registration (CR) Certificate
  • Commercial Registration Extract
  • Medical Certificate (GAMCA-approved), if applying from outside Bahrain
  • Electricity Bill (EWA) for your business premises

Visa Duration & Fees:

Visa Duration

Total Fee (BHD)

Includes

6 Months

BHD 86

LMRA + Basic Healthcare

1 Year

BHD 172

LMRA + Basic Healthcare

2 Years

BHD 344

LMRA + Basic Healthcare


Monthly Fee:
 BHD 5 – Fees must be paid annually or upon renewal.

Investor Visa In Bahrain

Benefits of an Investor Visa in Bahrain

Businessman Status

Legally own and operate your company

Multiple Entry Visa

Travel freely to and from Bahrain

1-Year Saudi eVisa

Eligible for a multi-entry eVisa to KSA

Access to Other GCC Countries

Simplified travel across the region

Bahrain Residence Permit

Includes access to essential public services

The Easiest Way to Get a Bahrain Investor Visa

The most efficient way to secure an investor visa is through the formation of a company in Bahrain. You can register a WLL (With Limited Liability) company with 100% foreign ownership in most business activities. This process typically takes 20–30 working days.

PI Expansion Partners will handle the entire process from company formation to business visa in Bahrain issuance, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and speed.

Need Help with Your Investor Visa?

Let our experts take care of your company setup and investor visa under one package.
Contact PI Expansion Partners Today!

Golden Residency Visa & Long-Term Options (2025)

Bahrain’s Golden Residency Visa is a long-term permit (up to 10 years) designed to attract high-net-worth individuals, exceptional talents, retirees, and long-standing residents. Administered by NPRA, this visa offers flexible, multi-entry benefits without typical work restrictions.

Wealthy individuals

Investing in real estate (minimum BHD 200,000) or local business (≥ BHD 100,000).

Exceptional talent

In academia, science, sports, arts, or tech, typically with relevant nominations or incubator approval.

Retirees

With a reliable monthly income of BHD 4,000 (non-residents) or BHD 2,000 (long-term residents).

Visa Details & Fees

  • Valid for 10 years and renewable indefinitely, provided the criteria are maintained.
  • 10-year multi-entry residency, with no sponsor required
  • Work flexibility, no local sponsor needed; easier employment registration
  • Sponsor family members; includes spouse, children, and parents 
  • Holders only need to stay 90 days per year in Bahrain to maintain validity

Charges: BHD 300 issuance fee + BHD 4 application fee, plus BHD 5 per dependent

Why the Golden Residency Visa Matters

The Golden Residency Visa stands out from standard Investor or Businessman Visas. It offers longer stability, family coverage, and more mobility. This makes it an excellent option for those wanting long-term residence and flexibility in Bahrain.

Business Address Options: Commercial vs Virtual Office

Choosing the right address type is crucial for your company formation in Bahrain, as it impacts costs, licensing, and operational flexibility.

Virtual Office

  • Best for freelancers, consultants, and tech startups.
  • Grants a legal business address without the need for physical office space
  • Great for lean businesses or interim setup situations

Annual cost: BHD 120–350

Commercial Office Lease

  • Required for retail, F&B, trading, manufacturing, or regulated sectors.
  • Must comply with zoning laws and Municipality regulations
  • Includes lease contract, site visit, and utility setup (e.g., electricity)
  • A lease agreement and an electricity bill are mandatory documents for CR and licensing

Annual rent: BHD 700–1,500+, depending on location and size

What is a CR (Commercial Registration)?

The Commercial Registration (CR) is the official business license issued by the Ministry of Industry & Commerce (MOIC). It gives a person or company the legal right to conduct business activities in Bahrain. However, the eligibility to get a CR depends on:

  • The nationality of the investor
  • The type of business activity

Many activities allow 100% foreign ownership, particularly in the service and manufacturing sectors. For trading, import, and export purposes, at least 51% ownership must be held by Bahraini, GCC, or American nationals, as mandated by national policies.

cr renewal fees

Company Renewal Process

Maintaining an active Commercial Registration (CR) is essential to start a business in Bahrain. Whether you’re renewing your CR, updating shareholder details, or transferring ownership, it’s necessary to follow MOICT regulations carefully.

Company in Bahrain – Key Facts

  • Validity: CRs are valid for 1 year and must be renewed annually
  • Late Renewal Penalty: Starts at BHD 100/month if expired
  • Online Renewal: Done via the Sijilat portal at www.sijilat.bh

Requirements of Company Renewal

  • Updated Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) information
  • Audited financial statements, if applicable
  • No unresolved violations or fines
  • Accurate business activities and contact details

Fees of Company Renewal (2025)

  • CR renewal: BHD 50
  • Activity renewal (up to 3): BHD 100
  • Chamber registration renewal: BHD 16

PI Expansion Partners handles full compliance checks, documentation, and portal filing to ensure smooth CR renewal.

cr renewal

Avoid Company Expiry or Deletion

Failure to renew your CR on time can result in its legal deletion. To avoid this:

  • Renew before expiry
  • Keep UBO, financial records, and documents up to date.
  • Resolve any compliance issues proactively.

If your CR is deleted, we will assist in restoring it. This includes recovering documents, fixing violations, and reapplying to MOICT.

How to Open a Corporate Bank Account in Bahrain | Step-by-Step Guide

Opening a bank account in Bahrain is key to starting your business. However, it can be tricky, especially for foreign investors. Expert guidance is key due to different documentation needs, KYC checks, and bank policies.

At PI Expansion Partners, we make things easy. We have strong connections with the best local and international banks in Bahrain.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Free Consultation & Needs Assessment

We start with a free consultation. This helps us learn about your business model, legal structure, industry, and banking preferences. Based on this, we recommend the most suitable options for bank account opening in Bahrain.

Step 2: Choose the Right Bank

We assist you in selecting a reliable and regulation-compliant bank. Top choices include: Ahli United Bank (AUB), Bank ABC, BisB (Bahrain Islamic Bank), KFH (Kuwait Finance House), and Al Salam Bank. Our established relationships with these banks help avoid delays and ensure a smooth experience.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documentation

To open a corporate bank account for a foreign company in Bahrain, the following documents are typically required:

  • Valid Commercial Registration (CR)
  • MOA & AOA (Memorandum and Articles of Association)
  • Office Lease Agreement
  • Passports + CPR of shareholders and signatories
  • Board Resolution (authorizing account opening)
  • 6-month personal bank statements (for shareholders of inactive companies)
  • 6-month corporate bank statements (for active companies)
  • Source of funds and full KYC details

We guide you in compiling and verifying each document based on the selected bank’s specific requirements.

Step 4: Application Submission & Bank Coordination

Once documents are ready, we handle:

  • Filling out bank application forms
  • Direct coordination with relationship managers
  • Scheduling interviews (if required)
  • Responding to compliance queries

This ensures an efficient and stress-free process, especially for foreign companies opening a bank account in Bahrain.

Step 5: Account Activation & Post-Setup Support

The account activation timeline ranges between 7 and 21 working days, depending on the bank and the nature of your business. Once approved, your account will include:

  • IBAN
  • Debit card
  • Online banking access
  • Multi-currency support

We continue to assist with online banking setup, account usage guidance, and compliance follow-up.

Recommended Banks

Ahli United Bank (AUB)

Best for global credibility and long-term business banking.

Bank ABC

Ideal for multinational firms and complex banking needs.

BisB (Bahrain Islamic Bank)

Offers digital-first Shariah-compliant services.

KFH (Kuwait Finance House)

Preferred for Islamic banking solutions.

Al Salam Bank

Fast onboarding and user-friendly branch access.

Minimum Deposit & Account Features

Minimum deposits vary by bank (typically BHD 500 to BHD 5,000).

Features include multi-currency transfers, online banking, and corporate debit cards.

Full KYC compliance and source of funds documentation are mandatory.

Opening a bank account in Bahrain? We’ll guide you to the best options.

Contact Us Now for a Free Consultation!

Our Bahrain Services

Company formation in Bahrain provides a full range of services for entrepreneurs and businesses. These services help individuals establish a presence in Bahrain. Our experienced consultants ensure a smooth journey, from initial setup to residency support. Below are our core offerings:

Bahrain Company Registration

Get complete help to register and launch your business in Bahrain legally. We’ll ensure you meet all regulatory standards.

WLL Company Setup in Bahrain

Get expert help to set up a With Limited Liability (WLL) company. This is ideal for startups and SMEs that require liability protection and operational flexibility.

Business Investor Visa Assistance

We take care of everything for Sponsored Business Visas for foreign entrepreneurs. We carefully manage all paperwork and approvals.

Licensing for Businesses in Bahrain

We help you get the right commercial or industrial licenses. This way, you can run your business legally under Bahraini law.

PRO Support Services

Our PRO experts work with government departments. They handle document clearances, renewals, and legal formalities. This keeps your operations compliant.

Corporate Bank Account Setup

We help you open business bank accounts in Bahrain. We guide you to the right banks and ensure you meet all KYC and compliance needs.

How Much Does it Cost to Set up a Company in Bahrain?

The cost of company formation in Bahrain is BHD 1612 and is best for growing SMEs and experienced entrepreneurs.

BHD 1,612

Complete Company Formation Package

Processing Time: 25–30 business days

Whats Included:

  • Company structure consultation
  • Initial document preparation
  • Security clearance (NPRA)
  • eKey & personal banking guidance
  • MOICT approval
  • Trade name registration
  • License application
  • Commercial address approval
  • Drafting & notarizing AoA/DoA
  • Bank account & capital deposit help
  • 1-year business license
  • Chamber of Commerce membership
  • Business center address
  • VAT & compliance support
  • A multi-currency bank account helps

How Long Does Company Formation in Bahrain Take?

The business registration in Bahrain can be done in 7 – 20 days, but delays may occur due to:

  • Regulatory checks by MOICT, Sijilat, or LMRA
  • Business activities requiring additional approvals
  • Incomplete documentation
  • Delays in bank onboarding or stakeholder availability

Business Address Cost (Mandatory)

Office Type

Estimated Cost

1-Month Business Address

BHD 300

1-Year Business Center Address

BHD 1200

1-Year Incubation Center Address

BHD 600

20 sqm Workshop in Industrial Area

BHD 150–200

Investor Residency Cost (For Each Shareholder)

Item

Cost (BHD)

Investor Visa (Govt Fee)

172

LMRA Admin Fee

10

Medical Test

20

Identity Card

136

Remote Visa Application Support

100

Remote LMRA Registration

100

Biometrics & Medical Scheduling

30

Licensing and Consulting Cost

  • Average cost: BHD 1000 (excluding office address).
  • Includes MOICT registration, activity approvals, and legal advisory.
  • Our packages include all necessary licenses and regulatory consultations.

Taxes in Bahrain for Foreign-Owned Companies (2025)

Personal Income Tax

0%

Corporate Tax

0%*

Capital Gains Tax

0%

VAT

10%

*Except oil & gas companies (46%) and multinational enterprises subject to Global Minimum Tax (15% as of 2025)

About Us

PI Expansion Partners is a dedicated team that helps investors with corporate services. Our focus is on making business setups and expansion in Bahrain easier.

700+

Successful Registrations

6+

Years Experience

100%

Client Satisfaction

50+

Countries Served

 

We help with:

  • Business registration
  • Company formation
  • Business registration
  • Company formation

We work with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism. We partner with the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, and Bahrain Evisa. From start-up to expansion, we are experts in every process, allowing you to focus on driving business profits.

If you are starting your business from scratch or building on your success, we help you to do business in Bahrain more easily. 

FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions that are commonly asked:

Yes. Bahrain allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, including IT, consulting, re-exports, manufacturing, and more. Only a few sectors (like general trading or construction) require a minor Bahraini share.

The total setup cost ranges from BHD 1,326 to BHD 2,151, depending on the package selected. This includes CR, business address, investor visa, and bank account support.

The Platinum Package offers formation in 11–20 business days, including fast-track company registration (CR), visa, and banking services.

Yes. You can apply for a 2-year Investor Residency Visa after CR approval. This also allows you to sponsor dependents and open a personal bank account.

Foreign-friendly banks in Bahrain include:

  • Al Salam Bank
  • Khaleeji Bank
  • Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait (BBK)
  • Each has slightly different KYC requirements and account opening timelines.

No, you can complete most of the process remotely with the assistance of a licensed consultant or agent. Physical presence is required later for biometrics, visa applications, and banking purposes.

Yes. Bahrain’s Sijilat, LMRA, and NBR portals enable online registration. Many clients complete the full CR registration and visa application remotely.

Let's Launch Your Business in Bahrain

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Contact Information

Business Hours

Sunday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Expert Team

Dedicated consultants ready to help

Why Choose Us?

  • 6+ years of experience
  • 700+ successful company formations
  • End-to-end service support
  • Government-approved consultants
  • Fast-track processing available

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