The business landscape of Bahrain is evolving at a rapid pace. The authorities have streamlined the process of company incorporation to benefit entrepreneurs. To avail yourself of the benefits of company registration in Bahrain, you are first required to obtain a visa to enter and reside in the nation. Availing professionals’ assistance will ease the visa application process. Reach out to a business consultancy like BSW to know more about different types of visas in Bahrain.
What is a Visa?
A visa is a document that facilitates access to and residence in a country. Depending on the purpose of your visit, you may need a different type of visa.
Most visitors, except those from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, require a visa to enter Bahrain. The government has established specific regulations for each visa type. The Bahrain embassy and consulate are the designated authorities that manage visa applications.
Types of Visa in Bahrain and Their Requirements
There are four Bahrain visa types, each of these has specific eligibility criteria, duration, and process of application. Obtaining a visa can be a tedious task in itself, but these steps can be made easier by getting in touch with our consultants at Business Setup Worldwide.
The visa types in Bahrain are -
Domestic Visa
A domestic visa enables foreign citizens to stay or work as domestic help in Bahrain. In most cases, a domestic visa is intended for a long-term stay rather than for travelling or tourism purposes. Individuals such as housekeeping staff, drivers, cooks, gardeners, babysitters, and house security personnel can obtain domestic visas.
The following documents have to be submitted for obtaining a domestic visa -
- A completed application form.
- Real-estate owners address proofs and rent contracts.
- Salary certificate mentioning the duration of work and the pay.
- You also need to submit a copy of the CPR (Central Population Registry) for all the family members, stating their unique identification number.
- Entrepreneurs must submit three months' bank statements along with proof of car ownership and driving license.
- GCC national applicants should provide proof of residency for themselves and their family members in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
- For non-GCC national applicants, the employer should have a residency permit valid for a minimum of six months.
Visit Visa
A visit visa in Bahrain is issued to individuals who wish to visit their family and friends or spend their holidays there.
The Bahrain visit visa requirements are as follows:
- Cover letter stating the purpose of the visit.
- Proof of travel arrangements.
- Relative's CPR (Central Population Registry) and RP (residence permit).
- You must also possess a passport that has a validity period of at least six months.
- You must fill out and submit the Bahrain visa application form.
- Submit the sponsor CPR (Central Population Registry) and the CR (Commercial Register).
Business Visa
Bahrain is an ideal location for people wishing to set up their companies. The business visa is valid for two weeks and you can get it extended for an additional fourteen days. The requirements you must fulfil are:
- Letter of invitation
- Business cover letter
- Visa application form
- Proof of travel arrangements
- The original, signed passport with six months validity
Employment Visa
An employment visa is a document that allows foreigners to work for an employer in Bahrain. Note that this visa is available to individuals working for a corporation, not as domestic help. The documents required to obtain an employment visa in Bahrain are:
- Contract of employment as proof of employment in Bahrain
- A passport that is valid for the following six months
- The latest electricity and water bill issued by the Electricity and Water Authority
- Certificate from GAMCA (GCC Approved Medical Certificate Association)
- Clearance from LMRA (Labour Market Regulatory Authority) and SIO (Social Insurance Organization)
Depending on the activity you wish to pursue in Bahrain, you can apply for one of the visas mentioned above. To begin the process of obtaining a visa and to access additional company incorporation services, reach out to our consultants at Business Setup Worldwide. Our experienced business advisors are well-versed in Bahrain’s visa policies and can guide you through the process. Contact us today to learn more about the various visa types available in Bahrain and choose the one that best suits your needs.
