Requirements for Getting a Bahrain Work Visa?

Here’s how you can get a work visa in Bahrain:

1. Secure a job offer & sponsorship

• You must have an employment offer from a Bahrain-licensed employer who will sponsor your visa via the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).

• Employer uploads your details into the Expat Management System (EMS).

2. Pass a medical exam

• You’ll need a GAMCA-approved medical certificate, done either in your home country or in Bahrain, to confirm fitness to work.

3. Provide required documents

Typically:

• Valid passport (6+ months remaining)

• Employment contract (English & Arabic)

• Passport photos

• Educational/professional certificates

• Medical report

• Sometimes police clearance or NOC for regulated professions

4. LMRA approval & visa processing

• Employer requests a work permit from LMRA.

• New rules may require a 21-day local hiring test before processing applications from abroad.

• Standard permit types:

o Standard (1–2 years)

o Temporary (short-term projects)

o Flexi permit (for freelancers or multiple employers)

o Investor/owner or domestic worker permits.

5. Apply for residence visa & CPR

• Once permit is approved, your employer applies for a residence visa via NPRA.

• Upon arrival in Bahrain, you'll complete biometrics and receive your Central Population Registry (CPR) card.

6. Fees & timelines

• Fees vary by permit type (e.g., BD 228–912 for 6 months to 2 years).

• Processing takes:

o ~3 days if inside Bahrain

o ~21–30 working days if applying from abroad Reddit+15Remote People+15ShunCulture+15.

7. Changing employer

• After at least one year, you're eligible to transfer sponsorship if you secure a new job offer.

Summary:

1. Get a Bahrain-based employer who will sponsor your work permit through LMRA.

2. Submit your personal documents and undergo a GAMCA medical exam.

3. Employer applies for the permit; you may need to wait a 21 day local hiring window if applying from abroad.

4. After approval, get your residence visa stamped and CPR card.

5. You may work legally for 1–2 years, with possibilities to renew or switch jobs later.