How to get an Investor Visa in Bahrain? Requirements and Cost

Bahrain is a fast-growing economy, an upcoming financial hub, and a country with many opportunities. As a result, the Bahraini government has given investors several incentives to encourage entrepreneurs to invest.

The Kingdom has been making waves with its lucrative packages, such as the benefits of the VAT system. As a result, it has done a surprising climb to become one of the top destinations in the Middle East for foreign investors.

Punctuated by similar climbs over the past decade as neighbouring countries staged financial booms fueled by increasing oil exports, the tiny Gulf state is looking to take full advantage of its strategic location and booming economy.

The zone has introduced an investor VISA for expatriates looking to start a business here. The Investor VISA program in the Kingdom allows foreign citizens to reside in the country indefinitely and apply for permanent residency.

So, as a soon-to-be ex-pat in the country, you may consider moving there to start a business. Let's look at the different VISA types available, allowing you to live and work in Bahrain.

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VISA in Bahrain

There are two types of visas for living and working in the country. They are:

• Investor's VISA
• Employee VISA

Offering the holders of visas a variety of benefits with a low cost and ample opportunity, it's a fabulous option for those looking to retire or relocate to Bahrain.

How does the VISA in Bahrain work?

The VISA works through the following processes:

• At first, the LMRA (Labour Market Regulatory Authority) issues the VISA
• Then, a stamp of approval from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism and NPRA (Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs) is required.

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The Bahrain Visa Application Requirements

There are zero restrictions on the investment amount. Even with a BHD 1, investors can get a VISA in Bahrain.

1. Documents Required

Want a smooth process in getting hold of your VISA? Then keep the following documents ready-

For the Investor's VISA:

• Medical Certificate
• Passport Copy
• CR (Commercial Registration Certificate)
• Office electricity bill copy (EWA)
• Commercial Registration Extract Copies
• A replica of the last resident permit (if any).

For the Employee VISA:

• A VISA Application Form
• A Passport and a Passport-size Photo
• Medical Certificate
• Name, Birthdate, and Nationality mentioned in the Contract Copy
• A Payment Proof of BHD 100*.

Upload the GIF versions of the documents mentioned above. Each file shouldn't be larger than 200 Kb.

2. VISA charges

The fees required are as follows-

For Investor's VISA:

• The yearly cost is BHD 172*
• The Renewal cost is BHD 86 for six months, BHD 172 for one year, and BHD 344 for two years*
• The monthly fee is BHD 5*.

For Employee VISA:

• The yearly cost is BHD 100*

• The Renewal fee is BHD 50 for six months, BHD 100 for one year, and BHD 200 for two years*.

*Prices are subject to change. Kindly connect with us for confirmation.

Once your business is operational, processing an investor resident permit may take ten to fifteen days. To know more about the other visa types available in the Kingdom, please read our page on visa services in Bahrain.

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What are the Bahrain Investor Visa Benefits?

Bahrain is one of the high-income economies with an urbanized society. Though the official language is Arabic, English is also widely spoken, as half of the resident population constitutes foreigners.

The country is one of the founding members of the World Trade Organization. The following advantages are available to you if you secure an investment visa in the country:

1. Bahraini Businessman Status

2. Numerous entries without limitations

3. Accessibility in other gulf nations

4. More than 350 businesses allow for complete foreign ownership.

The investors in the Kingdom are also eligible for the golden visa in Bahrain.

The Golden Bahrain Visa Requirements

Bahrain has introduced a new 10-year Golden Residency Visa (Golden Visa) that gives ex-pats and foreign investors the chance to live there permanently in accordance with its strategic plans. Current residents must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the Golden Visa:

• They must have lived in Bahrain for at least five years
• Being an owner of one or more properties valued at not less than BD200,000 (US$530,000)
• Retirement with a monthly income of not less than BD4,000 (US$10,600).

Suppose the holder of the Golden Visa continues to meet the requirements, one of which is staying in the country for 90 days in any calendar year. In that case, their residency will be renewed indefinitely once every ten years.

We anticipate that more information on the Golden Visa will be released in the upcoming months. It can be received through the e-Government Portal. The introduction of the Golden Visa is intended to draw investors and help Bahrainis' top-notch access prospects.

After going through the benefits, you might look up your company registration in Bahrain. Then, if you are considering applying for an Investor VISA, let our experience guide you.

You may face challenges while going through the procedures alone as a foreigner. We will make it a hassle-free process for you in a short period.

So, contact us for more discussions, and we'll be glad to assist.

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