Bahrain
General visa requirements for travelling to Bahrain. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Work / Immigration visa (Work Visa (Employment Visa))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 730 days
- Processing time
- 5-14 business days
- Fee
- $195 USD (1 year) / $390 USD (2 years)
- Validity
- 1-2 years, renewable
- Entry
- Multiple entry
All non-Bahraini (non-GCC) nationals intending to work in Bahrain must have a valid work visa sponsored by an employer registered with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA). GCC nationals have freedom of movement for employment.
Eligibility
-
Employment
Must have confirmed job offer from LMRA-registered employer in Bahrain
Required status: Confirmed employment from LMRA-registered employer
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Passport-size photographs
-
Police clearance
Validity months: 6
-
Academic transcript
Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.
Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: No
How to apply
-
Document submission
Employee submits passport, photographs, medical certificate, police clearance, and educational certificates
-
Fee payment
Employer pays BHD 195 for 1-year or BHD 390 for 2-year work permit
-
Processing wait
LMRA processes work visa application, typically 5 days but may take up to 2 weeks