Guide to Residency in Bahrain

Obtaining a residency visa in Bahrain is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Bahrain gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Secure a job or business sponsorship
• Before you can apply for residency, you need to be employed by a Bahraini company or have a Bahraini business sponsor.
• Your employer or sponsor will provide you with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) which is required for your residency application.
• Obtain an entry visa
• If you're not a citizen of a GCC country, you'll need an entry visa to Bahrain.
• Your employer or sponsor should arrange this for you. You can find more information on the eVisa website.
• Undergo medical examination
• A medical check-up is mandatory for residency applications. This can be done at any government health center or approved private clinic.
• The examination includes testing for communicable diseases and ensuring you're in good general health.
• Apply for a CPR (Central Population Registry) ID Card
• Visit the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports & Residence (GDNPR) to apply for a CPR ID Card.
• You'll need your passport, entry visa, NOC from your employer/sponsor, and medical certificate.
• Apply for a Residency Permit
• After receiving your CPR ID Card, you can apply for a Residency Permit at the GDNPR.
• You'll need your passport, CPR ID Card, and a passport-sized photograph.
• Your employer or sponsor will also need to provide a signed application form and a copy of their Commercial Registration (CR).
• Register for a Health Card
• Visit a government health center to apply for a Health Card.
• You'll need your passport, Residency Permit, and a passport-sized photograph.
• Apply for a Smart Card (Driving License)
• If you plan to drive in Bahrain, you'll need to apply for a Smart Card at the General Directorate of Traffic.
• You'll need your passport, Residency Permit, and a valid driving license from your home country.

Renewal of Residency Permit

Residency Permits are typically issued for 2 years and can be renewed through your employer or sponsor. It's important to start the renewal process well before the expiry date to avoid any lapses in your residency status.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Bahrain?

"In order to visit Bahrain, visitors must obtain a visa upon arrival. The visa application process involves submitting a valid passport with at least six months of validity, a copy of your flight ticket, a valid address in Bahrain, a fee of 30 BHD, and 3 passport-sized color photos. After the application is approved, the visa validity period is 14 days. In order to obtain residence in Bahrain, the applicant can apply for an Investor’s Visa, the Non-Employment-Based Visa, the Temporary Residence Visa, or the Residence Visa for GCC nationals. An application for residence must include a valid passport with at least six months of validity, four passport-sized photos, a bank statement, documents attesting to income, and a valid address in Bahrain. Depending on the visa type, additional documents, such as a medical certificate and police clearance certificate, may also be requested. The approval period for residence in Bahrain varies based on the visa type and is typically between 1 to 3 months," commented one member living in Bahrain.