Moving to Bahrain: An Expat’s Guide

Published on September 29, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to Bahrain as an expatriate might seem like a bold adventure, but this small kingdom in the Persian Gulf is brimming with exciting opportunities for those looking to navigate a new cultural environment while enjoying a remarkable quality of life. Between its modern skyscrapers and vibrant traditional markets, Bahrain offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and economic dynamism.

In this guide, you’ll discover the essential aspects for a successful transition, whether it’s finding comfortable housing, understanding the nuances of the local culture, or navigating the complex world of administrative paperwork.

Get ready to dive into an experience where the old world harmoniously blends with the new, making your expatriation to Bahrain not only viable but also enriching.

Preparing Your Move to Bahrain: Practical Tips

Administrative Procedures to Complete Before Departure

• Check passport validity (at least 6 months beyond planned entry date).
• Apply for an appropriate visa based on duration and purpose of stay (work visa, residence visa, or visitor visa). Most visas can be obtained online or upon arrival, but for long stays or expatriation, prior application through the employer or local sponsor is often required.
• Inquire about any required work permits or additional documents demanded by the employer or Bahraini administration.
• Arrange for official translation and legalization of certain documents (birth certificate, diplomas, employment contract).

Recommended Vaccinations and Health Insurance

Vaccine	Recommendation	Details
Hepatitis A	Routinely recommended	1 injection 15 days before departure
Hepatitis B	For long or repeated stays	Accelerated schedule possible
Typhoid	Depending on stay conditions	Vaccine valid 2 to 5 years
Rabies	For extended stays or isolation	3 doses, recommended for children
Basic vaccines (DTPolio, MMR)	Up to date per French vaccination schedule	Mandatory for children

No vaccinations are required for entry, except for yellow fever for travelers coming from a risk country.

It is advisable to purchase international health insurance covering medical care and repatriation, as the local public system is fee-based for non-residents.

Temporary Housing Upon Arrival

• Book a hotel or serviced residence in advance for the first few days.
• Check specialized platforms (Airbnb, Booking, expat sites) to compare offers.
• Connect with expat groups or forums for recommendations on suitable neighborhoods (proximity to schools, safety, transportation).
• Budget sufficiently, as rents can be high in popular areas.

Transporting Personal Belongings

• Compare quotes from international moving companies specializing in the Gulf.
• Choose between sea freight (more economical but slower) or air freight (faster, more expensive) depending on urgency.
• Inquire about the list of prohibited goods or items requiring declaration at Bahraini customs.
• Prepare a detailed inventory and purchase receipts to facilitate customs clearance.

Financial Aspects and Managing Local Currency

The local currency is the Bahraini Dinar (BHD).

To open a local bank account, you generally need:

• A valid passport
• A residence visa or proof of local address
• A letter from the employer or sponsor

• Prefer international banks present in Bahrain to facilitate transfers.
• Have alternative payment methods (international cards) for the first few days.
• Familiarize yourself with exchange rates and bank fees to avoid unnecessary charges.

Cultural Integration and Adaptation

• Learn about local customs: respect for dress code, public behavior, Ramadan hours, importance of family and hospitality.
• Learn a few Arabic words or familiarize yourself with common expressions.
• Participate in cultural events or join expat associations to ease integration.
• Be mindful of local laws (zero tolerance for drinking and driving, respect for religious rules).

Don’t Forget:

• Keep digital and paper copies of all important documents.
• Prepare a basic medical kit suited to the climate and local risks.
• Anticipate administrative delays to avoid setbacks upon arrival.

First Steps in Bahrain: Essential Procedures

Key steps upon arrival in Bahrain for expatriates:

• Obtain a residence visa
  • The visa must be obtained before arrival, usually through the employer with the Labour Market Regulation Authority (LMRA).
  • Required documents: valid passport, ID photos, medical check results, health insurance certificate, recent bank statements, and police clearance certificate.
• Local registration procedure
  • Upon arrival, mandatory medical examination at an approved center (infectious tests and fluorography).
  • Fingerprinting.
  • Obtain the CPR card (Central Population Registry), essential for all administrative procedures on site.
• Social security registration
  • Expatriate employees are generally automatically enrolled in the local system through their employer. It’s advisable to check with HR or directly with local authorities if specific registration is required based on your status.

Essential Practical Procedures

Procedure	Description
Opening a bank account	Present passport + CPR card + proof of address. Some institutions require an employer letter.
Housing search	Mainly furnished rentals in areas permitted for foreigners (Amwaj Islands, Juffair…). Contracts often annual; negotiation possible. Visiting multiple properties recommended.
Utilities setup	Arrange connections to essential services (water/electricity) if not included in the lease; some landlords handle this.

Main Cultural Differences to Anticipate

• Respect for Muslim religious traditions: Ramadan strictly observed (no eating/drinking in public during daytime).
• More conservative dress code than in some Western countries – decent attire required especially in public places.
• Sometimes more flexible approach to time (“Inshallah” means “if God wills,” often used to qualify commitments).

Practical Tips to Facilitate Initial Integration

• Join expat groups or associations present locally (international social clubs, professional networks…)
• Participate in local community events to meet residents and newcomers.
• Learn a few common phrases in Arabic:
  • Hello: Salam alaykoum
  • Thank you: Shukran
  • Yes / No: Naam / Laa
  • How much does it cost?: Kam ath-thaman?
  • I don’t understand: La afham
  • Can you help me?: Hal mumkin an tusa’idani?

Tip: don’t hesitate to ask your Bahraini colleagues or neighbors; they generally appreciate the efforts made by newcomers to understand their culture and learn a few words in Arabic!

Integrating Smoothly into the Local Community

Respecting local customs and traditions is essential to facilitate integration into a new country. This helps understand expected behaviors, avoid awkwardness, and build a climate of trust with the inhabitants. Adopting a respectful attitude towards local cultural practices paves the way for harmonious social relationships and enriches the life experience.

Participating in cultural and social events (festivals, religious holidays, markets, neighborhood gatherings) is an excellent way to connect with residents and build authentic bonds. This direct involvement promotes discovering the culture from a lively and accessible angle.

To strengthen your network and benefit from a support framework, it’s advisable to join clubs or associations for expatriates. These structures allow for sharing experiences, finding practical advice, and feeling supported during the settlement process.

Some Practical Tips for Learning Arabic and Showing Adaptation Efforts

• Familiarize yourself with “darija” (Moroccan dialectal Arabic), widely used in daily life.
• Learn polite expressions and simple phrases:

1. Hello: Salam alaykoum
2. Thank you: Shukran
3. Please: Afak
4. How are you?: Labas?

• Use mobile apps or attend local conversation workshops.
• Ask colleagues or neighbors to correct and explain certain expressions.

Inquiring about local laws and regulations is highly recommended: this helps avoid legal and administrative misunderstandings and adopt behaviors in line with the host country’s expectations. This preventive approach protects against unintentional offenses and promotes respectful integration.

Ways to Contribute to the Local Community

Action	Benefits for Integration
Volunteering	Creates bonds with residents, understanding of local needs
Participation in local initiatives	Values civic engagement, improves perception of expatriates
Support for charitable associations	Strengthens solidarity and sense of belonging

Taking part in local life through volunteering or engagement in neighborhood projects not only strengthens relationships but also provides a better understanding of the host society’s challenges.

Demonstrating patience, open-mindedness, and curiosity is the key to successful and fulfilling integration.

Visa and Residence Permits: Everything You Need to Know

Types of Visas for Expatriates in Bahrain

Visa Type	Duration	Main Eligibility	Application Process	Required Documents	Typical Fees
Residence Visa	2, 5 or 10 years	Investors (min. USD 265,270), retirees, property owners (min. USD 132,640)	Application via eVisa portal	Passport, proof of investment or property, ID photos	Depending on duration and status: several thousand USD
Standard Work Visa	1 or 2 years	Job offer and LMRA sponsor	Employer submits application to LMRA	Employment contract, passport, medical tests, police clearance check	Variable depending on employer and sector
Flexi Permit	Up to 2 years	Skilled workers in certain sectors	Personal application via LMRA & SIO Social contributions required	ID documents + proof of qualifications	Approx. BHD 500+ per year
Golden Visa	10 years renewable	Investors (property min. BHD 200,000), employees (>5 years with salary ≥BHD 2,000/month), retirees (>BHD 2,000/month pension), exceptional talents	Application via dedicated NPRA service	Passport, financial/professional/artistic proofs depending on category	BHD 600 – BHD 1,000+ per application
Family Visa / Family Reunification	Up to sponsor’s validity	Close family member (spouse, children, parents) sponsored by Bahraini resident	Application via government website or in person	Passport(s), birth/marriage certificate(s) proving family ties	Modest administrative fees (~BHD 30–50/year)

Detailed Eligibility Criteria

• Investor/Retiree/Property Owner Residence Visa
  • Minimum amounts to invest or own
  • Financial proofs required
• Work Visa
  • Firm offer from employer registered with LMRA
  • Mandatory medical examination before arrival
• Flexi Permit
  • Specific professional experience; authorized sector only; local social obligations
• Golden Visa
  • Significant property ownership OR seniority/high salary OR officially recognized talent

General Process

1. Create an account on the relevant official portal (eVisa for residence/investor/family; LMRA for work/flexi permits).
2. Prepare all original documents and legalized copies.
3. Fill out online forms.
4. Submit required documents per provided list.
5. Wait for application processing:
   • Typical processing times:
     • Standard visas: up to 40 business days
     • Golden visa: generally between 5 and 10 business days
     • Family/visitor visas: sometimes issued within 24 hours

Frequently Required Documents

• Valid passport (+6 months)
• Recent ID format photos
• Contract/employment/official offer if applicable
• Financial/bank/investment property proofs if necessary
• Recent medical certificate & police clearance certificate

Residence Permit & Renewal

A long-term visa generally equates to the residence permit.
Renewal is done on the same portal as the initial application:

• Recommended timing: initiate process at least one month before expiration
• Main conditions for renewal:
  • Maintain required financial/professional status;
  • Effectively reside in the country;
  • Present new medical certificates if requested.

Typical Associated Fees

• Fees vary significantly depending on type/duration/applicant status.
• For a standard investor/foreign resident permit:
  • Between a few hundred to several thousand USD/BHD depending on profile.

Services & Resources Available for Expatriates

List of useful services:

• eGovernment Authority (eGA) portal
• Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA)
• Nationality Passports and Residence Affairs Service (NPRA)

Additional resources:

• Agencies specializing in local administrative support;
• Private advisors / accredited immigration consultants;
• Francophone/expat associations offering practical guides;

Practical tips for sustainable integration:

• Take basic courses on local culture and Bahraini customs
• Participate in community events organized by expat associations
• Inquire with embassies about specific social/family rights