Bahrain work permit and CPR card
The LMRA work permit process and the identity card every resident needs.
In short
Bahrain is one of the fastest Gulf countries to settle in. Your employer applies to the LMRA for a work permit, you do a medical and fingerprints, and you receive a CPR card. Self-sponsored options include the Golden Residency.
- ID card
- CPR (Central Population Register)
- Typical time
- 1–3 weeks
- Golden Residency
- From BHD 2,000 salary or BHD 200,000 property
- Main authority
- LMRA + NPRA
Step by step
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.
Online application with your passport and contract.
3–7 days
Documents checklist
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Register for eKey 2.0
- Check your permit status on the LMRA site
- Carry your CPR – it is used for banking and SIM cards
Don’t
- Don’t accept “free visa” offers – they are illegal
- Don’t work for another employer without a new permit
Cost estimator
Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.
Watch out
- The old Flexi Permit was replaced in 2023 by a new labour registration system. Use only LMRA-approved routes.
Common questions
Can I sponsor family?
Yes, with a monthly salary usually above BHD 400 and suitable housing.
Can I drive in Saudi Arabia via the causeway?
Yes. Residents can cross the King Fahd Causeway with a CPR and valid car insurance for Saudi Arabia.
Official links
Background and more detail
Work permit
Work permits are issued by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) at the employer's request. The employer pays the permit fee and monthly LMRA fees.
After arrival
- Medical examination
- Fingerprints
- The CPR (identity card) is issued by the Information and eGovernment Authority
Flexible options
Bahrain offers a Golden Residency for long-term residents, property owners and investors, and a flexible work permit route through registered schemes.
Family
Residents above the salary threshold (BHD 400 a month in many cases) can sponsor family members.
Changing jobs
Workers can change employer through the LMRA after their contract ends or with the employer's consent, subject to notice periods.
Rather have someone do it?
Vetted local partners can handle this for you. Free quote, no obligation.
Full Relocation Concierge
End-to-end support for your move: visa, housing, schools, banking and settling in.
- From
- USD 2,500
- Takes
- 4–8 weeks
Per family, excluding government fees
Get a free quoteVisa & Residency Assistance
Document checks, attestation and application handling for work, family and golden visas.
- From
- USD 450
- Takes
- 1–4 weeks
Per applicant, plus government fees
Get a free quoteGet updates like this every week
Related guides
Starting a company in Bahrain with Sijilat
100% ownership, fast registration and low costs.
Sponsoring family in Bahrain
Salary threshold, documents and costs.
Driving in Bahrain and crossing the King Fahd Causeway
Licences, insurance for Saudi trips and causeway tips.