Working in Bahrain: LMRA permits, the CPR card and job mobility
Bahrain has one of the most streamlined work permit systems in the region. Here is how it works.
New: recent changes on this topic
If a change affects a step below, it is flagged after our editors review it.
In short
Bahrain’s labour market is regulated by the LMRA. Most expats are employer-sponsored, salaries are tax-free and social insurance contributions cover unemployment.
- Working week
- 48 hours
- Income tax
- 0%
- Annual leave
- 30 days after 1 year
- Unemployment insurance
- 1% of salary
Step by step
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.
Online at LMRA.
1 week
Documents checklist
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Check permit status on LMRA
- Keep payslips
Don’t
- Don’t use illegal visa brokers
- Don’t work without a valid 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 Flexi Permit scheme ended in 2023. New registration routes are managed by LMRA labour centres.
Common questions
Is there end-of-service pay?
Expats receive leaving indemnity through the Social Insurance Organization.
Official links
Background and more detail
One authority
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) issues work permits, handles transfers between employers and runs the wage protection system. Employers apply online and permits are often issued within two weeks.
The CPR card
Your Central Population Register (CPR) card is your national ID. You need it for a bank account, phone contract, tenancy and healthcare registration.
Changing employer
Workers can generally move to a new employer after the first year of their contract, or earlier with notice, without the current employer's consent. The new employer applies to LMRA.
Regulated roles
Banking, insurance and compliance roles require approval from the Central Bank of Bahrain. Healthcare workers need a licence from the National Health Regulatory Authority.
Pay and tax
There is no personal income tax. VAT is 10%. Expats contribute 1% to unemployment insurance. Packages are often quoted as a single monthly figure with housing included.
Golden Residency
Bahrain offers a renewable 10-year Golden Residency for long-term residents and high earners, which does not depend on an employer.
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