Investor Visa in Bahrain

The Investor Visa in Bahrain, also known as the Investor Resident Permit, is a special type of resident permit granted to foreign investors who own a business within the Kingdom of Bahrain. Bahrain’s immigration law offers this visa to attract foreign investment, which contributes to the country’s economic growth through job creation and capital infusion. As a way to incentivize foreign investors, Bahrain provides a discrete visa policy with favorable benefits.

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How to get an Investor Visa in Bahrain:

To obtain an Investor Visa in Bahrain, an individual has two options:

  1. Company Registration: They can register a new company in Bahrain.
  2. Share Purchase: Alternatively, they can purchase shares of an existing company in Bahrain.

The Bahrain Investor Visa has two categories:

Eligibility for LMRA Investor Visa in Bahrain:

All foreign investors who own any business in Bahrain are eligible for an LMRA investor visa. The amount of investment is not restricted, allowing investors to obtain the visa with an investment of their choice.

Requirements for Bahrain Investor Visa:

The requirements for obtaining an investor visa in Bahrain, based on new guidelines by LMRA Bahrain and NPRA, include:

Copy of Passport: This is a fundamental identification document, essential for the visa application process. It verifies your identity, nationality, and personal details.

Copy of Commercial Registration Certificate: This document confirms the registration of the business entity with the Bahraini authorities. It’s crucial to validate the legality and existence of the company within the commercial landscape.

Copy of GAMCA Medical Certificate (In case outside Bahrain): For individuals applying from outside Bahrain, this certificate from the Gulf Cooperation Council Approved Medical Centers Association (GAMCA) confirms the individual’s compliance with Gulf health standards.

Copy of Office Electricity Bill (EWA): Providing a copy of the office’s electricity bill from the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) serves as official proof of the business’s physical location and operations.

Copy of Commercial Registration Extract: Similar to the Commercial Registration Certificate, this extract offers a detailed overview of the company’s registration specifics, outlining key details about its operations and legal standing.

Copy of previous resident permit (if any): For applicants with prior residency permits in Bahrain, submitting a copy of this document helps authorities track the individual’s residency history and facilitates any renewal or extension processes.

Benefits of Businessman Visa Bahrain:

By obtaining an investor visa in Bahrain, investors can enjoy a plethora of advantages, making it an attractive option for foreign investors seeking business opportunities in the region:

  1. Businessman Status: Investors gain businessman status in Bahrain, enhancing credibility and networking opportunities.
  2. Multiple Entries Without Restrictions: Enjoy the freedom to travel in and out of Bahrain without restrictive limitations.
  3. 1-Year Multi-Entry eVisa for Saudi Arabia: Eligible for a 1-year multi-entry eVisa for convenient business engagements in Saudi Arabia.
  4. Easy Entry into Other Gulf Countries: Simplified access to other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for cross-border opportunities.
  5. Business and Investment Opportunities: Diverse economy with opportunities in finance, logistics, manufacturing, technology, and more.
  6. Strategic Location: Gateway to the Gulf region and well-connected transportation infrastructure.
  7. Business-Friendly Policies: Transparent and pro-business regulations for setting up and operating businesses.
  8. Access to Global Markets: Benefit from free trade agreements and economic treaties with numerous nations.
  9. Robust Financial Sector: Opportunities in the well-established and regulated financial sector, particularly in Islamic finance.
  10. Tax Advantages: No corporate income tax and withholding tax exemptions, ensuring tax efficiency.
  11. Skilled Workforce: Access to a skilled and diverse workforce to support business operations.
  12. Government Support and Incentives: Grants, subsidies, and assistance in obtaining licenses and permits.
  13. Quality of Life: High standard of living with modern amenities and a welcoming expatriate community.

Types of Investor Visa in Bahrain:

Investor Residence Permit: This permit is tailored for individuals making substantial investments in Bahrain. It allows investors to reside in the country based on their significant investment contributions across various industries, such as real estate, technology, manufacturing, and more. The visa serves as a pathway to residency, recognizing the investor’s role in fostering Bahrain’s economic growth.

Self-Sponsorship Investor Visa: Designed for investors with significant investments in Bahrain, this visa enables individuals to sponsor themselves without requiring a local sponsor. It grants investors greater autonomy over their affairs and business activities within the country.

Start-up Investor Visa: Geared towards promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, this visa targets start-up founders and entrepreneurs. It aims to bolster Bahrain’s start-up ecosystem by attracting individuals with innovative business ideas or technology-driven ventures. The visa supports these ventures in establishing a presence in Bahrain’s dynamic business landscape.

Investor Family Visa: Investors holding a valid investor visa in Bahrain have the privilege to sponsor their family members, including spouses and children, to reside in the country. This visa streamlines family reunification, enabling dependents to reside alongside the primary investor.

Golden Residency Visa: Part of an extended residency program in select Gulf countries, including Bahrain, the Golden Residency Visa targets high-net-worth individuals, prominent investors, and entrepreneurs. Offering extended residency permits lasting ten years or more, this visa category provides significant privileges, simplifies business operations, and grants access to various services and facilities.

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The annual cost of an Investor Visa in Bahrain is BHD 172, which includes Basic Health Care fees (BHD 72) and the LMRA fee (BHD 100). The visa can be obtained for 1 year or 2 years, and renewal options are available for 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years. Additionally, a monthly fee of BHD 5.00 applies.

How to Obtain an Investor Visa in Bahrain:

Acquiring a Residence Permit in Bahrain can be expedited through the establishment of a company, presenting a streamlined avenue for foreign investors. A WLL (With Limited Liability) Company formation within Bahrain emerges as an attractive option due to the country's endorsement of complete foreign ownership across a diverse spectrum of business sectors exceeding 350 types. To fast-track this process, investors can leverage the expertise of specialized company formation agents, reducing the visa acquisition timeline to an efficient 15 to 30 working days.

The process involves meticulous steps in company formation, allowing foreign investors to capitalize on Bahrain's favorable regulations enabling sole ownership or partnership arrangements in various fields. The WLL Company structure, renowned for its limited liability feature, offers investors legal protection while facilitating a relatively straightforward formation process.

Proficient company formation agents offer comprehensive services, guiding investors through intricate legal procedures, aiding in document compilation, and steering the application process with precision. Their expertise in Bahrain's regulatory landscape expedites the residence permit acquisition, enabling investors to promptly engage in entrepreneurial pursuits within Bahrain's dynamic market.

This accelerated visa acquisition timeframe underscores Bahrain's commitment to fostering an investor-friendly environment, attracting foreign capital, and nurturing economic growth. The efficient process, supported by experienced professionals specializing in company formation services, empowers investors to navigate the complexities of establishing their business presence in Bahrain swiftly and effectively.

FAQs for Investor Visa in Bahrain by Entrepreneur.bh

To be eligible for an investor visa, it is essential to invest a certain minimum amount of capital in a business venture within the Kingdom. The specific required capital investment may vary based on the type of business and other regulations set by the Bahraini authorities.

Once the company becomes active, the processing of the Investor Resident Permit typically takes approximately 10-20 days. However, please note that processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications and other factors.

An investor visa is typically granted for a specific duration, usually ranging from 1 to 2 years. Upon expiration, investors have the option to renew their visa, provided they meet the required criteria, including maintaining their business operations and financial commitments within Bahrain.

Investors holding a valid visa have the opportunity to sponsor their immediate family members (spouse and children) for residency in Bahrain. This process allows families to reside together and enjoy the benefits of living in the Kingdom.

While applying for an investor visa, it is essential to ensure that the proposed business activity aligns with the permissible scope of activities designated by Bahraini authorities. Engaging in unauthorized activities can lead to visa rejection or other legal implications.

Prospective investors do not necessarily need to be physically present in Bahrain to apply for an investor visa. The application process can be initiated through authorized channels from abroad. However, if an applicant is already in Bahrain and has applied for the visa, it is advisable to remain within the country until the processing is completed to avoid any potential application rejection or complications.

In addition to the capital investment requirement, other eligibility criteria, such as a clean criminal record and good health, must be met to qualify for an investor visa. Applicants should ensure they fulfill all necessary conditions before proceeding with the application.

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