Bahrain FAQ & Process
This is an overview of the process & some FAQs for Bahrain.
What are the Basic Stages of Your Immigration Process?
Upon collating all necessary documents, your application will go through the following basic stages (green items indicate the steps completed & the orange item indicates the step upon completion of which you are allowed to start work.
- 1Case Initiation
- 2Medical in Home-Country
- 3Work Visa
- 4Arrival in Bahrain
- 5Residence Permit
- 6Medical
- 7CPR Card (Bahrain ID Card)
What Documents are Required?
For your ease of reference, kindly find below the complete list of documents that will be required for your immigration process & for your dependents:
Documents Required prior to arrival in Bahrain for Work Visa Application Filing
- Passport copy
- Highest education certificate;
- Employment Contract (Copy)
- Employment details confirmation for work visa application
- Medical Report
- Completed - Non-Gamca form
Documents Required for in-country steps - Upon your arrival in Bahrain
- Latest electricity bill or original lease agreement (in case electricity bill is inclusive in the lease)
Medical Check in Your Country of Residence
Kindly proceed to take a medical test at any registered medical facility near you. It should cover the following tests:
- Chest X-ray (checking for TB or any other communicable disease)
- Blood exam (checking the usual: cholesterol, sugar levels, etc...)
- Blood pressure & normal vitals as performed in a general medical exam (including your height & weight)
- Hepatitis B (HbsAg)
- HIV test
In essence your medical report should indicate whether based on your results, you are overall in good health & fit to work. The report must be printed on the medical facility'sletter head, signed & stamped by the concerned doctor & must not be older than 30 days at the time of submission.
Non-GAMCA Medical Form
The attached Non- GAMCA form should also be completed, signed & stamped by the concerned doctor at the medical facility where you will undertake your medical test. Please make sure that your affix a passport photo (on a white background) on the form.
Documents That You Should Provide Upon Completion of the Medical Check
Please find below in summary a list of documents that you should provide upon completion of your medical check:
- A color scan copy of your medical report which must be printed on the medical facility's letter head, signed & stamped by the concerned doctor & must not be older than 30 days at the time of submission. Document #5 in above list.
- A color scan copy of Non-GAMCA form completed, signed & stamped by the concerned doctor at the medical facility where you will undertake your medical test. Document # 6 in above list.
GAMCA Medical
GAMCA (Gulf Approved Medical centres Association) is an association created to provide medical examinations to expatriates intending to join the Labor Market in the GCC countries. The health results are shared with all organizations of interest; electronically via their official website. It means that if your residential city or country has an accredited center/ hospital then you must do the medical check in any GAMCA accredited center/ hospital. However, this is not applicable in your case.
Application Filing
- Upon receipt of the required documents including a copy of your medical report, our local advisor will file the application for your work visa (step 3). The processing time is approx.10-15 working days. You must not replace, alter or change your passport whilst your work visa application is in progress with the authorities.
- You must remain outside Bahrain at the time your work visa application is submitted & you will only be able to travel to Bahrain once your work permit is secured.
- The end-to-end process will take approximately 4-6 weeks to complete after receipt of all documents. However, each application is subject to the Bahraini Authorities’ approval & certain applications may be randomly selected for detailed security checks which may significantly delay the lead time.
Important Note
Your work permit will only allow you to work at the location of your sponsor. Therefore, you may not work for any other employer whilst under the sponsorship of your current employer.
Application for your dependent's residence permit can only be initiated once yours has been completed.
Post-Arrival to Bahrain
Enter the country to complete the inside country immigration formalities prior to the expiry date of the entry permit.
Below are the guidelines on your arrival at the Bahrain airport:
- Present your work visa print out along with your original passport to the immigration officer. The LMRA officer will take your bio metrics which would include fingerprints, e-photo & e-signature.
- LMRA will issue you with the medical appointment slip for your in-country medical procedure. Please keep this receipt with you as this will be required in original for your in-country medical.
- Proceed to LMRA Immigration for Residence Permit stamping on your passport.
- Medical Check- up - The details of appointment will be sent to you upon issuance in the system.
- CPR Process – Please provide a copy of your lease agreement under your name for review. The details of appointment will be sent to you once we secure an appointment for you.
Please do not hesitate to contact us in case you have any query or concern. We'll provide complete guidelines prior to each step.
View Non-GAMCA FormDependents Family Visa Process
Your dependents family visa process will be initiated upon obtainment of your residence permit (step 5 above). We will provide you with the process overview closer to this time. However, for now, it would be beneficial to start the process of Apostilling your marriage certificate.
- Passport size photo
- A copy of dependents passport bio pages
- Original marriage certificate
- Copy of Birth Certificate for child's process
How Long Will the Immigration Process Take?
The end-to-end process will take approximately 4-6 weeks to complete after receipt of your documents. Your travel plans or any delays in gathering required information will increase the processing time.
Each application is subject to the Bahraini Authorities’ approval & certain applications may be randomly selected for detailed security checks which may significantly delay the lead time.
What Do You Need to Do Now?
Please provide the documents listed in the table. In addition you will need to undergo a medical in your country of residence. The medical should be conducted at a facility affiliated with Gulf Approved Medical Centres Association (GAMCA). If there is no GAMCA in your area, please proceed to any registered medical facility. The medical should cover the following tests:
- Chest X-ray (checking for TB or any other communicable disease)
- Blood exam (checking the usual: cholesterol, sugar levels, etc...)
- Blood pressure & normal vitals as performed in a general medical exam (including your height & weight)
- Hepatitis B (HbsAg)
- HIV test
In essence your medical report should indicate whether based on your results, you are overall in good health & fit to work. The report must be signed & stamped by the doctor & must not be older than 30 days at the time of submission.
What Do You Need to Know?
Upon receipt of the required documents, including a copy of your medical report, our local advisor will apply for your work visa. The processing time is approximately 10-15 working days. You must not replace, alter or change your passport whilst your work visa application is in progress with the authorities. Upon issuance, you will be able to travel to Bahrain. At the airport your residence permit will be endorsed on your passport. You will then need to undergo a medical in Bahrain before obtaining your CPR.
Your dependants process can be initiated at this point. We will communicate the requirements for this upon issuance of your work permit. However, it would be beneficial to start the legalisation of documents from now as this process can take time.
Your work permit will only allow you to work at the location of your sponsor. You may not work for any other employer whilst under the sponsorship of your current employer.
When to Start Work?
You may only start work once your residence permit is endorsed on your passport (step 5). Any travel to the assignment location prior to obtaining work authorisation MUST be reviewed by Fragomen. Bahrain immigration rules do not allow you to work in your host location before you receive your residence permit.
When Can I Travel?
Please do not finalise or schedule any travel plans for Bahrain whilst your work visa application is in progress. You must be outside Bahrain at the time your work visa application is submitted.
Consultant to add the below paragraph ONLY in case the assignee is sponsoring dependents.
When Can I Sponsor My Dependents?
You will be eligible to sponsor dependents as soon as you have obtained your CPR (step7). I will stay in touch with you to advise on the next steps.
What Happens Next?
We would like to hold a call to review the process, document requirements & address any questions or concerns that you may have. Please suggest a few convenient times when you would be available. Upon receipt of your availability, we will send you a calendar invitation with conference call details.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require further assistance or clarification.