company and obtain an investor visa? If all required documents are received, the entire process takes about three to four weeks, and you will receive the investor visa after obtaining an active commercial registration (business license).

In Bahrain, the minimum capital requirement varies depending on the type of business entity. Below are the details: Entities with No Minimum Capital Requirement: • Sole Proprietorship: No minimum capital required. • Limited Liability Company (LLC): No minimum capital required. • General Partnership: No minimum capital required. • Simple Limited Partnership: No minimum capital required. • Branch of a Foreign Company: No minimum capital required. Entities with a Minimum Capital Requirement: • Bahraini Public Joint Stock Company (BSC): BHD 1,000,000. • Bahraini Closed Joint Stock Company (BSC Closed): BHD 250,000.

You must deposit the company's capital in one of the local banks as soon as you obtain approvals from all ministries, and you can use the money after receiving the investor visa

You must sign the lease agreement after obtaining a security clearance and approval for the trade name, and we can help you find a good and suitable place. Note: Rentals start from 80 Bahraini Dinars per month depending on the size of the office.

Only 150 Bahraini Dinars to renew your company registration. Note: 1 Bahraini Dinar = 2.65 US Dollars.

Yes, you can modify any information you want; you can change the company name, add new partners, remove partners, add or delete business activities, open new branches, increase capital, and make other amendments.

Yes, Americans are treated like Bahrainis, and you can own 100% of any business, such as services or industrial or commercial activities (so there is no need for a Bahraini partner if you don’t want one).

Depending on the business activity, there are many activities you can engage in with 100% ownership. Most of these activities are industrial and services; if your business activities are commercial (import/export), you must have a Bahraini partner with 51% ownership. Note: Please contact us to provide you with the commercial activities eligible for 100% ownership.

Yes, you can work in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and invest in Bahrain; there is absolutely no problem.

Yes, you can start your business in Bahrain if you do not receive an objection letter from your employer.

Yes, you can have multiple activities under one Commercial Registration (CR), and you can open other branches or companies.

Renew the commercial registration annually, renew residence permits every two years, pay rent and electricity bills, pay the Labor Market Regulatory Authority invoice, and prepare the company's financial report after the end of each financial year.

Yes, but the number of residency permits granted depends on the size and type of the company's activities. However, initially, you can obtain one to three visas.

Yes, you can. However, the number of residence permits granted depends on the size and type of the company's activity. Initially, you can typically obtain one to three visas.

A Commercial Registration (CR) is an official record where every trader or business engaging in commercial activities subject to trade laws is registered. It contains all the details specified by the executive regulations and related laws.

In the Kingdom of Bahrain, certain activities are legally prohibited to ensure public safety and welfare. These prohibited activities include: 1. Production of alcoholic beverages. 2. Production and importation of drugs. 3. Manufacturing of weapons. 4. Production of cigarettes/cigars. 5. Importing all types of waste and the handling, storage, and disposal of radioactive materials and toxic waste. 6. Importing, manufacturing, and trading asbestos and its products (excluding asbestos removal contractors). 7. Importing and using prohibited chemicals. 8. Gambling. 9. Pearl cultivation. 10. Vending machines for cigarettes. 11. Postal services (exclusive to Bahrain Post).

Certain activities in the Kingdom of Bahrain are reserved exclusively for Bahraini citizens. These include: 1. Public transportation services. 2. Distribution of newspapers, magazines, and promotional material transportation companies. 3. Mobile food services. 4. Publishing activities. 5. Real estate brokerage. 6. Individual lawyers (foreign ownership is allowed for legal consultancy firms). 7. Labor supply offices. 8. Employment agencies. 9. Other business support services, such as government transaction processing.

The E-Key is a system linked to an individual's national ID card, granting them access to and use of various e-government services, including the Records System

You can obtain an E-Key by visiting the eGovernment Service Center or the Bahrain Investors Center. A representative from the eGovernment Authority will create a personal E-Key for you, and as part of the process, biometric authentication (fingerprint) will be required. For more information about the E-Key, please visit www.ekey.bh.

When applying for a Commercial Registration, the following information must be provided: 1. Applicant's name, nationality, contact address, national ID, or passport number as applicable. 2. The entity and legal form of the company. 3. Names of partners, directors, and authorized signatories. 4. ID card or passport details of partners, directors, and authorized signatories. 5. Nationality of partners, directors, and authorized signatories. 6. Contact details of partners, directors, and authorized signatories. 7. Trade name (if applicable). 8. Type of activity required (can be changed at a later stage). 9. Capital and the share percentage of each partner. 10. End of the financial year. Note: This is not required for a sole proprietorship.

What rules should be followed when selecting a trade name? • The trade name should: 1. Be new, appropriate, and distinctive. 2. Be acceptable in Arabic or any suitable foreign language and related to the commercial activity. 3. Respect general values and ethics. • The trade name should not: 1. Represent third-party ideas or illegal activities. 2. Duplicate or imitate an already registered trademark or trade name. 3. Be associated with a government or international entity. 4. Include or indicate religious connotations.

Yes, you can submit a request to renew the commercial registration up to 6 months before its expiration date.

Starting a business in Bahrain involves a few key steps to obtain a Commercial Registration (CR) and the necessary licenses. Here's a simplified guide: 1. Initial Registration: o Register your company with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism (MOICT). o Obtain the preliminary Commercial Registration Certificate (without a license). 2. Securing Approvals and Licenses: o Apply for the required approvals and/or licenses from relevant authorities based on your business activity. 3. Issuing the CR with License: o Once all requirements are fulfilled and approvals are granted, the final Commercial Registration Certificate with the license will be issued. Important Notes: • The specific steps and requirements may vary depending on the legal structure of the business (sole proprietorship, limited liability company, e.g.) and the nature of the business activities.

• All essential information about the trader or business, such as the trade name, business address, and type of activity. • The CR is updated regularly to reflect any changes, such as modifications to the address, activity, or ownership.

• It serves as a legal tool to ensure transparency and protect the rights of all parties. • It helps organize commercial activities and ensures compliance with applicable laws.