Settling In Bahrain: A Guide For Expats

Bahrain is a great place for expats to settle, ranking first out of 52 locations in the Expat Essentials Index. The country boasts a range of benefits for expats, including easy access to visas, housing, and government services, as well as the ability to get around without speaking the local language. Bahrain's capital city, Manama, is a bustling hub for expats, with a well-connected financial centre, a diverse range of accommodation options, and a vibrant social scene. While there are some cultural adjustments to be made, Bahrain is known for its liberal values and welcoming attitude towards expats, making it an ideal place for those seeking new opportunities in the Middle East.

Easy to get a visa

Bahrain is a relatively easy place to get a visa, according to a 2022 Internations survey of almost 12,000 expats worldwide. In fact, Bahrain was ranked the number one country out of 52 locations in the Expat Essentials Index, which considers how easy it is for newcomers to access administrative services online, find housing, navigate language barriers, and obtain a visa.

Visa Requirements

To enter Bahrain, you will need a visa unless you hold a passport from one of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. Visas fall into several categories depending on the purpose of your visit, sponsorship requirements, place of issue, and the number of planned visits. An electronic visa or "eVisa" may be issued instead of the traditional passport stamp. The type of visa will determine the fee, which can range from 5 BHD to 100 BHD. As of May 2012, all visa applicants must provide additional details about their employment status and the purpose of their visit.

Tourist or Visit Visa

If you are planning a short trip to Bahrain, such as a fact-finding trip prior to relocating, a tourist or visit visa should suffice. The recently updated visa policy has expanded the number of nationalities that can apply for an eVisa or visa on arrival. You can check if your country is eligible on the Bahrain website. A Visit eVisa is valid for two weeks and can be extended upon application. You can also obtain a longer three-month visa by applying in person upon arrival in Bahrain. The Visit eVisa costs 29 BHD (approximately 77 USD) and takes three to five working days to process. It's important to note that these visas have an expiry date and must be used within 30 days of approval.

Work Visa

If you plan on working in Bahrain, your employer will need to arrange a valid Work Visa before your arrival. This includes obtaining a Non-Objection Certificate from the Bahrain Immigration Bureau. To do so, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A passport-sized photograph
• A sponsorship letter including the employer's name/organization, commercial registration number, employee's capacity, salary, contract duration, employee's name, birth date, and nationality
• A copy of the contract
• A health record from an authorized clinic

Work Visas are issued by the Labor Market Regulatory Authority and cost 100 BHD. It is illegal to work in Bahrain on a tourist visa, so always ensure you have the correct visa for your intended activities.

Family Visa

Family members and dependents of expat employees can apply for a residence permit or "Family Visa". This allows them to stay in Bahrain for the duration of the assignment but does not grant them the right to work. Applications must be submitted to the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, while the visa will be issued by the General Directorate for Nationality, Passports, and Residence. In addition to the documents required for a Work Visa, the following will be needed for a Family Visa:

• One completed application form per applicant
• A copy of every applicant's passport
• A family health record from an authorized doctor or hospital
• A fee of 22 BHD per applicant

Once in Bahrain, each family member will also need their own CPR Card, a form of identification for foreigners. Applications should be sent to the Central Informatics Organization and include the applicant's passport, the employee's sponsorship letter stating the names of all dependents, marriage certificate (if applicable), birth certificates for children, and a fee of 1 BHD per applicant.

Easy to find housing

Bahrain is known for its diverse range of housing options, from apartments to stand-alone villas and gated compounds. The process of finding a place to live is generally straightforward, and there are plenty of resources available to help you in your search.

Where to Look

The capital city, Manama, is a popular choice for expats due to its lively atmosphere, well-developed infrastructure, and convenient access to multinational companies. Other cities such as Seef and Muharraq also offer attractive living options. If you're looking for a more local experience, you can explore areas outside of Manama, keeping in mind that some outskirts may be shabby and rundown.

Online Resources

To find available properties, you can utilise established property rental websites such as Green Gate Properties. Additionally, the main English-language newspaper, the Gulf Daily News, provides a comprehensive online property section.

On-the-Ground Exploration

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, simply driving around and looking for "to let" signs can be an effective strategy. Befriending the gatemen of compounds you're interested in can also provide you with insider information on upcoming vacancies.

Renting vs. Buying

When it comes to accommodation in Bahrain, renting is a common option. It is standard practice to pay the rent for the year upfront, along with a security deposit. Some landlords may also accept post-dated cheques. When signing the lease, you will typically need to present your residency visa, passport, and proof of income.

If you're considering buying property, it's important to note that expat purchases are restricted to designated "freehold areas." These areas offer a range of price points and property types, including ready-to-move-in homes and "off-plan" properties that are marketed but not yet built.

Additional Considerations

When finding a house, it's important to agree in advance with the landlord on any necessary repairs or improvements, especially regarding air conditioning. Repainting and cleaning are standard, but many tenants successfully negotiate for new appliances, bathrooms, kitchens, and curtains.

Older rental properties may use gas cookers, so you'll need to order gas cylinders from companies like Bahrain Gas. Additionally, due to water quality concerns, most residents drink bottled water, which can be delivered to your home by signing up with a water delivery company.

English is widely spoken

English is the language of instruction in private schools, and there are good international schools in Bahrain. However, places are limited, so it is worth trying to find and secure a school place before you move.

The capital city, Manama, is an expat hub and the financial heart of Bahrain. It is well-connected and home to many multinational companies. It has a good transportation network and a multicultural environment.

Bahrain is known for its oil industry, but the country has diversified into the service and tourism sectors. The discovery of oil in 1932 led to an influx of foreign investors, and the country has a long history as a trading nation and former British colony. This means expats from all over the world have been moving to Bahrain for centuries.

Bahrain is also known for its liberal attitude compared to other Gulf States. Women can drive and work, and expat women do not have to cover their heads or wear abayas, although modest dress is advisable. Pork and alcohol are easily available, and many restaurants are licensed.

Well-developed infrastructure

Bahrain's infrastructure is varied and includes road, railroad, port, airport, telecommunications, and electric power generation and transmission infrastructure. The country's infrastructure has been bolstered by its oil industry, which has spurred modernisation and the development of Bahrain as a financial hub.

Roads and Highways

Bahrain has a well-developed network of roads and highways, which has been built up over decades using oil revenues. However, there is a growing demand for new roads and the resurfacing of existing roads due to the increasing number of passengers and cargo transported on the national highway network.

Ports

Bahrain has also seen a strain on its existing ports due to the needs of foreign trade and an increase in international passengers. This has led to the construction of new ports, such as the development of five offshore cities off the coastline.

Airports

Bahrain's airports have also experienced a similar increase in demand, with the Bahrain International Airport undergoing a $1.1 billion modernisation program to nearly double its passenger capacity to 14 million per year. The country also has grander plans for a new airport, with a budget of over $10 billion, to be built on reclaimed land to the north of Muharraq Island.

Rail Network

Bahrain is also planning to develop a light rail network, with a nine-month study being conducted to assess the existing transport system, prepare plans for the network, select the best technology, and determine the cost of implementation. The rail network is expected to deliver a 109 km light rail system carrying over 43,000 travellers per hour, with four separate lines, two interchanges, and more than 20 passenger stations.

Telecommunications

Telecommunications is another area where Bahrain has a strong infrastructure. The country ranks highly for its digital life, with newcomers finding it easy to access government services online.

Good international schools

Bahrain has a diverse, welcoming, and vibrant society that offers international students a unique cultural experience in a beautiful environment. The country has the oldest public education system in the Arabian Peninsula, with the Bahraini government establishing the first public school for boys in 1930. Today, there are 48 private and religious schools in Bahrain, with the majority of teachers being native Bahrainis, and Egyptians making up the majority of expat teachers.

International schools are a popular choice for both locals and expats, with the most popular curricula being British, American, and International Baccalaureate (IB). The British School of Bahrain (BSB) has been one of the leading schools in the Kingdom of Bahrain for over 26 years. It offers a British curriculum and is located in Hamala, the nation's capital and largest city. Fees at the school range from BHD 3,003 to BHD 7,923.

St Christopher's School, with campuses in Isa Town and Saar, is another highly regarded international school in Bahrain. It has been named by the Guardian as one of the best international schools in the world and is the only school in the Middle East to receive this recognition. The school offers a British curriculum and caters to students from over 70 nationalities.

The American School of Bahrain, located in North Riffa, is a newer option, having opened in 2020. The school offers a full American education with the option of the IB diploma. Other American curriculum schools include Al Hekma International School and Riffa Views International School, the latter of which is located on a spectacular, high-end, architect-designed campus.

For those seeking a French curriculum, the Lycee Francais MLF de Bahrein is an option. Established in 1976, the school is located on Muharraq Island in the east of Bahrain, close to the airport. Teachers are either recruited locally or from France.

In addition to these options, there are also schools offering Canadian, Indian, and Filipino curricula, as well as a small Japanese school. The range and quality of pre-schools, primary schools, and senior schools in Bahrain are excellent, and facilities are often impressive and well-maintained due to low land and labour costs.

Frequently asked questions