Working In Bahrain: A Guide To Getting Started

Bahrain is an attractive place for expats to work, with high salaries and no personal taxes. The country has the fastest-growing economy in the Arab world, with major industries including oil, banking, tourism, and construction. To work in Bahrain, you'll need a sponsoring employer who can apply for a work visa on your behalf. Recruitment agencies, headhunters, and company transfers are common ways to find work, and online job portals like LinkedIn are also useful. When working in Bahrain, be prepared for a work culture that values small talk and punctuality.

How to find a job in Bahrain

Bahrain is an attractive place for expats to work, with high salaries and no personal taxes. The country has the fastest-growing economy in the Arab world, with major industries in oil, banking, tourism, and construction.

Finding a Job in Bahrain

Most expats working in Bahrain are hired from abroad by recruitment agencies, headhunted by individual firms, or transferred from another branch of a multinational corporation.

Recruitment Websites

There are a number of recruitment websites targeting the Middle East, such as Bayt and Monster. You can also visit the "Jobs in Bahrain" section of expat forums, where available jobs in Bahrain are listed.

Speculative Applications

If you have a particular employer in mind, consider sending a speculative application. Include your skills, experience, and ambitions in your cover letter, followed by an up-to-date CV.

Online CVs

Another option is to post your CV online, making it visible to prospective employers who can then search for their ideal candidate without advertising costs. Websites such as Monster, LinkedIn, and Total Jobs are good places to do this.

Networking

Networking is key, so it's a good idea to make use of sites such as LinkedIn to find vacancies and make connections.

Legal Requirements

To legally work in Bahrain, expats need a sponsoring employer who can apply for a work visa on their behalf. Companies in Bahrain can only sponsor a limited number of visas according to their quota for foreign employees, which is relative to the size of the company.

Work Culture in Bahrain

English is widely spoken in the workplace, but the way work is conducted can differ from Western practices. Small talk is common, and it is beneficial to get to know your colleagues on a personal as well as a professional level. Punctuality is highly valued, so be sure to arrive on time for appointments. Arriving late or being unprepared can easily damage your reputation.

Work culture in Bahrain

Bahrain has been a hotspot for expats for decades, with the expat population outnumbering the locals. The country is located in the heart of the Persian Gulf and is a commercial and cultural hub in the region. It is a liberal state, but most of the local population is conservative.

The official language of Bahrain is Arabic, but English is widely spoken across the state and used in business. The official religion is Islam, but due to the large number of overseas nationals, the population of Muslims is around 70%. The Christian minority makes up about 14.5% of the population.

Bahrain is an attractive place for expats to work, with high salaries and no personal taxes. However, to work legally, expats need a sponsoring employer who can apply for a work visa on their behalf.

In terms of work culture, punctuality is highly valued in Bahrain, and being late or unprepared can damage one's reputation. Bahrainis tend to be indirect communicators, and relationship-building is an important part of the business culture. They will spend a lot of time getting to know you before getting down to business. It is considered rude to rush this process, and you should be patient.

Business attire is formal and conservative, with an emphasis on modesty for both men and women. Men often wear lightweight, good-quality suits, and women should be careful not to give offence by wearing extremely conservative clothing.

The working week in Bahrain is typically between 40 and 48 hours, with office hours usually starting between 8:30 and 9:00 am and ending between 5:30 and 6:00 pm. During the holy month of Ramadan, the working day is reduced to six hours for all staff, although some companies only apply this to Muslims who fast during daylight hours.

Bahrain is a great place for expats, offering high salaries, no personal taxes, and a welcoming culture. However, it is important to be mindful of local customs and traditions, especially when it comes to dress codes and social interactions.

Visas and sponsorship

To legally work in Bahrain, you will need a sponsoring employer who can apply for a work visa on your behalf. Companies in Bahrain can only sponsor a limited number of visas according to their quota for foreign employees, which is relative to the size of the company. It is illegal to work in Bahrain without a visa, so be careful when choosing which company to work for.

You will be asked to send copies of your passport, which must have a minimum of 6 months left before it expires and at least 3 blank pages. If you have a stamp from Israel in your passport, you may be denied entry to Bahrain or refused a visa. It is advisable to get a new passport before commencing your trip if this is the case.

You will also need to have health checks done in your country of origin, which are usually covered by your employer. You will be given papers by your doctor or medical examiner, and photocopies of these will need to be forwarded to your employer so they can initiate the visa process. Once your visa is issued, you are clear to move to Bahrain.

There will be another set of medical checks once you arrive in Bahrain, which are required for your CPR (Central Population Registration) Card to be issued. The CPR Card is essential for living in Bahrain as, without it, you will not be able to open a bank account, subscribe to a mobile phone contract, or subscribe to broadband.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Bahrain depends on a variety of factors, including family size, rent, and location. Here is a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect when living and working in Bahrain.

Family of Four

According to estimates, a family of four can expect to spend around 1,360 Dinar or 3,067.8$ (1,156.4BHD) per month, excluding rent. This estimate includes basic necessities and some discretionary spending. Keep in mind that the cost of living can vary depending on your lifestyle and the area you choose to live in.

Single Person

For a single person, the estimated monthly costs are significantly lower, ranging from 667 Dinar to 864.7$ (325.9BHD) per month, excluding rent. This estimate covers basic needs and some discretionary spending for one person.

Rent

Rent in Bahrain is generally more affordable than in the United States. On average, rent prices in Bahrain are 51.3% lower than in the US. However, it's important to note that rent can vary depending on the location and the type of accommodation you choose.

Utilities

Utilities, such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water, are essential expenses to consider. For a 915 sq ft apartment, you can expect to pay a certain amount per month for basic utilities. This may vary depending on your usage and the time of year.

Food and Dining Out

The cost of food in Bahrain can vary depending on your dietary preferences and whether you choose to eat out or cook at home. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost a certain amount, while a mid-range restaurant will be more expensive. Fast-food options, such as a McDonald's meal, are also available at a lower price.

Transportation

Transportation costs will depend on your choice of public or private transport. A one-way ticket for local transport is priced at a certain amount, while a monthly pass is also available. Taxi services are also available, with rates for starting, per mile, and hourly waiting charges.

Communication and Internet

Staying connected is essential, and the cost of communication and internet services in Bahrain is relatively affordable. A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data is priced at a certain amount per month. High-speed internet (60 Mbps or more) with unlimited data is also available for a monthly fee.

Education

If you have children, education expenses will be a significant consideration. International schools and preschools in Bahrain charge tuition fees, and the cost can vary depending on the school and grade level.

Clothing and Miscellaneous

The cost of clothing and miscellaneous items in Bahrain is similar to that of other countries. A pair of jeans from a brand like Levi's can cost a certain amount, while a summer dress from stores like Zara or H&M will be priced at a certain amount. Sports shoes from Nike and men's leather business shoes also fall within a certain price range.

In conclusion, the cost of living in Bahrain is relatively affordable, especially when compared to countries like the United States. However, it's important to remember that your expenses will depend on your lifestyle, family size, and choice of accommodation. When planning your budget, be sure to consider all the factors mentioned above to get a more accurate estimate of your monthly costs.

How to get a job without a visa

To get a job in Bahrain without a visa, you will need to apply for a work visa. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Understand the Requirements

Before starting the process, it's important to understand the eligibility criteria for a Bahrain work visa. You must have a valid passport from your home country with at least six months of validity remaining from your intended entry date to Bahrain. Additionally, you must have a confirmed job offer or an employment contract from a reputable Bahraini employer.

Step 2: Find a Job and Secure an Offer

To obtain a work visa, you need a job offer from a company based in Bahrain. You can start your job search by exploring job boards, networking with professionals in your industry, or reaching out to companies you're interested in working for directly. Once you've found a suitable position and secured an offer, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

The company offering you employment will act as your sponsor and handle most of the visa application process. However, they will require specific documents from you to finalize the application. These typically include:

• A completed visa application form
• Your valid passport
• A recent passport-sized photograph
• A copy of your employment contract
• A health report from an authorized clinic
• Proof of payment of the required visa fees

Step 4: Application Submission and Processing

Your employer will submit the visa application on your behalf through the Bahraini Labor Market Regulatory Authority's (LMRA) online system. The LMRA typically processes work visa applications within five business days, but there can be delays of up to two weeks. During this time, you may be required to complete certain steps, such as providing academic or professional qualifications and undergoing a medical examination.

Step 5: Finalize Your Travel Plans

Once your visa application is approved, your employer will notify you and provide you with the necessary documentation. You can then make your travel arrangements to enter Bahrain and begin your new job.

It's important to note that the validity of work visas in Bahrain typically ranges from one to two years, and certain steps, such as medical examinations, may need to be repeated for renewals. Additionally, the number of visas a company can sponsor depends on the physical size of their office and the foreign employee quotas established by Bahrainization regulations.

Frequently asked questions