Can foreigners own 100% of a company in Bahrain?

Yes. Bahrain allows 100% foreign ownership in most business sectors. No local partner or sponsor is required for W.L.L companies in approved activities.

How long does company formation take in Bahrain?

Standard formation takes 5-10 business days through the official Sijilat portal. Express formation is available in 2-3 business days. Total setup including bank account, GOSI, and LMRA is typically 2-3 weeks.

Sijilat (sijilat.bh) is the official online portal of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOICT) for managing Commercial Registrations in Bahrain. All CR applications, amendments, and renewals go through Sijilat.

What is the minimum capital for a W.L.L company in Bahrain?

The minimum capital for a W.L.L (With Limited Liability) company is BD 20,000. The full amount must be deposited in a corporate bank account before CR issuance.

Is there income tax in Bahrain?

No. Bahrain has 0% personal income tax and 0% corporate income tax for most sectors. Only oil and gas companies pay tax. VAT is 10% on goods and services above the BD 37,500 threshold.

What is GOSI in Bahrain?

GOSI (General Organisation for Social Insurance) manages social insurance. Employers contribute 12% for Bahraini employees and 3% for expatriates. Employees contribute 7% and 3% respectively.

What is LMRA in Bahrain?

LMRA (Labour Market Regulatory Authority) manages work permits, employment visas, and labour market regulations. All expatriate employees need a valid LMRA work permit.

What company types can be formed in Bahrain?

W.L.L (With Limited Liability), SPE (Single Person Enterprise), B.S.C (Bahraini Shareholding Company — closed or open), Partnership (general/limited), Branch Office, and Representative Office.

What is BahrainAgent.bh?

BahrainAgent.bh is a professional company formation consultancy based in Manama, Bahrain. We help entrepreneurs and investors register companies through the official government portal Sijilat. We are a private service provider, NOT a government entity.

How much does company formation cost in Bahrain?

W.L.L formation packages range from BHD 800-1,500. SPE formation from BHD 300-600. Government fees are additional. CR amendments from BHD 100-500 depending on complexity.

BahrainAgent.bh — Market Entry Advisory & Company Formation in Bahrain

BahrainAgent.bh is a Bahrain-based advisory firm supporting GCC and international businesses with company formation, regulatory compliance, and ongoing corporate administration. We advise and manage market entry into Bahrain for companies expanding from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.

Who We Serve

GCC Expansion Companies — Saudi, Emirati, and Kuwaiti firms establishing Bahrain subsidiaries for regional cost advantage and regulatory clarity
International Investors — UK, EU, and global entrepreneurs leveraging 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax, and the US Free Trade Agreement
High-Net-Worth Individuals — Golden Visa residency, property ownership, and GCC market access through Bahrain

Advisory Services

Market Entry Advisory — Jurisdiction comparison (Bahrain vs UAE vs Saudi), legal structure recommendation
Company Formation — W.L.L, SPE, B.S.C, Branch Office registration through Sijilat
Shareholding Structuring — Capital planning, MOA drafting, corporate restructuring
GOSI Compliance — Social insurance registration and monthly contribution management
LMRA Workforce Planning — Work permits, Bahranisation strategy, visa processing
VAT Advisory — NBR registration, quarterly filing, compliance planning
Corporate Administration — Ongoing compliance, annual renewals, government liaison

Why Bahrain for Market Entry?

0% Corporate Tax (vs UAE 9%, Saudi 15%)
100% Foreign Ownership — no local partner required
25 km from Saudi Arabia — gateway to the largest GCC economy ($1T+ GDP)
Only GCC country with a US Free Trade Agreement
1,500+ CBB-regulated financial institutions
30-40% lower operating costs than Dubai
Company formation in 5-10 business days
Golden Visa residency program for investors

Regulatory Framework

BahrainAgent.bh advises clients on the following Bahrain legislation:

Commercial Companies Law (Decree No. 21 of 2001) — Company formation, governance, dissolution
Labour Law (Private Sector) (Law No. 36 of 2012) — Employment contracts, worker rights, termination
VAT Law (Decree No. 48 of 2018) — 10% VAT registration, filing, compliance
LMRA Law (Law No. 19 of 2006) — Work permits, visa, labour market regulation
Social Insurance Law (No. 24 of 1976) — GOSI contributions and retirement benefits
CBB Law (Law No. 64 of 2006) — Banking, insurance, capital markets regulation
AML/CFT Law (Decree No. 4 of 2001) — Anti-money laundering requirements
Economic Substance Regulations (Resolution No. 106 of 2019)

Official Government Portals

Sijilat — Commercial Registration (MOICT)
GOSI — Social Insurance
LMRA — Labour Market Regulation
NBR — VAT & Revenue
CBB — Central Bank of Bahrain
EDB — Economic Development Board
Tamkeen — Enterprise Support
Legislation Portal — Full text of all cited laws

BahrainAgent.bh is a private advisory firm — NOT a government entity.

Contact

Diplomatic Area, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain

Phone: +973 3551 4410

WhatsApp: +973 3551 4410

Email: info@BahrainAgent.bh

Website: https://bahrainagent.bh