Reviewed: 9 October 2026. This is general information. Official sources are linked below; individual cases and applicable rules should be checked with the relevant authority or a qualified adviser.
Page updated: 17 October 2026. Focused source checks and changes are described below.
Who applies and what income is required?
For both spouse and child services, the applicant must be registered as an authorised or responsible person on the relevant LMRA establishment record. The employee’s monthly net income, as registered with SIO, must be at least BHD 400.
If the dependant is already in Bahrain on a visit or another permit, that permit must be valid when applying. Meeting the income threshold alone does not guarantee approval.
Official sources: LMRA: dependant residency permits for spouses · LMRA: dependant residency permits for children
Children: use the correct age route
LMRA describes its child service as covering children up to age 24. For dependants over 24, it directs applicants to NPRA under that authority’s conditions. The previous statement allowing unmarried daughters of any age through this LMRA route was not supported.
For a child born in Bahrain or issued a new passport there, LMRA directs applicants to open or update the NPRA record first. Use an existing personal number where one has already been assigned.
Official sources: LMRA: dependant residency permits for children
Prepare relationship and identity documents
Both services require passport copies and valid dependant health-insurance documentation. LMRA specifies at least six months’ passport validity. A spouse application uses marriage evidence; a child application uses birth evidence and may require parental consent, custody or death documentation.
The certificate language and authentication requirements differ by document and circumstances. Follow the relevant official checklist before arranging certification.
Official sources: LMRA: dependant residency permits for spouses · LMRA: dependant residency permits for children
How do I apply and check dependent visa status?
The employer’s authorised applicant submits the dependant application through LMRA EMS. Keep the application ID and pay the administration invoice before its due date; LMRA states that unpaid applications are cancelled. After payment, the application moves to verification.
Ask the authorised applicant to check progress in EMS, or contact LMRA on +973 17506055 with the application reference. A submitted application is not approval. Follow the approval and payment instructions before relying on an issued residence permit.
Official sources: LMRA: dependant residency permits for spouses · LMRA: dependant residency permits for children · LMRA: Expat Management System (EMS)
Before applying or making travel plans
Check the correct family-member category, current status and full checklist with the employer’s authorised applicant. Parents and other categories should not be assumed eligible under the spouse or child service.
- Review current charges in the official service and application system.
- Do not book travel on the assumption that an application will be approved by a fixed date.
- Confirm any employment permission separately; a dependant-residency application is not a work-permit approval.
Official sources: LMRA: dependant residency permits for spouses · LMRA: dependant residency permits for children
What about parents and children above 24?
NPRA provides a separate residence service for a resident’s father, mother and children above 24. Use that service’s own issuance or renewal checklist; the LMRA spouse-and-child income test should not be applied to every relative. NPRA also states that this residence does not permit paid or unpaid work without permission from the relevant authority.
Official sources: NPRA: residence for parents and children above 24
Related guides
- Bahrain Residence Visa: Routes & Family Documents
- Bahrain residence permits: validity and renewal planning
- LMRA employee transfer in Bahrain
Ask BahrainAgent about document support. Authority decisions and legal outcomes cannot be guaranteed.