Bahrain domestic-worker permits: application and renewal checks

Reviewed: 10 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.

Use the domestic-employee service

LMRA provides a dedicated service for issuing domestic-employee work permits. Its application channels include the Expat Management System (EMS), attendance in person and applications through a recruitment office or clearance agency. The documents differ by channel. Applications for workers from Ethiopia and Seychelles must go through employment offices under the published service conditions.

Official sources: LMRA: Issuing New Work Permit for Domestic Employees

Prepare the correct documents

The worker’s passport must be valid for at least six months. LMRA specifies the relevant medical evidence: Wafid medical results, or the official non-Wafid form where there are no Wafid centres. The checklist includes an employer undertaking and, for the relevant overseas-worker application, medical evidence from outside Bahrain.

For an in-person application, check the application form and employer or applicant ID requirements.
For a recruitment-office application, use the Tripartite Domestic Contract required by that channel.
Check the official document list before paying a third party; do not substitute a generic company work-permit checklist.

Official sources: LMRA: Issuing New Work Permit for Domestic Employees

What happens after an EMS application?

The employer supplies the worker’s details and supporting documents and receives an application ID. LMRA verifies the application; the employer can follow the status in EMS or through the authority’s enquiry channel. Pay the applicable issuance charges when the application is approved. The published service estimate does not guarantee approval or a particular travel date.

Keep the application ID and copies of documents and receipts.
Resolve a request for additional evidence through the authorised application channel.
Do not treat a submitted form or payment request as permission for the worker to begin employment.

Official sources: LMRA: Issuing New Work Permit for Domestic Employees

Why one advertised price can be misleading

The official fee table distinguishes Bahraini/GCC employers from expatriate-resident employers and one-year from two-year permits. The expatriate-resident figures include a financial guarantee. A visit-to-work transaction can also have an additional charge where applicable. Ask for a quote that separates official fees, any guarantee and private recruitment or assistance charges.

Official sources: LMRA: Issuing New Work Permit for Domestic Employees

Renewal uses a different checklist

LMRA’s domestic-employee renewal service specifies a passport with more than two months’ validity and completion of the worker’s biometric and mandatory medical procedures. Online renewal does not require document uploads under the published checklist; an in-person renewal requires the form and employer or applicant ID. These renewal rules differ from the new-permit passport and document requirements.

Apply before expiry. The service describes different handling for expired permits, but this must not be read as permission to remain or work after expiry. If the permit has expired, confirm both residence status and the correct work-permit transaction with the authorities.

A permit application is not a complete statement of employment obligations. Check the applicable contract and current official guidance.
Do not rely on an unsupported universal minimum wage, age range or rest-and-leave table.

Official sources: LMRA: Issuing New Work Permit for Domestic Employees · LMRA: Renewing the Domestic Employee Work Permit

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