Bahrain’s Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) has published the terms and conditions under which employers can apply for residency permits for their foreign workers’ spouses, setting clear eligibility requirements and processing timelines.
The service allows registered employers to formally request Dependents Residency Permits for the spouses of their expatriate employees, but several conditions must be met before the application can be processed.
Bahrain Dependent Residency Permit: Conditions for spouses
- The LMRA requires that the person submitting the application be registered in the LMRA system as an authorized or responsible party on the relevant Commercial Registration (CR) or Unit.
- The expatriate employee in question must also have a monthly net income of at least BHD 400, as verified by the Social Insurance Organization (SIO).
- If the dependent spouse is already in Bahrain on a visit visa or another type of permit at the time of application, the existing permit must be valid.
- Additionally, any dependent with a previous personal number must enter that number in the personal number field when applying, rather than leaving it blank or submitting a new one.
Bahrain residency: Processing time and how to apply
Applications submitted directly to the LMRA are processed within three working days. Applications processed through cooperative entities take longer, with a turnaround time of seven working days.
The service is available to employers via the LMRA’s online platform, where authorized representatives can initiate and manage applications on their employees’ behalf.
Bahrain: Foreigners Eligible for Permanent Stay
Bahrain has announced the categories of foreigners who are eligible to apply for its Golden Residency program, which provides successful applicants with exclusive benefits and a path to long-term residence in the Gulf kingdom.
