Bahrain
Your comprehensive guide to business opportunities in Bahrain
Why Choose Bahrain?
Bahrain is a small island nation with an open business environment and has historically served as a financial hub in the Gulf region.
Key Business Advantages
- Liberal business environment with a long history of international trade
- Strategic location with Saudi Arabia access via the King Fahd Causeway
- No corporate or personal income taxes (except for oil companies)
- 100% foreign ownership allowed in most sectors
- Low cost of operations compared to neighboring countries
Investment Opportunities
- 100% foreign ownership allowed in most sectors; - Certain restricted activities may require local partnership; - Special licensing for financial services through Central Bank of ...
Business Structures
- Single Person Company (SPC)
- With Limited Liability Company (WLL)
- Sole Proprietorship
- Public Shareholding Company
- Branch of Foreign Company
Coworking & Workspace Ecosystem
Bahrain's coworking market has grown significantly in recent years, supported by government initiatives to foster entrepreneurship and innovation.
Premium Coworking Spaces
Discover top-rated workspaces in Bahrain
The Collective Hub - Adliya
Bahrain's first and largest community-based coworking space for investors, startups & creatives. Powered by Tenmou angel...
Top Free Economic Zones
Explore business-friendly free zones in Bahrain
Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH)
Bahrain Financial Harbour is a commercial development and business zone focusing on financial services. The waterfront c...
Startup Incubators & Accelerators
Connect with leading startup programs in Bahrain
Bahrain FinTech Bay
Bahrain FinTech Bay is the largest financial technology center in the Middle East, serving as a leading fintech hub and...
Brinc Batelco IoT Hub
Brinc Batelco IoT Hub is an IoT and technology hardware accelerator, coworking space, and innovation hub located in Mana...
Tamkeen Innovation Centers
The Labor Fund or Tamkeen is a public authority established as one of the cornerstones of Bahrain's national reform init...
Business Setup Process
- 1Reserve commercial name;
- 2Submit application to Sijilat (commercial registration portal);
- 3Obtain commercial registration certificate;
- 4Apply for relevant municipal licenses;
- 5Register with labor market regulatory authority;
- 6Apply for work permits and residence visas;
- 7Open corporate bank account
Visa & Residency Options
- Business visitor visa; - Self-sponsorship options for entrepreneurs and investors; - Work permit through employer; - Dependent visas for family members; - Golden Residency Visa for investors and talent; - Flexible work permit for certain expatriate workers
Startup Ecosystem
- Bahrain FinTech Bay
- MENA's largest fintech hub
- Al Waha Fund of Funds
- $100 million fund for startups
- Flat6Labs Bahrain
- Startup accelerator
- Brinc Batelco IoT Accelerator
- C5 Accelerate
- Cloud accelerator
- Angel investment company
- Youth entrepreneurship initiative
Cultural Considerations
- Workweek is Sunday through Thursday
- More liberal social environment than neighboring countries
- Business culture blends Western practices with Gulf traditions
- Arabic is the official language, but English is widely used in business
- Business relationships benefit from personal connections
- Prayer times are observed but generally with less disruption than in other Gulf states
- Ramadan affects business hours and pace
Government Support
- Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB)
- Labor fund supporting Bahraini businesses
- Bahrain Development Bank
- StartUp Bahrain
- Government initiative for entrepreneurship
- Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism
- Central Bank of Bahrain (for fintech initiatives)
Latest Developments in Bahrain
- Rapid growth of fintech ecosystem
- first government policy
- Cryptocurrency and blockchain regulations
- Digital residency program
- Open banking initiatives
- Launch of various startup support programs
- Regulatory sandbox for fintech innovation
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