The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) charges employers a fixed amount for each new, renewed or transferred work permit. On top of that come monthly per-worker fees.
Work permit totals (LMRA fee table)
- 6 months: BHD 97.5, made up of BHD 52.5 for the permit and BHD 45 for basic health care.
- 1 year: BHD 195, made up of BHD 105 for the permit and BHD 90 for basic health care.
- 2 years: BHD 390, made up of BHD 210 for the permit and BHD 180 for basic health care.
Optional fee for a permit outside the Bahrainisation percentage
If you want a permit beyond your required Bahrainisation rate, there is an extra optional fee: BHD 125 for 6 months, BHD 250 for 1 year and BHD 500 for 2 years.
Monthly fees
- BHD 7.5 a month for each of your first 5 expat employees.
- BHD 12.5 a month for each one from the 6th onwards.
Other charges people miss
- Changing a worker's occupation costs BHD 10.
- Turning a visit visa into a work permit costs BHD 250.
Who pays
These are employer costs. The LMRA says workers should not pay for their own work or residence permits.