Start a business in the financial hub of the Gulf region
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A company in Bahrain is a profitable tool for doing business in a Middle Eastern country with one of the most stable economies. Registering joint stock companies (BSC), limited liability companies (LLC), and sole proprietorships allows you to benefit from low corporate tax rates, no personal income tax, and ease of doing business. Opening a company in Bahrain provides access to international markets and opportunities for tax optimization, as well as the ability to obtain tax residency in the country.
The most popular form, allowing the creation of a flexible corporate structure with minimal administrative requirements and full control over the business.
Corporate structure for large enterprises planning to actively attract investments, go public, or undertake large-scale projects.
An optimal solution for medium and large family businesses, holding structures, and companies that do not plan to go public but require corporate status.
A sole proprietorship offering full control over the business and maximum flexibility in decision-making. Suitable for professional services, consulting, and small trading operations.
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iWorld's qualified lawyers will study your business case, analyze the specifics of your planned activities in detail, and explain the procedure for registering a company in Bahrain. You will also receive detailed answers to all your questions, including tax planning, choosing the optimal legal form for your business, and obtaining a residence permit.
iWorld specialists help you choose the optimal location for doing business in Bahrain — the mainland (onshore) or one of the five free economic zones (including the Bahrain Logistics Zone and Bahrain Investment Wharf) — taking into account the specifics of your activities, tax preferences, and licensing requirements.
With the support of iWorld's business consultants and lawyers, you will receive a detailed analysis of the requirements for your type of activity and apply for the optimal type of license through the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) or other regulatory authorities. The process includes preparing a business plan, confirming the qualifications of directors, and complying with industry standards.
iWorld specialists prepare a complete set of documents for registration with the MOIC, including the passports of the founders and directors, the memorandum of association, the company's articles of association, confirmation of the legal address, and the business plan. You will be assisted in apostilling the documents, translating them into Arabic, and submitting them to the ministry. As a result, you will receive a Certificate of Incorporation.
With the support of iWorld lawyers, you will obtain an identity card (Bahrain ID) — a mandatory document for residents that provides access to all public and private services in the kingdom. The procedure includes biometric registration, a medical examination, and obtaining an investment visa. You will also open a corporate account with one of Bahrain's leading banks — National Bank of Bahrain, Bank ABC, or Standard Chartered.
When registering a company in Bahrain, the residence permit is issued simultaneously with the corporate license. Along with the primary applicant, residency permits may be granted to:
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Cost: from USD 13,500
Bahrain is the region’s leading business center, hosting offices of major international banks (Gulf International Bank, Al Ahli United Bank, National Bank of Bahrain) and investment firms (Investcorp, GFH Financial Group, Awalco Investment Company), providing access to modern financial instruments.
Its central position among GCC countries (Gulf Cooperation Council) offers Bahrain quick access to regional markets.
Bahraini law allows the establishment of companies in most economic sectors with 100% foreign ownership and without the need for regional partners.
The government has implemented measures to reduce and streamline bureaucratic processes, accelerating the issuance of business licenses to foreigners.
Companies are exempt from corporate income tax, capital gains tax, and personal income tax, creating an attractive environment for international business.
Bahrain features a modern international airport and the major Khalifa Bin Salman seaport, ensuring efficient logistics.
The population is well-educated and fluent in English, fostering foreign business development and innovation.
Bahrain shows steady economic growth with a diversified economy where the financial sector has surpassed oil and gas as the main GDP contributor.
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Learn moreForeign investors can register companies in the following forms:
Minimum share capital requirements by company type:
Standard company registration takes 20–30 business days with properly prepared documents. This includes:
Full cycle until operational start including bank account opening may take 6–8 weeks.
Physical presence is not required at the document registration stage — a power of attorney holder can handle the procedure. However, personal presence is required to open a corporate bank account, obtain the Bahrain ID, sign office lease agreements, and activate the investment visa.
Since January 1, 2025, Bahrain introduced a Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (DMTT) of 15% for multinational corporations with consolidated revenue exceeding 876 million USD for two of the last four fiscal years. Other companies maintain a zero corporate tax rate. VAT remains at 10% for companies with turnover over 99,000 USD per year.
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