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Company registration in Bahrain
Access to Gulf markets and the Asia-Europe trade corridor
- 100% foreign ownership without a local partner
- Tax optimization up to 0%
- Developed financial ecosystem
- Account in an international bank
Submit a request and get a consultation with a corporate law specialist
About the program
Company registration in Bahrain is a strategic solution for global businesses seeking access to Gulf markets with a potential of $1.7 trillion. Foreign entrepreneurs can register mainland companies (WLL), free zone structures, offshore entities, and holding companies.
Bahrain offers full tax exemption for most economic sectors, simplified digital registration through the SIJILAT portal, and the possibility of obtaining an investor visa. The country is the financial capital of the region with a well-developed banking infrastructure.
- Dividend, profit, and capital gains tax: 0%
- Corporate tax: 0%
- Company registration timeline: from 2 days
- Office requirements: virtual
- Currency restrictions: none
Types of companies and key features
Company registration in Bahrain is an effective tool for doing business, enabling the execution of a wide range of global objectives.
Limited Liability Company (WLL)
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A limited liability company registered in Bahrain. Eligible to participate in government contracts and conduct business across the country.
- 100% foreign ownership
Full control without local partners in most sectors of the economy.
- Unlimited trade
Right to conduct business throughout Bahrain and participate in government procurement.
- Tax benefits
Zero corporate tax except for the oil and gas sector.
- Reputation and trust
Recognized jurisdiction for international banking and investments.
Specialized zone license
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A company registered in one of Bahrain’s specialized economic zones, offering maximum incentives for export-oriented businesses.
- Zero taxes
0% corporate and personal income tax for up to 25 years.
- 100% repatriation of capital
Free transfer of profits without currency restrictions.
- Simplified registration
License issuance within 48 hours via a digital platform.
- Duty exemption
Full exemption from customs duties on re-exports.
Holding company
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A parent company for managing international assets and subsidiaries. Ideal for investment structuring and tax planning.
- Liability protection
Isolation of subsidiary risks and safeguarding holding company assets.
- Tax optimization
Utilization of over 45 double taxation avoidance agreements.
- Centralized management
Unified control system for an international group of companies.
- Attracting investment
High capitalization for securing bank financing.
Representative office
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A structure for marketing and support activities without the right to generate revenue in Bahrain. Ideal for market research and establishing contacts.
- Minimum requirements
Registration without share capital or financial reporting.
- Tax neutrality
Full exemption from all taxes and fees.
- Fast registration
License issued within 24–48 hours with minimal requirements.
- Operational flexibility
Marketing, consulting, and support for the parent company.
How to choose a location and corporate structure for business in Bahrain
- Which type of business entity in Bahrain is right for you
- Documents required to start a company in Bahrain
- Updated business registration rules for 2025
How to choose a location and corporate structure for business in Bahrain
Step-by-step process to company registration
Step-by-step process to company registration
Andris Kaushelis
General Manager
Strategic analysis and consultation on corporate structure
Corporate lawyers at Mirsatori conduct a detailed analysis of your business, determine the optimal jurisdiction and legal form, taking into account tax planning and international scaling.
Get a consultationLocation and license selection
Specialists at Mirsatori analyze the specifics of your business and recommend a specialized zone, as well as determine the required type of commercial license (commercial, professional, or industrial).
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Corporate name reservation
The team at Mirsatori checks the availability of your desired company name in the Bahrain Ministry of Industry and Commerce database and reserves a unique trade name for 60 days.
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Document preparation and application submission
Lawyers at Mirsatori compile a complete set of documents for registration, including incorporation documents, business plan, and applications, and handle submission via the SIJILAT digital platform.
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License issuance and bank account setup
With the support of the Mirsatori team, you obtain commercial registration (CR), the necessary industry licenses, and open a corporate account in one of Bahrain’s leading banks with an international network.
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Company in Bahrain — a strategic tool for global influence
Registering a business in Bahrain provides access to global financial hubs and premium banking systems. Along with your license, you gain:
- Exclusive resident visas for business owners and their partners
- Tailored solutions for tax optimization and asset protection
- A flexible corporate structure for global capital management
Submit a request and get a consultation with a corporate law specialist
Comprehensive support and service pricing
The Bahrain company registration package includes:
- Preparation of the full set of legal documents
- Obtaining registration certificates and corporate documentation
- Tax registration for the company
- Opening corporate bank accounts and guidance on bank selection
- Preparation of documents for compliance checks
- Legal support in communications with the bank
- Assistance with obtaining residency (Bahrain ID) for the director and electronic entry visa
- Support during medical examinations
- Legal assistance at all stages of obtaining residency
Get a personalized strategy for entering the Bahrain market
A Mirsatori specialist will prepare a tailored company registration plan based on your goals, business scale, and ownership type. The strategy will cover:
- Selection of the optimal jurisdiction (Free Zone or Mainland)
- Capital and business activity requirements
- Timelines and costs at each stage
- Opportunities for obtaining residency
Get a personalized strategy for entering the Bahrain market
Advantages of company registration in Bahrain
Full tax exemption
Bahrain imposes no corporate tax for most types of business, no personal income tax, and no capital gains tax, ensuring maximum investment returns.
Strategic location
This island nation in the heart of the Gulf provides direct access to GCC markets worth USD 1.7 trillion and serves as a bridge between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Liberal currency regulations
No currency restrictions allow free transfer of capital and profits to any jurisdiction without special approvals from the Central Bank.
Advanced financial system
Bahrain is a regional financial hub with 400+ banks and financial institutions offering a full range of corporate banking services and alternative financing.
Digital government ecosystem
The unified SIJILAT platform enables online company registration within 48 hours, license renewals, data updates, and issuance of certificates without visiting government offices.
Free trade agreements
Membership in the GCC and bilateral trade agreements with the US, EU, and Asian countries provide preferential access to global markets with favorable customs regimes.
Skilled workforce
A multinational population with high education levels, English proficiency, and international corporate experience ensures access to talent.
Investment incentives
The government offers subsidies, tax holidays up to 25 years in specialized zones, interest-free loans, and grants for priority economic sectors.
Company registration: comparative analysis
Category
Bahrain
The UAE
France
Montenegro
Minimum share capital
BHD 0
AED 0
EUR 1
EUR 1
VAT
10%
5%
from 5%
21%
100% foreign ownership
yes
yes
yes
yes
Audit
yes
yes
yes
yes
Corporate tax
0%
from 0%
from 15%
9%
Personal income tax
0%
0%
from 0%
from 9%
Dividend tax
0%
0%
30%
15%
Double tax agreements
40+
130+
110+
50
Currency control
no
no
no
yes
Company registration: alternative programs
Country
Cost
Processing time
Benefits
The UAE
Cost
from USD 10,000
Processing time
from 1 week
Benefits
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- Tax optimization and access to new markets
- Residency for family members
- Full business ownership in a free zone
France
Cost
from EUR 20,000
Processing time
from 1 week
Benefits
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- Access to the European Union market
- Protection of intellectual property rights
- Eligibility for residency
Montenegro
Cost
from EUR 2,000
Processing time
from 2 weeks
Benefits
Learn more
- Low share capital requirements
- Tax optimization benefits
- Access to the European Union market
FAQ
What is the difference between a regular company and a specialized zone company?
A regular company (WLL) can conduct business throughout Bahrain, enter government contracts, and trade on the local market without restrictions. A specialized zone company receives additional benefits and simplified procedures, especially for international trade and logistics, but may have certain limitations depending on the specific zone. The choice depends on the nature of your business and your company’s growth plans.
What taxes apply to companies in Bahrain?
Bahrain does not levy corporate tax on most types of activity, except for the oil and gas sector (46%). VAT is 10% on most goods and services. From January 1, 2025, a minimum tax of 15% applies to large multinational groups with revenue over EUR 750 million. Personal income tax does not exist, making Bahrain attractive for expatriates.
Can a company be registered with 100% foreign ownership?
Yes, Bahrain allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors without a local partner. Restrictions apply only to strategic industries (banking, insurance, telecommunications). This significantly simplifies procedures for international investors and ensures full control over the business.
What is the minimum share capital required for registration?
The minimum share capital depends on the type of company: WLL (regular) — from BHD 20,000 (from USD 53,000); specialized zone companies — from BHD 1,000 (from USD 2,650) to BHD 10,000 (from USD 26,500). Branches do not require share capital. Capital can be contributed in any freely convertible currency.
How does company registration help obtain residency?
Owning a company with a valid license grants the right to an investor visa valid for 1–2 years, renewable. Investments of USD 135,000 or more qualify for a 5-year Golden Visa, and over USD 270,000 for a 10-year Golden Visa. The company can sponsor visas for family members and key employees.
How long does company registration take?
In specialized zones, registration takes 2–7 business days with a complete set of documents, while WLL takes 7–14 days. An additional 1–3 weeks is required for opening a bank account. The process can be expedited with experienced lawyers familiar with regulatory requirements.
What licenses are required to conduct business?
There are three main types of licenses:
- Commercial (for buying and selling goods)
- Professional (for services and consulting)
- Industrial (for manufacturing)
Some activities require additional approvals from sector regulators (finance, healthcare, education).
Is physical presence required to manage a company?
Physical presence of the director in Bahrain is not mandatory for most types of companies. However, to maintain the investor visa, it is recommended to visit the country at least 1 day every 6 months. For tax residency, it is necessary to stay in Bahrain more than 183 days per year.
Get expert guidance on your case
Schedule a meeting with our specialists, in-office or online, and receive a tailored case analysis, a clear cost estimate, and the best solution to achieve your goals.
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