Bahrain · Company Registration
Entity types, registration process, required documents, costs, and official registries.
AI-drafted, editorial review pending. The official links below are checked — confirm specifics with the authority.
Companies are registered with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce through Sijilat, its online commercial-registration portal. The limited liability company (WLL) is the usual form, and foreign investors can own 100% of it for most commercial activities, though some activities remain restricted to Bahraini or GCC owners. A commercial registration lists the activities the business may carry on, may need approvals from other authorities for regulated activities, and is renewed every year. Ultimate beneficial owners are declared through Sijilat as well.
- Foreign investors can own 100% of a WLL for most commercial activities; some activities stay restricted.
- The commercial registration is renewed every year through Sijilat.
- Regulated activities may need a separate approval from the relevant authority before trading.
- Sijilat — Commercial Registration Portal
Ministry of Industry and Commerce portal for commercial registration and its annual renewal.
- Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC)
Ministry of Industry and Commerce: company law and business licensing.
Government portals
- Bahrain National Portal — Government services and guidance, including the emergency call centre.
- Sijilat — Commercial Registration — Ministry of Industry and Commerce portal for registering and renewing a commercial registration.
- Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) — Work permits, transfers between employers and Bahrainisation target rates.
- National Bureau for Revenue (NBR) — VAT, excise and the domestic minimum top-up tax.