Investment framework and opportunities in Bahrain

Procedures Relative to Foreign Investment

Freedom of Establishment: There are essentially eight options available to foreign investors who are looking to undertake business/commercial activities in Bahrain:
-With limited liability company
-Partnership company
-Bahrain shareholding company (BSC) - public
-Bahrain shareholding company (BSC) - closed
-Simple commandite company
-Single person company
-Branch of a foreign company
-Holding company

The WLL is the most commonly used form of company. To find out more, please visit the government website.
Acquisition of Holdings: In most of the cases (around 95%), a 100% foreign ownership is possible.
Obligation to Declare: All business registrations have to be approved by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. To find out more, please visit the commercial registration portal.
Competent Organisation For the Declaration: Ministry of Industry and Commerce
Requests For Specific Authorisations: Some activities are limited to nationals of the countries of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (CCASG): Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, for example accounting services; import; export and/or sale of race car fuel; cargo clearance; fishing.

Some activities are limited to nationals of Bahrain, such as certain real estate services, press and publishing; printing; film and TV services; the land transport of goods, passengers and tourists; inland sea cruises; car rental, the Hajj and Umra services; services providing foreign labor; trade agencies; small businesses.

Any business registration must be approved by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC).