Company Setup Services in Bahrain
Begin your operations in the next quarter!
Starting from:
Finish setup in:
Guaranteed:
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Company setup process
Understand how to setup your business in Bahrain step-by-step
Step 1
Security Clearance & KYC
Firstly, we need to get your name, license and passport pre-approved. We'll handle your security clearance with Bahrain authorities - it's an essential first step!
All we need for this step is:
- Passport scan of each shareholder (photo page only)
- CRP scan of each shareholder (if availible)
- Signed engagement letter
Step 2
Approving The Company Name
You'll need to come up with 3 company name options, and we'll handle the name reservation with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
But remember:
- The name has to be appropriate and relevant to your activity
- Must be unique and not already registered
- Can't be just generic terms or mimic international brands
- Should respect local laws and values
Step 3
Registering The Company Address
Every Bahrain business needs an official address - we've got you covered with two easy options:
- Our cheapest solution - a flexi-desk space (just to meet the minimum requirements)
- Select any office that you find yourself (and we'll handle the registration process)
Either way, we ensure full compliance while you focus on what matters - your business!
Schedule a completely free consultation call with our agent and ask them any of your questions!
Step 4
Drafting Your Memorandum of Association
Memorandum of Association - a critical document outlines shareholder responsibilities and company rules - and we'll craft it perfectly for your business structure! Our team drafts all necessary clauses with a private notary and submits everything to the Ministry for approval, securing your business's legal existence without the headache.
Step 5
Notarizing Your Documents
Time to make it official! For this step:
- All shareholders must be physically present
- Original passports required
- Documents must be signed with passport signatures
Sounds complicated? Don't worry it - our team manages the entire notary process, ensuring compliance without delays thanks to our years of experience.
Step 6
Opening Your Bank Account
A corporate bank account is required by law - but our banking consultants make it happen in just 7-10 business days! We'll guide you through selecting the right Bahraini bank and navigate all requirements:
- Six-month bank statements
- Business summary and financial plan
- Proof of income sources
Let us handle the financial compliance & paperwork while you prepare for business.
Step 7
Activating The License
This is the last step!
We take your notarized documents and capital deposit certificate to the Ministry for license activation. Once they give the green light, your Bahrain business is officially registered and ready to begin doing business!
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Benefits of having a company in Bahrain
0% Corporate tax
Bahrain has 0% corporate tax on all activities except for oil & gas mining.
Additionally, Bahrain does not have Free zones and Mainlands. The entire country is a large Free zone with no tax. This makes Bahrain the perfect tax heaven for any international company - make your money in Europe and keep it in Bahrain.
0% Income tax
Bahrain does not impose any income tax on individuals or businesses, providing significant savings for entrepreneurs and investors.
This tax-free environment allows for maximum profit retention and simplified financial planning for both personal and business income.
Fast setup
Bahrain currently has a country-wide policy which is aimed at attracting international investors and businesses into the cuntry, as a result of UAE's growing regulations and taxations. Therefore Bahrain has simplified its' appliaction process, relaxed its's regulations and decreased corporate setup times. Overall, this makes Bahrain a very easy place to setup your business in.
Our expert team handles all documentation and regulatory requirements, ensuring your business is operational in the shortest possible time.
Residence for all shareholders
All shareholders will obtain residency permits easily with minimal documentation and straightforward application procedures.
This provides the flexibility to live and work in Bahrain while managing your business operations from this strategic location. Its alayws a good option to have a backup residence permit and foreign bank accounts, just in case.
No banking pressure
No requirement for minimum bank balance or complex financial reporting, making banking relationships simple and accessible. This corresponds to Bahrains' country-wide policy to attract new investors and businesses. The banks are encouraged to not ask too many questions and to not complicate the account opening process.
Local and international banks offer competitive services without the restrictive requirements found in other jurisdictions.
Costs of opening a business in Bahrain
"Fast" package
- Company Registration
- Business License
- Office Lease (6 months)
- Corporate Bank Account (BHD)
- Shareholders Visa & Residence
Timeline:
up to 3 month
up to 4 months
"Guaranteed" package
- Company Registration
- Business License
- Office Lease (6 months)
- Corporate Bank Account (BHD)
- Shareholders Visa & Residence
- Online Banking
- Currency Account (USD, AED, EUR)
- 2 Free Work Visas
- LMRA Registration
- VAT Registration Assistance
- VIP Post-formation Support
- Bank Account Opening Guarantee
FAQs
In Bahrain, there is no mandatory minimum capital requirement for company setup. However, based on our experience, we recommend declaring at least 2,000 BD (5,300 USD) as the share capital. While you can register with as low as 2,650 USD, higher declared capital makes the formation process smoother and reduces potential delays with approvals.
The good news is that you can withdraw this capital after six months of company operations, so it's essentially a temporary deposit that facilitates a hassle-free setup process.
Clients who select our Guaranteed package will be guaranteed that their company will receive a functioning bank account. BCF would use our banking connections in order to 100% ensure that not only the company registration takes place, but the bank account is opened successfully as well. In case we fail on this promise, BCF will refund 120% of your investment, full refund of your initial investment and additional 20% as compensation for your wasted time and resources.
No other agency in Bahrain can match this guarantee.
Depending on the chosen package, you may need to visit Bahrain 1 or 3 times for a total of either 7 or 11 working days:
First visit (1 day, eliminated in Guaranteed package): Issue power of attorney to BCF to act on your behalf during formation.
Second visit (2-3 days, eliminated in Guaranteed package): Sign the Memorandum of Association and other company documents.
Third visit (6-7 days): Activate investor visa, obtain CPR (ID card), get local SIM and activate online banking.
Company registration itself takes 1.5-2 months. However, the full process with the bank account opening may take up 3-4 months, especially for USD accounts, which can present additional challenges. Most of our clients complete the whole process within just 2-2.5 months.
As a company, we have a policy to underpromise and overdeliver, not the other way around.
Yes, to be eligible for 0% corporate tax in Bahrain, you must "demonstrate operational presence in the country". This means maintaining an office with at least one full-time employee. Generally, it is advices to hire an office administrator at minimum wage (380 BD or 1,030 USD monthly) to meet this requirement. However, there is one workaround to this, which allows BCF clients to bypass this requirement while only paying $265 per month, saving them from having a full-time employee on a payroll.
We would be happy to disclose this workaround while on a call with you!
No local partner is required for most of our clients. You do not need a local partner if you plan operations outside Bahrain. Local partnership is only required for select 5% of licensed activities and only when conducting operations inside Bahrain, which doesn't apply to most international businesses.
BCF agents will help determine the optimal structure based on your desired activities!
Yes, it's completely possible to hire foreign employees. There are additional costs including work visas (around 270 USD per year) and other small fees (30-50 USD annually), but the process is straightforward and totally possible!
BCF handles all visa applications and employment documentation to ensure compliance with local requirements.
Annual maintenance costs depend on several factors: number of licenses, foreign staff, local staff, shareholders, office lease, and admin salary. Most of our clients' costs are slightly under 10,000 USD annually (about 850 USD per month).
We have a dedicated calculator on our website where you can estimate your specific maintenance costs based on your requirements.
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