🇧🇭 Bahrain Family Visa 2025: Complete Guide to Bringing Your Loved Ones
Moving to Bahrain is already a big step—reuniting your family should be the easy part. This straightforward guide explains everything you need to secure a Bahrain Family Visa (Dependent Residence Permit) in 2025, from eligibility and documentation to application timelines and cost-saving tips.
Who Can Sponsor a Bahrain Family Visa?
Under Bahrain’s Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) rules, any foreign employee on a valid work permit can sponsor:
- A spouse
- Unmarried sons under 18
- Unmarried daughters of any age
Minimum monthly salary for sponsorship is usually BHD 400 (about USD 1,060), but some professions—such as domestic workers—may face higher thresholds. Check the latest figures on the LMRA salary requirements page before applying.
Key Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Work Permit | Sponsored by an employer registered with the LMRA |
| Salary Threshold | Typically BHD 400/month or higher (confirm with LMRA) |
| Housing Agreement | Tenancy contract or employer-provided accommodation letter |
| Health Insurance | Mandatory for every dependent (renewed yearly) |
| Medical Fitness | Post-arrival medical check at an LMRA-approved clinic |
Essential Documents Checklist
Compile one clear PDF set per dependent:
- Passport (valid ≥ 6 months)
- Copy of sponsor’s passport and residence permit
- Marriage certificate (attested) for spouse
- Birth certificate (attested) for each child
- Latest salary slip or bank statement
- Tenancy contract stamped by the municipality
- Comprehensive health-insurance policy certificate
Attestation is handled by your home country’s Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Bahrain Embassy. Detailed steps are outlined on the Bahrain Ministry of Foreign Affairs site.
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Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Gather and Scan Documents
Scan every page—colour, 300 dpi—into separate PDFs under 2 MB. Incorrect file naming is a top reason for rejection.
2. Submit Online via the LMRA Expatriate Portal
Create an account and upload files on the LMRA Expatriate Management System. The system will auto-validate format and file size.
3. Pay Visa and Processing Fees
Standard LMRA fee: BHD 90 per dependent (one-time). Residence permit fee: BHD 25 per year. Pay securely by credit card.
4. Receive the Entry Permit
Approval emails arrive within 3–10 working days. Print the permit and email a copy to your family. Airlines require this at check-in.
5. Complete Post-Arrival Formalities
Within 30 days of arrival:
- Medical exam at an LMRA-authorised clinic (lab tests + chest X-ray).
- Biometric fingerprints and photo at the Nationality, Passports & Residence Affairs (NPRA).
- Residence card issued on the spot (valid 1–2 years).
Fees and Processing Time
| Stage | Cost (BHD) | Average Time |
|---|---|---|
| LMRA Visa Fee | 90 | 3–10 days |
| Residence Permit | 25 / year | Same day after biometrics |
| Medical Exam | 30–50 | 1 day |
| Health Insurance | 50–120 / year | Immediate |
Total first-year cost per dependent is BHD 195–235. Plan for annual insurance and residence renewal.
Medical Tests & Insurance: What to Expect
Dependents take a blood test (HIV, Hep B) and chest X-ray. Results upload automatically to the LMRA portal within 48 hours. Purchase an insurance plan from providers listed on the Central Bank of Bahrain’s approved insurers page.
Tips to Speed Approval
- Match Names Exactly across passports, certificates, and online forms.
- Upload High-Resolution Scans—blurry images trigger resubmission.
- Use Employer PRO Services if your HR department offers them; they track status daily.
- Apply Off-Peak (Jan–Mar or Aug–Sep) to avoid holiday backlogs.
- Renew Your Own Work Permit First if it expires within six months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting un-attested certificates
- Uploading combined PDF files instead of separate ones
- Forgetting to renew health insurance before residence renewal
- Using different signatures on forms and passport
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can dependents stay outside Bahrain?
A dependent’s residence permit lapses after six consecutive months abroad unless you obtain a prior exit-re-entry approval from NPRA.
Can parents or adult siblings be sponsored?
No. Only spouse and children qualify. Parents must apply for a visit visa or employment visa.
Can my spouse work on a family visa?
Holders of a dependent residence permit must get their own work permit before starting paid employment.
What happens if my salary drops below the threshold?
You have three months to restore the qualifying amount or your dependents’ permits may not be renewed. Notify your employer immediately.
Closing Thoughts
Bringing your loved ones to Bahrain in 2025 is straightforward when you meet the salary cutoff, assemble complete documents, and follow LMRA guidelines precisely. Start early, keep digital copies organised, and lean on your company’s PRO team if possible. Once settled, your family can enjoy Bahrain’s tax-free income, high-quality schooling, and welcoming expatriate communities.
For the latest policy updates, bookmark the LMRA portal and NPRA website—they publish circulars whenever residency regulations change.
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