Our business setup in Bahrain services cover everything from company registration and licensing to legal compliance and operational setup. We ensure you have the guidance needed to navigate Bahrain’s regulatory requirements seamlessly. With our expertise, establishing your business becomes a hassle-free process, making us a trusted partner for Bahrain company formation.
Quick Navigation
We make it even easier by offering hassle-free document collection and drop-off at your convenience.
Choose the licensing authority
A. Mainland (onshore)
Who issues the licence: the emirate’s Department of
Economy (e.g., Dubai DET, Abu
Dhabi ADDED, Sharjah DED, etc.)
Best for: trading/services anywhere in the UAE
market (B2B/B2C), government
tenders, flexible office/visa quotas.
Notes: many activities allow 100% foreign
ownership; some regulated activities still
need local approvals (e.g., health, education, transport).
B. Free zones
Who issues the licence: the specific free zone authority.
Best for: import/export, wholesale/B2B, tech/creative/media, light industrial, easier
customs handling, 100% foreign ownership by default.
Popular examples (non-financial):
• Dubai: DMCC, JAFZA, DAFZ, Meydan FZ, IFZA, Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), Dubai Media City/Internet City
• Abu Dhabi/others: AD Ports/KEZAD (ex-ZonesCorp), twofour54, RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah), SAIF Zone & Shams (Sharjah), Ajman FZ, UAQ FZ
When to pick: you mainly export/B2B, need fast setup with “flexi-desk”, want zone-specific ecosystems.
D. Offshore (no onshore trading)
Who issues the licence: RAK ICC or JAFZA Offshore via a registered agent.
Best for: holding companies, asset ownership, international structuring. No UAE visas
and no local trading.
Quick decision cues
• Selling onshore to end customers? Mainland.
• Export/B2B + customs efficiency? Free zone.
• Regulated finance? DIFC/ADGM.
• Holding/asset vehicle only? Offshore (RAK ICC / JAFZA Offshore).
C. Financial free zones (special case)
Who issues the licence:DIFC (Dubai) / ADGM (Abu Dhabi). Regulators: DFSA / FSRA.
Best for: financial services (funds, asset mgmt, fintech), English-law courts, distinct
regulatory regime. Non-financial licences also exist but are specialized.
Documents you’ll need for
company registration
Exact lists vary by authority/legal form. Prepare a full pack —
you’ll reuse it for banking & visas.
A. For individual shareholders/partners & managers
- Passport (clear color copy; 6-month validity advisable)
- Current visa/entry stamp or UID (if in UAE)
- Recent photo (white background)
- Proof of residential address (utility bill/bank statement; sometimes required)
- Employed in UAE? NOC from employer (if applicable)
- CV/profile (some free zones ask for this)
C. Company constitutional & local items
- Proposed trade name list
- Business activity list (per authority’s activity catalogue)
- Draft MoA / Articles (or authority templates)
- Office/Lease: Ejari/tenancy or flexi-desk contract (zone-issued)
- Specimen signatures / signature card (where applicable)
B. For corporate shareholders
- Certificate of incorporation & Good Standing
- Memorandum/Articles (MoA/AoA)
- Board Resolution approving UAE setup & authorised signatory
- Register of shareholders/directors
- UBO declaration & ownership chart
- Legalisation/apostille & certified translations (as required)
D. Compliance & tax (post-licence but prep early)
- UBO Register & filings
- Corporate Tax & VAT registration (if/when required)
- Economic Substance (if activity in scope)
Setup process
Mainland (example: Dubai DET)
- Choose legal form & activities
- Reserve trade name
- Apply for Initial Approval
- Draft & sign MoA (and LSA if required by activity)
- Lease your office / Ejar
- Obtain external approvals (if the activity is regulated)
- Pay fees & receive Trade Licence
- Register with Chamber of Commerce (if applicable)
- Post-licence: UBO filing, tax registrations, WPS (if hiring)
Free zone (generic flow)
- Pick zone & licence package (activity + visa quota)
- Name reservation & KYC due-diligence
- Submit docs (see Section 2) & pass compliance
- Sign client agreement / lease (desk/office/warehouse)
- Pay fees → Incorporation certificate + Licence
- Open immigration file (Establishment Card) for visas
Mainland (example: Dubai DET)
- Choose legal form & activities
- Reserve trade name
- Apply for Initial Approval
- Draft & sign MoA (and LSA if required by activity)
- Lease your office / Ejar
- Obtain external approvals (if the activity is regulated)
- Pay fees & receive Trade Licence
- Register with Chamber of Commerce (if applicable)
- Post-licence: UBO filing, tax registrations, WPS (if hiring)
Visa registration under your company
Two parallel tracks — pick what applies:
A. Investor/Partner (company owners)
1. Obtain Immigration Establishment Card (GDRFA Dubai or ICP for other
emirates)
2. Apply Entry Permit (if outside/inside UAE)
3. Status change (if inside) or enter UAE
4. Medical fitness test (18+)
5. Emirates ID biometrics & application
6. Health insurance (mandatory in Dubai/Abu Dhabi)
7. Residence issuance (residency now linked to Emirates ID)
Options include standard investor/partner residency or Green/Golden categories depending on eligibility
B. Employee visas (hiring staff)
1. Open MOHRE Labour File & e-signature card
2. Apply for work permit (quota → offer letter → permit)
3. Entry permit / status change
4. Medical fitness + Emirates ID biometrics
5. Labour contract & WPS setup
6. Residence issuance (on Emirates ID)
Visa document checklists
Investor/Partner (principal applicant)
- Passport copy, photo
- Entry permit/UID & status-change form
- Company licence, MoA, Establishment Card (immigration)
- Personal bank statement (often requested)
- Medical fitness result
- Emirates ID application/biometrics slip
- Health insurance policy
Employee
- Passport, photo, education certificates (attested if required by role)
- Signed offer letter & MOHRE work permit
- Entry permit/UID & status change
- Medical fitness result; Emirates ID application/biometrics
- Labour contract; health insurance
Family dependants (if sponsoring)
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID & salary/tenancy proof
- Marriage/birth certificates (attested)
Corporate bank account —
requirements & proof pack
Core bank KYC
- Trade Licence, Incorporation/Registration certificate
- MoA/AoA & any amendments; share certificates/partners list
- Board Resolution to open/operate accounts
- Passports + Emirates IDs (when available) for all signatories/UBOs
- UBO forms (per Cabinet Resolution) & FATCA/CRS self-certifications
- Office lease/Ejari or zone lease; utility bill (address proof)
Business profile & activity evidence (de-risking)
- Short business plan (activities, geographies, suppliers/customers, expected volumes)
- Sample contracts/invoices or LOIs; website/domain & company email
- Source of funds evidence (6–12m personal/other company statements for UBOs if start-up)
- Trade licences of counterparties (if available)
Business profile & activity evidence (de-risking)
- Short business plan (activities, geographies, suppliers/customers, expected volumes)
- Sample contracts/invoices or LOIs; website/domain & company email
- Source of funds evidence (6–12m personal/other company statements for UBOs if start-up)
- Trade licences of counterparties (if available)
Practical notes
- Some banks request initial deposit; funds may be blocked until due-diligence completes.
- Expect KYC calls/site checks. Keep docs consistent across licence, visa, tax, and banking.
Popular SME banks to consider
- Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq (incl. NeoBiz), FAB, RAKBANK
Post-licence compliance starter list
- Immigration Establishment Card (and MOHRE Labour File if hiring)
- UBO register & filing
- Tax registrations (Corporate Tax; VAT if applicable)
- WPS payroll (employees)
- Bookkeeping, audit (if zone requires), licence renewals
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is included in your business setup in Bahrain services?
-
Why choose global business solutions for your needs?
We provide global business solutions tailored to meet your unique needs. Our team of experts ensures comprehensive support for international expansions, market entry strategies, and operational challenges. Partnering with us guarantees a competitive edge in today’s dynamic global market, just as leading recruitment agencies do in their field.
-
How do you support businesses with Business Solution Bahrain?
Our Business Solution Bahrain services are designed to address challenges specific to the Bahraini market. Whether it’s market analysis, operational efficiency, or digital transformation, our solutions are customized to help you achieve sustainable growth in Bahrain. We also collaborate with property management companies in Bahrain to offer integrated solutions.
-
What are the costs involved in business setup in Bahrain?
The cost of business setup in Bahrain depends on various factors like the type of business, required licenses, and additional services. We offer transparent pricing and detailed cost breakdowns to ensure you know what to expect. Contact us for a tailored quote or guidance from a job consultancy in Bahrain to explore additional services.
-
Can you explain your approach to global business solutions?
Our approach to global business solutions focuses on understanding client needs, providing strategic insights, and delivering results-driven strategies. From legal compliance to operational execution, we’re committed to helping your business succeed on a global scale by optimizing your business process operations.
-
What makes your Business Solution Bahrain unique?
Our Business Solution Bahrain services stand out due to our in-depth knowledge of local markets and regulations. We combine innovative strategies with hands-on execution to help businesses thrive in Bahrain’s competitive landscape. Additionally, we provide expert guidance on LMRA services Bahrain to streamline compliance processes.