Bahrain•AsiaDependants Residency Permit (Spouse)
At a Glance
3–7 days
BHD 95
1-2 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Residence permit for the spouse of a work visa holder in Bahrain, requiring the sponsor to earn minimum BHD 400 monthly.
The Dependants Residency Permit (Spouse) is a specialized residence permit that allows the spouse of a foreign worker residing in Bahrain to join them and live in the Kingdom. This permit is essential for maintaining family unity for expatriate professionals working in the country. The process is managed through the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and requires the sponsoring employee to meet specific financial thresholds to ensure they can adequately support their family members during their stay in Bahrain.
This permit is tied to the validity of the sponsoring employee's work permit. Applicants must provide official documentation, such as an attested marriage certificate, to verify their relationship. Once granted, the spouse is legally permitted to reside in Bahrain for the duration of the sponsor's employment. It is a formal residency status that requires adherence to Bahraini immigration laws, and any changes in the sponsor's employment status may affect the validity of the dependent's residency permit.
Cost Breakdown
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
BahrainRequirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Sponsor must be a foreign employee with a valid work permit and residency in Bahrain.
Sponsor must have a minimum monthly net income of BHD 400 (as per SIO records).
Sponsor must be registered in the LMRA system as an authorized person.
Marriage certificate must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) if required.
Dependent must not hold a valid work permit.
Dependent must have a passport valid for at least 6 months (recommended 2 years).
KEY CRITERIA
Min. Income
4,800 BHD/yr
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Copy of dependent's passport (including pages showing father/spouse name).
Attested marriage certificate (in Arabic or English).
Copy of sponsor's identity card.
Proof of sponsor's income (SIO records).
If the dependent is already in Bahrain, proof of valid current permit.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Allows the spouse to reside legally in Bahrain with the primary worker.
- Provides long-term stability for families.
- Can be renewed as long as the sponsor's work permit remains valid.
- Allows the spouse to apply for a separate work permit if they wish to work.
Worth Knowing
- Dependent cannot work without obtaining a separate work permit.
- Sponsor's income must consistently meet the BHD 400 threshold.
- Requires attestation of foreign documents, which can be time-consuming.
- Dependent's residency is tied to the sponsor's employment status.
Application Process
Sponsor logs into the LMRA EMS (Expatriate Management System).
Navigate to 'New Work Permit' and select 'New Expatriate Permit'.
Select the dependent visa type for the spouse.
Enter required data and upload necessary documents.
Submit the application and pay the admin/service fees (BHD 95 total).
Track application status via the LMRA portal.
Once approved, print the residence permit via the National Portal or contact NPRA.
Related visas
More visas in Bahrain
Family visas in other countries
- Bereaved Partner Visa
United Kingdom
- Orphan Relative Visa
Australia
- Family Visa (Type F)
Kyrgyzstan
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