Bahrain•AsiaDomestic Worker Visa
At a Glance
Varies
BHD 86
Varies (Renewable with employer sponsorship)
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Visa for domestic workers including housemaids, drivers, cooks, and household staff. Sponsor must meet income requirements.
The Domestic Worker Visa is a specialized residency permit regulated by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) to facilitate the legal employment of household staff in Bahrain. This visa framework was established to organize the domestic labor market, ensuring that workers—such as housemaids, drivers, cooks, and household staff—are employed under clear legal protections and contracts. It fills the gap for families needing household support by providing a structured, government-monitored process for recruitment and sponsorship.
This visa is designed for families who require domestic assistance and can meet the financial requirements, which include a minimum monthly income of 800 BHD. The applicant (worker) must be between 18 and 60 years old. What makes this visa distinctive is the requirement for a formal, attested employment contract in both Arabic and the worker's native language, as well as the employer's obligation to provide health insurance and adequate accommodation. It is a vital service for households, ensuring that both the employer's needs and the worker's rights are legally protected.
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Sponsor must be a resident or citizen with a valid CPR card.
Sponsor must demonstrate adequate income (often BHD 800-1000 minimum).
Worker must be between 21 and 55 years old.
Must have a formal, written employment contract in both Arabic and the worker's language.
Employer must provide suitable accommodation and health insurance.
KEY CRITERIA
Min. Income
9,600 BHD/yr
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport
Medical examination
Police clearance
Domestic contract
Proof of income (sponsor)
ID copy (sponsor)
Housing proof (sponsor)
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Provides legal household support.
- Regulated by the LMRA to ensure worker protections.
- Includes mandatory health insurance and work injury coverage.
- Structured legal framework for both employer and employee.
Worth Knowing
- High financial responsibility for the sponsor (salary, insurance, flights).
- Strict legal obligations regarding working hours, rest days, and treatment.
- Non-compliance with labor laws can lead to heavy penalties.
- The process requires adherence to bilateral agreements with the worker's home country.
Application Process
Employer establishes income
Sponsor demonstrates 1000+ BHD monthly income
Prepare worker documentation
Gather medical reports and passport copies
Submit contract
Provide domestic worker employment contract
LMRA processing
Application reviewed by Labour Market Regulatory Authority
Approval and issuance
Domestic worker visa approved
Residence registration
Worker registers with NPRA
Related visas
More visas in Bahrain
Work visas in other countries
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