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Family Residence Permit (Dependent Sponsorship)
VisasBahrainFamily Residence Permit (Dependent Sponsorship)
BahrainBahrain•Asia
Open

Family Residence Permit (Dependent Sponsorship)

Residency Pathway

At a Glance

Processing Time

3-10 working days

Application Fee

Free

Stay Duration

2 years (renewable)

Renewable

No

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

Not Required

Overview

The Family Residence Permit, often referred to as a dependent visa, allows expatriate employees residing in Bahrain to sponsor their immediate family members to join them. This permit is essential for maintaining family unity while working in the Kingdom. The process is managed by the employee's sponsoring employer through the LMRA, and it requires the sponsor to meet a minimum income threshold to demonstrate the financial capacity to support their dependents. It is important to note that this permit grants the right to reside in Bahrain but does not automatically grant the right to work; dependents wishing to work must obtain their own separate work permits.

This visa is specifically for the spouses and children of foreign workers who have established residency in Bahrain. It is a vital service for long-term expatriates who wish to bring their families to live with them. The application requires rigorous documentation, including attested marriage and birth certificates, to verify family relationships. By providing a clear legal framework for family reunification, the Kingdom of Bahrain enables expatriates to settle more comfortably, supporting the country's goal of being an attractive destination for international talent and their families.

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Employment Residence Permit
Bahrain flagBahrain

Employment Residence Permit

Validity1-2 years (renewable)
Processing2-4 weeks
View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

The sponsor (employee) must hold a valid residence permit in Bahrain.

The sponsor must have a minimum monthly net income of BHD 400 (as per SIO registration).

The permit is for immediate family members, including spouses and children (typically up to age 24).

Dependents already in Bahrain on a visit or other permit must have a valid status at the time of application.

The application must be submitted by the sponsor's employer or authorized representative via the LMRA system.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

Min. Income

4,800 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Copy of dependent's passport (valid for at least 6 months)

Marriage certificate (for spouses, attested/translated if necessary)

Birth certificates for children (attested/translated if necessary)

Copy of sponsor's valid residence permit and ID

Valid medical insurance certificate issued in Bahrain

No-objection letter from the other parent (if applicable)

Proof of enrollment for children over 18 (if applicable)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows immediate family to reside together in Bahrain
  • Provides access to local services like banking and driver's licenses
  • Renewable as long as the primary sponsor maintains their status

Worth Knowing

  • Does not grant the holder automatic authorization to work
  • Requires the primary sponsor to meet a minimum monthly income threshold
  • Requires specific attestation for foreign-issued marriage or birth certificates

Application Process

1

Sponsor logs into the LMRA Expat Management System (EMS)

2

Submit application and upload required digital documents

3

Pay the required service and admin fees online

4

Wait for verification and approval by LMRA/NPRA

5

Print the residence permit via the National Portal

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