Incorporating in Bahrain means creating a legally recognized entity that complies with the Kingdom's Commercial Companies Law. LevantBMS handles all the legal and regulatory steps on your behalf.
Requirements to incorporate
- Passport copies for shareholders and directors.
- Proposed trade name(s).
- A business-activities list aligned with the Bahrain activity taxonomy.
- Articles / Memorandum of Association drafted to local law.
- A Bahrain address / lease.
- Board resolution / power of attorney (for corporate shareholders).
Types of companies
| EntityOwnershipCapitalLiabilityBest for | ||||
| WLL (LLC) | 1–50 shareholders, 100% foreign allowed | Flexible (≥ BD 50/share) | Limited | SMEs, consultancy, trading |
| BSC (Closed/Public) | Public/private shareholders | BD 250k–1m+ | Limited | Large firms, IPOs, joint ventures |
| Branch | 100% foreign-owned | No capital | Parent liable | Multinational expansions |
| Partnership | 2+ partners | No minimum | Unlimited | Professional / legal services |
Sijilat workflow
Reserve trade name → match activities to the MOIC taxonomy → draft & notarize MOA/AOA → upload to Sijilat & pay fees → receive CR → obtain regulator approvals.
Costs & timelines
Government fees depend on entity type and the number of activities. Typical timeline: 1–4 weeks for a WLL; longer for regulated activities.
Visas
- Investor visa — for owners/directors.
- Employment visas — for staff.
- Dependent visas — for families.
Banking & KYC
You will need the CR, MOA/AOA, lease, shareholder passports, and a board resolution. Timeline: 1 day to 1 week — longer for foreign-heavy structures or regulated sectors. Key banks include BBK, NBB and Al Salam Bank.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners own 100%?
Yes.
How long does incorporation take?
1–4 weeks for WLLs; longer for regulated sectors.
Which banking documents are required?
CR, MOA/AOA, lease, passports, and board resolutions.
Do I need a local sponsor?
Not typically.
Is there a nationality requirement?
None.
Is physical presence required?
No — LevantBMS handles all steps with a power of attorney; investors must attend in person only for opening the bank account.