Country guide

Company Formation in Bahrain

Commercial registration in Bahrain is completed online through the Ministry of Industry and Commerce’s Sijilat system. A foreign investor can fully own a W.L.L. where the activity is open to foreign capital. The list of activities is set by Ministerial Resolution No. 40 of 2021 and its amendments, including Resolution No. 22 of 2024. Some activities require a Bahraini partner or Bahraini ownership.

Office Services

A service followed up by our office team

The service scope and price are confirmed in a written quote after reviewing the activity, country, and documents. VAT applies where applicable and government fees are separate.

Who can own?

  • A foreign investor can fully own a W.L.L. if the activity is open to foreign capital.
  • The activity list is set by Ministerial Resolution No. 40 of 2021 and its amendments, including Resolution No. 22 of 2024.
  • Some activities require a Bahraini partner or Bahraini ownership.

Common entities

  • With limited liability company (W.L.L.)

Steps

  1. Check the activity in the table of permitted activities.
  2. Apply through Sijilat with an advanced eKey, or through an agent or professional office under power of attorney.
  3. Reserve the name and upload documents.
  4. Obtain activity-related approvals.
  5. Issue the commercial registration, then complete banking and registrations.

Documents and legalisation

  • Partners’ passports.
  • Articles of association.
  • Premises address.
  • For corporate partners: legalised parent-company documents.
  • We identify the legalisation route by issuing country.

Typical timing

  • It depends on the activity and required approvals.

After formation

  • After issuing the commercial registration, complete bank and other registrations.

Frequently asked questions

Can I own 100%?

Yes, in activities open to foreign capital under the Ministry’s table.

Do I need to be in Bahrain?

The application is online and can be made through a professional office under power of attorney. Some steps, such as banking, may need your attendance.

Request a written quote

Send your activity and target country, and we will set out the steps and documents in the written quote for your case.

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Official sources

Last updated: October 2026

Information is general guidance based on the official sources listed and is confirmed in the written quote for your case.

Information on this site is general guidance based on published official sources and does not replace your written quote. Government fees and final decisions rest with the authorities.