Life in Bahrain
Your new life, explained.
Costs, taxes, schools, healthcare, business and the best places to live. Everything you need before you move.
Living in Bahrain
Bahrain is a small island kingdom where you can cross from a beach to a business district in twenty minutes.
Cost of living
Bahrain is one of the more affordable places to live in the Gulf, but your costs depend heavily on where you live and whether you have children in private school.
Taxes
Bahrain is one of the lowest-tax places to live in the world, with no personal income tax and no annual property tax.
Best areas
Choosing the right area matters more in Bahrain than the right building, because it shapes your commute, school run and weekends.
Schools
Bahrain has a wide choice of private international schools, from premium British and IB schools to affordable community schools.
Business setup
Bahrain lets foreigners own 100% of a company in most sectors, and registration runs through a single online portal.
Things to do
Bahrain packs 4,000 years of history, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a busy events calendar into a country you can cross in under an hour.
Healthcare
Bahrain has a mix of government hospitals and modern private hospitals, all within a short drive of most homes.
Moving checklist
Moving to Bahrain is straightforward once you know the order of the steps, because almost everything depends on your residence permit and CPR card.
Retire in Bahrain
Bahrain appeals to retirees who want winter sunshine, no income tax on their pension and an English-speaking community.
Working
Bahrain has a compact but diverse job market, with no income tax on salaries and a well-defined labour law.
Banking and money
Bahrain is one of the Gulf's established banking centres, with local and international banks regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain.
Bahrain vs Dubai
Dubai and Bahrain are both popular with expats, but they suit different people and budgets.