# Moving to Bahrain: A Step-by-Step Relocation 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. Use this checklist to plan your first three months. ## Before you move: check the current situation The region has seen disruption in 2026, including periodic flight cancellations and airspace closures. Check your government's travel advice and your airline's schedule as you plan dates. Register with your embassy on arrival so you receive updates. It is a small step that helps in any situation. ## Step 1: Secure your residency Your residence permit is the foundation for everything else. Most people arrive with an employer-sponsored work visa, a family visa through a sponsoring spouse or parent, or an investor or property-based residency. The Golden Residency is a 10-year renewable permit issued by the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA). One route is owning property in Bahrain worth at least BHD 130,000, a threshold cut from BHD 200,000 in late 2025, and it covers your family. Property owners can also apply for a self-sponsorship residence permit with a lower property value requirement. Check current conditions on the NPRA and bahrain.bh websites, as rules are updated from time to time. - Valid passport with more than six months remaining - Health insurance valid in Bahrain - Six months of bank statements (Golden Residency) - Title deed for property-based routes - Attested marriage and birth certificates for family members ## Step 2: Get your CPR identity card Every resident needs a CPR card, the national identity card issued by the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA). Your CPR number is used for banking, EWA, mobile contracts, healthcare and government services. You will need a registered address, usually a lease or title deed, and your residence permit. Expect a medical check and fingerprinting as part of the residence process for most visa types. ## Step 3: Open a bank account With your CPR card and residence permit you can open a personal account at any local bank. You will usually need your passport, CPR, proof of address and a salary letter or proof of income. Set up your account early, because rent, EWA, school fees and car purchases are easier with a local account. See our banking guide for details. ## Step 4: Find a home Most newcomers rent for the first months while they learn the areas, then buy once they know where they want to live. Visit at both rush hour and weekend to judge traffic and noise. Make sure your lease is registered, as the Rent Law requires registration and an unregistered contract cannot be taken to the Rent Disputes Committee. Ask whether rent includes EWA and the municipal fee. ## Step 5: Connect electricity and water (EWA) If your rent does not include utilities, open an EWA account in your name using your CPR and lease, and pay a refundable deposit. Accounts can be managed and paid online or through the EWA app. The municipal fee on rented homes is usually added to the EWA bill. ## Step 6: Get a local mobile number Batelco, Zain and stc all offer prepaid and postpaid plans. You can buy a prepaid SIM on arrival with your passport, then switch to a postpaid plan once you have a CPR. Home fibre installation can take a few days to a couple of weeks, so book it as soon as you have an address. ## Step 7: Convert your driving licence Holders of licences from GCC states and a list of other countries can usually exchange them for a Bahraini licence without a driving test, after an eye test. The General Directorate of Traffic publishes the eligible countries, and the list changes from time to time. If your country is not on the list, you will need driving lessons and a test. Visitors can generally drive on a valid licence or international permit for a limited period. ## Step 8: Ship your belongings International movers handle door-to-door shipping to Bahrain by sea or air. Sea freight from Europe typically takes several weeks, plus customs clearance. Used household goods for new residents can usually be cleared through customs with your passport, residence permit and an inventory. Ask your mover about restricted items, including alcohol, some medicines and certain electronics. ## Step 9: Bring your pets Cats and dogs can be imported with an import permit from the veterinary authority, an ISO microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and a health certificate from your home country. Some sources also require a rabies antibody (titer) test, so confirm the current rules before booking. Some breeds may be restricted, and airlines have their own summer heat rules for pets in the hold. Specialist pet relocation companies can manage the paperwork. ## Step 10: Arrange schooling Apply to schools as early as you can, ideally before you move. Popular schools keep waiting lists for some year groups. Choose your home with the school run in mind, as traffic at peak times is the biggest daily frustration for families. ## Your first 90 days at a glance Most steps happen in roughly this order, though timings vary with your visa type and paperwork. - Before arrival | Residency route, school applications, mover quotes, pet paperwork, check travel advice - Week 1 | Prepaid SIM, temporary accommodation, start residence formalities - Weeks 2 to 4 | Medical and fingerprints, CPR card, lease signed and registered - Weeks 3 to 6 | Bank account, EWA account, fibre installation, licence exchange - Months 2 to 3 | Shipment arrives, car purchase, settle into school and work ## FAQ **How do I move to Bahrain?** Secure a residence route first, such as an employer visa or the Golden Residency, then get your CPR card. After that you can open a bank account, rent or buy a home, connect EWA and convert your driving licence. **What is a CPR card in Bahrain?** The CPR card is Bahrain's national identity card for citizens and residents. Its number is needed for banking, utilities, mobile contracts and government services. **Can I convert my driving licence in Bahrain?** Holders of licences from GCC states and many other listed countries can usually exchange them after an eye test, without a driving test. Check the current list with the General Directorate of Traffic. **How much property do I need to buy for Bahrain residency?** The Golden Residency property route requires property worth at least BHD 130,000. A separate self-sponsorship permit is available to property owners at a lower threshold. **Can I bring my dog to Bahrain?** Yes, with an import permit, ISO microchip, rabies vaccination and a health certificate. Some rules, such as titer tests and breed restrictions, should be confirmed before you travel. **How long does it take to get residency in Bahrain?** It depends on the visa type and your documents. Many people complete residence formalities and receive a CPR card within a few weeks of arrival.