# Working in Bahrain: Jobs, Salaries, Permits and Labour Law Bahrain has a compact but diverse job market, with no income tax on salaries and a well-defined labour law. This guide covers how work permits, benefits and everyday employment rules work for foreigners. ## The job market Bahrain's economy is more diversified than many in the Gulf. Financial services, including Islamic finance, are a major employer, alongside aluminium, oil and gas, logistics, tourism, healthcare, education and a growing tech and fintech sector. The market is smaller than in Dubai or Riyadh, so roles fill through networks and recruiters as much as job boards. Many professionals also work for regional companies serving Saudi Arabia from Bahrain. - Banking, insurance and fintech, centred on the Bahrain Financial Harbour and Seef - Manufacturing and industry, including aluminium and petrochemicals - Logistics, ports and aviation - Healthcare, education and hospitality - Technology, data centres and digital services ## Salaries Salaries vary widely by sector, seniority and nationality of the employer. Packages are usually quoted as a monthly figure, and many include housing, transport and education allowances. As an indicative guide only, mid-level professionals often earn around BHD 1,000 to 2,500 a month, and senior managers and specialists significantly more. Always compare the full package, not just the basic salary. - Basic salary, which is used to calculate end-of-service benefits - Housing allowance or company accommodation - Transport or car allowance - Health insurance for you and your family - School fee support, often for senior roles - Annual flight home ## How people find jobs Many roles are filled through recruitment agencies, LinkedIn and personal referrals. It helps to be in Bahrain or the region when applying, as employers often prefer candidates who can interview in person and start quickly. Bahrainisation rules mean some roles are reserved for, or prioritised for, Bahraini nationals. Specialist and senior skills remain in demand from foreign professionals. ## Work permits and the LMRA Foreign employees need a work permit issued through the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA). Your employer applies, pays the fees and sponsors your residence permit. Permits are usually issued for one or two years and renewed by the employer. In recent years LMRA has added shorter permits and, in 2026, a temporary assignment option that lets eligible workers work for another employer for up to 90 days with approval. Workers can generally move to a new employer under the LMRA's mobility rules, subject to notice and contract terms. Check the LMRA website for the current process before resigning. ## Working on the Golden Residency Golden Residency holders may work in Bahrain, but the official guidance says an employer still applies for an LMRA work permit for the holder. The difference is that your residency does not depend on that employer, so changing jobs or leaving work does not put your right to live here at risk. Family members included on a Golden Residency receive dependant permits, which do not carry the right to work. Holders who start a company still need a Commercial Registration for it, and hiring foreign staff still goes through the LMRA. ## Working hours and the weekend The official weekend is Friday and Saturday. Government offices work Sunday to Thursday, and many private companies do the same, though some work Saturdays. The Labour Law sets a standard maximum of 8 hours a day and 48 hours a week, with overtime paid at a premium. During Ramadan, working hours for Muslim employees are reduced, commonly to 6 hours a day. ## Labour law basics Private-sector employment is governed by Labour Law No. 36 of 2012. It covers contracts, leave, termination, end-of-service and dispute resolution. Your contract should be in writing and state your job, salary, start date and whether it is fixed-term or indefinite. Keep a copy, and an Arabic version prevails if there is a dispute. - Annual leave: at least 30 days a year after one year of service - Sick leave: paid on a sliding scale under the Labour Law - Maternity leave: at least 60 days paid - Notice: commonly at least 30 days for indefinite contracts - Probation: usually up to three months, set out in the contract - Public holidays: paid, with extra pay if you work them ## End-of-service benefits Foreign employees are entitled to an end-of-service benefit. For service before March 2024, the employer pays it under the Labour Law, broadly half a month's wage per year for the first three years and one month per year after that. Since March 2024, employers pay monthly end-of-service contributions for foreign staff to the Social Insurance Organisation (SIO), at 4.2% of wages for the first three years and 8.4% after that. The SIO then pays the benefit when employment ends. ## Social insurance for expats Foreign employees do not join the Bahraini pension scheme. Employers pay a contribution for work injury cover, and employees pay 1% of salary towards unemployment insurance. Bahraini employees contribute more, because they are covered by the national pension. Check the SIO website for the current rates. ## Disputes and your rights If you have a dispute with your employer, you can file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour, which tries to settle it before it goes to the labour courts. The LMRA also runs a protection unit for workers. Keep copies of your contract, payslips and any written communication. Legal advice from a licensed lawyer is worth getting for anything serious. ## Leaving a job When you leave a job, your employer cancels or transfers your work permit through the LMRA. Make sure your final settlement, leave balance and end-of-service benefit are paid and documented. If your residency depends on your job, you will usually have a limited period to find a new sponsor or leave. Golden Residency holders are not tied to an employer in this way. ## FAQ **Is salary taxed in Bahrain?** No. Bahrain does not tax personal income, so salaries are paid without income tax. Expat employees pay a 1% social insurance contribution towards unemployment insurance. **How do I get a work permit in Bahrain?** Your employer applies to the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), pays the fees and sponsors your residence permit. **Can I work in Bahrain with the Golden Residency?** Yes, but an employer still applies for an LMRA work permit for you. Your residency itself is independent of the job, and family members on dependant permits cannot work. **How is end-of-service calculated in Bahrain?** For service before March 2024, it is broadly half a month's wage per year for the first three years and a month per year after. Since March 2024, employers pay contributions to the SIO, which pays the benefit. **What are the working days in Bahrain?** Most organisations work Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday as the weekend. Some private companies also work Saturdays. **How much annual leave do you get in Bahrain?** The Labour Law gives at least 30 days of paid annual leave a year after one year of service. **What is a good salary in Bahrain?** It depends on lifestyle and family size. Indicatively, a single person can live comfortably on BHD 1,000 to 1,500 a month, while a family with school fees typically needs considerably more.