Moving to Bahrain

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence process in Bahrain depends significantly on your nationality. Citizens from certain regions, such as the European Union, may have different entry and short-stay regulations compared to those from non-EU countries. The most common routes for obtaining a long-term stay or residence permit include sponsorship through employment (work permit), family reunification (family visa), study programs, or through investment and self-sponsorship for residency. It is crucial to verify the latest requirements, application procedures, and necessary documentation directly with the official Bahraini government immigration authorities or your sponsoring entity, as regulations can change.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Bahrain can be done through various channels, including real estate agencies, online property portals, and word-of-mouth networks. Many expatriates opt for compounds or apartment buildings that offer amenities such as gyms and pools. The typical rental process involves identifying a property, negotiating terms, and signing a lease agreement. Landlords usually require a security deposit, often equivalent to one to three months' rent, which is refundable upon the satisfactory conclusion of the tenancy. Rent is commonly paid monthly or quarterly. For initial arrivals, serviced apartments or short-term rentals are excellent options for temporary accommodation while you search for a long-term residence.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Bahrain is influenced by several key factors. The volume and weight of your belongings significantly impact shipping costs, as does the distance of your move. The time of year can also play a role, with peak seasons sometimes incurring higher rates. Accessibility at both your origin and destination, such as the presence of stairs or narrow roads, can affect labor and equipment needs. Finally, any extra services you opt for, such as professional packing, unpacking, storage, or specialized handling for delicate items, will add to the overall expense. For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, it's always best to request a free quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

• 8 Weeks Before: Declutter your home. Decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. This is also the time to begin researching moving companies and getting quotes.
• 6 Weeks Before: Confirm your moving date and book your chosen moving company. Start gathering important documents (passports, visas, birth certificates, medical records, educational transcripts) and make copies, keeping originals separate and secure for travel.
• 4 Weeks Before: Begin packing non-essential items. Label boxes clearly with contents and the room they belong to. Notify utility providers (electricity, water, internet) of your move-out date. Arrange for mail forwarding.
• 2 Weeks Before: Pack most of your belongings, leaving out only essentials for the final two weeks. Confirm travel arrangements to Bahrain. Notify banks and credit card companies of your upcoming move.
• 1 Week Before: Pack a "first-night" box with essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, and important documents. Confirm final details with your moving company.
• Moving Day: Do a final walkthrough of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind. Be present for the movers.

For a detailed breakdown of costs and services, request a free quote on relocation123.com today.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Bahrain: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Bahrain? Navigating customs and import regulations for your personal belongings can seem daunting. This guide simplifies the process, providing clear information to help ensure a smooth transition for your move.

If you're relocating as a new resident

When moving your household goods to Bahrain as a new resident, your used personal effects are generally allowed duty-free, provided you hold a valid Residence Permit. However, certain items, whether new or old, will attract customs duty and VAT.

What you'll need

• Sea Waybill, Surrendered, Express Bill of Lading, or Original Bill of Lading (for sea shipments)
• Original Air Waybill (for air shipments)
• Clear copy of the Packing List in English
• Clear copy of your Passport, including the signature page
• Clear copy of your valid Residence Permit, endorsed for all shipments
• Clear copy of your Central Population Registry Card (CPR ID, both sides)
• Signed Authorisation Letter addressed to customs
• House/Property Lease Agreement Copy (if residing in Bahrain but working in KSA)

Good to know

• Your physical presence is not mandatory for customs clearance, though you may attend if you wish (except for overland shipments).
• New items will incur a 5% customs duty and 10% VAT.
• Customs duty applies to personal computers, pianos or musical instruments (5%), videos (approx. US$0.55 per video screening fee), and foodstuffs (5%).
• CDs, DVDs, LDs, and VCDs are duty-free unless imported in large quantities.
• Prepare a detailed list of any books included in your shipment, specifying title, genre, author, and whether they are old or new.
• DVDs and magazines are subject to inspection by the Ministry of Interior for prohibited content.

Diplomatic moves

Diplomatic shipments benefit from duty-free clearance and are exempt from physical customs inspection, undergoing scanning only. However, specific items remain prohibited.

What you'll need

• Express or Original Bill of Lading
• Original Airway-bill
• Clear copy of the Packing List
• Duty Exemption Certificate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Copy of your diplomatic passport or ID

Good to know

• Medicines require a doctor's prescription in Arabic or English.
• Wines, spirits, and alcohol are subject to customs duty at customs' discretion; check with your Embassy before shipping.
• Firearms are prohibited.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing a vehicle to Bahrain involves specific age restrictions and documentation requirements. Only left-hand drive vehicles are permitted.

What you'll need

• Commercial invoice (for new vehicles)
• Original Bill of Lading or Express Bill of Lading
• Original Certificate of ownership, Title, OR Export certificate from the country of origin
• Car condition report
• Proof of insurance
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for diplomats)
• Valid Bahrain Residence Permit (for non-citizens)

Good to know

• Vehicles older than 5 years are not allowed for import.
• VAT is applicable at 10% of the value assessed by customs (CIF).
• Customs duty is payable at 5% of the value assessed by customs (CIF).
• A port handling fee is payable by the customer.
• Vehicles should not be shipped with a full gasoline tank.
• Ocean freight shipments can be cleared without a residence permit by paying a deposit at clearance.
• You must arrange for local insurance prior to customs clearance and removal of the car from the port.
• You must obtain your Central Population Registration (CPR) card through your employer’s HR department. Once obtained, you can get a temporary license plate.

Pets

Bringing your pet to Bahrain requires careful planning, including obtaining an import license and ensuring all health certifications are in order. Pets are typically subject to quarantine.

What you'll need

• Copy of the Airway-bill
• Vaccination certificate
• Import permit
• Veterinary Health Certificate

Good to know

• An import license must be obtained before booking your pet's travel.
• The Veterinary Health Certificate must confirm the animal is disease-free and fully vaccinated.
• All pets will be sent to a government quarantine center after customs formalities.
• Quarantine is typically for one month.
• You are responsible for arranging your pet's feeding during quarantine.
• Pets must be transported as cargo, though assistive animals may be allowed in the aircraft cabin.

Restricted & prohibited items

Bahrain has strict regulations on what can be imported. Be aware of items that are either restricted or completely prohibited to avoid complications, including the holding of your entire shipment.

Prohibited Items:

• Narcotics and Drugs
• Flammable Items
• Ivory
• Pornographic materials (DVDs and magazines are subject to inspection)
• Pirated DVDs and VCDs
• Swords, knives, daggers (including ornamental ones)
• Naked statues and naked paintings
• Wireless equipment (e.g., remote-controlled choppers, airplanes, boats, satellite dish antennas, cordless telephones, walkie-talkies)
• Guns, arrows, darts, military clothes, firearms
• Gambling games

Good to know

• Customs may hold your entire shipment if prohibited items are found.
• Local police authorities may be called if certain items like guns, ammunition, souvenir daggers, or remote-controlled devices are discovered.

Alcohol & tobacco

Importation of alcoholic beverages is allowed as part of a personal removal, but it is subject to significant duties and taxes.

Good to know

• Heavy customs duty and VAT will be assessed by customs.

Frequently asked questions

Is my physical presence required for customs clearance?
No, your physical presence is generally not mandatory for customs clearance, though you may choose to be present (except for overland shipments).

Will new items in my shipment be taxed?
Yes, new items typically attract a 5% customs duty and 10% VAT.

Are used household goods subject to duty?
Used household goods are generally duty-free, provided you have a valid Bahrain Residence Permit.

What documents are essential for customs clearance?
Key documents include your Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, packing list, passport copy, valid Residence Permit, CPR ID, and a signed authorization letter to customs.

Are there any restrictions on books, DVDs, or magazines?
DVDs and magazines are subject to inspection by the Ministry of Interior for prohibited content. A detailed list of books should be provided.

When are customs and port authorities closed?
Customs and Port Authority offices are closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

For further assistance with your move to Bahrain, please contact relocation123.com.

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