Can I Convert Bahrain Visit Visa To Work Permit? Bahrain is a sought-after destination for expatriates seeking job opportunities in the Gulf region. With its vibrant economy and attractive lifestyle, many visitors consider transitioning from a Bahrain visit visa to a work permit. However, the Kingdom of Bahrain has revised its visa and immigration policies significantly.
If you’re wondering, “Can I convert a Bahrain visit visa to a work permit?” the short answer is yes, but only under specific conditions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the latest updates, the role of sponsorship, updated fees, government directives, and what these changes mean for expatriates in 2025.
No More Direct Conversion of Visit Visa to Work Permit
Previously, foreign nationals could convert their visit visas to work permits relatively easily. But as per the recent Bahrain immigration rules, direct conversion of on-arrival visit visas to work or dependent visas is no longer permitted.
Key Policy Update
- Visit visas without a sponsor are not eligible for conversion to work or dependent visas.
- Only sponsored visit visas can be converted and that too under stricter terms.
New Conditions for Visit Visa Conversion
According to Bahrain’s Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), the following conditions now apply for converting a visit visa to a work or dependent visa:
| Condition | Previous Rule | Updated Rule (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship | Not mandatory | Must have the same sponsor |
| Visa Type | On-arrival or standard | Only sponsored visit visa eligible |
| Fee for Conversion | BHD 60 | Now BHD 250 |
| Eligible Visas | Work or Dependent | Only within same sponsor |
| Government Objective | Flexible conversion | Promote local employment |
Why Has the Rule Changed?
The Ministry of Interior in Bahrain, under the direction of General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, revised the visa conversion rules to protect the local labor force. The goal is to:
- Support the National Labour Market Plan
- Prevent misuse of visit visas for job seeking
- Ensure that Bahrainis are the first choice in employment
- Discourage unauthorized employment
These regulations are being implemented in collaboration with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).
Is It Possible to Convert a Bahrain Visit Visa to Work Permit?
General Rule: No Direct Conversion Without a Sponsor
Under current immigration laws, individuals cannot convert a Bahrain visit visa to work permit unless they have a sponsor who originally issued the visa. Visitors who entered Bahrain on an on-arrival visa or through a different sponsor are not eligible to convert their visa to a work permit.
Exception: Sponsored Visit Visas
If you have a sponsored visit visa and receive a job offer from the same sponsor, you may be allowed to change your visa status by:
- Paying a BHD 250 visa conversion fee.
- Submitting a formal application via the sponsor to the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).
- Complying with employment verification and other formalities.
Important: Applications for visa conversions must be initiated by the sponsor, not the visitor.
How to Convert a Bahrain Visit Visa to Work Permit in 2025
If you’re eligible under the new conditions, here is the step-by-step guide to converting your Bahrain visit visa to a work permit:
Step 1: Confirm Sponsor Eligibility
Ensure the sponsor on your visit visa is the same one offering you the job.
Step 2: Job Offer Letter
Secure a formal employment offer from the sponsoring company or individual.
Step 3: Pay the New Visa Conversion Fee
The new conversion fee is BHD 250. This must be paid by the employer/sponsor.
Step 4: Submit Documents
Your sponsor must submit the required documentation to the NPRA and LMRA. These typically include:
- Copy of visit visa
- Copy of employment contract
- Passport bio page
- Passport-sized photo
- Sponsor’s commercial registration (if a company)
- Authorization letter
Step 5: Approval and Issuance
Once approved, your visit visa status will be changed to a valid work permit, and you can legally start employment.
Visa Conversion Fee Breakdown
| Type of Visa Change | Old Fee (Before 2024) | New Fee (2025 Onwards) |
|---|---|---|
| Visit to Work (Same Sponsor) | BHD 60 | BHD 250 |
| Visit to Dependent (Same Sponsor) | BHD 60 | BHD 250 |
| Visit to Work (Different Sponsor) | Not Allowed | Not Allowed |
Note: Conversions are only valid for the same sponsor who issued the visit visa. Any attempt to convert using a different sponsor is prohibited under current law.
Government Perspective
This policy change is rooted in Bahrain’s broader Vision 2030 goals to reduce dependency on foreign labor and prioritize Bahraini nationals in the workforce.
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and the Interior Ministry work together to:
- Monitor visa misuse
- Prevent unauthorized job seekers
- Encourage businesses to hire Bahrainis first
- Enforce penalties for rule violations
Impact on Expats and Employers
For Job Seekers
- You must enter with a plan random job searching on a visit visa is no longer viable.
- Pre-arranged job offers are the only legal route to secure a work visa while on a visit visa.
For Employers
- Must be the original sponsor of the visit visa
- Required to pay BHD 250 for conversion
- Must ensure compliance to avoid legal consequences
Documents Required for Visit Visa to Work Permit Conversion
| Required Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | With minimum 6 months validity |
| Visit Visa Copy | Sponsored by the same employer |
| Job Offer Letter | Issued by the sponsor |
| LMRA Application | Submitted online |
| Sponsor’s CR Copy | If sponsor is a company |
| Passport Photo | Recent and compliant |
Can You Apply Online?
Yes, many of the visa conversion procedures can be completed through the Bahrain evisa or by visiting the NPRA website. However, the final processing still requires sponsor-led submission and approval by government authorities.
Tips Before Applying for a Visit Visa in Bahrain
- Always choose a sponsor if you plan to convert later.
- Understand that conversion without sponsorship is banned.
- Budget for the higher BHD 250 visa transfer fee.
- Make sure your sponsor is willing to initiate and complete the conversion.
- Be cautious of illegal job offers they may lead to blacklisting or deportation.
Risks of Violating Visa Rules
- Working on a visit visa is illegal and can result in detention or deportation.
- Employers hiring individuals without work permits face heavy fines.
- Attempting to convert visa under a different sponsor violates immigration laws.
Bahrain Visit Visa to Work Permit Rules (2025)
| Feature | Allowed? | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| On-arrival Visa Conversion | Not Allowed | Must be sponsored |
| Sponsored Visit Visa Conversion | Allowed | Same sponsor only |
| Fee | BHD 250 | Payable by sponsor |
| Job Offer Requirement | Mandatory | Same sponsor as visa |
| Online Processing | Available | Through LMRA/NPRA |
| Conversion for Different Sponsor | Not Allowed | Prohibited |
Why Has Bahrain Made the Process Stricter?
According to Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, the Undersecretary for the NPRA, these updates were introduced under the directives of Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. The goal is to:
- Reduce the exploitation of visit visas for employment.
- Prevent illegal employment practices.
- Prioritize the hiring of Bahraini nationals.
- Encourage proper legal employment channels through the Labour Market Regulatory Authority.
These policy shifts are in line with the broader objectives of the National Labour Market Plan and economic reform initiatives.
FAQs About Can I Convert Bahrain Visit Visa To Work Permit?
Can I convert a Bahrain on-arrival visa to a work permit?
Ans: No. As of 2025, Bahrain no longer allows the conversion of on-arrival visit visas to work or dependent visas. Only sponsored visit visas are eligible for conversion under strict conditions.
How much does it cost to convert a visit visa to a work visa in Bahrain?
Ans: The fee has increased from BHD 60 to BHD 250 for converting a sponsored visit visa to a work or dependent visa, and it must be paid by the same sponsor.
Is it legal to work in Bahrain on a visit visa while waiting for conversion?
Ans: No. It is illegal to work on a visit visa in Bahrain. You must wait until your work permit is officially issued before starting any job.
Conclusion
While it’s still possible to convert a Bahrain visit visa to a work permit, it is now strictly regulated. Only sponsored visit visas are eligible, and the new fee of BHD 250 ensures that casual or exploitative conversions are discouraged.