Your quick guide on talent and labor compliance norms in Bahrain
Capital
Manama
Currency
Bahraini Dinar
Languages
Arabic, English
Payroll Frequency
Monthly
GDP per Capita
$29,064.15
Employer Tax
12%
Talent Overview
Bahrain comprises a group of 33 Islands in the Persian Gulf. It boasts a strategic location in the Persian Gulf through which most of the Western Petroleum must transit to reach open waters. Oil and Gas, Aluminum, Banking, Insurance, and Tourism are the dominant industries in Bahrain.
Major economic hubs:
Manama, Riffa, Muharraqq, Hamad Town, A’ali
Skills in demand:
Surgeon/Doctor, Lawyer, Professor, Pilot, Bank Manager, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Marketing Director
Local Universities
The top local universities in Bahrain are as follows:
Local: 1
World: 3,288
Local: 2
World: 6,168
Local: 3
World: 7,530
Local: 4
World: 7,957
Local: 5
World: 8,819
Salary Data
Some common jobs in Bahrain with average annual salaries are mentioned below:
| Job Title | Average Monthly Salary (BHD) | Average Monthly Salary (USD) |
| Chief Executive Officer | 3,420 | 9,075 |
| Country Manager | 2,520 | 6,687 |
| Managing Director | 2,840 | 7,536 |
| IT Director | 2,500 | 6,633 |
| Pilot | 2,640 | 7,005 |
| Financial Manager | 2,910 | 7,721 |
| IT Project Manager | 2,280 | 6,050 |
Talent Sourcing Tips
Indeed, Google for Jobs, Bayt
522,000
Clarendon Parker International, Aseel Manpower Agency, Emplinks, Fortune Recruitment
Below listed are the key points an employer must keep in mind while seeking employees in Bahrain.
The employment contract must be written in Arabic and must have two copies – One for the employer and one for the employee. A translated copy must be attached if the contract is written in another language.
The contract must contain the following details:
The probation period for Bharanian employees is up to one month.
| Date | Name | Type |
| 1 Jan | New Year | National holiday |
| 10 Apr | Eid al-Fitr (Tentative Date) | National holiday |
| 11 Apr | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (Tentative Date) | National holiday |
| 12 Apr | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (Tentative Date) | National holiday |
| 1 May | May Day | National holiday |
| 16 Jun | Arafat Day (Tentative Date) | Government holiday |
| 17 Jun | Eid al-Adha (Tentative Date) | National holiday |
| 18 Jun | Eid al-Adha Holiday (Tentative Date) | National holiday |
| 19 Jun | Eid al-Adha Holiday (Tentative Date) | National holiday |
| 8 Jul | Muharram (Tentative Date) | National holiday |
| 17 Jul | Ashoora (Tentative Date) | National holiday |
| 18 Jul | Ashoora Holiday (Tentative Date) | National holiday |
| 16 Sep | The Prophet’s Birthday (Tentative Date) | National holiday |
| 16 Dec | National Day | National holiday |
| 17 Dec | National Day (second day) | National holiday |
| Type of Leave | Time Period | Mandatory |
| Annual Leave | 30 days | Yes |
| Sick Leave | 15 days with full pay, next 20 days with half pay and next 20 days without pay | Yes |
| Maternity Leave | 60 days | Yes |
Payroll
Payroll Cycle
The payroll cycle in Bahrain is Monthly.
Minimum Wage
The General Minimum wage for public sectors is 300 BHD per month.
Overtime Pay
The employees are paid with 125% during daytime; 150% during nighttime for the overtime work they have done. The standard working hour is 40hrs per week and 8hrs a day.
Bonus
Not mandatory
Taxes
| Type of Contributions | Contributions |
| Social Security | 12% (3% for expatriate employees) |
| Type of Contributions | Contributions |
| Social Security | 7% (1% for expatriate employees) |
There is no personal income tax in Bahrain.
The standard rate of VAT in Bahrain is 10%.
Offboarding & Termination
Employment in Bahrain can be terminated both by the employee and the employer. The employer can terminate the employment on substantial grounds. If the employment is terminated without any grounds, the employer must pay a severance to the employee.
The notice period in Bahrain for permanent employees and employees on probation is one day.
The severance pay in Bahrain as follows:
| Years of service | Severance Pay |
| First 3 years | 15 days salary for every year |
| 4th year onwards | 30 days salary for each year |
Visa and Immigration
Non-Bahraini employees must obtain a residency visa and a work visa (known as a labor card) to be employed in Bahrain.
The Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) will issue the Work Visa before an employee arrives in Bahrain and the Labor Card will be issued upon arrival. The sponsoring organization must also provide proof of work contracts and proof that the said position requires foreign expertise.
