Includes license requirements for key professional services that are open to U.S. service providers.

 

Investors can apply for commercial registration with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and track the status of their applications and approvals through the ministry’s Commercial Registration Portal at www.sijilat.bh/.
 
The most commonly used business vehicles in Bahrain are the closed joint stock company (CJSC) and limited liability company (called a WLL in Bahrain but synonymous with an LLC) due to their flexible corporate structures.  Foreign companies can set up branch, agency or branch offices without being subject to the same provisions as for the formation of companies.  It is also possible to establish shelf companies, which can take any form and are valid for one year, during which time approvals and licenses must be obtained.

All documents needed for a company’s incorporation can be found on the website of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism: 
Foreign documents must be notarized and legalized, or notarized and apostilled.  Companies offering financial services must also obtain a license from the Central Bank of Bahrain, which takes 60 days.  Details can be obtained from www.cbb.gov.bh/.
 
If all documents are in order, commercial registration by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce will be completed within approximately one to two weeks.
 

Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.