Living in Bahrain: the ultimate expat guide

Everything you need to know for a successful life in Bahrain.

Guide updated byAmal Fareed, on 24 January 2025

Archipelago of 33 islands in the Persian Gulf, Bahrain is located between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The country is a popular Middle East expat destination: it indeed welcomes numerous expatriates, 54% of its population being foreigners.

Bahrain offers a good quality of living to foreign expat families, in a multicultural environment, with an open-minded and tolerant society, as well as a low cost of living.

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Formalities and visas in Bahrain

All you need to know to enter Bahrain and settle in. Learn entry requirements, the documents you need, how to apply for a visa or residency, and tips to navigate the bureaucracy smoothly.

Visas for Bahrain

Bahrain, a small archipelago in the Arabian Gulf with a strategic location in the Middle East, is known for its rich history, modern ...

Getting married in Bahrain

For expats, moving to Bahrain often involves navigating new experiences, and marriage is one of the most significant ones. This guide provides a ...

Driving in Bahrain

Driving a car is a common practice among expatriates in Bahrain, making travel easier and flexible. The Kingdom has improved its road networks by ...

Working in Bahrain

Boost your international career. Understand the local labour market, the legal framework, how to adapt your resume, apply to job offers and tips to find a job in Bahrain.

Working in Bahrain

Considering a move to Bahrain for work? This dynamic island nation in the Persian Gulf offers ...

Starting a business in Bahrain

Bahrain presents a prime opportunity for investors looking to enter the Gulf Cooperation Council ...

Studying in Bahrain

Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Bahrain.

Studying in Bahrain

Are you moving to Bahrain with your family? Or are you looking to study in a Middle-East country and wondering if Bahrain is a good option? This ...

Finance and banks in Bahrain

Tips to manage your money in Bahrain: from opening a bank account, transferring funds to filling your tax and understanding the fiscal system.

Opening a bank account in Bahrain

Bahrain has long been recognized as a leading financial hub in the Middle East, hosting a diverse array of licensed and regulated banks that offer ...

Paying taxes in Bahrain

Bahrain's tax system is designed to attract expatriates and multinational companies with its favorable taxation policies. The absence of personal ...

Health care in Bahrain

Understand the healthcare system in Bahrain: public and private health system, health insurance options, how to access medical care...

Healthcare in Bahrain

Bahrain's healthcare system offers robust facilities and high standards of care, catering effectively to its diverse population, including ...

Education and schools in Bahrain

Discover schooling options in Bahrain: public, private or international institutions and curricula, enrollment procedures, and costs. Find the right education for your children abroad.

Education and childcare in Bahrain

Bahrain offers a unique lifestyle that blends rich local traditions with a welcoming attitude towards global cultures, creating an ideal environment ...

Accommodation in Bahrain

Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Bahrain. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.

Accommodation in Bahrain

Bahrain has many housing options, such as luxurious apartments or villas along the coastline of Manama or an ordinary house in any village within ...

Planning your move to Bahrain

Moving to Bahrain? Get advice and tips to planning your relocation, choosing the best company, packing your belongings and managing customs procedures.

Relocating to Bahrain

Moving to a new country is a significant decision, and Bahrain, with its rich cultural heritage ...

Relocating with your pets to Bahrain

Moving to Bahrain is an exciting adventure, enriched by the opportunity to bring along your pets. ...

Leisure in Bahrain

Enjoy you free time while living in Bahrain. Discover sports, leisure, cultural activities and entertainment options to make the most of your expat life.

Things to do in Bahrain

Bahrain, a vibrant island in the Arabian Gulf, stands as a historic hub of trade and culture. This ...

Shopping in Bahrain

Everyday life in Bahrain

Want to know what life in Bahrain is really like? Here's a taste: explore the country, find tips to use transportation, to set up internet and phone services, and everything you need to live like a local.

Traveling around Bahrain

Bahrain, a dynamic island nation in the Arabian Gulf, features a sophisticated transportation network that seamlessly combines tradition with ...

Phones and Internet in Bahrain

There are many changes as one relocates to a different region, and the most constant and critical issue for expatriates living in Bahrain is their ...

The Bahraini lifestyle

Newcomers will discover that Bahrain is a welcoming and diverse kingdom, enriched by its long history of hosting expatriates. While contemporary ...

Discovering Bahrain

About Amal Fareed

Amal Fareed holds a Diploma in Translation (DipTrans) from the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL) in London, UK, and has a robust background in the press, media, and alternative dispute resolution fields.

Join the Bahrain expat community

Connect with +3M members

Share your experience and get insights from fellow expats