TaxSavvyBH

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Bahrain company

I am an Indian citizen. Can I own my Bahrain company fully without a local partner?

The situation

Bahrain allows 100% foreign ownership for many commercial activities. A few activities still need Bahraini participation or are reserved.

The law

  • Commercial Registration Law, Decree-Law No. 27 of 2015 (amended by Decree-Law 52 of 2018 and Law 9 of 2022): Every commercial activity needs a CR issued through Sijilat; a CR is deleted if required licences are not obtained within one year
  • Commercial Companies Law, Decree-Law No. 21 of 2001: Sets company forms (WLL, SPC, BSC), management, accounts, dissolution and liquidation

What it means for you

Ownership limits depend on the activity code you choose on Sijilat, not on your nationality alone. A software or consulting WLL is commonly open to full foreign ownership, while some trading and professional activities can be restricted. Check the activity first, because changing activities after approval means amendments and new approvals.

What to do

  1. List the activities you plan to carry on.
  2. Search each activity on Sijilat and note any ownership condition.
  3. If an activity is restricted, choose a different activity or plan a Bahraini partner.
  4. File the CR only after the ownership check.

Do not pick an activity code only because it sounds close; the code drives approvals.

We can do this for youSet up a Bahrain WLL or single person company through Sijilat (MOIC): BHD 900

Related