Set up a Bahrain WLL or single person company through Sijilat (MOIC)
We choose the right form (WLL, single person company or branch), check the activity code and any extra licence, prepare the founding documents, file on Sijilat and track approvals until the CR is active.
BHD 900One time
For: Foreign and local founders, expatriates already in Bahrain, Indian and GCC SMEs opening a Bahrain entity, freelancers moving to a company.
What we need from you
Passport copies of all partners and managers
Identity checks on Sijilat
Proposed trade names (three options)
Name reservation
Planned business activities
Activity codes decide extra licences and ownership limits
Parent company documents, legalised, if a corporate shareholder
Corporate partner proof
Capital amount and share split
Memorandum of association
Lease or virtual office agreement
Registered address
Bank account plan
Capital deposit and bank onboarding
Board or manager details and signing powers
Authorised signatories on the CR
What we discuss
Will you trade with the public, import goods or only provide services?
Changes activity codes and approvals
Is 100% foreign ownership open for your activity?
Some activities need a Bahraini partner or are restricted
WLL, single person company or branch of your existing company?
Liability, audit and tax exposure differ
Do you need visas for yourself or staff soon?
LMRA permits need an active CR and premises
Will turnover cross BHD 37,500 in 12 months?
VAT registration follows
How will you hold the bank account and capital?
Banks commonly expect capital deposited before activation
What we file
Reserve the trade name and select activities
Name reservation fee about BHD 50
Upload and sign the memorandum and articles, then notarise
Obtain activity approvals from the competent authorities
Pay CR fees and download the CR certificate
Example budget: BHD 50 name + BHD 50 CR + BHD 200 licence + BHD 20 notary + BHD 11 certificate = BHD 331
What you get
Active CR certificate and founding documents
Post setup checklist (LMRA, SIO, VAT, accounting)
Annual compliance calendar
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 Source
- Commercial Companies Law, Decree-Law No. 21 of 2001: Sets company forms (WLL, SPC, BSC), management, accounts, dissolution and liquidation Source
- Ministerial Order No. 62 of 2024: A standard authorisation can replace a power of attorney for filings by recognised professional bodies or the registrant's staff; deleted CRs may be reinstated at any time if conditions are met Source
Questions people ask
- Can a foreigner own 100% of a Bahrain company
- WLL or single person company in Bahrain
- Minimum capital for a Bahrain WLL
- Government fees to register a Bahrain company
- CR deleted because the activity licence never came
- Opening a Bahrain branch of an Indian company
- Registered office or virtual office for a Bahrain CR
- Foreign corporate shareholder documents for Sijilat
- What to do right after the CR is issued
- Changing activities after the CR is issued
Contact us to book
Online payment in BHD is not open yet. Send us a message and an adviser for Bahrain confirms the scope and the fee before any work starts.