Bahrain CR Activities
CR (Commercial Registration) Activities in Bahrain are based on the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities. These business activities are further classified as per Ownership Rights and Registration Type. Some activities require a local partner whereas other business activities may not. Similarly, some activities can only be registered with a specific registration type. For example, to practice Banking activities in Bahrain we can register a Bahraini Shareholding Company only. These classifications are made considering the best interests of the country’s economy.
Classification of CR Activities By Ownership Rights
✓ Allowed up to 100% for GCC Nationals
✓ Allowed up to 100% for Americans
✓ Allowed up to 100% for Singaporean
✓ Allowed up to 100% for Icelander, Liechtensteiner, Norwegian, Swiss
✓ Allowed up to 100% for Foreigners
✓ Foreign ownership equal to or less than 49%
✓ Foreign ownership allowed, but must include a Bahraini shareholder
Allowed up to 100% for Foreigners
The Kingdom of Bahrain is aggressively implementing investor-friendly policies to attract foreign investors. Bahrain has allowed 379 CR Activities for foreign investors. To practice such activities there is no requirement of a local partner, director or, authorized signatory.
Click here to see the list of CR activities Allowed up to 100% for foreigners.
Allowed up to 100% for GCC Nationals
Supporting Gulf alliance Bahrain has allowed 570 business activities to fellow GCC nationals. These Business activities can be practiced by any GCC citizen without a local partner.
Click here to see the list of CR activities Allowed up to 100% for GCC Nationals
Allowed up to 100% for Americans
The Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America are allies since 1971. Both countries cooperate for economic, geopolitical, and defense interests. Bahrain has allowed 557 CR activities for American citizens. To practice these business activities American citizens do not require any local partner.
Click here to see the list of CR activities allowed 100% for Americans
Allowed up to 100% for Singaporean
Bahrain has the strategic relations with Singapore since 1978. Both countries share many similarities such as geography, market size, and the focused sector. Bahrain has allowed 391 business activities to Singapore nationals without the need for a local partner.
Click here to see the list of CR activities Allowed up to 100% for Singaporeans.
Allowed up to 100% for Icelander, Liechtensteiner, Norwegian, Swiss
Bahrain allows 100% ownership to Icelander, Liechtensteiner, Norwegian, and Swiss nationals for 405 CR business activities.
Foreign ownership equal to or less than 49%
No doubt foreign investment has a positive impact on a country’s economy. However, it can also disturb the local investors. Keeping that in view Bahrain has specified 23 major business activities where at least 51% local ownership is required.
Click here to see the list of CR Activities with Foreign ownership equal to or less than 49%
Foreign ownership allowed, but must include a Bahraini shareholder
On 25 September 2021 Ministry of Industry & Commerce set new rules for CR Activities. 177 CR Activities are allowed to Foreign investors with a requirement of a local partner, regardless of ownership percentage.
Previously, to practice these 177 CR activities a foreign investor was required to have a 51% Bahraini partner. Now the requirement has been changed. A local partner is required regardless of its ownership percentage. It can be 0.1% or even less.
Classification of CR Activities By Registration Type
Ministry of Industry & Commerce Bahrain has also set rules classifying business activities by Registration Type. These rules define which registration type is required to practice a specific business activity. Following is the CR Activities classification according to the required Registration Type:
Sijili.
ICR (Individual Commercial Registration).
CCR (Company Commercial Registration.
Sijili
- Considering the evolution of the freelancing market, Bahrain has brought the local freelancers under the umbrella of MOIC. The main feature of Sijili is it does not require a physical address. Bahrain has allowed 42 CR Activities to its citizens for Sijili registration.
- Here is the list of CR activities allowed for Sijili registration
- There are 542 business activities allowed for ICR (Individual Commercial Registration / Individual Establishments).
- Click here to view the list of CR activities allowed for ICR.
- There are 595 business activities allowed for CCR (Commercial Companies Registration).
- Click here to view the list of CR activities allowed for CCR.
FAQ’ s
What is a CR Activity?
What Bahrain CR Activities are allowed for expats/foreigners?
There are 379 CR (business) activities that foreigners can operate in Bahrain without a local sponsor. Click here to view the list
What Bahrain CR Activities are allowed for expats/foreigners?
Around 90% of the company formation procedure can be done virtually. However, Personal presence is required to open company bank account.