Can foreigners start a business in Saudi Arabia?

Definitely. With the 100% foreign ownership policy, foreign individuals and entities can register a company in Saudi Arabia through the Ministry of Investment, Saudi Arabia (MISA). Common structures are: Limited Liability Company (LLC), Branch of a foreign company, Joint Stock Company (JSC), and Regional Headquarters (RHQ). Requirements include submitting audited financial statements, demonstrating industry experience, and obtaining the appropriate type of investment license.

What is the minimum capital for company formation in Oman?

Most mainland LLCs do not require a minimum capital deposit. However, specific industries or foreign-owned businesses may have additional financial requirements. For example, the minimum capital required for an LLC is 20,000 OMR ($52,000 USD).

How long does company formation in Bahrain take?

WLL company incorporation in Bahrain typically takes 11-21 business days, with complete documentation for business setup in Bahrain.

What are business registration requirements across GCC?

Company registration in GCC varies by country; Saudi requires ZATCA compliance, Oman requires ministry approval, and Bahrain requires MOIC licensing.

Can I get investor visa for family members?

Yes. All three countries offer family sponsorship for business owners seeking business registration in Saudi Arabia, Oman, or Bahrain.

What is the cost difference for business formation in GCC?

Setup costs vary: Company formation in Oman starts from approximately $5,920+, business setup in Saudi Arabia from $10,667+, and company formation in Bahrain from $3,600+.

Business Setup in Bahrain for International Investors

0% Personal Tax | 100% Foreign Ownership | Remote Setup Available

PI Startup Advisory – Expert Business Formation Services in the Kingdom of Bahrain

PI Startup Advisory specializes in business setup in Bahrain for foreign investors, international entrepreneurs, and companies expanding into the Middle East. Since 2018, we’ve successfully established over 700 businesses for clients from the USA, UK, Europe, and across the Gulf Cooperation Council.

As authorized consultants registered with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, we handle every step of your business setup in Bahrain—whether you’re in London, New York, Dubai, or anywhere in the world. Our remote-friendly process means you can complete most setup requirements without relocating to Bahrain.

Why International Investors Choose the Kingdom of Bahrain

The Kingdom of Bahrain has emerged as the preferred Middle East jurisdiction for international business setup, competing favorably with Dubai, Singapore, and Cyprus for tax efficiency and ease of establishment.

Zero Personal Income Tax

Unlike the UAE (recently introduced 9% corporate tax) and most Western countries, Bahrain maintains 0% personal income tax and 0% capital gains tax. This makes business setup in Bahrain particularly attractive for UK taxpayers, US expats, and European entrepreneurs seeking tax-efficient structures.

100% Foreign Ownership

International investors can own 100% of their Limited Liability Company or Branch Office without requiring a local partner—a significant advantage over neighboring Saudi Arabia and many other Middle East jurisdictions.

Remote-Friendly Setup Process

Unlike many jurisdictions requiring physical presence, our business setup services in Bahrain accommodate international clients working remotely. Most documentation can be handled digitally, with power of attorney enabling setup without multiple trips to Bahrain.

Strategic Gateway Location

Positioned between Europe and Asia, Bahrain offers easy access to the $2 trillion GCC market, including Saudi Arabia (40 million population), while maintaining strong banking ties to the UK and European financial services sectors.

English Business Environment

All government authorities, including the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, operate in English. The Central Bank of Bahrain follows international banking standards familiar to Western investors.

Established Financial Hub

Bahrain’s mature financial services sector—established long before Dubai’s rise—provides access to over 400 financial institutions and international banking infrastructure for seamless cross-border business operations.

Complete Business Setup from Anywhere in the World

We specialize in remote business setup services for international clients who cannot frequently travel to the Kingdom of Bahrain. Our process accommodates busy entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and established companies expanding internationally.

6-Step Remote Setup Process

Step 1: Initial Consultation (Virtual)

Free consultation via Zoom, Teams, or phone to discuss your business needs, assess your eligibility, and recommend the optimal company structure for your business activities.

Step 2: Documentation Review (Digital)

We guide you through required documents preparation—passport copies, proof of address, business plan—all handled securely via digital channels following international compliance standards.

Step 3: Power of Attorney Setup

For international clients, we facilitate Power of Attorney arrangements enabling our authorized representatives to handle government submissions with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce on your behalf.

Step 4: Remote Company Registration

Complete registration process handled in Bahrain while you remain in your home country. Regular updates via email, WhatsApp, or your preferred communication channel.

Step 5: International Bank Account

We coordinate corporate bank account opening with Central Bank of Bahrain-regulated institutions, many offering remote account opening for international businesses.

Step 6: Investor Visa (Optional)

If you plan to relocate or establish physical presence, investor visa services can be processed once initial registration is complete.

Timeline: 7-14 working days from documentation submission to Commercial Registration Certificate issuance.

What Our International Clients Say

★★★★★ 4.9/5 Rating | Based on 14+ Verified Google Reviews

“PI advisory provide me a very professional services, as investor they bring me the very detailed clear procedure, timely guidance and following up, from filling paper till get the bank account.”

— Verified Google Review

“I had a great experience with Pi Startup. Their full-service support was invaluable in helping me establish my company. Special thanks to Mr. Ahmed for his exceptional guidance and responsiveness throughout the process. Highly recommended!”

— Verified Google Review

“Very Professional Team, I really like how they handle everything professionally! We just need to fill up details and they do all. We are satisfied with the PI people especially Mr Saqlain. Allah Bless you.”

— Verified Google Review

“Thanks to PI Startup Advisory for opening my company with a USD account. Their professional team made everything easy. Highly recommended for anyone looking to set up a business in Bahrain.”

— Verified Google Review

Complete Business Setup Services for International Investors

Our business setup services in Bahrain are designed specifically for foreign investors and international companies entering the Middle East market through the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Company Formation & Legal Structure

Limited Liability Company (WLL)

The preferred structure for foreign investors seeking full control. 100% foreign ownership permitted in most business activities. Suitable for trading, services, consulting, technology, and most commercial operations.

Single Person Company (SPC)

Ideal for solo international entrepreneurs and digital nomads. Operate as a recognized legal entity with limited liability protection while maintaining complete control.

Branch of a Foreign Company

For established international businesses expanding into Bahrain. Maintain your parent company’s identity while operating locally.

Partnership Company

Multiple foreign investors can combine resources through partnership structures, suitable for professional services and consulting firms entering the Middle East market.

Additional Business Setup Services

Articles of Association preparation and filing
Trade name reservation and approval
Registration with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce
Commercial Registration Certificate issuance
Classification of business activities
Ongoing regulatory compliance and legal requirements
Corporate bank account opening coordination
Investor visa processing and support
Office space solutions and lease agreements
Accounting services and financial compliance

Jurisdiction Comparison for Tax-Efficient Business Setup

Feature	Bahrain	Dubai (UAE)	Singapore	UK Ltd
Personal Tax	0%	0%	0-22%	0-45%
Corporate Tax	0%*	9%	17%	19-25%
Foreign Ownership	100%	100%	100%	100%
Setup Time	7-14 days	7-21 days	3-7 days	1-3 days
Remote Setup	✅ Yes	Partial	Partial	✅ Yes
GCC Access	Direct	Direct	Limited	Limited

*Except oil/gas sector

Frequently Asked Questions – International Investors

Can I set up a Bahrain business remotely from the USA/UK/Europe?

Yes, our remote business setup services accommodate international clients worldwide. Most documentation can be handled digitally using Power of Attorney, enabling complete setup without traveling to Bahrain. Only bank account opening may require physical presence, though many banks now offer remote procedures for international businesses.

How long does business setup in Bahrain take for international investors?

Complete business setup typically takes 7-14 working days from documentation submission to Commercial Registration Certificate issuance. For international clients using Power of Attorney, the timeline may extend to 14-21 days to accommodate notarization and document certification requirements.

Can I own 100% of my Bahrain business as a foreigner?

Yes, foreign investors can own 100% of most company structures in Bahrain without requiring a local partner. This applies to Limited Liability Company, Single Person Company, and Branch Office. Certain restricted business activities may require partnership arrangements—we advise on eligibility during consultation.

Is there really 0% personal income tax in Bahrain?

Yes, the Kingdom of Bahrain imposes 0% personal income tax and 0% capital gains tax. There is no corporate income tax for most business activities (excluding oil and gas sector). A 5% VAT applies to applicable goods and services. This tax structure makes Bahrain highly attractive for international investors seeking tax-efficient jurisdictions.

Do I need to relocate to Bahrain to operate my business?

No, many international investors operate Bahrain businesses remotely. An investor visa is optional and only required if you plan to establish physical residence. You can maintain remote operations while benefiting from Bahrain’s business-friendly environment and tax advantages.

How does Bahrain compare to Dubai/UAE for business setup?

Bahrain offers several advantages: (1) More established financial services sector, (2) True 0% tax (UAE recently introduced 9% corporate tax), (3) Easier remote setup process, (4) Lower office space costs. Dubai offers larger market size and higher international profile. We help evaluate which jurisdiction best suits your business goals.

Contact PI Startup Advisory

Join 700+ successful businesses that chose PI Startup Advisory for their business setup in Bahrain. Our authorized consultants provide expert guidance every step of the way.

Contact Information

WhatsApp: +973 1311 8811

Email: info@pistartup.co

Office Address:

Office 32, Building 435-G Road 1805, Block 318 Hoora, Kingdom of Bahrain

Business Hours (GMT+3):

Sunday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Consultations available outside hours for international time zones

🌍 Serving International Clients: USA • UK • Europe • GCC • Asia • Worldwide