Getting a Commercial Registration (CR) in Bahrain is a seven-step process managed through the MOIC Sijilat portal. For most foreign investors setting up a WLL company, the process takes between 11 and 21 working days from start to CR certificate in hand. The steps are sequential – you cannot skip ahead – and each requires specific documents.
This guide covers each step in the current 2026 process, what documents you need at each stage, where applications typically stall, and what the government fees look like. For the complete company formation guide covering everything from company type selection to post-registration compliance, see our company formation in Bahrain guide.
What is CR
Commercial Registration well knows as CR is a business license. It allows an individual or a Company to practice a commercial activity in Bahrain.
A CR is the foundation of company formation in Bahrain, because it confirms that the business is legally registered and allowed to carry out its approved commercial activities. There are more than 350 business activities that any foreigner can own without a local sponsor. Business activities related to trade, import, and export require 51% Bahraini, Gulf, or American ownership. Most of the services and Manufacturing related businesses can be fully owned by foreign investors.
7 Steps to get a CR in Bahrain
Company registration in Bahrain follows a fixed sequence through Sijilat, so each step must be completed correctly before the next stage can move forward.
The new Sijilat system has revolutionized commercial registration in Bahrain. With this new system, you can get a CR in 18-26 working days. Following are the 7 steps to obtain a Commercial Registration / CR in Bahrain.
Step 1: Power of Attorney
At the very first step client will give power of attorney to a representative of PI Startup Advisory to register a business in Bahrain. If you are present in Bahrain, you can make a Power of Attorney at a public or private notary. In case you are out of Bahrain, you can make power of attorney from your home country. If your country is Hague Apostille Member, also get an apostille stamp from the foreign office.
Step 2: CR Name Reservation
We will require three proposed commercial names at this step. We will submit a request to MOICT to reserve the commercial and trade name of your CR.
In Bahrain types of CR / Commercial Registration are classified according to Owner’s liability. Following are the types of CR you may choose to register in Bahrain according to your requirements:
Step 3: Licensing
At this step, we will require an office/shop/workshop commercial address where companies head office shall be situated. As proof of address Shop Pictures, Tenancy Agreement Copy, and Electricity Bill Copy are required. If your CR is related to any specialized activity, approval from other licensing entities will also be required accordingly.
Step 4: Memorandum of Company
We will draft the memorandum of association/Articles of Association and submit it to MOIC after the your approval.
Step 5: Notarization
The draft memorandum shall be notarized from a private notary (Urgent) or public notary (Upon appointment)
Step 6: Company Bank Account
TIt is mandatory to open the company’s bank account and deposit the capital. PI Startup Advisory experts will assist the client to ensure swift bank account opening.
Step 7: Final Approval by MOIC
Notarized Memorandum and Bank certificate shall be submitted to MOIC for final approval. A Bahrain CR inquiry is useful after approval because it helps verify the company name, CR number, registered activity, and renewal status before starting operations. Once approved your CR is registered. Don’t forget that your CR must be renewed annually. Check CR renewal process in Bahrain.
Choosing the right type of CR
In Bahrain types of CR / Commercial Registration are classified according to Owner’s liability. Following are the types of CR you may choose to register in Bahrain according to your requirements:
Individual: Establishment
Individual Establishment in Bahrain is similar to Sole Proprietorship in other countries. The sole owner is responsible for all liabilities of the business. Business is not considered a separate entity from the owner. This type of business can only be owned by a Bahraini national or a GCC national.
With Limited Liability (WLL)
✓ There is no restriction on the number of partners.
✓ There is no minimum capital restriction.
✓ WLL is governed by The Commercial Companies Law DECREE LAW NO. (21) OF 2001 PROMULGATING.
✓ Unlike Individual Establishment, the liability of the shareholder is limited to the extent of
investment.
✓ The company is considered separate from the owner.
✓ The amount, type, and currency of the capital are declared in public along with percentage of the ownership of each shareholder.
✓ Directors of the company are nominated.
✓ Annual audited financial reports are submitted to MOICT every year (1st year is exempt).
✓ This type of business can also be owned by other nationalities as well depending on business
activity.
✓ It allows investor visas (Residence Permit) to its shareholders.
Note: Single Person Companies (SPC) registration type has been canceled. All existing SPC’s are converted to WLL. (Read more here: SPC changed to WLL)
Bahraini Partnership Company
It is similar to a general partnership in other countries. To form a Bahraini Partnership Company there should be at least 2 shareholders whose liabilities will be unlimited to the extent of their personal belongings. This type of company also has to declare its representatives. This type of CR can be 100% foreign-owned depending on business activities.
Simple Commandite Company
Simple Commandite Company is similar to Limited Partnership. This partnership consists of one or more silent partners and one or more managing partners. Silent partners enjoy limited liability but they cannot interfere in management decisions. Managing partners share full liability to the extent of their personal belongings. Managing partners can interfere in any management decision or company operation. The remaining features are similar to the Bahraini Partnership Company.
Meet Our Experts
FOUNDER
SAQLAIN AKRAM
COMPANY FORMATION SPECIALIST
ADVISOR
WAQAS AKRAM
STARTUP FEASIBILITY ANALYST
Need someone to handle this for you? PI Startup Advisory manages the full CR application process on behalf of foreign investors — from security clearance coordination to CR certificate delivery. We hold direct MOIC authorisation (CR 132948-01) and have completed this process over 1,000 times.
Contact us for a free consultation or call +973 1311 8811.
