Company Formation in Bahrain | Complete 2025 Guide

Security clearance is the first step towards company formation in Bahrain. PI Startup Advisory makes essential KYC (Know Your Customer) documents, and ensures that it possesses all the information in details that meet the regulatory standards.

Requirments:

• Clear Copies of Passports
• Duly Signed KYC Forms
• Duly Signed Engagement Letter
• Authorization Letter

After collecting the above documents, and you have signed, we submit (copies of your passports, authorization letters) to Bahrain’s Nationality, Passport, and Residency Affairs (NPRA) for approval. With our expertise of over 6 years, this process doesn't take too long, and we deliver in a short span of time with complete efficiency.

Processing Time:

Usually takes 3-5 business days

In the second step of the company formation in Bahrain, your company needs a unique and compliant business name. We guide you in selecting a name that complies with Bahrain’s regulations while representing your brand. You’ll provide three name options, and we’ll submit them to the MOIC for reservation.

Commercial Name Rules in Bahrain

The following are the rules and regulations for choosing the commercial name of the company:

✅ The business name in Bahrain can be a person’s name or a part of a person’s name.

✅ The business name can be innovative and may include a description of the business activity.

✅ The name must be unique and must not have been registered already.

🚫 The name should not consist of a common word only, such as Mechanical Workshop, Hospital, School, etc.

🚫 It must not contradict the undertaken business activities and local laws & values.

🚫 Cannot be identical to an international brand, religious, political, or military term.

🚫 It should not be a translation or imitation of reputable marks, brands, or third parties.

We ensure your chosen name gets approved quickly so you can confidently move forward.

Requirements:

3 unique business names

Processing Time:

1-3 business days

The third step of company formation in Bahrain is registering the head office at the Bahrain Municipality. The business address is submitted to the Bahrain Municipality for pre-approval. After the pre-approval lease contract is signed, the electricity is registered.

Requirements:

1. Office Photos (Pre-Approval)
2. Lease Agreement (After approval)
3. Electricity Bill (After approval)

We provide a complete office solution that matches your requirements.

Processing Time:

4-6 Business days

Preparing the deed of association is the most essential part of the company formation process in Bahrain. The deed of Association is an important document that details shareholder responsibilities, capital contributions, and company rules. It comprises 27 articles defining the company's specifications, shareholder responsibilities, capital contributions, and company principles.

Once the draft is completed, the documents are submitted to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism (MOIC) for approval and further processing. Completing the deed of association is essential in securing your business’s legal existence in Bahrain.

Requirements:

The draft should be based on the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Industry & Commerce, Bahrain. Click here to view a sample draft.

Processing Time:

1 business day.

The next step in the company formation process in Bahrain is notarizing the Deed of Association from a public or private notary. The PI Startup Advisory team manages the entire notary attestation process for our clients, ensuring a smooth company registration in Bahrain.

Requirements:

For the notarization of the company’s Memorandum (Deed of Association), the following requirements must be met:

⦁ The physical presence of the shareholders is mandatory for company formation in Bahrain.

⦁ The original Power of Attorney is required if an attorney is signing the documents.

⦁ All shareholders must present their original passports to the notary for the company’s registration.

⦁ All shareholders must sign the Memorandum using their Passport Signature, a crucial step in setting up a company in Bahrain.

After the steps mentioned above, we can add notarization to the items we can help you with. We have spent years developing the processes to ensure compliance without delays.

Processing Time:

1 business day

As per MOIC Resolution 43 of 2024, opening a bank account in the company’s name is mandatory for company formation in Bahrain. Our banking consultants can open a corporate bank account within 1-3 business days.

We assist you in a swift bank account opening in Bahrain by selecting a suitable Bahraini bank. We will guide you through the account opening process. The company’s bank account is opened in a chosen Bahraini bank, and the capital amount is deposited.

Requirements:

To open a company bank account in Bahrain, the following are the 4 requirements:

1. A recent bank statement covering six months in English with a bank seal on each page to verify its authenticity.
2. The physical presence of all company shareholders at the bank branch where you intend to open the account.
3. Supporting documents that demonstrate your income source, such as business bank statements or salary slips, in case you are employed.
4. A business summary outlining the nature and scope of your business, along with a financial plan projecting your expected revenue and expenses.

Processing Time:

Al Salam Bank: 1-2 Business Days

Ithmaar Bank: 5-6 Business days

Ahli United Bank: 3-4 weeks

National Bank of Bahrain: 5-6 weeks

Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait: 1-2 weeks

With our help, this step will go smoothly for you and remain compliant with the financial regulations.

In this final step, we take the notarized Deed of Association and the capital deposit certificate and submit both documents to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism (MOIC). Once they approve this setup, your business will be registered, and you can legally start your new venture in Bahrain. With this final step, the entire company formation process is now complete.

Requirements:

1. Notarized Deed of Association
2. Capital Deposit Certificate (Including AML Clauses)
3. IBAN Certificate

Processing Time:

1-2 business days.