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Author: Saqlain Akram|Date Published: 29-12-2025|Last Updated: 18-03-2026

Government update · 1 January 2026

Bahrain work permit fees have increased — full table for 2026 to 2029

Published 29 March 2026
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PI Startup Advisory (CR 132948-01)
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Source: Edict 79 of 2025 · EY Tax Alert 15 Jan 2026

On 29 December 2025, Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister issued Edict 79 of 2025, increasing work permit fees for foreign employees effective 1 January 2026. The increase covers visa issuance fees, health care fees, and employer monthly contributions. The new rates apply to all new work permits and renewals. Domestic workers are excluded.


Confirmed by Bahrain News Agency (BNA) and Ernst & Young tax advisory alert, 15 January 2026
Edict number Edict 79 of 2025
Issued by HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain
Issued on 29 December 2025
Effective date 1 January 2026
Recommended by Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA)
Duration Phased increase — 2026 through 2029
Applies to All new and renewal work permits for foreign employees
Excluded Domestic workers · Dependent visa fees · Other entity fees

What changed and what did not

Not all LMRA fees increased. A lot of information circulating online conflates work permit costs with investor visa costs — they are different.

Increased from 1 Jan 2026
  • Work permit visa issuance fees
  • Health care fees on work permits
  • Monthly LMRA contributions per foreign employee
Unchanged
  • Dependent (family) visa fees
  • Investor residency permit fees
  • Other entity issuance and renewal fees
Investor residency fees are not affected. The total cost for a 1-year investor residency permit remains BHD 605. The 2-year permit remains BHD 777. Edict 79 of 2025 applies specifically to employee work permits.

Full fee tables — 2026 to 2029

12-month work permit (most common)

Fee component 2025 (old) 2026 2027 2028 2029
Visa issuance fee BHD 105 BHD 105 BHD 111 BHD 118 BHD 125
Health care fee BHD 72 BHD 90 BHD 108 BHD 126 BHD 144
Total per permit BHD 177 BHD 195 BHD 219 BHD 244 BHD 269

In 2026, the health care fee increases from BHD 72 to BHD 90 — a BHD 18 increase per permit per year. The visa fee holds at BHD 105 in 2026, with the step-up beginning in 2027. Total cost per 12-month permit rises from BHD 177 to BHD 195.

6-month work permit

Fee component 2026 2027 2028 2029
Visa issuance fee BHD 52.5 BHD 55.5 BHD 59 BHD 62.5
Health care fee BHD 45 BHD 54 BHD 63 BHD 72
Total per permit BHD 97.5 BHD 109.5 BHD 122 BHD 134.5

24-month work permit

Fee component 2026 2027 2028 2029
Visa issuance fee BHD 210 BHD 222 BHD 236 BHD 250
Health care fee BHD 180 BHD 216 BHD 252 BHD 288
Total per permit BHD 390 BHD 438 BHD 488 BHD 538

Monthly LMRA contributions — the bigger change for larger companies

This is where the impact is largest for companies with 6 or more foreign workers. The monthly contribution per worker was BHD 5 for all companies. From January 2026, companies with 6+ foreign employees pay BHD 12.5 per worker — 2.5× the old rate.

Company size 2025 (old) 2026 2027 2028 2029
1–5 foreign workers BHD 5 BHD 7.5 BHD 10 BHD 20 BHD 30
6+ foreign workers BHD 5 BHD 12.5 BHD 15 BHD 20 BHD 30

What this means for a company with 8 foreign employees in 2026

Monthly contributions — before
BHD 40 / month
BHD 100
8 workers × BHD 12.5

Additional annual cost
 
BHD 720
Monthly contributions alone

Monthly contribution trend — per worker (BHD)

What this means for foreign-owned companies

For most small foreign-owned WLLs with 2–5 employees, the 2026 impact is manageable — the work permit cost increases by BHD 18 per employee (health fee only), and the monthly contribution rises from BHD 5 to BHD 7.5 per worker.

The larger impact lands on companies with 6 or more foreign employees. For these companies, the monthly contribution nearly triples in 2026, and continues rising annually through 2029.

For companies planning significant hiring in Bahrain over the next four years, these changes need to be in the HR and finance budget now — not discovered at the next work permit renewal cycle.

Four actions to take now: (1) Update your 2026–2029 workforce budget with the new permit costs and monthly contributions as line items. (2) Check whether any current permits are due for renewal in 2026 — all renewals after 1 January 2026 use the new rates. (3) If your company is approaching 6 foreign employees, model both the 1–5 and 6+ contribution rates before the next hire. (4) Review Flexible Work Permit arrangements separately — Edict 79 covers standard commercial work permits only.

Frequently asked questions

Do the new fees apply to existing permits or only new applications?
Both. The new rates apply to all new issuances and all renewals processed on or after 1 January 2026. A permit issued in 2025 at the old rate will renew in 2026 at the new rate.

Are investor residency permits affected?
No. Investor residency fees are not covered by Edict 79 of 2025. The total cost for a 1-year investor residency permit remains BHD 605. The 2-year permit remains BHD 777. Only employee work permits are affected.

Are domestic workers covered?
No. Domestic workers are explicitly excluded from Edict 79 of 2025. The new fee structure applies only to commercial work permits for employees in registered companies.

Is the monthly LMRA contribution changing for companies with fewer than 6 foreign workers?
Yes, but by less. Companies with 1–5 foreign workers see the monthly contribution rise from BHD 5 to BHD 7.5 in 2026, reaching BHD 30 per worker per month by 2029. The larger jump falls on companies with 6 or more foreign workers, where the 2026 rate becomes BHD 12.5.

Will fees increase again after 2029?
The current edict sets a 4-year schedule through 2029. LMRA periodically reviews its fee structure. There is no published schedule beyond 2029 at this time.

Do the new fees apply to the Flexible Work Permit?
The fee tables published under Edict 79 cover standard commercial work permits. The Flexible Work Permit has a separate fee structure. If your company works with Flexible Work Permit holders, confirm the current applicable rates directly with LMRA.

Sources

1. Bahrain News Agency (BNA) — Edict 79 of 2025: bna.bh
2. Ernst & Young tax advisory alert, 15 January 2026: taxnews.ey.com
3. LMRA official work permit page (updated 30 December 2025): lmra.gov.bh

Have work permits coming up for renewal in 2026? We manage 5,000+ work permits in Bahrain. Free consultation — no commitment.


Bahrain is known for its marine culture and traditions, which help power its vibrant economy. The country has also taken a big step in redefining urban transportation by launching its first-ever Water Taxi Service in Bahrain.

Masar Group officially launched it on April 25, 2025. This new launch is not just transportation for the commoner but also a scenic way to travel across Bahrain’s iconic coastlines.

As the Kingdom of Bahrain continues to grow as the hub of business and tourism, the water taxi service will be a critical innovation that promises daily commutes and scenic travel. This post will explore more details about Bahrain’s first-ever water taxi service.

Table of Contents

Why is Bahrain Turning to Sea Taxis

Bahrain has pursued more intelligent, sustainable ways of relieving road traffic and enhancing the tourism experience.

  • Relieving Road Traffic Congestion: As road traffic has been increasing annually, the Sea Taxi is the perfect alternative to road transport. It harnesses Bahrain’s natural geographical advantage of marine navigation with its extensive marine transport networks.
  • Boosting Tourism: Bahrain has untapped tourism potential along its coastline and historic waterways. The Water Taxi in Bahrain project supports ease and enjoyment of travel over the water and improved overall tourism experience to the coastline and points of interest.
  • Economic Diversification: The water taxi project meets Bahrain Vision 2030, the nation’s economic diversification roadmap, accessibility, sustainability, environment, and improved living standards.
  • Environmental Factors: Encouraging boat travel decreases carbon usage and road traffic while promoting Bahrain’s stunning coastline as a source instead of an attraction.

Using Sea Taxi is pivotal to establishing more intelligent, cleaner, and enjoyable transport systems.

Masar Group’s Legacy and a Vision for the Future

Masar Group, previously known as Southern Tourism Company, was founded in 2000 and was a major player in Bahrain’s maritime and tourism sector development. The organisation came under the Mumtalakat, Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, entity for a new chapter in 2013 and rebranded as Masar in 2014 with a fresh focus on innovation and development.

By 2015, Masar Group was the key maritime connection for the Hawar Islands, providing services to the government and private sectors. The Masar Group can be expected to spearhead any future developments in sea logistics and tourism in Bahrain and the region.

Masar Group has an effective and efficient team, jetty, and planning management systems and resources needed to execute the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Vision 2030. By providing complete, seamless operations and research, and developing Bahrain’s maritime infrastructure and tourism product, the Masar Group is a respected leader.

What’s Included in the Water Taxi Service in Bahrain?

The new set of water taxis features modern amenities for a comfortable journey. Rather than the image of small speedboats that some may conjure, Bahrain’s first-ever water taxi service is a real vessel that can comfortably accommodate up to 28 passengers.
Here’s what you can expect when getting aboard:

  • Air-Conditioned Cabins: Critical considering the temperatures during a Bahrain summer.
  • Panoramic Views: Huge windows allow you to appreciate the stunning seascape as you go.
  • VIP Seating Areas: Some may want to indulge in greater luxury.
  • Safety First: All vessels meet the latest maritime safety requirements regulated by Bahrain’s Ports and Maritime Affairs.

Whether commuting to a meeting about company formation in Bahrain or simply planning a leisurely afternoon of exploration in Saada Harbour, Sea Taxi will calm and refresh you.

Where Can the Sea Taxi Take You?

water taxi Bahrain

The sea taxi includes several strategic yet scenic locations that allow both residents and tourists to travel quickly between city points on the island without the inconvenience of getting caught in road traffic.

East Coast Corniche

Be prepared for beautiful open water views and endless horizons. It is a peaceful space where you might ever see a plane take off or land from Bahrain International Airport, so you can add some aviation spotting to your journey. The Busaiteen waterfront (Al Sayh) has a variety of food trucks by the water, which is great for the curious adventurous eater.

Saada Harbour

Saada Harbor is a busy water tourism destination with stunning views of the iconic King Hamad Causeway. This stop is a perfect place to relax and take in Bahrain’s maritime life, have fun with its water views, and head into Muharraq, the historical heart of Bahrain, where time feels lost and historic houses, alleyways, and culture come together.

The Avenues Bahrain

The Avenues Bahrain takes you directly to the entrance of one of Bahrain’s shopping and entertainment options, whether you’re looking for a short visit or an exciting afternoon. It is a single stop with all the dining, shopping, and walking options on the promenade.

Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

Four Seasons is there for the occasion, whether you’re treating yourself to a luxurious dining experience, a spa treatment, or a staycation. Enjoy the excellent facilities, award-winning dining options, and lively club lounges without having to be a guest.

Bahrain Harbour

Bahrain Financial Harbour towers, restaurants, cafes, well-designed buildings, and many social media opportunities await you as soon as you enter Bahrain Harbour.

Water Garden City

Sunshine, a beach, and a lively lifestyle await you along the waterfront. Water Garden City is a marina destination known for abundant water sports activities, barbecues, communal fire dances, music events, and a fun day and dancing destination.

How to Book a Sea Taxi in Bahrain?

water taxi service Bahrain

Booking a seat on the Sea Taxi in Bahrain is easy. In keeping with today’s transportation trends, all bookings will be done digitally using the Masar App on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Here is how you go about booking:

  • Download and Install the App: Download and install the Water Taxi App from the Google Play and App Store.
  • Select Your Route: Select the Jetty you are departing from, and the Jetty you are arriving at.
  • Select your Time: The app will show you available departures.
  • Make your Payment: Purchase your ticket through the app using whatever payment method is best for you.
  • Board and Enjoy: Proceed to your selected Jetty and board your ride.

The app will also provide real-time updates, confirm bookings, and notify you of any changes to your ride, allowing for a seamless overall experience from start to finish.

Timings of Sea Taxi Bahrain

The Sea Taxi operates under a schedule designed to integrate into the daily rhythm of Bahrain:

Weekdays (Sunday to Wednesday)

Operating Hours: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Weekends (Thursday to Saturday)

Operating Hours: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM

This original schedule is designed to serve working people during after-work hours and leisure travelers during the weekends. Depending on demand and seasons, extended hours may be possible.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Sea Taxi Experience?

Whether you’re a Bahrain resident or just visiting, there are several compelling reasons to experience Bahrain’s New Water Taxi Service.

  • First, it provides an entirely different way to view Bahrain. Rather than being stuck in traffic, you glide across peaceful blue water with a 360-degree panorama of the city spreading out before you. Picture your commute from The Avenues to Bahrain Bay in minutes with the ocean’s soothing air.
  • Second, it is suitable for Bahrain’s green goals. Sea transport is one way to contribute to reduced total transport emissions, and is aligned with the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainability within Vision 2030.
  • Third, it is cheap. At prices starting at 0.800 BHD, a large segment of society will be able to use the water taxi, not just tourists and people with money to spend.
  • Finally, it’s about time for Bahrain to celebrate its maritime geography. Many coastal cities around the globe, including Venice, Dubai, and Sydney, are currently leveraging water taxis. Bahrain is finally looking to a future where the sea and those transport routes become as ordinary and part of everyday life.

Final Thoughts

Bahrain’s first-ever water taxi service is not merely a transportation upgrade but a bold new lifestyle, a new way of working, and a new way of discovering the island. By synergizing its natural geography, latest technology, and visionary approach, Bahrain is presenting its residents and visitors with an experience that is as efficient as it is pleasurable.

If you haven’t tried Bahrain’s Sea Taxi, now’s your chance. Book your seat, feel the sea breeze, and see Bahrain from a whole new perspective from the water.