Family Sponsorship (CPR Dependent) — Documents Required for Residency Visa in Bahrain
For CPR holders sponsoring spouse or children.
Expatriate residency in Bahrain is managed through the LMRA (Labour Market Regulatory Authority) for work permits and the iGA (Information and eGovernment Authority) for CPR (Central Population Registry) cards. Medical fitness is completed inside Bahrain after arrival. Requirements are subject to change — confirm with LMRA or iGA before applying.
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Showing 11 documents for Family Sponsorship (CPR Dependent), 3 case-specific documents added.
Document checklist
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Original + copy; minimum 6 months validity
Work permit issued through the LMRA portal by your Bahrain employer before travel
Recent colour photographs per iGA/LMRA specifications — confirm current size requirements
Certificate from an approved Bahrain health centre, completed after arrival inside Bahrain. Includes communicable disease screening.
For domestic workers, a Wafid-approved medical certificate may be required — confirm with LMRA
Letter from Bahrain employer on company letterhead confirming employment and sponsorship
Signed employment contract registered with the Bahrain Ministry of Labour and Social Development
iGA CPR registration — initiated via LMRA data transfer; may also be completed at iGA service centres or online
Tenancy agreement or employer accommodation letter — confirm whether required for your category with LMRA
Attested marriage certificate legalised for Bahrain — confirm attestation requirements with LMRA or iGA
Attested birth certificates for children to be sponsored
Required for sponsoring children
Salary letter confirming the sponsor meets the minimum income threshold — confirm current threshold with LMRA as it is subject to change
How to apply — step by step
- 1
Employer Applies for Work Permit
Your Bahrain employer applies for a work permit through the LMRA portal (lmra.bh) on your behalf before you travel.
- 2
Obtain Entry Visa
Travel to Bahrain on the entry visa linked to the LMRA work permit approval.
- 3
Complete Biometric Enrollment at LMRA
Attend an LMRA office for biometric data enrollment. A medical appointment may be generated as part of this process.
Tip: Your employer's PRO typically arranges the LMRA biometric appointment.
- 4
Complete Medical Examination
Undergo a medical fitness examination at an approved health centre in Bahrain — required before your CPR can be issued.
Tip: Confirm which tests are required with your employer or the health centre before your appointment.
- 5
Apply for CPR Card via iGA
After biometrics and medical clearance, the LMRA transmits your data to iGA. Register with iGA to obtain your CPR (Central Population Registry) card — the official Bahrain residency ID.
- 6
Collect CPR Card
Collect your CPR card once notified. Carry it at all times as required by Bahraini law.
Frequently asked questions
What is a CPR card in Bahrain?
The CPR (Central Population Registry) card is the official Bahrain residency ID card issued to all residents by the iGA. It is mandatory to carry at all times. It is issued after your LMRA work permit is approved and biometrics and medical clearance are completed.
How long does it take to get a Bahrain work permit and CPR?
LMRA work permit processing typically takes 1–3 weeks. CPR issuance follows after medical clearance and biometrics. Total end-to-end time is typically 2–4 weeks — confirm with your employer or LMRA.
Can I change employers in Bahrain?
Bahrain has a flexible labour mobility policy allowing certain employees to transfer employers without kafeel consent after a qualifying period. Rules are subject to change — confirm current requirements with LMRA.
What medical tests are required for a Bahrain CPR / residence permit?
Medical fitness tests at an approved Bahrain health centre typically include communicable disease screening. For domestic workers, a Wafid-approved medical may be required. Confirm exact tests with the health centre or LMRA as requirements may vary.
Can I sponsor family members in Bahrain?
CPR holders who meet the minimum salary threshold can sponsor immediate family members. You are eligible to apply for dependent sponsorship as soon as you hold a valid CPR — confirm current salary thresholds and documents required with LMRA.
Don't want to chase these documents?
Our bilingual GCC services desk takes ownership of the paperwork end to end — from sourcing and attesting documents to submitting on your behalf — for a fixed fee.