LMRA Work Permit in Bahrain
The LMRA visa check is the fastest way to confirm your work status in Bahrain - all you need is your CPR or passport.
Last verified: 2026-06
Overview
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) issues, renews, transfers, and cancels work permits for private-sector expats in Bahrain. The LMRA work permit is the primary residence trigger - your CPR is downstream of it.
Most worker actions and verifications happen through the LMRA portal (lmra.bh) and the LMRA Expat Management System (EMS) used by sponsors. The single most common worker query is the 'LMRA visa check' - a free lookup of permit status, validity, sponsor, and visa type using CPR or passport number.
Documents required
- Valid passport (6+ months)
- Job offer and signed contract
- Attested educational certificates for skilled roles
- Medical fitness certificate
- Sponsor's active CR and LMRA establishment file
- GAMCA medical (for visa applied from abroad)
Eligibility
- Sponsor has quota and clean LMRA standing
- Worker passes security and medical
- Health-insurance contribution settled with LMRA
- No ban from previous Bahrain employment
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New work permit (2 years) | 172 BHD | Headline fee; confirm current amount on lmra.bh. |
| Monthly LMRA fee (per worker) | 5 BHD | Paid by sponsor; confirm current amount. |
| Monthly health insurance (SEHATI) | 22.5 BHD | Confirm current amount on lmra.bh. |
| Work permit renewal | 172 BHD | 2-year renewal; confirm current amount. |
| Transfer to new employer | 150-300 BHD | Depending on whether release is granted; confirm current amount. |
Step by step
- 1
LMRA visa check
Open lmra.bh, choose 'Expat Services' then 'Visa Validity', and enter CPR or passport number with nationality to view permit status, expiry, sponsor and visa type.
Instant · online
- 2
Sponsor opens renewal in EMS
The employer opens the renewal file in ems.lmra.bh 60-90 days before expiry.
Same day · online
- 3
Settle monthly fees and insurance
All outstanding monthly LMRA fees and SEHATI contributions must be cleared. The system blocks renewal otherwise.
Same day · online
- 4
Submit renewal
Sponsor submits the renewal with updated contract and pays the issuance fee. Worker may need to redo medical for high-risk professions.
3-7 days · online
- 5
CPR alignment
Once the work permit is renewed, the CPR is renewed on bahrain.bh to align with the new visa expiry.
3-5 days · online
Processing time: Renewal typically completes in 5-10 working days once fees and insurance are settled.
Where to do it online
- LMRA
LMRA visa check, work permit issuance/renewal/transfer, fee payment, SEHATI
- Bahrain.bh
CPR alignment after permit renewal
Renewal
Work permits are usually 2 years. Renew before expiry. A 30-day grace period applies; beyond that, fines and overstay rules kick in. Workers can request a transfer to a new sponsor, with or without current employer's release depending on the rule in force.
Fines & penalties
- Working without a valid LMRA permit: fines, deportation and re-entry ban
- Sponsor late on monthly fees: renewal blocked and possible quota loss
- Overstay after cancellation: daily BHD fine (confirm current amount on lmra.bh)
- Absconding (HRR) report: travel ban until resolved
Common pitfalls
- Trusting only your CPR expiry - the LMRA permit can expire first
- Switching jobs informally - always file an LMRA transfer
- Ignoring SEHATI deductions - they directly affect renewal
- Not running an LMRA visa check before booking travel
FAQs
Go to lmra.bh, open 'Expat Services' then 'Visa Validity' (also called 'Visa Information Service'), enter your CPR or passport number with nationality, and submit. The result shows permit type, expiry, sponsor and visa status.
The standard LMRA work permit issuance/renewal fee is around BHD 172 for 2 years, plus monthly LMRA fees of around BHD 5 per worker and SEHATI health-insurance contributions of around BHD 22.5 per month. Confirm current amounts on lmra.bh.
Yes. LMRA permits worker-initiated transfers under specific rules. A release from your current sponsor speeds things up, but transfers without release are possible after notice periods are served.
SEHATI is Bahrain's mandatory health-insurance scheme for expat workers, administered alongside LMRA. The monthly contribution is collected with LMRA fees and gives access to public health services.
Not always. The LMRA permit can lapse while the CPR card still shows a future date. Always run the LMRA visa check separately.
Skip the hassle
A vetted typing centre can handle the paperwork end-to-end.
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