Moving to Bahrain from The UK

Bahrain is amongst one of the smallest countries in Asia, at just over 250 square miles in size – but that doesn’t stop it from having three UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered across the country.

If you are considering making the move from the United Kingdom to Bahrain, this guide will tell you everything you need to know – from visa requirements to cost of living differences; healthcare top tips to rules about moving country with your pets – helping you to feel empowered when the time comes to make the big move.

Quick Bahrain Facts:

Population: 1.463 million (2021 estimate)
Official Language: Arabic (de facto) with English being widely spoken
GDP Per Capita: $26,562 USD (2021 estimate)
Random Fact: Bahrain was the first location to host a Grand Prix in the Middle East in 2004
Currency: Bahraini Dinar (BHD). As of late 2023, £1 = 0.48 BHD, €1 = 0.41 BHD, $1 CAD = 0.28 BHD, $1 AUD = 0.25 BHD

Sections

1. Moving Costs to Bahrain from the UK

The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from some of the largest UK cities and shipping to Bahrain:

Origin City	20FT	40FT
Birmingham	£2,200 - £2,500	£3,600 - £4,000
Glasgow	£2,300 - £2,600	£3,700 - £4,100
Liverpool	£2,100 - £2,400	£3,500 - £3,900
London	£2,400 - £2,700	£3,800 - £4,200
Manchester	£2,200 - £2,500	£3,600 - £4,000

All figures are in GBP;
The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (July 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from either Freightos, iContainers, or SeaRates;
To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
Please also see our guide to international container shipping.

2. How Long Does It Take To Move to Bahrain from the United Kingdom?

Let’s take a look at some estimated flight times to Bahrain, from both London and Scotland starting locations in the United Kingdom. As you’ll see, some flight paths are direct and others are with connecting flights, adding more travel time to your trip:

London Heathrow to Bahrain – 6 hours, 35 minutes – £380
London Gatwick to Bahrain – 8 hours, 40 minutes (connecting flight) – £430
Luton to Bahrain – 6 hours, 35 minutes – £335
Edinburgh to Bahrain – 9 hours, 55 minutes (connecting flight) – £410

This duration covers the flight time only, so additional time will need to be added to get you from the terminal to your final location.

3. Moving Restrictions to Bahrain from the UK

Moving from one country to take up residency in another will incur various restrictions – most notably, this comes in the form of visa requirements, which we will cover in the next section.

You will need your passport to have at least 6 months left on it before entering Bahrain, and you will need private healthcare cover for your time in Bahrain. It’s good to note that you will be fined if you overstay your residency permit.

For those wishing to work in Bahrain, you will need your employer to register you with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and to give you a Residence Permit and CPR (ID card). More information can be found here.

It’s important to note the differences in social ethics and traditions in Bahrain as opposed to the UK. Alcohol is legal in bars, licensed restaurants and off-licences, but drunken behaviour in public is against the law and can carry imprisonment or deportation.

Similarly, drugs are illegal, and if you are caught carrying drugs you can be imprisoned or deported. It’s important to note that skincare or E-cigarettes containing CBD oil are illegal in Bahrain.

Dress codes need to be adhered to, which is a modest dress and in accordance with Islamic values.

4. Visa Requirements to Bahrain from the UK

Alongside a valid UK passport, you will need a visa to grant you entry into Bahrain. Full information can be obtained at the Embassy of The Kingdom of Bahrain.

Visas can be issued for lengths of up to 6 months. If you enter Bahrain on a visitor’s visa, you must not take up employment in the country, as this isn’t legal.

Gov.bh has a handy tool to help you understand which visa type you need. This is calculated by you answering a few questions about your proposed stay, including your nationality and the purpose of your stay.

If you need a Dependants Residency Permit for your wife, husband or children, information can be found at Gov.bh.

In all cases, you need to speak to a visa specialist to advise you on your individual circumstances and always keep up to date with the latest changes in the rules.

5. Cost of Living Differences in Bahrain

While this article is covering Bahrain as a whole, house prices will obviously vary from area to area but the figures below will give you an indication of what’s available at what price.

As a general note, it is estimated that the cost of living in Bahrain is 35.8% lower than that of the United Kingdom, with rent being around 65.7% lower.

Monthly Rental Prices in Bahrain:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: 350+ BHD
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: 280+ BHD
3 bedroomed flat in City Centre: 650+ BHD
3 bedroomed flat outside the City Centre: 460+ BHD

Bahrain Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: 750+ BHD
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside the City: 550+ BHD

Source: Numbeo

6. Tax Treaties in Bahrain

Gov.uk advises that Bahrain has a double taxation agreement with the UK to prevent double taxation in both countries of the same income.

They also suggest that you seek out the assistance of an English-speaking lawyer in Bahrain to advise you on the tax you may need to pay if you decide to work in the country or take up permanent residence.

7. Working Rules in Bahrain

In order to legally work in Bahrain, Gov.uk advises that you must ensure that your employer registers you with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and provides you (and your family) with a Residence Permit and CPR (ID card) soon after you arrive in the country.

It is illegal to carry out work in Bahrain without the proper visa. Doing so on a visit visa is an offence, and can result in prosecution and imprisonment.

Gov.bh has the most updated information on what you need to obtain to legally work in Bahrain. To obtain a work visa, you will generally need to provide:

A visa application form
Valid passport
Coloured photograph of yourself
Sponsorship letter from an employer in Bahrain
Work contract copy
Health record

It will also be necessary for you to pay a fee for this service.

Whatever your employment circumstances, it’s important to have your visa ironed out before entering the country to ensure a smooth transition. It’s also important to get up to speed with taxes and any beneficial programs, such as healthcare schemes so that you are completely clued up on your rights.

8. Healthcare in Bahrain

While the UK benefits from the NHS, offering free healthcare to those who need it, as well as elective private healthcare for a fee, you will be charged for emergency medical treatment in Bahrain.

It is important that you carry out medical insurance before entering Bahrain to keep you covered in the event of a medical event. It is prudent to get appropriate coverage to help you in a range of situations from medical treatment to repatriation.

Some medications may be banned in Bahrain, so it’s important to check before you travel to ensure it is legal. Failure to do so may have consequences from detainment to deportation – this includes anything containing CBD oil.

The NHS has a guidance page to help you understand this.

9. Rules Around Moving With Pets in Bahrain

Moving house includes lots of boxes of belongings – but it can also include some particularly important furry friends, too! If you need to move to Bahrain with a pet in tow, here’s what you need to know.

Gov.uk advises that domestic animals are restricted entry, and are subject to the decision of the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs.

Generally speaking, pets will need:

A microchip
Rabies and other vaccination records
Health certificate
Import permit

There may be further details required of you and your pet. Take a look at Pet Relocation for more information.

10. Similar Cities

According to the Country Similarity Index, Qatar is the most similar country to Bahrain. Being another country that borders the Persian Gulf, Qatar shares a similar climate and geography when compared to Bahrain.

They are both densely populated countries, with their landscapes featuring plenty of high-rise buildings and skyscrapers. They are both seen as wealthy countries, although Qatar is thought to be more so than Bahrain.

Bahrain and Qatar rely on the oil and natural gas industries and are dependent on the exports of such materials. They have similar cultural and religious backgrounds and have the same language spoken between countries.

11. Pros and Cons of Moving to Bahrain from the UK

Perhaps you’re moving for a new job opportunity, or just want to try out a completely different country and climate – whatever your reason for wanting to move from the UK to Bahrain, let’s take a look at some of the main pros and cons associated with moving.

Advantages of Moving from the UK to Bahrain	Disadvantages of Moving from the UK to Bahrain
Tax-Free Income: Bahrain offers a tax-free income environment, providing potential financial benefits	Climate: Bahrain has a hot desert climate, with high temperatures, especially during the summer months, which may be challenging
Economic Opportunities: Bahrain's economy is diverse, with opportunities in finance, oil and gas	Cultural Differences: Adapting to cultural differences may require time for adjustment
High Standard of Living: Bahrain provides a high standard of living, with modern infrastructure and shopping malls	Limited Citizenship Rights: Obtaining Bahraini citizenship as an expatriate is generally not possible, and there may be limitations on certain rights
Safety: Bahrain is considered a safe country with a relatively low crime rate	Limited Public Spaces: While there are attractions and cultural sites, public spaces and entertainment options may be perceived as limited

Whatever you decide, you must understand the legal factors affecting your move – be sure to check Gov.uk for all the information you need.