Moving to Bahrain from The United States

Choosing to up sticks and move locally can be a stressful ordeal – but moving to a completely different country introduces new levels of unease.

If you are considering making the move from The United States 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 United States

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

Origin Port	20FT	40FT
Charleston	$2,800 - $3,200	$4,400 - $4,800
Houston	$2,900 - $3,300	$4,500 - $4,900
Long Beach	$3,000 - $3,400	$4,600 - $5,000
Los Angeles	$2,900 - $3,300	$4,500 - $4,900
Miami	$2,700 - $3,100	$4,300 - $4,700
New York	$2,800 - $3,200	$4,400 - $4,800
Oakland	$2,900 - $3,300	$4,500 - $4,900
Savannah	$2,800 - $3,200	$4,400 - $4,800
Seattle	$3,000 - $3,400	$4,600 - $5,000
Virginia	$2,800 - $3,200	$4,400 - $4,800

All figures are in USD;
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 States?

There can be big discrepancies in move time duration when it comes to moving from America due to the vastness of the country.

Let’s take a look at some states from a range of locations in the north, east, south and west of the country to give you an idea of move time when relocating to Bahrain.

New York to Bahrain – 16 hours, 35 minutes – $1,000
Los Angeles to Bahrain – 26 hours, 5 minutes – $1,000
Minneapolis to Bahrain – 25 hours, 15 minutes – $1,600
Dallas to Bahrain – 18 hours, 40 minutes – $910

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 United States

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 for them 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 United States

Alongside a valid US passport, you will need a visa to grant you entry into Kuwait.

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 New York is 46.7% higher than that of Manama, with rent being around 76% higher.

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

There is no formal tax treaty between Bahrain and The United States. As a result of this, the income may be subject to double taxation.

It’s suggested 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, you must ensure that your employer registers you with 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

You will need to pay for medical treatment in Bahrain, including emergency care.

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.

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.

The entry of your pet into Bahrain will be 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, but this is determined on a case-by-case basis. It’s best to speak to a professional regarding this to understand what’s needed of you and your pet when relocating to Bahrain.

10. Similar Cities

Vermont is approximately the size of Bahrain to give an idea of the scale of the country when compared to The United States as a whole. Finding a location in the states that is similar to Bahrain is therefore not straightforward due to size differences, climate differences, and other geographical factors.

Miami is similar in terms of being an ‘economic hub’, similar to Manama in Bahrain. There is a focus on tourism, trade and finance in these areas, giving us something to compare.

They are both coastal communities, giving a similar landscape, and there is a focus on maritime activities as a result.

11. Pros and Cons of Moving to Bahrain from The United States

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 United States to Bahrain, let’s take a look at some of the main pros and cons associated with moving.

Advantages of Moving from The United States to Bahrain	Disadvantages of Moving from The United States to Bahrain
Bahrain offers a tax-free income environment, potentially increasing disposable income.	The climate in Bahrain can be extremely hot, with high temperatures during the summer months.
Bahrain has a rich cultural history, with historic sites, a vibrant arts scene, and a blend of traditional and modern influences.	The legal and cultural norms in Bahrain, including strict social codes and restrictions on certain behaviors, may require adjustment.
Bahrain provides a cosmopolitan lifestyle, with a diverse expatriate community, modern amenities, and a strategic location.	The cost of living, particularly in terms of housing and education, can be relatively high.

Whatever you decide, you must understand the legal factors affecting your move – be sure to speak to The U.S. Embassy and Consulates for all the information you need.