Planning to hire a housemaid, cook, driver or nanny in Bahrain? The first step is obtaining an official LMRA work permit for domestic employees. This complete guide covers every fee, document, and step you need — whether you are a Bahraini, GCC resident, or expatriate employer.
⚡ Quick Facts
| 🏛️ Authority | LMRA — Labour Market Regulatory Authority Bahrain |
| ⏱️ Processing Time | 3 working days |
| 💰 Bahraini Employer Fee | BHD 86 (1 year) / BHD 118 (2 years) |
| 💰 GCC Resident Employer | BHD 86 (1 year) / BHD 118 (2 years) |
| 💰 Expat Employer | BHD 586 (1 year) / BHD 618 (2 years) |
| 🌐 Apply Online | lmra.gov.bh/EMS_Web |
| 📞 Contact | +973 17506055 |
| 🎁 Senior Discount | Bahraini employers aged 60+ get discounted rate on 1 permit |
👷 Which Domestic Worker Categories Can Get a Work Permit?
👨 Male
- Nurse (General)
- Cook / Cook Assistant / Cook (Private Houses)
- Waiter (Private Service)
- Private Chauffeur
- Servant
- Yachtsman
- Concierge in Private Residence
- Gardener (House)
👩 Female
- Nurse (General)
- Cook / Cook Assistant / Cook (Private Houses)
- Waiter (Private Service)
- Private Chauffeur
- Housemaid
- Nursemaid
📋 Service Conditions
- ✅ Domestic employee passport must be valid for at least 6 months
- ✅ Medical examination must be issued by Wafid (approved medical centres)
- ✅ Philippine nationals: original Wafid medical examination required
- ✅ Ethiopian nationals from GCC countries: original medical exam from approved centres required
- ✅ Ethiopian and Seychelles nationals can only be applied for via employment offices
- ✅ First-degree relatives accepted for authorization
💰 Complete Fees Breakdown 2026
🇧🇭 Bahraini Employer
| Period | Total Fees | Senior Citizens (60+) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | BHD 86 | BHD 78.5 |
| 2 Years | BHD 118 | BHD 103 |
| + BHD 250 Visit Visa to Work fee (if applicable) | ||
🌍 GCC Resident Employer
| Period | Total Fees |
|---|---|
| 1 Year | BHD 86 |
| 2 Years | BHD 118 |
| + BHD 250 Visit Visa to Work fee (if applicable) | |
🌐 Expatriate Resident Employer
| Period | Total Fees |
|---|---|
| 1 Year | BHD 586 (includes BHD 500 financial guarantee) |
| 2 Years | BHD 618 (includes BHD 500 financial guarantee) |
📊 Fee Breakdown by Entity
| Entity | Fee Type | 1 Year | 2 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| LMRA | Work Permit Fee | BHD 15 | BHD 30 |
| LMRA | Admin Fee | BHD 5 | BHD 5 |
| NPRA | NOC Fee + Accreditation | BHD 29 | BHD 29 |
| NPRA | Residency Permit | BHD 17 | BHD 34 |
| MOH | Health Check Accreditation | BHD 10 | BHD 10 |
| IGA | Identity Card Issuance | BHD 10 | BHD 10 |
📋 Required Documents
🌐 Online (EMS) — Direct Recruitment
- Employer Undertaking Form (original)
- Domestic employee passport (copy)
- Valid medical examination (copy — for workers outside Bahrain)
🏢 Walk-In — Direct Recruitment
- Work Permit Application / Cancellation Form (original)
- Employer Undertaking Form (original)
- Employer ID card + signature (copy)
- Authorized person ID (if applicable)
- Domestic employee passport (copy)
- Valid medical examination (copy)
🏢 Through Employment Offices
- Work Permit Application Form (original)
- Tripartite Domestic Contract between employer, employee, and office (original)
- Employer ID (copy)
- Employee passport (copy)
- Medical examination (copy)
🔄 How to Apply — Step by Step
🌐 Online via EMS
Go to lmra.gov.bh/EMS_Web
Complete all fields and attach required documents.
Application is sent for verification automatically.
Via EMS or call +973 17506055
Pay through approved channels after approval.
🏢 Walk-In
Attend in person with all documents.
Fill form and attach documents at the counter.
Pay fees after approval and collect work permit.
📍 LMRA Branches
🏛️ LMRA Main Office — Sanabis
📅 Sunday – Thursday | 🕐 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
🏬 Seef Mall — Al Muharraq
📅 Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Sunday – Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a domestic worker work permit in Bahrain?
LMRA processes new domestic work permit applications within 3 working days from complete submission.
What is the total cost for an expat employer to hire a maid in Bahrain?
Expatriate employers pay BHD 586 for 1 year or BHD 618 for 2 years, including a BHD 500 financial guarantee and BHD 250 Visit Visa to Work fee where applicable.
Can I apply for a maid from Ethiopia in Bahrain?
Yes, but Ethiopian domestic workers can only be applied for through licensed employment offices — not directly by the employer online.
Is there a discount for senior Bahraini employers?
Yes — Bahraini employers aged 60 years and above get a discounted fee on one domestic work permit only.
What medical exam is required for domestic workers in Bahrain?
The medical examination must be issued by Wafid (approved international medical centres). For workers in countries without Wafid centres, a Non-Wafid Medical Check-Up Form must be completed.
Can someone else apply on my behalf?
Yes — a first-degree relative with official authorization, a licensed employment office, or a clearance agency can apply on your behalf.
🏠 Looking to Hire a Domestic Worker in Bahrain?
GCC Domestic connects families across Bahrain with LMRA-verified domestic worker agencies. Browse certified agencies, compare packages, and contact directly via WhatsApp — zero commission.
📌 Source: LMRA Bahrain Official Website — Updated 2026. Always verify the latest requirements at lmra.gov.bh.