One of the most common questions when hiring a domestic worker in Bahrain is: "How much does it actually cost?" This guide provides a complete breakdown of all LMRA fees for domestic worker work permits in 2026 — covering Bahraini, GCC resident, and expatriate employers, with all hidden costs explained clearly.
Short answer: hiring a maid in Bahrain in 2026 costs an expat employer about BHD 600–900 in year-one fees — including a refundable BHD 500 guarantee inside the BHD 586 LMRA permit — plus the BHD 100–150 monthly salary. Bahraini and GCC employers pay far less. The full breakdown is below.
💰 Quick Cost Summary
| 🇧🇭 Bahraini (1 Year) | BHD 86 |
| 🇧🇭 Bahraini (2 Years) | BHD 118 |
| 🇧🇭 Senior Citizens (60+) 1 Year | BHD 78.5 |
| 🌍 GCC Resident (1 Year) | BHD 86 |
| 🌍 GCC Resident (2 Years) | BHD 118 |
| 🌐 Expat Resident (1 Year) | BHD 586 (includes BHD 500 guarantee) |
| 🌐 Expat Resident (2 Years) | BHD 618 (includes BHD 500 guarantee) |
| ✈️ Visit Visa to Work Fee | BHD 250 (if applicable) |
📊 Full Fee Breakdown by Entity
| Entity | Fee Component | 1 Year | 2 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| LMRA | Work Permit Fee | BHD 15 | BHD 30 |
| Admin Fee | BHD 5 | BHD 5 | |
| NPRA | Non-Objection Certificate Fee | BHD 24 | BHD 24 |
| NOC Accreditation Fee | BHD 5 | BHD 5 | |
| Residency Permit Fee | BHD 17 | BHD 34 | |
| MOH | Health Check Accreditation | BHD 10 | BHD 10 |
| IGA | Identity Card Issuance | BHD 10 | BHD 10 |
| TOTAL (Bahraini / GCC) | BHD 86 | BHD 118 | |
🎁 Senior Citizen Discount
✅ Bahraini employers aged 60 years and above are eligible for a discounted fee rate on one domestic work permit only:
- 1 Year: BHD 78.5 (saving BHD 7.5)
- 2 Years: BHD 103 (saving BHD 15)
🌐 Expatriate Employer Financial Guarantee
💰 Expatriate (non-GCC, non-Bahraini) employers must pay an additional BHD 500 financial guarantee when issuing a domestic work permit for the first time. This brings the total to:
- 1 Year: BHD 86 + BHD 500 = BHD 586
- 2 Years: BHD 118 + BHD 500 = BHD 618
The BHD 500 financial guarantee is refundable upon permit cancellation and worker departure from Bahrain.
✈️ Visit Visa to Work Fee — BHD 250
An additional BHD 250 fee applies only when a domestic worker who is currently in Bahrain on a visit visa applies to convert to a work permit. This does not apply to workers coming from abroad with a fresh work permit.
💡 Total Cost Estimate for Hiring a Maid in Bahrain
| Cost Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| LMRA Work Permit (2 years) | BHD 118 |
| Wafid Medical Examination | USD 50–150 (varies by country) |
| Recruitment Office Fee | BHD 300–800 |
| Air Ticket | BHD 50–200 |
| Optional Insurance | BHD 50–100 |
| Estimated Total (Bahraini) | BHD 600–1,300 |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are LMRA domestic worker fees the same for all nationalities?
Yes — the LMRA government fees are the same regardless of the domestic worker's nationality. However, recruitment office fees and air tickets vary by country of origin.
Can I pay LMRA fees online?
Yes — fees can be paid through the EMS online system using approved payment channels after permit approval.
Is the BHD 500 financial guarantee refundable?
Yes — expatriate employers can apply for a Domestic Deposit Refund from LMRA after the domestic worker's permit is cancelled and they have departed Bahrain.
Do GCC residents pay the financial guarantee?
No — the BHD 500 financial guarantee only applies to expatriate (non-GCC, non-Bahraini) employers. GCC resident employers pay the standard BHD 86/118 fee.
🏠 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.
Related guides: hire a private driver in Bahrain · hire a cook in Bahrain · hire an elderly caregiver in Bahrain · Bahrain hiring guide · 2026 GCC Salary Report · اقرأ هذا الدليل بالعربية.