LMRA Visa Check (2026) — By CPR or Passport
Checking a domestic worker's visa in Bahrain takes about a minute on the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) portal — and it is free.
How to check, step by step
- Open the LMRA portal. Go to lmra.gov.bh and open the expat information / visa enquiry service.
- Choose your search method. Use passport number plus nationality before the worker arrives, or the CPR number for a worker already living in Bahrain.
- Read the status. Valid/Active means everything is in order — note the expiry date. Under process is normal for 4–8 weeks during recruitment. Expired needs same-day action.
What each status means
- Valid / Active — everything is in order. Note the expiry date and diarise the renewal; it is the sponsor's legal duty, not the worker's.
- Under process — normal in the 4–8 week recruitment window while LMRA issues the permit and the CPR is produced.
- Expired — act the same day. Fines accrue and the worker carries the practical risk even though renewal is your obligation.
Hiring through an office? Every legal recruitment office in Bahrain is LMRA-licensed — ask for the licence and match the name on it before any money changes hands: how to verify an LMRA-licensed office.
FAQ
How do I check a visa with a CPR number?
Open lmra.gov.bh, go to the expat information / visa enquiry service, choose CPR search, and enter the worker's CPR number. The status shows instantly and the service is free.
Can I check before the worker arrives in Bahrain?
Yes — use the passport number plus nationality search. The CPR search only works once the worker is resident and a CPR has been produced.
What does 'Under process' mean on LMRA?
It is normal during the 4–8 week recruitment window while LMRA issues the work permit and the CPR is produced. No action is needed unless it stays under process well beyond that window.
What should I do if the status says Expired?
Act the same day. Fines accrue and the worker carries the practical risk, even though renewal is legally the sponsor's obligation, not the worker's.
Is there a fee for an LMRA visa check?
No. LMRA enquiry services are free. Anyone charging you to check a status is charging for something you can do yourself in a minute.