Commercial Registration (Sijilat) in Bahrain
Bahrain's CR is filed end-to-end on Sijilat - speed depends on your activity codes and any sectoral approvals.
Last verified: 2026-06
Overview
The Commercial Registration (CR) is Bahrain's business licence, administered by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOICT) through the Sijilat portal (sijilat.bh). Bahrain allows up to 100% foreign ownership in many activities; some sectors still require a Bahraini partner or specific approvals.
Each CR carries activity codes; some are 'security' or 'professional' and need clearances from regulators (CBB for finance, MOH for clinics, BFB for food, etc.). Renewal is annual and is blocked if any regulator hold is open.
Documents required
- Passport copies of all shareholders
- CPR copies of resident shareholders
- Proposed company name (3 options)
- Memorandum of Association (notarised)
- Lease contract for business premises
- Activity-specific clearances (where applicable)
Eligibility
- Shareholders meet sector ownership rules
- Office premises suitable for the activity
- Initial capital meets the activity's minimum (if any)
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CR issuance (basic single activity) | 50 BHD | Plus activity-specific fees; confirm current amount on sijilat.bh. |
| CR annual renewal | 20-100 BHD | Depends on activities; confirm current amount. |
| Name reservation | 25 BHD | Confirm current amount. |
| MOA notarisation | Varies BHD | Public notary or ministry of justice fees. |
Step by step
- 1
Pick activity and structure
Choose your legal form (SPC, WLL, BSC closed) and activity codes on Sijilat. Activity drives every later step.
1-2 days · online
- 2
Reserve a trade name
Reserve your trade name on Sijilat; rejections happen for similarity or restricted words.
1-3 days · online
- 3
Submit initial application
File the CR application with shareholders, MOA draft, and proposed activity codes.
1 week · online
- 4
Regulator clearances
Sijilat routes the file to sector regulators (CBB, MOH, MOI, etc.) as needed. This is the variable part.
1-8 weeks · online
- 5
Final issuance and bank account
Notarise the MOA, pay fees, get the CR, then open a corporate bank account and register for VAT if applicable.
1-2 weeks · either
Processing time: Simple activities: 2-3 weeks. Regulated activities: 1-3 months.
Where to do it online
- Bahrain.bh
eKey login and integrated government services for CR holders
Renewal
CR is renewed annually on Sijilat. Late renewal blocks bank operations and triggers a fine. Long lapses can lead to deregistration.
Common pitfalls
- Choosing too many activity codes - each adds a clearance step
- Renting unsuitable premises - municipality refuses inspection
- Skipping MOA notarisation - banks won't open the account
- Not budgeting for sectoral regulator fees
FAQs
Yes, in many activities. Some sectors still require a Bahraini partner or specific quotas - the Sijilat activity list flags these as you select codes.
Simple commercial activities take 2-3 weeks end-to-end. Regulated activities (financial services, healthcare, food) take 1-3 months due to regulator clearances.
Sijilat (sijilat.bh) is the MOICT-run online portal for everything to do with the CR - issuance, amendments, renewal, branch openings, and de-registration.
Yes, most activities require a leased premises suitable for the activity. Some service activities allow virtual office or co-working setups - check the activity rules.
Skip the hassle
A vetted typing centre can handle the paperwork end-to-end.
Get help with Commercial Registration (Sijilat)