Bahrain to Gradually Increase Work Permit and Expatriate Fees from 2026

Bahrain has announced a gradual increase in work permit and related fees for foreign workers over a four-year period starting January 1, 2026, as part of measures to prioritise Bahraini employment and reduce reliance on expatriate labour. The decision was announced on December 29, 2025, and excludes domestic workers.

The reforms aim to rebalance the labour market by encouraging the employment of Bahraini nationals while ensuring the sustainability of public services. Fees related to work permits, Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) charges, and healthcare contributions for expatriates will be adjusted incrementally through to 2029.

Under the new structure, annual issuance and renewal fees for work permits will increase from the current BHD 100 to BHD 125 by 2029. The scheduled increments will see the fee rise to BHD 105 in 2026, BHD 111 in 2027, BHD 118 in 2028, and finally BHD 125 in 2029.

Monthly LMRA fees will also see a significant increase. First-category fees will rise from BHD 5 to BHD 30 by 2029, while second-category fees will increase from BHD 10 to BHD 30 over the same period.

In addition, annual healthcare fees for expatriates, covering medical insurance, will double from BHD 72 to BHD 144 by 2029, reflecting the government’s efforts to ensure sustainable funding for health services.

These measures form part of Bahrain’s broader labour and economic reform agenda, designed to strengthen national employment opportunities while gradually adjusting the cost structure associated with foreign labour.