Can You Start a New Company in Bahrain on an Employee Visa with NOC?

If you’re an expatriate currently employed in Bahrain and looking to start your own business, you might be wondering about the process and requirements involved. One of the key questions many individuals have is whether it's possible to establish a company in Bahrain while on an employee visa, and what role a No Objection Certificate (NOC) plays in this process.

Can You Start a New Company in Bahrain on an Employee Visa with NOC?

Yes, it is possible to start a new company in Bahrain while on an employee visa, provided that you have an NOC from your current employer. This No Objection Certificate is a formal document from your employer confirming that they do not object to you pursuing additional business ventures while employed with them.

However, it’s important to note that while starting the business is allowed with an NOC, there are specific conditions you need to be aware of:

Important Points to Remember

• A company can be started on an employee visa in Bahrain with an NOC from the employer. However, once an individual becomes a shareholder in the company, the employee visa must be canceled at the time of renewal, and an investor visa must be applied for, as the employee visa can no longer be renewed.

• This transition is also applicable to dependent visa holders.

• The investor visa is required to register as a responsible or an authorised person for the company with the Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA)

• Shareholders without an investor visa are not allowed to engage in day to day business activities or sit at the office premises.

If you are planning to start a company in Bahrain, please contact Dhiya and Thomas Management Consultancy. Since 2015, our ISO 9001:2015 certified agency, approved by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in Bahrain, has been empowering entrepreneurs and businesses with a streamlined company formation process. As an approved service provider (Professional Body) by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, we offer trusted expert guidance to help you succeed.