Opening a Business Bank Account in Bahrain: What International Founders Must Know

Dt Consultancy
Jul 3
2 min read

Updated: Aug 25

If you're an international entrepreneur planning to start a business in Bahrain, one of the first key steps after registering your company is opening a business bank account. A corporate bank account is essential for managing business transactions, receiving payments, and ensuring compliance with Bahrain’s financial regulations.

Here’s a simple guide to help international founders understand the process.

Documents Required to Open a Corporate Account for an Under-Formation Company

Temporary CR & CR Extract Copy
Board Resolution
Original Memorandum (This is provided by the notary office after signing.)
Office/Shop Lease Agreement
Latest EWA Bill or Deposit Copy for the office/shop
Original Passport & ID Proof of all partners
Company Stamp (We can assist in preparing this for BHD 8.8/-—Please confirm)
Last 6 Months' Original Personal Bank Statement of all partners (with bank stamp on each page)
Business Plan (if required by the bank)
Additional documents asked by bank

The Account Opening Process

Step-by-Step:

Choose a Bank: Choose a bank from Bahrain’s local financial institutions or international banks operating within the country.
Submit Application: Provide the required documents and complete the corporate account application form.
Deposit Capital: Once your documents are verified, you can deposit the required capital amount for the account opening.
Account Activation: Your account will be activated after you submit the visa copy and CPR (Bahrain ID) of all shareholders to the bank.
Online Banking Setup: Once your account is activated, most banks provide online banking services, allowing you to manage your account remotely and conduct transactions efficiently.

Note: Processing times and requirements may vary depending on the bank.

Points to Remember

Visa & CPR (Bahrain ID): The bank will only activate the account once the visa copy and CPR (Bahrain ID) of all shareholders are submitted.
Processing Time: The time for account approval can vary depending on the bank.
Accurate Documentation: Ensure all documents are accurate to avoid delays.
Bank Approval: All approvals are subject to the bank’s internal policies.

Benefits of a Bahrain Corporate Bank Account

Easy local and international transactions.
Supports multi-currency accounts.
Facilitates payroll, vendor payments, and VAT filings.
Enhances business credibility with clients and authorities.

Need Assistance with Opening a Business Bank Account in Bahrain?

Opening a corporate bank account in Bahrain is a vital step for international entrepreneurs. If you need help navigating the process, preparing documents, or choosing the right banking partner, we’re here to assist.

As a registered and approved service provider by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, registered since 2015, and ISO 9001 certified by Bureau Veritas, Dhiya and Thomas Management Consultancy is dedicated to ensuring your business thrives in Bahrain’s dynamic market.