LMRA monthly work-permit fees · 2026
- Expat workers
- 12
- First 5 worker(s) × BHD 7.5
- BHD 37.5
- 7 more worker(s) × BHD 12.5
- BHD 87.5
- Monthly total
- BHD 125.0
Per yearBHD1,500
2026 rates
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Bahrain LMRA Work Permit Fee Calculator
How much are LMRA monthly fees for my expat workers?
Checked against LMRA rules · reviewed 1 Oct 2026 · next review 1 Jan 2027
Enter your expat headcount and the year. You get the estimated monthly and yearly LMRA work-permit fees at the rates set for 2026 and 2029.
How the LMRA fee is calculated
In 2026 the first five expat workers cost BHD 7.5 each per month and every worker after that BHD 12.5. In 2029 every worker costs BHD 30 a month. We multiply your headcount by those rates for the monthly total, then by 12 for the year. The 2027 and 2028 steps aren't verified, so those years show no figure.
LMRA fee examples
| Expat workers | Year | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2026 | BHD 22.5 | BHD 270 |
| 12 | 2026 | BHD 125.0 | BHD 1,500 |
| 50 | 2026 | BHD 600.0 | BHD 7,200 |
| 12 | 2029 | BHD 360.0 | BHD 4,320 |
Estimate from a secondary summary of Edict 79 of 2025. Work-permit issue/renewal fees not included.
Before you budget
- Estimate: confirm the rates on lmra.gov.bh before relying on them.
- 2027–2028 rates aren't verified, so we don't show them.
- Bahrainisation percentages aren't covered — they vary by activity.
Data Sources
Hiring Bahrainis instead
Bahraini hires may qualify for up to five years of wage support — see the Tamkeen wage support guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the LMRA monthly fee in 2026?
Under Edict 79 of 2025, as summarised by a secondary source, the 2026 monthly LMRA fee is BHD 7.5 for each of an employer's first five expat workers and BHD 12.5 for each additional worker. The calculator labels this an estimate until the LMRA page is confirmed.
How will LMRA fees change up to 2029?
Fees rise each year from 2026 to BHD 30 per worker per month for all workers in 2029. We haven't verified the 2027 and 2028 steps, so the calculator says 'not verified' for those years instead of guessing.
Does this include the work-permit issue or renewal fee?
No. Only the monthly LMRA fee is included. The annual work-permit issue or renewal fee, visa, medical and insurance costs are separate.
What is the Bahrainisation percentage for my company?
Bahrainisation percentages vary by activity and aren't published in a form we can calculate yet. Check your establishment's requirement with LMRA. Bahraini hires may qualify for Tamkeen wage support.
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