Bahrain CR Activities

Commercial Registration (CR) Activities in Bahrain align with the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities. These activities are categorized based on Ownership Rights and Registration Type. Certain business activities require a local partner, while others allow 100% foreign ownership. Additionally, some activities are restricted to specific registration types. For instance, banking activities in Bahrain must be registered under a Bahraini Shareholding Company. These classifications are strategically designed to safeguard and promote the country’s economic interests.

Classification of CR Activities by Ownership Rights

The Ministry of Industry & Commerce in Bahrain has established clear rules for CR ownership, defining which business activities specific nationalities can undertake. These classifications are as follows:

✓ 100% ownership allowed for GCC Nationals
✓ 100% ownership allowed for Americans
✓ 100% ownership allowed for Singaporeans
✓ 100% ownership allowed for Icelanders, Liechtensteiners, Norwegians, and Swiss
✓ 100% ownership allowed for Foreign Nationals in certain activities
✓ Foreign ownership restricted to 49% or less for specific activities
✓ Foreign ownership permitted only with a Bahraini shareholder for certain businesses

These ownership classifications are structured to ensure regulatory compliance while fostering a diverse and dynamic business environment.

100% Ownership Allowed for Foreigners

The Kingdom of Bahrain actively promotes investor-friendly policies to attract global entrepreneurs. Foreign investors can engage in 379 CR activities with 100% ownership. These activities do not require a local partner, director, or authorized signatory, providing unparalleled ease and flexibility for foreign businesses to operate in Bahrain.

100% Ownership Allowed for GCC Nationals

In support of the Gulf alliance, Bahrain permits GCC nationals to fully own and operate businesses in 570 different activities. These activities can be undertaken without the need for a local Bahraini partner, fostering regional collaboration and economic growth.

100% Ownership Allowed for Americans

Since establishing their alliance in 1971, Bahrain and the United States have fostered strong economic, geopolitical, and defense ties. To strengthen this partnership, Bahrain permits American citizens to fully own and operate businesses in 557 CR activities without the need for a local Bahraini partner, making it an attractive destination for U.S. investors.

100% Ownership Allowed for Singaporeans

Since establishing strategic relations in 1978, Bahrain and Singapore have shared commonalities in geography, market size, and key sectors. To strengthen this partnership, Bahrain allows Singaporean nationals to fully own and operate businesses in 391 CR activities without requiring a local Bahraini partner, fostering a favorable environment for Singaporean investors.

100% Ownership for Icelandic, Liechtenstein, Norwegian, and Swiss Nationals

Bahrain offers 100% ownership rights to nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland across 405 CR business activities. This policy reflects Bahrain’s commitment to fostering international investment and economic collaboration, providing these nationals with a seamless pathway to establish and grow their businesses without requiring a local partner.

Foreign Ownership Limited to 49%

While foreign investment drives economic growth, Bahrain ensures a balance to protect local investors. As part of this approach, the Kingdom has designated 23 key business activities where a minimum of 51% local ownership is mandatory. This policy supports local businesses while still encouraging international partnerships to strengthen Bahrain’s economy.

Foreign Ownership Limited to 49%

While foreign investment drives economic growth, Bahrain ensures a balance to protect local investors. As part of this approach, the Kingdom has designated 23 key business activities where a minimum of 51% local ownership is mandatory. This policy supports local businesses while still encouraging international partnerships to strengthen Bahrain’s economy.

Classification of CR Activities by Registration Type

The Ministry of Industry & Commerce in Bahrain classifies business activities based on the required registration type. These classifications determine the type of registration needed to operate a specific business. The main CR Activities classifications by registration type are:
Sijili
ICR (Individual Commercial Registration)
CCR (Company Commercial Registration)

Sijili​

Bahrain has embraced the growing freelancing market by bringing local freelancers under the regulation of the Ministry of Industry & Commerce (MOIC). A key advantage of the Sijili registration is that it does not require a physical address, offering flexibility for freelancers. Bahraini citizens can register for Sijili across 42 approved CR activities, making it an ideal option for independent professionals seeking streamlined business registration.

ICR

Bahrain offers Individual Commercial Registration (ICR) or Individual Establishments for those looking to operate independently. There are 542 approved business activities under ICR, providing a wide range of opportunities for entrepreneurs to establish their ventures efficiently and in compliance with Bahrain's business regulations.

CCR

Bahrain permits Commercial Companies Registration (CCR) for businesses seeking to operate as corporate entities. With 595 approved business activities under CCR, companies have diverse opportunities to establish and expand their operations, benefiting from Bahrain’s business-friendly environment and robust regulatory framework.

CONTACT US