Bahrain Family Visa and Visa Extension Guide (2025)
Bahrain, a thriving hub in the Arabian Gulf, is not only a destination for business and tourism but also a welcoming home for expats and their families. With thousands of foreigners residing and working in Bahrain, BAHRAIN FAMILY VISA many choose to bring their loved ones along under a Family Visa. Others, such as tourists and business visitors, may need a visa extension to prolong their stay legally.
This guide dives deep into both the Bahrain Family Visa and Visa Extension processes, providing essential information on requirements, application procedures, costs, BAHRAIN VISA EXTENSION and tips for 2025.
🇧🇭 Part 1: Bahrain Family Visa (2025 Guide)
🔍 What Is a Bahrain Family Visa?
A Bahrain Family Visa, also known as a Dependent Visa, allows the immediate family members (spouse, children, sometimes parents) of a Bahrain resident or employee to reside in the Kingdom for the same duration as the sponsor's residence permit.
This visa is typically sponsored by a resident expatriate who holds a valid work or investor visa in Bahrain.
👨👩👧 Who Can Be Sponsored?
Eligible dependents include:
Spouse (husband or wife)
Children (usually under 18; some cases up to 24 if studying)
Sometimes parents (with special approval)
Note: Each family member needs a separate visa.
📌 Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors
To sponsor family members in Bahrain, the resident (sponsor) must:
Hold a valid Bahrain residence/work permit
Have a minimum salary (as of 2025, around BHD 400–600, depending on the number of dependents)
Provide proof of accommodation
Have adequate health insurance for dependents
📄 Required Documents
For Sponsor:
Valid CPR (Central Population Register) card
Copy of residence permit and passport
Employment contract or salary certificate
Proof of accommodation (rental agreement or title deed)
Health insurance policy
For Dependent:
Valid passport
Passport-sized photo
Birth certificate (for children)
Marriage certificate (for spouse)
Medical fitness certificate (for adults over 18, if applicable)
Educational certificates (if child over 18 is a student)
All documents in foreign languages must be translated into Arabic or English and attested.
🧾 Application Process
Log in to Bahrain’s NPRA eVisa Portal Website: https://www.npra.gov.bh
Submit Documents Either online through the employer’s PRO (Public Relations Officer), a visa service center, or in person at the NPRA office.
Pay Fees Application and processing fees must be paid. (Details below)
Receive Visa Approval Processing time: 3–10 business days Once approved, the visa is either:
Emailed (eVisa), or
Stamped on arrival (if requested from abroad)
💰 Fees for Family Visa
Type
Fee (approximate)
Visa application fee
BHD 22–30
Visa stamping/issuance
BHD 5–10
Medical test (if required)
BHD 25–40
Insurance (yearly)
Varies (BHD 50–100+)
🛑 Common Reasons for Rejection
Incomplete or incorrect documentation
Sponsor does not meet income threshold
Marriage certificate not legalized
Health clearance issues
Tip: Always ensure all documents are attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Bahrain Embassy in your country.
🕰️ Duration and Renewal
Validity: Typically matches the sponsor’s residence permit (1–2 years)
Renewable: Yes, online or through NPRA
Renewal should be started at least 1 month before expiration
🛂 Part 2: Bahrain Visa Extension (2025 Guide)
🔍 What Is a Visa Extension?
A Bahrain visa extension allows travelers or residents to extend the validity of their existing visa beyond the original permitted stay — whether it's for tourism, business, or visiting family.
✅ Who Can Apply for an Extension?
You can apply if you are on:
Tourist Visa (eVisa or VOA)
Family Visit Visa
Business Visa
Dependent Visa
Visitors on GCC national status, transit visas, or illegal entry are not eligible for an extension.
📌 Extension Limits (as of 2025)
Visa Type
Initial Stay
Max Extension
Tourist Visa
14–30 days
+14–30 days
Business Visa
14–30 days
+14–30 days
Visit Visa
1–3 months
+1–2 months
Dependent Visa
1–2 years
Renewable
📄 Required Documents for Extension
Valid passport
Current visa details
Reason for extension
Return/onward flight (if applicable)
Proof of accommodation
Financial proof (optional)
Sponsor letter (for visit or family visas)
🧾 How to Apply
Option 1: Online via NPRA Portal
Go to: https://www.npra.gov.bh
Select “Visa Extension”
Enter passport and visa details
Upload documents
Pay fee online
Option 2: In Person at NPRA Office
Visit the NPRA in Manama
Submit application with supporting documents
Pay fees at the counter
Note: Not all visa types are extendable online — check NPRA guidelines.
💰 Extension Fees
Tourist/Business visa extension: BHD 25 (≈ USD 66)
Visit visa extension: BHD 30–40
Overstay fine: BHD 25 for the first day, BHD 15/day thereafter
⏱️ Processing Time
Usually same-day for tourist and short visas
Up to 3–5 working days for sponsored visas
🛑 Important Notes
Overstaying is taken seriously in Bahrain and can result in fines, travel bans, or blacklisting.
Always apply for an extension before your visa expires.
Extensions are not guaranteed — final decision rests with immigration authorities.
✈️ Final Thoughts
Whether you're planning to bring your loved ones to Bahrain on a Family Visa or extend your current stay, it's essential to stay informed and organized. Bahrain’s immigration system is streamlined but requires careful compliance with legal and documentation standards.