About Bahrain
Bahrain is a progressive Gulf jurisdiction that maintains a business-friendly environment and a proactive approach to attracting foreign investment. It offers 100 % foreign ownership in most sectors, no personal income tax and 0% corporate income tax in most sectors. Its proximity to Saudi Arabia and GCC membership make it a strategic gateway for investment and trade. With modern infrastructure and a transparent regulatory environment, Bahrain is the ideal location for regional headquarters, holding companies and financial services operations.
Bahrain – Key Benefits
- 100% foreign ownership of a business or branch office in most sectors.
- 0% personal income tax and no wealth, capital gains, withholding or inheritance taxes.
- 0% corporate income tax (except for oil and gas sector, and large MNEs).
- No restrictions on repatriation of capital, profits or dividends (except for oil and gas sector).
- Gateway to Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC.
- Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) operates a FinTech regulatory sandbox.
- Stable legal and regulatory environment.
- Skilled bilingual workforce (Arabic and English).
- Business-friendly policies and cost-effective operations.
- Robust financial and banking infrastructure.
Why choose Sovereign in Bahrain?
Sovereign Bahrain is dedicated to delivering integrated advice, products and services to internationally mobile people and businesses with sophisticated and often complex needs. local expertise with global reach. We assist corporates, investors and private clients with company formation, fiduciary services and residency in compliance with Bahrain’s modern regulatory framework. Our bilingual team provides end-to-end support from set-up to expansion. The Sovereign Business Hub provides a centre of excellence to incubate start-ups and small businesses offering innovative products and services and a platform to inspire business collaboration in Bahrain.
Key Highlights
Sovereign Bahrain – Corporate, Fiduciary and Residency Services
Sovereign’s Bahrain office assists private clients, corporates and professional intermediaries with reliable and compliant solutions to support them in meeting their goals. We combine local regulatory knowledge with global best practice and provide the necessary economic substance for effective residence. For intermediaries, we also offer discreet white-label services that enable them to deliver Middle East solutions under their own brand.
Fiduciary and Residency Services
We assist individuals and families to secure residency in the Kingdom of Bahrain, either through work, investor or partner visas or the 10-year Golden Visa residency by investment programme for qualifying investors, retirees and highly talented individuals. Our PRO services team will assist with applications and documentation requirements to secure residency and will then manage ongoing compliance and renewals to enable clients to continue enjoying Bahrain’s favourable lifestyle and investment environment. Our Fiduciary Services include establishing companies, trusts and foundations for wealth management and protection, succession planning, family office or philanthropic purposes, as well as tax planning and asset holding.
Corporate Services
Sovereign Bahrain provides onshore and freezone company formation services for trading, investment, headquartering or holding (SPVs) purposes, or to establish branches and representative offices. As well as supplying registered office and company secretarial services, we can then provide ongoing administrative support to ensure your business remains operationally efficient and legally compliant. Our services include client accounting, payroll, HR, corporate tax advisory, ESR and MLRO services, PRO support and economic substance to ensure operations are fully aligned with Bahrain’s regulatory framework though set-up and expansion. We can also assist with corporate bank account opening, licence applications, trademark registration and office rental.
Other Business Support Services
Sovereign Screen: find out about what we do and how we operate
Sovereign Insights: stay updated on news and developments in Bahrain
The international tax, legal and regulatory landscape is constantly changing. We actively seek out and process relevant information to ensure compliance and reduce risk. Explore our latest news, blogs and posts to stay updated on the business, legal and wider issues that matter. You can also subscribe to our newsletter.
Sovereign People
Sovereign places an emphasis on strong client relationships, technical excellence and a commitment to delivering high-quality service. Our office in Bahrain is staffed by highly experienced and qualified professionals with a depth of knowledge about local and international standards. They offer bilingual support and client-focused service to businesses and individuals across all stages of their Bahrain journey.
Sovereign Knowledge Hub
Sovereign is focused on supporting clients by ensuring they have the knowledge, information and resources they need to stay informed and make confident decisions. From briefings, information sheets and case studies, to videos and webinars, our ‘Knowledge Hub’ contains the practical resources to give clients the latest perspectives on the issues that matter. Please browse the library.
Sovereign – Licences and Professional Affiliations
Sovereign complies fully with all Bahraini regulatory frameworks and operates through two registered entities:
- Sovereign Trust Consultancy Bahrain WLL – active since 2011 and licensed for management consultancy, marketing and business support activities (CR No. 78993-1).
- Sovereign Business Hub WLL – active since 2022 and licensed for business incubation and support services (CR No. 78993-2).
Both entities are registered with Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce and comply with local commercial laws.
Sovereign’s Global Network
Established in 1987, the Sovereign Group has grown to become one of the largest independent corporate and trust service providers worldwide. Our office network now spans over more than 20 jurisdictions across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa, allowing our clients to access a global service from a local point of delivery. Sovereign Bahrain works closely with this international network to deliver seamless cross-border solutions to our clients.
Please contact us if you have any questions or queries and your local representative will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
