+968 9596 3381
Phone Number
[email protected]
Email Address
Mon - Thu: 8:00 - 5:00
Online store always open
How to Renew a Business License in Bahrain (2025 Guide)
Why Timely License Renewal Matters
In the dynamic business environment of Bahrain, holding a valid Commercial Registration (CR) is not just a regulatory requirement — it’s your business’s legal identity. Whether you’re operating a digital agency, consultancy, restaurant, or trading company, failing to renew your CR on time could lead to penalties, business interruptions, and even complete license suspension.
This guide for 2025 will walk you through everything you need to know about how to renew your business license in Bahrain — from timelines and required documents to common mistakes to avoid and digital renewal options via the Sijilat portal.
When Should You Renew Your Business License?
⏳ Renewal Timeline:
Business licenses in Bahrain are typically issued for 1 or 2 years.
It’s highly recommended to begin the renewal process at least 1 month before expiry.
📅 Where to Find Your Expiry Date:
Your Commercial Registration Certificate (CR) and Sijilat account dashboard show the renewal due date.
Who Needs to Renew?
If your business operates under any of the following categories, renewal is mandatory:
With Limited Liability (WLL)
Single-Person Company (SPC)
Branch of a Foreign Company
Professional License Holders
Retail Shops & Restaurants
Freelancers or Consultants
Even virtual office-based or dormant businesses are required to maintain an active CR.
Step-by-Step Process to Renew a Business License in Bahrain
Step 1: Log into Sijilat Portal
Go to: www.sijilat.bh
Log in using your CR number and credentials.
Step 2: Choose “Renew Commercial Registration”
Navigate to “My CRs” → Select CR → Click “Renew CR”.
Update Company Information (if needed)
Check for:
Shareholder info
Office lease updates
Contact details
Business activity updates
🔁 You may also update MOA or add/remove activities.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
We’ll detail this below.
Step 5: Pay Renewal Fees Online
Fees depend on:
Business activities
Municipality taxes
Number of branches
💳 Payments can be made via BenefitPay or credit card directly within the Sijilat portal.
Receive Digital CR Certificate
After approval, you’ll receive your updated license by email and in your account dashboard.
Required Documents for License Renewal
Before logging in to renew, prepare these:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| 📄 Valid Lease Agreement | Updated address proof must be notarized and municipality approved |
| 🪪 Passport/ID Copies of Owners | Especially if there are any changes |
| 📃 Updated Memorandum of Association (if applicable) | Only needed if changes were made to shareholders or activities |
| 🧾 Payment Proof for Municipality or LMRA (if due) | LMRA dues can impact CR renewal approval |
| 📄 Power of Attorney (if applying via agent) | Required for authorized representatives |
Renewing CR for a Business with Virtual Office
Even if you don’t operate a physical space, your virtual office agreement must be:
Valid and active
Approved by the Municipality and Urban Planning Directorate
Uploaded in place of a lease
Common Mistakes That Can Delay Renewal
Avoid these CR renewal traps:
❌ Expired lease submission
❌ Not updating director/shareholder changes
❌ Outstanding LMRA or municipality fees
❌ Wrong business activity code
❌ Delay past expiry (leads to fines)
Business License Renewal Fees in Bahrain (2025)
| Cost Type | Amount (BHD) |
|---|---|
| CR Renewal | 25 – 100 BHD (depending on business type) |
| Municipality License | 20 – 500 BHD (based on office space size) |
| LMRA Dues (for employers) | Variable |
| Chamber of Commerce Fee | Approx. 10–50 BHD |
| Virtual Office Renewal | 100–300 BHD (varies by provider) |
💡 Tip: Ensure you have no outstanding fees with:
Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA)
National Bureau for Revenue (NBR)
Municipalities
How to Renew Your Business Activities (Optional Update)
During renewal, you can:
Add new business activities
Remove outdated or irrelevant ones
Change sector classification
📌 These changes may require:
Additional approvals
Updated MOA
Sectoral licenses (health, education, F&B, etc.)
Can You Renew Completely Online?
Yes. The Sijilat Portal supports:
Online CR renewal
Document uploads
Payment
Certificate delivery
In-person visits are only required if:
Legal documents require notarization
There are compliance issues with your CR
What If Your CR Is Already Expired?
Late Renewal Fines:
A penalty of 5–10 BHD per day may apply after expiry
LMRA may suspend your work visas
Municipality can freeze your trade license
📤 Reactivation process includes:
Paying all dues
Submitting renewal docs
Getting manual approval from MOIC
Can Someone Else Renew My License?
Yes, your legal representative (partner, manager, or consultant) can renew on your behalf using a valid Power of Attorney.
For foreign investors, this is especially helpful for remote renewals without travel.
Sector-Specific Requirements to Know
| Industry | Additional Requirement |
|---|---|
| F&B, Restaurants | Health & hygiene license renewal |
| Education | Staff qualification updates |
| Trading | Customs code validation |
| Logistics/Shipping | Updated insurance & port clearance docs |
| Financial Services | Central Bank license revalidation |
| Healthcare | NHRA approval |
Pro Tips for Smooth Renewal (2025 Edition)
✅ Set up auto-reminders 45 days before expiry
✅ Renew virtual office lease early
✅ Clear LMRA/NBR dues monthly
✅ Keep shareholder and activity details updated throughout the year
✅ Get pre-check from a setup consultant to avoid rejections
What to Do After Renewal?
Once renewed:
Update your VAT certificate (if applicable)
Notify LMRA (especially for hiring or existing work permits)
Share new CR with your bank and clients
Renew any related sectoral approvals
Maintain soft + hard copy records for compliance
FAQs on Business License Renewal in Bahrain
❓ Can I renew my CR before the expiry date?
Yes, you can renew up to 3 months before the expiry to avoid last-minute issues.
❓ What if I forget to renew and my CR expires?
You’ll face fines and possible suspension. Immediate renewal with penalty payment is required.
❓ Do I need to visit the MOIC in person?
No, unless there’s a discrepancy, signature requirement, or compliance issue.
❓ Is it mandatory to renew the office lease every year?
Yes. A valid, current lease (physical or virtual) is mandatory for CR renewal.
❓ Can I freeze my CR if not using it?
Yes. You can suspend or freeze your business officially to avoid fines, though renewal will still be needed for reactivation.
Have Any Question?
basic
OMR 500
- Company Formation
- Corporate Bank Account
- Office Address
- Power of Attorney
Standard
OMR 1700
- Company Formation
- Corporate Bank Account
- Virtual Address
- Power of Attorney
Gold
OMR 2150
- Company Formation in Oman
- Workdesk Address
- Corporate Bank Account
- Mail Routing
- Secretary
Premium
OMR 3500
- Company Formation
- Address: Private Cabin
- Corporate Bank Account
- Telephone
- Wifi
- Security
- Mail Routing
- 10-15 Business Days
Our Track Record For Delivering Success.
0
+
Happy Customers
0
+
Project completed
0
+
Years Experience
Ready to Get Stared?
Fill out our quick and easy contact form below. Briefly tell us about your vision and goals, and we’ll be in touch shortly to discuss a personalized plan for your success.