The main island of Bahrain is home to the majority of its 1.2 million inhabitants, who enjoy a buoyant economy and idyllic surroundings. Bahrain has one of the lowest levels of non-nationals in the Gulf, with more than half the population being born abroad.
The country is, therefore, increasingly welcoming to expats. And, with more and more Britons moving to Bahrain, English is now widely spoken.
As the Gulf Coast region as a whole tries to move away from its reliance on South Asian labour, the demographic profile is slowly changing. There are already well over 100,000 European expats living in Bahrain, and the figure is rising year on year.
Employment Opportunities and Wealth
Bahrain was the first of the Gulf countries to discover oil and as such has one of the strongest and most established economies in the area as well as world class infrastructure and facilities.
Today, however, the country’s wealth is not reliant on the oil industry as areas such as finance, business services, technology and construction continue to thrive. While many large companies are trying to ensure as much of their workforce as possible is made up of local Bahrainis, there are still excellent opportunities for expats.
There is no income tax in Bahrain, and salaries can be extremely competitive leaving, most expats fairly well off and able to enjoy the luxurious lifestyle and the excellent shopping the country offers. Companies have also been known to entice expats with employment packages including housing allowances, flights home, and medical cover.
Travel from Bahrain
At the heart of the Persian Gulf, Bahrain is perfectly placed to explore the jewels of the Middle East. Dubai is just an hour’s flight away and, with a warm climate and a dazzling array of attractions, is fast becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Bahrain International Airport offers excellent connectivity as a Gulf hub, with direct flights to major cities across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and the UK. It’s perfect for weekend escapes or family visits.
We have put together a list of key locations you can travel to from Bahrain, including estimated travel time and why you should visit:
- Dubai/Qatar (Doha): Just a 1-hour flight for beach weekends or shopping sprees
- Riyadh/Jeddah (Saudi Arabia): 1–1.5 hours flight for desert adventures and cultural sites
- London/Heathrow: 7-hour flight for easy trips back home to the UK
- Mumbai/Delhi: 4-hour flight to vibrant Indian cities for food and family
- Istanbul/Cairo: 3.5–4 hour flight for history, markets, and ancient wonders
- Bangkok/Thailand: 7-hour flight for beaches, street food, and access to a Southeast Asia gateway
- Singapore/Kuala Lumpur: 7–8 hours flight for modern cities and island hopping
- Athens/Paris: 4–5 hours flight to explore European culture on weekends
How easy is it to move there?
In order to live and work in Bahrain, you will need a work visa, which you can obtain once you have a confirmed job offer. You can travel to Bahrain short term on a tourist visa to explore opportunities or establish contacts, but many use a recruiter or agency in the UK to find a job.
Your employer will also act as your sponsor and help you apply for a residency visa; they may even be able to give you advice on more practical issues, such as finding accommodation. If you’re moving to Bahrain with a spouse and/or dependent children, they will also be able to apply for residency visas providing you can prove a firm job offer and income. Then all that’s left is to do is work out what to pack!
For seamless shipping of your household goods from the UK to Bahrain, check out our dedicated Bahrain removals services. We handle packing, customs, and door-to-door delivery
Cost of Living in Bahrain
Bahrain’s living costs run 22–49% lower than the UK overall, though luxury imports and international schools add up. A single expat might spend BHD 800–1,200 (£1,600–2,400) monthly excluding rent; families double that.
We’ve broken down the cost of living in Bahrain below:
| Category | Bahrain (BHD/month) | UK Equivalent (£/Month) |
| Rent (1-ben city centre) | 325 | 1,030 |
| Groceries (family of 4) | 200-300 | 350 |
| Utilities (electricity/water) | 50-100 | 180 |
| Transport (car/fuel/public) | 50-120 | 230 |
| Dining out (mid-range meal for two) | 25-40 | 70 |
| International school fees (child per year) | 5,000 – 15,000 | 15,000 |
Bahrain’s living costs run 22–49% lower than the UK overall, though luxury imports and international school fees add up.
Culture and Daily Life in Bahrain
Bahrain blends conservative Islamic traditions with expat-friendly liberalism. Alcohol is served in hotels, women can drive freely, and dress codes are relaxed outside mosques. In general, modest attire is expected in public, but beachwear is fine at resorts.
Fridays are the holy day off, with brunches kicking off the weekend. When living in Bahrain, you should expect warm hospitality, but respect Ramadan fasting.
Daily life revolves around air-conditioned shopping centres like Bahrain City Centre, beach clubs, and desert safaris. Traffic can become busy, but public buses and taxis keep costs low.
Healthcare in Bahrain is good, with private clinics favoured by expats, and they are often employer-covered.
Education and Schooling in Bahrain
Bahrain’s system splits into compulsory basic education (ages 6–14, free for locals) and secondary. Expats typically opt for 30+ international schools offering British
(IGCSE/A-levels), American, International Baccalaureate, or bilingual curricula. School fees range from BHD 5,000–15,000/year; many provide buses and extracurricular activities for students to enjoy. Universities like the University of Bahrain or the Royal University suit older, international students.
Where to Live in Bahrain
Expats typically reside in gated compounds with pools, gyms, and security. Common places to live in Bahrain include:
- Manama (Seef/Adliya): Experience a central buzz with bars, restaurants, and Juffair’s expat vibe, ideal for singles/professionals.
- Riffa Views: Live in luxury villas, enjoy a spot of golf, and explore green spaces, perfect for families seeking privacy.
- Amwaj Islands/Marassi: Live in beachfront apartments and resorts, perfect for living a waterfront lifestyle.
- Juffair: An affordable expat favourite near the Grand Mosque, with easy access to supermarkets and sea paths.
- Busaiteen (Muharraq): Experience a mix of modern flats and traditional buildings, in a family-friendly area near schools.
Top Tips for Getting Started on Living in Bahrain
Visa Process: Secure a job offer before moving to live in Bahrain to be eligible for a work/residency visa (employer sponsors). Golden Residency visas suit investors/property owners.
- Pack Smart: Bahrain experiences high summer heat, so make sure to pack light cottons and remember to bring a UK adapter.
- Settle In: Make sure to open a bank account on day one, get an international driver’s license and join expat Facebook groups to find a sense of community and discuss things like housing and job prospects.
- Healthcare/Insurance: Employer plans cover most, with private visits costing BHD 20–50.
- Family Moves: If moving with your family, apply for school places sooner rather than later, as places fill quickly.
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