Working in Bahrain
For transparency, AI has been used during the generation of this content, with every care taken to verify its accuracy.
Average Salary
In Bahrain, the average gross monthly salary across all sectors is approximately 990 BHD ($2,620), but this varies greatly depending on sector and level of expertise. For example, those working in engineering roles earn on average 1,200 – 1,500 BHD ($3,175 - $3,970) per month, and energy sector professionals often earn 1,800 – 2,500 BHD ($4,760 - $6,610) per month, depending on experience and seniority.
General information
Currency
Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
Official language
Arabic
Conversational languages
English Farsi Urdu Hindi
Time zone
Arabic Standard Time (UTC+03:00)
Common types of Employment or Contracting
In Bahrain, employment arrangements vary depending on whether you are a direct employee, contractor, or working through a company structure.
Common types of employment
Common types of contracting
Already secured a job overseas?
If you have secured an assignment but are unsure of where to start with setting up as a Freelancer or B2B contractor, please feel free to reach out to our International team for assistance.
Living in Bahrain
Living in Bahrain offers a comfortable lifestyle that balances modern living with strong cultural traditions. The country is known for its relaxed pace, friendly communities and good infrastructure. Bahrain is ethnically and culturally diverse, with a large expat population from Asia, Europe, and the wider Middle East living alongside Bahraini citizens. The cost of living is generally reasonable for the Gulf region, though areas such as Manama, Seef, Juffair, and Amwaj Islands are more expensive.
- The average cost of a weekly grocery shop for a small family is BHD 50 - 80 ($130 - $210)
- Renting a 1 - 2 bedroom apartment costs roughly BHD 250 – 500 ($660 - $1,325) per month, whilst a larger family apartment would cost BHD 400 – 700 ($1,060 - $1,855) per month
- Monthly childcare costs on average BHD 100 – 300 ($265 - $795) per month
- Petrol costs from BHD 0.20 – 0.65 ($0.53 - $1.72) per litre, whilst diesel costs between BHD 0.20 – 0.60 ($0.53 - $1.59) per litre
Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road. Those with an eligible driver’s licence from a country recognised through bilateral agreements can often convert it by submitting documents, completing an eye test, and paying a fee, while others must enrol in a driving school, pass a theory exam, and complete a practical road test through the General Directorate of Traffic.
Weather in Bahrain
Bahrain has a hot desert climate, characterised by long, very hot summers and short, mild winters. Summer is extremely hot and humid, with daytime temperatures typically reaching 38–42°C, while night-time lows often remain around 28-32°C. Winter is much cooler and more comfortable, with daytime highs of around 20-24°C and cooler nights, dropping to around 10-15°C. Rainfall is minimal throughout the year, making Bahrain generally sunny and dry.
Language and integration support
While Arabic is the official language of Bahrain, English is widely spoken across business, government services, healthcare, education, and daily life, making it easy to settle in without Arabic fluency. Expats who wish to integrate further can access Arabic language classes, private tutors, and informal language exchanges, as well as strong expat networks, social clubs, and international associations that support practical needs and social connections.
For any translation needs - especially those required for work permit or visa applications - our dedicated Languages team is ready to support you. They provide accurate, timely translations and can guide you through the process to ensure all necessary documents meet the required standards.
Our services in Bahrain
Across the globe, we support energy and engineering companies with the international recruitment and global mobilisation solutions they need to extend their capability and grow their businesses.
Find out about our international services
Global mobility
NRL Recruitment simplifies international employee relocation with seamless global mobility services. From visa assistance to cultural onboarding, we ensure your staff transitions smoothly across borders, minimising disruption and maximising productivity.
Payroll solutions
Managing payroll across multiple countries can be complex, but our payroll solutions make it simple. We handle accurate, compliant compensation for your global workforce, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time, every time.
Global employer of record
With our global employer of record services, you can legally employ staff overseas without establishing local entities. We manage compliance, contracts, and HR administration, giving you the freedom to expand globally with confidence and ease.
International recruitment
Finding the right talent worldwide is effortless with our international recruitment solutions. We connect your business with top-tier professionals, managing the end-to-end hiring process so you can focus on growth and strategic priorities.
