Bahrain

Profiled in Manama · the Middle East

7fit /10

A compact, tax-free island capital where glass towers meet spice-scented souq lanes and the causeway to Saudi Arabia is a short drive away.

CapitalManama
LanguageArabic is official and English is spoken almost everywhere in business and daily life.
CurrencyBahraini dinar (BHD), pegged to the US dollar at roughly 1 BHD to 2.65 USD.
PopulationAbout 700,000 in the greater Manama area, with Bahrain as a whole near 1.5 million.

Cost of living

What a month costs

$1,100Comfortable single
$3,300Family of four
$8501-bed, central
$8Casual meal

Cheaper than Dubai or Doha, with affordable rent and cheap fuel. International school fees and alcohol are where budgets stretch.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

Safety8
Infrastructure8
English8
Kids’ schools8
Integration6
Healthcare7
Residency path7
Tax9
Climate4

See and do

Top 10 in Manama

  1. Bahrain National MuseumThe country's flagship museum on the Corniche, strong on pearling and Dilmun history.
  2. Bab Al BahrainThe 1940s gateway arch that marks the entrance to the old souq.
  3. Manama SouqA warren of gold, spice, textile and perfume stalls behind Bab Al Bahrain.
  4. Al Fateh Grand MosqueOne of the world's largest mosques, open to respectful visitors with a huge fibreglass dome.
  5. Bahrain World Trade CenterTwin sail-shaped towers with wind turbines slung between them.
  6. Beit Al Qur'anAn elegant museum of rare Islamic manuscripts and Qur'ans.
  7. Bahrain National TheatreA striking waterfront venue and one of the region's largest theatres.
  8. Block 338The Adliya district of galleries, boutiques and restaurants that fills up after dark.
  9. Bahrain Financial HarbourThe twin dual-tower centrepiece of the reclaimed waterfront skyline.
  10. Manama CornicheA breezy seafront promenade for walks, running and sunset views over the bay.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

  1. Muharraq and the Pearling PathA UNESCO trail of pearl-diving houses and lanes across the bridge from Manama.
  2. Al Areen and the Tree of LifeA wildlife park and a lone 400-year-old tree in the southern desert.
  3. Amwaj IslandsMan-made lagoons, marinas and beach clubs a half hour north of the city.
  4. Hawar IslandsA remote archipelago for birdwatching and quiet beaches, reached by boat.
  5. Al Khobar, Saudi ArabiaA 25 km drive over the King Fahd Causeway for malls and Gulf coast dining.

Coffee

Best cafes

  1. Café LilouAn ornate French-style café in Adliya and a long-standing Manama institution.
  2. Coco'sA homegrown favourite known for coffee and generous all-day plates.

Restaurants

Where to eat

  1. Villa MamasBeloved Bahraini home-style cooking served in a relaxed villa setting.
  2. CucaLively Spanish tapas in the heart of Block 338.
  3. CUT by Wolfgang PuckA polished steakhouse at the Four Seasons on Bahrain Bay.
  4. Trader Vic'sThe long-running Polynesian bar and grill at the Ritz-Carlton.
  5. La FontaineFine dining and art inside a restored 19th-century merchant mansion.
  6. NirvanaRefined Indian cooking at the Gulf Hotel, a city stalwart.

Morning

Best breakfast

  1. Emmawash Traditional RestaurantHearty Bahraini breakfasts of balaleet, eggs and fresh khubz.
  2. Café LilouA leisurely French-style breakfast under chandeliers in Adliya.
  3. Coco'sA busy weekend brunch spot with big morning plates.
  4. Nolu's CaféCalifornian-style breakfasts and healthy bowls popular with expats.

Residency

Bahrain offers a 10-year Golden Residency for investors, property owners, high earners and standout talent, alongside standard employer-sponsored visas. Buying property in designated freehold areas can also open a path to residency.

Tax

Bahrain charges no personal income tax and no capital gains tax on individuals. A 10 percent VAT applies to most goods and services, and large multinationals now face a 15 percent domestic minimum top-up tax.

Thinking about moving here for real? See the verified Bahrain residency and citizenship routes →

Curious what you would actually pay? See the Bahrain tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →

Nearby

More of the Middle East

IsraelTel Aviv · Overall fit 7/10JordanAmman · Overall fit 7/10OmanMuscat · Overall fit 7/10QatarDoha · Overall fit 7/10Saudi ArabiaRiyadh · Overall fit 7/10KuwaitKuwait City · Overall fit 6/10

Frequently asked

How much does it cost to live in Bahrain?

About $1,100 a month for one person and $3,300 for a family. A one-bedroom flat rents for around $850, and a casual meal costs about $8. Cheaper than Dubai or Doha, with affordable rent and cheap fuel. International school fees and alcohol are where budgets stretch.

Is Bahrain safe, and what is healthcare like?

In our index safety scores 8 out of 10 and healthcare 7 out of 10, where 10 is best.

What language and currency are used in Bahrain?

Arabic is official and English is spoken almost everywhere in business and daily life.. The currency is Bahraini dinar (BHD), pegged to the US dollar at roughly 1 BHD to 2.65 USD..

What is the capital of Bahrain?

Manama.

How can a foreigner get residency in Bahrain?

Bahrain offers a 10-year Golden Residency for investors, property owners, high earners and standout talent, alongside standard employer-sponsored visas. Buying property in designated freehold areas can also open a path to residency.

What taxes does Bahrain charge?

Bahrain charges no personal income tax and no capital gains tax on individuals. A 10 percent VAT applies to most goods and services, and large multinationals now face a 15 percent domestic minimum top-up tax.