Bahrain’s Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs has outlined its grace period issuance and renewal service for expatriate residents whose residence permits have expired, providing an official procedure that may allow eligible individuals to arrange a residency transfer or departure in accordance with the Kingdom’s immigration regulations.

According to the authority’s official website, the service is intended to facilitate the regularization of residency arrangements following permit expiry. Eligible applicants can request a grace period or its renewal while completing the necessary immigration procedures, subject to the applicable requirements and approval.

The authority specifies a fee of BHD 15 for issuing a grace period and BHD 15 for renewing one. These charges relate specifically to the grace period service and should not be confused with other possible fees arising from residence cancellation, immigration violations or work permit procedures.

Applications must be submitted by the guarantor or an authorized representative. The person for whom the grace period is requested must be physically present in Bahrain when the application is submitted, and each applicant must have a separate application with the relevant supporting documents.

Required documents include a copy of the applicant’s passport, including any family information or additional details where applicable, a copy of the guarantor’s identity card or commercial registration as required, and a commitment letter explaining the reason for requesting an extension. The authority may request additional documentation when necessary.

For applications submitted in person, the applicant or authorized representative must also provide the completed service form, present the original passport and submit the relevant identity documentation in accordance with the published requirements.

Applications can be submitted through the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs website, Bahrain’s national eGovernment portal, or in person at the Muharraq Security Complex or Isa Town service center. The applicant must pay the applicable fees and obtain the transaction receipt.

The official service page lists a processing time of five minutes. This refers to the stated administrative processing time and should not be interpreted as automatic approval or as the duration of the grace period itself, which remains subject to the relevant immigration rules.

The authority also advises applicants to verify the validity of any grace period associated with a residence cancellation processed by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority. Active residence permits originally issued through the LMRA must be cancelled through the LMRA system.

Residents and employers seeking clarification can contact the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs call center at 17077077. Applicants should confirm their individual immigration status before arranging a transfer, submitting a renewal request or planning their departure from Bahrain.

Source: Bahrain Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs