Bank account in Bahrein?

[JamesDonkey]

Can a non resident open a bank account in Bahrein?

 

[Sols]

Aside from UAE (not even there so much nowadays), I've only seen banking for non-residents in that region for people or businesses with strong local connections, the occasional HNWI seeking private banking, and specific expat communities. Bahrain is no exception.

Notably, Al Salam Bank is a Bahraini bank which bought a failing bank in the Seychelles, thus creating Al Salam Bank Seychelles, as a way to offer international banking.

 

[boomy]

Al Salam Bank Seychelles, as a way to offer international banking

they accept international clients and offshore companies right?

 

[Sols]

they accept international clients and offshore companies right?

Yes. It's a slow and tedious process and they are selective, though.

 

[Fred]

Same like in the UAE - non-resident accounts are possible in theory however the first question you will get is what's the reason for account opening and if you don't have any business, investment or residence ties in Bahrain - chances are close to 0.

You could get a Permanent Residence Visa through a Company Formation however processing times are lengthy and requires 50k$ paid-up capital.

That's maybe the answer why everyone is setting up in the UAE as you can get within 2-4 weeks the strongest possible ties even possible oin the UAE with Residence Visa and Company it's just a matter of time for getting banking - I have often the impression that people immediately associate Residence Visa with living fulltime in the UAE which is of course not necessary to keep the setup active (having of course the home country side sorted out).