Bahrain Labour Law — the quick guide
The statutory baseline for employment in Bahrain under Bahrain Labour Law No. 36 of 2012, in one page. Every figure below comes from the same compliance engine that runs AhlanHamad payroll.
- Labour law
- Bahrain Labour Law No. 36 of 2012
- Annual leave
- 30 days
- Sick leave
- up to 55 days/year
- Probation
- up to 3 months
- Notice period
- 1 month(s)
- Weekend
- Friday–Saturday
- Overtime
- +25% weekdays · +50% rest days
- Social insurance
- SIO — employer 18% / employee 8%
- Wage protection
- WPS (LMRA)
- Nationalization
- Bahrainization — workforce target 25%
Annual leave
The statutory annual leave entitlement in Bahrain is 30 days under Bahrain Labour Law No. 36 of 2012. Contracts may grant more; some entitlements vary with length of service.
Sick leave
Bahrain Labour Law No. 36 of 2012 provides for up to 55 days of sick leave per year in Bahrain, paid on the tiered scale set by the law.
Probation period
Probation may last up to 3 months.
Notice period
The statutory notice period is 1 month(s) for indefinite contracts — always check the contract, which may set a longer period.
Working week
The standard working week in Bahrain runs Sunday to Thursday, with a Friday–Saturday weekend.
Overtime pay
Statutory overtime under Bahrain Labour Law No. 36 of 2012 is normal wage +25% on working days and +50% on the weekly rest day. These are minimums — company policy may pay more.
End-of-service gratuity
Law 36/2012 Art. 116: 15 days' wage/yr for the first 3 years + 1 month's wage/yr thereafter, no cap. No minimum qualifying service — the reward is due for a fraction of a year pro rata the period of service. Full gratuity on both resignation and termination. (Since 1 Mar 2024 expat EOS is paid via the SIO monthly-contribution scheme, which likewise accrues from the first month; the entitlement figure is unchanged.) WAGE BASIS: this award is computed on the monthly BASIC wage PLUS the social allowance only — housing, transport and every other allowance are excluded.
- First 3 years: 15 days' wage per year
- After 3 years: 1 month's wage per year
- Partial years are calculated proportionally
- Full gratuity on both resignation and termination
Wage protection (WPS)
Employers in Bahrain pay salaries through WPS (LMRA). AhlanHamad builds the wage-protection file from each payroll run, ready for you to upload.
Workforce nationalization
Bahrainization — workforce target 25%
Statutory rules current as of August 2026. These are the statutory baselines, stated for general information — not legal advice. Entitlements can vary with tenure, sector, and contract; verify your specific case.
Frequently asked questions
How many days of annual leave in Bahrain?
The statutory annual leave entitlement in Bahrain is 30 days under Bahrain Labour Law No. 36 of 2012. Contracts may grant more; some entitlements vary with length of service.
How many sick days does the law allow in Bahrain?
Bahrain Labour Law No. 36 of 2012 provides for up to 55 days of sick leave per year in Bahrain, paid on the tiered scale set by the law.
How long can probation last in Bahrain?
Probation may last up to 3 months.
What is the overtime rate in Bahrain?
Statutory overtime under Bahrain Labour Law No. 36 of 2012 is normal wage +25% on working days and +50% on the weekly rest day. These are minimums — company policy may pay more.
What is the weekend in Bahrain?
The standard working week in Bahrain runs Sunday to Thursday, with a Friday–Saturday weekend.
How is end-of-service calculated in Bahrain?
Law 36/2012 Art. 116: 15 days' wage/yr for the first 3 years + 1 month's wage/yr thereafter, no cap. No minimum qualifying service — the reward is due for a fraction of a year pro rata the period of service. Full gratuity on both resignation and termination. (Since 1 Mar 2024 expat EOS is paid via the SIO monthly-contribution scheme, which likewise accrues from the first month; the entitlement figure is unchanged.) WAGE BASIS: this award is computed on the monthly BASIC wage PLUS the social allowance only — housing, transport and every other allowance are excluded.
Social insurance
SIO contributions are employer 18% and employee 8% of the covered wage, for covered Bahraini nationals. Expatriate employees are generally outside the state pension scheme and receive the end-of-service gratuity instead.
See the current SIO contribution rates