Country guide
Bahrain
A civil-law system with Sharia courts for family matters, plus the Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution (BCDR) for larger commercial disputes.
General information — last reviewed 20 October 2026 — to be reviewed by a licensed lawyer. Not legal advice.
Courts
- Lower and High Civil Courts, High Court of Appeal, Court of Cassation
- Sharia courts (family)
- Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution
How matters are filed
- Labour complaints can go to the Ministry of Labour or directly to court.
- Rent disputes go to the Rent Disputes Settlement Committee.
Practice areas
Labour & Employment
Labour Law for the Private Sector No. 36 of 2012
Covers contracts, wages, leave and end-of-service; work permits are issued by the LMRA.
Tenancy & Real Estate
Rent Law No. 27 of 2014 (amended by Law No. 10 of 2020)
Leases are registered and disputes heard by the Rent Disputes Settlement Committee.
Family & Personal Status
Family Law No. 19 of 2017
A unified family law applied by the Sharia courts.
Corporate & Commercial
Companies are registered with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (Sijilat) under the commercial companies law.
Immigration & Golden Visa
Residence and work permits are handled by the LMRA and the Nationality, Passports & Residence Affairs.
Criminal Defence
Offences are investigated by the Public Prosecution and tried under the penal code.
Debt, Banking & Insolvency
Debts are recovered through claims and the execution courts.
FAQs
Is there a single family law in Bahrain?
Yes, Family Law No. 19 of 2017.
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