Practical guide
Do you need a fishing license in Bahrain?
By Gaurav Agarwal · Updated 15 October 2026
It depends on how you fish: commercial fishing needs a licence and is closed to non-Bahrainis outside GCC provisions, boat-based amateur fishing uses a temporary amateur licence, and the authority can require licences for other amateur fishing. Check your activity before using the new application or renewal route.
01Which fishing licence route fits your situation?
Start with what you plan to do. The legal rule for commercial fishing is different from the rule for amateur fishing.
Do not treat a vessel licence, a fisher licence and a casual fishing question as the same task. The commercial licence records the vessel, fishing methods, equipment and crew.
| Your situation | What the official record says | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial fishing | A licence is required, and non-Bahrainis are generally barred subject to GCC provisions. | Use the new application route if eligible. |
| Existing vessel licence | The national portal renews licences already held with Fish Stock Protection and Development. | Use Fishing License Renewal. |
| Bahraini fisherman licence | A separate national portal service renews Bahraini fisherman licences. | Use that separate renewal service. |
| Amateur fishing | Amateur fishing from a boat is covered by a temporary amateur licence entered in a register of amateur fishing vessel licences, and commercial fishing gear is banned on board. | Ask the Supreme Council for Environment marine resources department for the temporary amateur licence. |
02Apply for a new fishing and pearl licence
The fishing and pearl licence application page says the applicant must be a Bahraini national and at least 18 years old. It lists an annual fee of BHD 25.
The law also requires a fishing or diving applicant to prove fitness to practise. A vessel application includes the owner's name, nationality, ID number and address.
- Download the fishing and pearl licence form, still published on the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture site. Licensing now sits with the Supreme Council for Environment, which took over the marine resources sector in 2024 and is named as the provider of the national portal's fishing licence services.
- Prepare a copy of the smart card, vessel ownership if applicable, and the Supreme Council for the Environment training workshop certificate.
- Use the application form supplied on the official page.
- Pay the published annual fee of BHD 25.
- Keep the licence available for inspection because licences are personal and cannot be transferred.
03Renew an existing fishing licence online
The online Fishing License Renewal service is for people who already hold a licence from Fish Stock Protection and Development. The licence cannot be used by another person or on another vessel.
The service lists three working days when all required data and documents have been submitted. The law says renewal should be made during the 15 days before expiry, and fishing cannot continue after the licence expires.
- Open Fishing License Renewal on the national portal.
- Prepare a copy of the fishing licence.
- Prepare a copy of valid vessel ownership and the Bahrainization certificate.
- Pay BHD 10 for a boat renewal or BHD 50 for a banoosh renewal.
- Allow the published three working days after all data and documents are complete.
| Licence vessel | Fee |
|---|---|
| Boat | BHD 10 |
| Banoosh | BHD 50 |
04Check your documents before you start
A new vessel application and an online renewal use different document lists. Match the documents to the service you are using.
Under the law, a vessel application includes a certified vessel registration copy, a lease if the vessel is rented, and an identity card copy. The online renewal page asks for the existing fishing licence, valid vessel ownership and a Bahrainization certificate.
| Task | Documents published by the official page |
|---|---|
| New fishing and pearl licence | Smart card, vessel ownership if any, and training workshop certificate. |
| Fishing licence renewal | Fishing licence, valid vessel ownership and Bahrainization certificate. |
| Vessel application under the law | Vessel registration, rental contract if rented, and identity card. |
05Know the decision and renewal deadlines
The law gives the competent authority 15 days to decide a licence or renewal request. The online renewal page separately publishes a service time of three working days when the submission is complete.
A standard licence lasts one year, although the authority may issue one for a shorter period. Start renewal during the 15 days before expiry.
- Save the submission reference and a copy of every attachment.
- Respond if the administration asks for data or information, as the renewal conditions require.
- Do not use another person's licence or move the licence to another vessel.
- Stop the licensed fishing activity if the licence expires before renewal.
06A licence does not replace fishing restrictions
The licence sets the vessel, methods, equipment and crew for commercial fishing. Separate rules control gear, protected species and minimum catch sizes.
The official gear rules prohibit nylon fishing nets. The rules for fixed fence traps (hadhra) also require protected, rare or endangered marine animals caught incidentally to be returned to the sea immediately.
Fishing for shaari, safi and andaq is banned every April and May in Bahrain's waters, and any caught must be released.
The 2025 minimum size rule lists 45 cm for kingfish and 42 cm for grouper. Check the current official decision for the species you intend to keep.
07What the official pages don't say
No official page found sets a separate licence for fishing from the shore; the law lets the authority require amateur licences where needed.
The ministry's new application page publishes eligibility, documents and the annual fee, but it does not publish a first application processing time. The three working day figure belongs to the online renewal service.
08FAQs
Do I need a fishing license in Bahrain?
Commercial fishing requires a licence. Boat-based amateur fishing uses a temporary amateur licence. For other amateur fishing, the competent authority sets the rules and may require a licence where necessary.
Can an expat get a commercial fishing license in Bahrain?
The law generally bars non-Bahrainis from commercial fishing, subject to provisions concerning GCC nationals.
How much is a new Bahrain fishing license?
The ministry page for a fishing and pearl licence lists BHD 25 paid annually.
How much does fishing license renewal cost?
The national portal lists BHD 10 for a boat renewal and BHD 50 for a banoosh renewal.
How long does online renewal take?
The service lists three working days when all required data and documents are submitted.
What documents are needed for renewal?
Prepare the fishing licence, valid vessel ownership and Bahrainization certificate.
Can I use someone else's fishing license?
No. The renewal conditions say no other person may use the licence, and it cannot be used on another vessel.
How early should I renew?
The law says to renew during the 15 days before expiry and not to continue fishing after the licence expires.
09Official sources
- Decree Law No. 20 of 2002
- Fishing License Renewal
- Renewal of Bahraini Fisherman License
- Application form for license to fishing and extract pearls
- Resolution No. 6 of 2025
- Resolution No. 3 of 2025
- Decree No. 15 of 2024
- Resolution No. 12 of 2005
- Resolution No. 2 of 2024
Official details checked 15 October 2026.