English text status

English translation published by the NBR in its bilingual Regulations file (marked unofficial). The Arabic text published in the Official Gazette remains the legal reference in the event of any discrepancy.

Practical summary

The NBR may refund Bahrain VAT paid by foreign governments, international organisations, diplomatic or consular bodies and military bodies within reciprocity or treaty limits and following Foreign Affairs coordination. The designated form and supporting Tax Invoices or information are required, and no request may be made below BHD 100.

Who should read this?

Eligible governments, missions, organisations, consular and military bodies.

Why does it matter?

Status does not create automatic repayment. Reciprocity or treaty basis, form and evidence are required. BHD 100 exactly is not excluded by the less-than-BHD-100 rule.

Reciprocity or treatyBHD 100 minimum60-day decision and 30-day payment

Current text

A. The Bureau may refund Tax paid on the Supply of Goods and Services in the Kingdom to foreign governments, international organisations, diplomatic missions and institutions, consular and military bodies, within the limits of the principle of reciprocity, or in accordance with international conventions and treaties following coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. B. A refund request must be submitted in accordance with a form prepared by the Bureau for this purpose. C. The Bureau may request copies of Tax Invoices or any additional information to verify the validity of the recovery request, and the applicant must submit the required information within thirty days from the date of submission of the refund request. In all cases, no refund request can be made for a Tax amount of less than one hundred Dinars. D. The Bureau shall decide on the request for a refund within sixty days of the date of submission of the application after verifying the validity of the application, and it shall inform the applicant of its decision in this regard, whether it is to approve or reject the application. E. On approval of the refund request, the Bureau shall refund by means of a bank transfer to the bank account of the applicant within thirty days from the date of approval of the refund request.

Diplomatic refund file

  1. 1

    Identify applicant status.

  2. 2

    Evidence reciprocity or treaty basis.

  3. 3

    Use NBR form.

  4. 4

    Collect Tax Invoices and evidence.

  5. 5

    Confirm Tax is at least BHD 100.

  6. 6

    Provide requested information within 30 days.

  7. 7

    Track 60-day decision and 30-day transfer.

Connected provisions

Official guides and tools

Connected Madar tools

Illustrative example by Madar

BHD 99 and BHD 100

A BHD 99 refund request is below the Article's threshold. BHD 100 exactly is not barred by that threshold alone, but status, reciprocity, form, invoices and all other requirements still apply.

Questions to help you apply it

  • Applicant status?
  • Reciprocity or treaty basis?
  • At least BHD 100?
  • Complete form and evidence?