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.
A Non-Resident may request refund of Bahrain VAT incurred for business where it is not registered or required to register in Bahrain, is registered for VAT or similar Tax in its residence country and made no Supply creating Bahrain liability during the claim period. The supported claim is due within three months after year-end and the NBR decides within three months.
Non-Resident businesses incurring Bahrain business costs without registration-liable Supplies.
This is not a registration substitute. The current published procedure also requires at least BHD 200, one claim per calendar year and submission from 1 January through 31 March of the following year.
Current text
Non-Resident refund test
- 1
Confirm Non-Residence and no Bahrain registration obligation.
- 2
Evidence VAT or similar registration at home.
- 3
Confirm no Supply created Tax liability in the period.
- 4
Link every invoice to business activity.
- 5
Reach current BHD 200 minimum.
- 6
Submit one annual claim between 1 January and 31 March.
- 7
Attach form, invoice schedule and evidence; answer extra requests within 30 days.
Connected provisions
Official guides and tools
Connected Madar tools
BHD 240 of 2026 business costs
A foreign company registered for similar Tax at home, not registered or required to register in Bahrain, incurs BHD 240 Bahrain VAT on 2026 business costs. With no registration-triggering Supplies it files its one claim from 1 January to 31 March 2027. BHD 180 is below the current published minimum.
Questions to help you apply it
- Bahrain registration obligation?
- Home Tax registration?
- Business-purpose costs?
- At least BHD 200?
- Filed January–March?