Server / Waiter in Manama

As per the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, the minimum wage for restaurant servers in Bahrain is BHD 300 per month as of January 2026 for Bahraini nationals in the private sector. Expatriate workers in restaurants must receive at least BHD 250 per month plus overtime at 1.25 times the hourly rate for hours beyond 48 per week. Employers must deposit salaries into bank accounts by the 10th of each month.

Foreign nationals require a work permit from the Labour Market Regulatory Authority valid for two years at a fee of BHD 200, sponsored by a licensed restaurant employer. The permit must be applied for within 30 days of arrival on a visit visa, with medical fitness tests completed at approved centers costing BHD 50. Renewal requires a valid employment contract and no outstanding violations.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Development requires chefs to hold at least a secondary school certificate plus two years of documented restaurant kitchen experience for visa approval. A recognized culinary diploma reduces the experience requirement to one year, with all qualifications verified through the National Qualifications Framework by December 2026.

Applicants must submit a valid passport, attested educational certificates, a medical report from a Bahrain-approved center, and a police clearance certificate issued within the last six months. The Labour Market Regulatory Authority requires the employment contract and employer commercial registration copy to be uploaded via their online portal before the work permit is issued.