Bahrain Social Contributions Guide 2026
Bahrain's Social Insurance Organization (SIO) covers Bahraini nationals with employee contributions of 6% and employer contributions of 12%, capped at BHD 4,000/month. Expatriates pay no SIO but employers pay a 1% work injury premium and BHD 60/month LMRA fee.
SIO Contribution Rates — Bahraini Nationals
The monthly salary cap for SIO contributions is BHD 4,000. Contributions are calculated on gross salary up to this cap.
- Employee: 6% total — 3% old-age pension + 2% disability + 1% unemployment
- Employer: 12% total — 6% old-age pension + 4% disability + 2% unemployment
Total SIO contribution: 18% of salary (up to BHD 4,000/month).
Expatriate Contributions
Expatriate employees do not contribute to SIO. Employers must pay:
- 1% work injury insurance premium on expatriate salaries
- BHD 60/month LMRA (Labour Market Regulatory Authority) fee per expatriate employee
Unemployment Insurance (Sandeel)
In addition to SIO, employed Bahraini nationals contribute 1% of salary (capped at BHD 4,000) to the unemployment insurance scheme (Sandeel). The government contributes an equivalent amount.
SIO Benefits
- Old-age pension: Payable from age 60 with 20+ years of contributions
- Disability pension: For permanent total or partial disability
- Unemployment benefit: Up to 60% of salary for 9 months (Sandeel)
- Survivor's pension: For dependents of deceased contributors
- End-of-service gratuity: For expatriates (see Pension Guide)
Voluntary Contributions
Self-employed Bahraini nationals and those not covered by SIO may make voluntary contributions to secure pension coverage. The voluntary rate is 18% of declared income (up to BHD 4,000/month).