Bahrain is a small island country located in the Persian Gulf known for its ancient historical sites, modern infrastructure, and high standard of living. If you are planning to move to Bahrain or stay there for an extended period, you might want to consider buying or importing a vehicle. In this article, we will discuss the procedure for buying a new or used car in Bahrain, importing a vehicle, and selling a car.
Buying a Car in Bahrain
If you are a foreign national planning to buy a car in Bahrain, you need to have a valid Bahraini residency permit or work visa. Once you have met these requirements, you can start looking for a car.
Procedure for Buying a New Car
If you are buying a new car in Bahrain, the process is relatively straightforward. You can visit a car dealership and choose the model that you want to buy. The dealership will provide you with a sales contract, and you will have to pay a deposit. The deposit is usually 10% of the car’s price.
Once you have paid the deposit, the dealership will order the car from the manufacturer. The delivery time depends on the model and availability. When the car arrives, you will have to pay the remaining amount and sign the sales contract. The dealership will register the car in your name and provide you with the necessary paperwork.
Procedure for Buying a Used Car
Buying a used car in Bahrain requires more effort than buying a new car. You can find used cars for sale online, in newspapers, or at car dealerships. When you have found a car that you are interested in, you should arrange a meeting with the seller to inspect the car.
When inspecting a used car, you should check the car’s condition, mileage, and history. You should also take the car for a test drive to see how it handles. If you are satisfied with the car, you can make an offer to the seller.
If the seller accepts your offer, you need to sign a sales contract and pay a deposit. The deposit is usually 10% of the car’s price. You should also check if the car has any outstanding debts or fines. The seller should provide you with the necessary paperwork, including the car’s registration certificate.
When you have paid the remaining amount, the seller will transfer the car’s ownership to you, and you will receive the car’s registration certificate. You should also obtain car insurance and register the car with the Bahrain Traffic Directorate.
Importing a Vehicle in Bahrain
If you want to import a vehicle into Bahrain, you need to follow specific procedures and regulations. The import process depends on the vehicle’s origin and age.
Importing a Vehicle from the GCC Countries
If you are importing a vehicle from the GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman), the process is relatively straightforward. You need to obtain the following documents:
- Original vehicle registration document
- Original bill of sale or proof of ownership
- Certificate of Origin
- Bill of lading or airway bill
You should also check if the vehicle meets the Bahraini technical requirements, including emissions and safety standards. You can obtain more information about the technical requirements from the Bahrain Traffic Directorate.
When you have obtained the necessary documents, you should present them to the Bahrain Customs authorities. The Customs authorities will verify the documents and check the vehicle’s condition. If the vehicle meets the technical requirements and the paperwork is in order, you can register the vehicle in Bahrain.
Importing a Vehicle from Non-GCC Countries
If you are importing a vehicle from non-GCC countries, the process is more complex. You need to follow the following steps:
- Obtain a Roadworthiness Certificate: You need to obtain a roadworthiness certificate from an authorized inspection center in the country of origin. The roadworthiness certificate ensures that the vehicle is in good condition and meets the Bahraini technical requirements, including emissions and safety standards.
Obtain a Vehicle Import License: You need to obtain a vehicle import license from the Bahraini Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism. The license authorizes you to import the vehicle and sets the conditions for the import, including the type of vehicle, the age, and the emissions and safety standards.
Pay the Taxes and Duties: You need to pay the following taxes and duties:
- Value Added Tax (VAT): 5% of the vehicle’s value
- Customs Duty: 5% of the vehicle’s value
- Excise Tax: depends on the vehicle’s engine size, fuel type, and age
- Present the Documents to the Customs Authorities: When the vehicle arrives in Bahrain, you should present the necessary documents to the Customs authorities. The Customs authorities will verify the documents and check the vehicle’s condition. If the vehicle meets the technical requirements and the paperwork is in order, you can register the vehicle in Bahrain.
If you have any questions about the import process, you can contact the Bahrain Customs Directorate, the Bahrain Traffic Directorate, or an authorized inspection center.
Selling a Car in Bahrain
If you want to sell a car in Bahrain, you need to follow specific procedures and regulations.
Procedure for Selling a Car
When you want to sell a car in Bahrain, you need to follow the following steps:
Obtain a Roadworthiness Certificate: You need to obtain a roadworthiness certificate of the car. The roadworthiness certificate is valid for 6 months.
Advertise the Car: You should advertise the car in newspapers, online classifieds, or at car dealerships.
Negotiate the Price: When a buyer is interested in the car, you should negotiate the price and sign a sales contract.
Transfer the Ownership: When you have received the payment, you should transfer the car’s ownership to the buyer. You need to provide the buyer with the car’s registration certificate and the roadworthiness certificate.
Paperwork Required for Selling a Car
When you sell a car in Bahrain, you need to provide the following paperwork:
- Sales Contract: The sales contract should include the names and addresses of the buyer and seller, the car’s details, the price, and the payment terms.
- Registration Certificate: The registration certificate should be signed by the seller and the buyer.
- Roadworthiness Certificate: The roadworthiness certificate should be valid and signed by an authorized inspection center.
If you have any questions about the selling process, you can contact the Bahrain Traffic Directorate or an authorized inspection center.
Buying or importing a vehicle in Bahrain requires following specific procedures and regulations. If you are a foreign national, you need to have a valid Bahraini residency permit or work visa before buying or importing a vehicle. If you are importing a vehicle, you need to obtain the necessary documents, pay the taxes and duties, and present the paperwork to the Customs authorities. If you are selling a car, you need to obtain a roadworthiness certificate, advertise the car, negotiate the price, transfer the ownership, and cancel the insurance and road tax. By following the procedures and regulations, you can buy or sell a car in Bahrain without any legal issues.
If you need more information about buying or importing a vehicle in Bahrain, you can contact the Bahrain Customs Directorate, the Bahrain Traffic Directorate, or an authorized inspection center. These government departments and agencies can provide you with the necessary information and guidance to ensure a smooth and legal process.