Business Letters for Bahrain

Company Letters That Bahraini Offices Rely On

Much of what a U.S. company says to a Bahraini authority, bank or business partner is said in a letter on company letterhead. A plain signed letter is just correspondence. Once an officer signs it before a notary and it carries an apostille, Bahraini offices can rely on it as an authenticated statement of the company. Bahrain has accepted apostilles since December 31, 2013, so this is a single, quick step.

Letters for setting up and running a Bahraini presence

When a U.S. parent opens a branch or subsidiary in Bahrain, the commercial registration file often includes letters from the parent: an appointment letter naming the branch manager, a no-objection letter consenting to a particular activity or appointment, or a letter of undertaking in which the parent accepts responsibility for the branch’s obligations. Banks opening accounts for the Bahraini entity frequently ask for a parent company comfort or guarantee letter as well.

Letters for tenders and commercial deals

Bidders in Bahraini public tenders, and suppliers to large Bahraini buyers, are often asked for manufacturer’s authorization letters, letters confirming that a product line is genuine and supported, or statements of experience and capacity. Where the letter appoints a distributor or agent, see our letter of authorization for Bahrain page, since authorization letters have their own drafting points.

Letters about employees

Employers sign employment verification, salary and experience letters for staff moving to Bahrain, which may be requested for work permits, professional licensing, family residence or bank financing. Professional bodies and employers in Bahrain generally want the letter to state the position, the dates of employment and the main duties. Sign it before a notary as the authorized officer of the company.

Making the letter apostille-ready

Print the letter on current company letterhead, date it, and have it signed by a named officer whose title appears under the signature. The signature is made before a U.S. notary, with a proper notarial certificate attached or on the page. The Secretary of State of the notary’s state then issues the apostille. No U.S. Department of State or Bahrain Embassy step is involved. An unsigned letter, a scanned signature, or a stamp alone cannot be apostilled.

Arabic and wording

Short, factual letters work best. Bahraini ministries will usually have them translated into Arabic by a certified translator in Bahrain, and some companies prepare bilingual letters for frequent use. Avoid promises the company does not intend to be bound by, because an apostilled letter will be read as a formal commitment.