Everything You Need to Know About Car Importers and Exporters in Bahrain
Car importers and exporters in Bahrain have seen a sharp upward trend this year. Statistics for the first half of 2025 reveal that Bahrain imported around 22000 cars. This whopping figure is a significant leap from car imports for the same period in 2024. The imports of used cars from countries like the US, Japan, and Korea has also seen a notable rise in 2025.
On the other hand, Bahrain does not see a significant export of cars because Bahrain is not a large scale car manufacturer for exports. However, the cars that are typically exported from Bahrain are used-cars of various international brands. Usually, countries like the Philippines and Cameroon import cars from Bahrain.
What car importers and exporters in Bahrain need to know.
If you intend to import a car into Bahrain, it is important to understand the vehicle import regulations.
Residence permit
One of the foremost vehicle import regulations is that every importer must have a residence permit. That is, the legal document granting non-citizens the right to live in Bahrain. This is a necessary document in order to obtain a temporary license plate.
Without a residence permit, car importers are required to pay a substantial deposit.
Vehicle age restrictions
If you are importing a used car from a foreign country, the vehicle must not be equal to or more than 5 years old from the date of manufacture. So, car importers and exporters in Bahrain must ensure vehicles are less than 5 years old.
Insurance
Import and export vehicles must have valid insurance.
Central Population Registration
In order to obtain a temporary license plate, the shipper must obtain a Central Population Registration or CPR card in order to process the temporary license plate.
Gasoline tank
Importers and exporters must ensure that cars are not shipped with a full gasoline tank. This rule helps maintain safety and prevent fire accidents during shipment.
Approvals
Further, necessary approvals from the traffic department are necessary, along with title documents and proof of ownership.
Prominent car importers and exporters in Bahrain
Transgulf Maritime Services W.L.L. is one of the fastest-growing shipping companies in Bahrain. We facilitate the import and export of vehicles to and from Bahrain. Our car import and export services include:
- Roll-on/Roll-off transport: Our roll-on/roll-off services allow drivers to drive cars directly onto the ship and drive them off at the destination country. Importers and exporters prefer this method for bulk vehicle transport, although it offers less safety and security than enclosed container shipments.
- Container shipments: at Transgulf Maritime, we offer safe and secure container shipments for car import and export in Bahrain. Trained Transgulf handlers carefully place the cars inside large containers and safely load them onto the ship for secure transportation to the destination country. Most importers and exporters prefer the container shipping method because it offers greater security for high-end cars.
At Transgulf, we offer professional services, ensuring safe, secure, and hassle-free car import and export in Bahrain. Contact Transgulf Maritime Services W.L.L. for logistics and shipping services.