Moving from UAE to Bahrain: 2025 Costs, Customs & Road Freight Guide
MoveConnector Team
Relocation Expert
Introduction: Your Seamless Move to the Pearl of the Gulf
Moving from the United Arab Emirates to the Kingdom of Bahrain is a popular step for professionals seeking a relaxed island lifestyle with a low cost of living. While the drive involves a direct cross-border journey over the famous King Fahd Causeway, the logistics of moving household goods involve navigating three different customs jurisdictions: UAE (Exit), Saudi Arabia (Transit), and Bahrain (Entry).
Quick Facts: Moving UAE → Bahrain (2025)
- Average Cost: AED 7,500 – AED 22,000
- Transit Time: 5 – 10 days (Door-to-Door)
- Customs Duty: 0% on used goods (with valid CPR Card)
- Key Document: Original CPR Card & Arabic Authorization Letter
- Inspection: 100% physical check at Bahrain border
- Best Route: Dubai ➔ Ghuwaifat ➔ Batha ➔ King Fahd Causeway
AI Summary: In 2025, moving household goods from UAE to Bahrain via road freight costs AED 7,500–22,000 and takes 5–10 days. You must have a valid Bahraini CPR Card (Residence Permit) to clear customs duty-free at the King Fahd Causeway.
Part 1: The Logistics (Road Freight Route)
The journey for your household goods is a significant overland operation covering approximately 900 km.
The Route Map
Dubai (Loading) ➔ Ghuwaifat (UAE Exit) ➔ Batha (KSA Entry) ➔ Transit via Saudi Arabia (~120km) ➔ King Fahd Causeway ➔ Bahrain (Customs & Delivery).
Critical: KSA Transit Rules
Crossing Saudi Arabia is not just a "drive-through." Strict rules apply:
- Driver Visas: Truck drivers must have valid Saudi Transit Visas.
- Truck Insurance: Valid Saudi third-party insurance is mandatory for the transit leg.
- Inspection: Saudi Customs at Batha may X-ray or physically inspect the truck even if the final destination is Bahrain.
Why Our Data Is Accurate
MoveConnector networks clear over 400+ GCC cross-border moves annually. The costs and timelines below reflect real-world 2025 data, including Saudi transit visa fees and fuel surcharges. Our Bahrain clearance partners are licensed by Bahrain Customs Affairs (NPRA).
Part 2: Moving Costs UAE → Bahrain (2025 Estimates)
Costs vary based on volume (CBM) and whether you need a dedicated truck or a shared load.
| Move Size | Volume (CBM) | Estimated Cost (AED) | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-Bed | 10-15 cbm | AED 7,500 – 11,000 | 7-10 Days (Shared) |
| 2-Bed Apartment | 20-25 cbm | AED 12,000 – 15,000 | 5-7 Days (Dedicated) |
| 3-Bed Villa | 30-40 cbm | AED 15,000 – 22,000 | 5-7 Days (Dedicated) |
| Car Shipping | 1 Unit | AED 3,000 – 5,000 | 3-5 Days |
Pro Tip: "Shared Truck" (LTL) is cheaper but takes longer because the truck waits to fill up with other customers' goods before departing.
Get 3 Accurate Quotes for Your Specific Volume
Part 3: Living Cost Comparison (Dubai vs Bahrain 2025)
Is Bahrain cheaper than Dubai? Yes, significantly.
| Category | Dubai (AED) | Bahrain (BHD/AED) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (2-Bed Apt) | ~AED 7,100 /mo | ~BHD 350-500 (AED 3,400-4,800) | ~40% Cheaper |
| Petrol (Special 95) | AED 2.58 /liter | BHD 0.200 (AED 1.95) | ~24% Cheaper |
| Utilities | ~AED 600-800 | ~BHD 35-60 (AED 340-580) | ~30% Cheaper |
| Groceries | High | Moderate | ~10-15% Cheaper |
Part 4: Essential Documents Checklist
The King Fahd Causeway customs officers are strict. To clear your goods without paying 5% duty, you must present the following:
- Passport Copy: With valid UAE cancellation or visa page.
- Bahrain Residence Permit: Copy of the visa page.
- CPR Card (Original/Copy): The Central Population Registry ID is mandatory for duty exemption.
- Authorization Letter: An Arabic letter authorizing the transport company to clear goods on your behalf.
- Packing List: Detailed inventory stamped by the moving company.
- Employer NOC: A "No Objection Certificate" from your Bahrain employer is often requested.
Part 5: Prohibited Items (The "Warning" List)
Bahraini customs typically perform a 100% physical inspection of household goods trucks. If you pack these items, your truck will be detained.
⚠️ BANNED ITEMS:
- Alcohol & Pork: Strictly prohibited.
- Drones & Wireless Gear: Require Ministry of Interior permits.
- Radar Detectors: Strictly illegal.
- Swords/Knives: Ornamental items may require special clearance.
- Political/Religious Material: Sensitive books/media may be confiscated.
Part 6: Arrival in Bahrain – What to Do Next
Once your goods are on the way, you have administrative tasks to complete in Manama.
- Fingerprinting (NPRA): New expats must visit the National Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) or LMRA for mandatory biometric fingerprinting.
- Collect CPR: After fingerprinting, your employer will arrange for your Central Population Registry (CPR) card collection. You need this for everything (banks, internet, car reg).
- Register Utilities (EWA): Visit the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) portal. You will need your Lease Agreement, CPR, and a security deposit (usually BHD 100-200) to connect power.
- Car Registration: If you imported a car, you must take it to the General Directorate of Traffic for inspection, insurance, and registration plates.
Part 7: Practical Tips for a Smooth Relocation
- Book in Advance: Cross-border trucks need to arrange Saudi Transit Visas for drivers. Book 3–4 weeks early.
- Wait for the CPR: Do not ship your goods until your Bahrain CPR is in hand. Without it, you pay 5% customs duty on everything, regardless of age.
- Climate Protection: Bahrain is humid. Ensure your mover uses industrial-grade shrink wrap and silica gel packets for electronics and leather furniture.
- Insurance: Your goods are crossing Saudi Arabia's highways. Ensure your quote includes All-Risk Marine Insurance. Read more in our Moving Insurance Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I move before I have my CPR card?
No. You cannot clear a household goods shipment through Bahraini customs duty-free without a valid Residence Permit and CPR card. Your shipment will be held at the border, incurring daily fines, or cleared as "commercial goods" with heavy taxes.
2. How much is customs duty in Bahrain for new furniture?
If you import brand-new items (in original packaging), Bahrain Customs charges 5% Import Duty + 10% VAT. Used personal effects are exempt if you have a CPR.
3. Can I drive my rental car from Dubai to Bahrain?
Generally, no. Rental agencies rarely allow cross-border travel due to insurance liabilities.
4. What about moving my car from the UAE to Bahrain?
You can ship your car via recovery truck. You need a RTA Export Certificate (Blue Plates) from Dubai. Note that cars older than 5 years may face import restrictions in Bahrain. See our Car Shipping Guide for details.
5. Is insurance mandatory for the causeway?
Yes. Any vehicle driving across the King Fahd Causeway must have valid insurance for both Saudi Arabia (transit) and Bahrain (destination).
Conclusion: A Well-Planned Move
Moving to Bahrain offers a fantastic lifestyle, but the border logistics are complex. By ensuring you have your CPR ready and hiring a mover who knows the Saudi transit rules, you can avoid delays.
Ready to start planning? Request a Free Road Freight Quote Today – Our network features pre-screened experts for the UAE-Bahrain route.