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Bahraini Bank Accounts on Leaving Country

Last activity 22 April 2023 by XTang

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Aamir Aleem

Hi, Once we end employment here and leave country, what happen to the bank accounts in bahrain.

Do they remain operational?


also regarding credit card, does it have to be returned?

XTang

No. They will be closed once the ID on file with the bank expires.  You can keep the card. And just throw it away after it expires.

Aamir Aleem

ID expires after 4 years

XTang

By id I mean earlier of residence visa or CPR.

Aamir Aleem

Residence visa will expire in 3 months. CPR Expiry Date is 2027

XTang

So after three months, banks will ask you to update the residence visa. When you don't, then your account will be frozen.  And a few months after that, closed.

Alex999099

Are there any official documents regarding this topic?

XTang

No.


Closest is CBB regulations for bank accounts ie valid residence.


However since the banks are not electronically linked with immigration (as is the case in Saudi), they still rely on documents being provided by account holders. So if you open an account today, the bank will only contact you on the expiry date (earliest of) passport, visa or CPR. And at that stage, they will find out.


As an example, I had cancelled my investor visa and moved to a 10 year self sponsorship visa. But forgot to update it in bank records. They told me to update the record almost a year later when the investor visa would have expired and I updated it then. If I didn't then my account would eventually have been frozen and closed over a period of months.

Alex999099

@XTang


Thanks for reply. Which bank was that?

XTang

My accounts in Hsbc, Citibank and standard chartered.

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