Tax advisory for pharma companies, medical device firms, and biotech startups.
Pharmaceutical imports zero-rated for customs duty under GCC tariff. VAT on prescription medicines — standard-rated at 10%. Over-the-counter medicines also 10%. Cold chain logistics adds cost complexity.
Clinical trial costs — VAT on trial supplies, patient recruitment, and lab services. No specific R&D tax credit in Bahrain currently. Pillar Two QDMTT may offer transitional R&D incentives.
Healthcare services are zero-rated (0% VAT). Medical devices and equipment standard-rated. Hospital supplies mixed — medical supplies may qualify for zero-rating while general supplies do not.
Import, storage, and distribution. NHRA-regulated pricing. Wholesale and retail margin taxation.
Class I-IV device imports. Customs classification disputes. Registration fees and compliance costs.
Innovation grants and VC funding. IP licensing structures. Technology transfer agreements.
Contract research organizations. Cross-border clinical trial management. Data privacy (PDPL) compliance costs.
Specialist tax advice for life sciences businesses in Bahrain.
Get Pharma Advice →