In line with best international practice, the Survey Land Registration Bureau (Bahrain) has recently implemented the use of electronic title deeds, substituting the traditional hard copy title deed known as the ‘Red Book’.

The transformation to the e-copy, aims to create a quick and seamless procedure in issuing title deeds for individuals, reducing the administrative burden and time previously required to produce the hardcopy title deed.

The electronic title deed now contains information in both the English and Arabic language (formerly only in Arabic) and is one page long containing the following information: the owner’s name, title deed number, property type, parcel number, and a plan of the property.

The details of past owners and mortgages (previously included within the hardcopy title deed) may be viewed by scanning the QR code found on the e-copy.

This is no doubt a welcome change which reflects the Bureau’s efforts in enhancing the quality and efficiency of services provided to nationals and non-Arabic speaking foreign owners investing in real estate in Bahrain.

Owners of property wishing to substitute the old Red Book to the new electronic title deed will be able to do so by applying to the Survey Land Registration Bureau.

The introduction of the electronic title deed is in line with Bahrain’s 2030 vision. Not only is this transformation consistent with the electronic overhaul in systems more generally, but a step towards enhancing the volume of real estate transactions and increasing the registration of real estate transactions within the Kingdom of Bahrain.