The eKey is your gateway to a whole range of eServices offered by the Bahraini government. 

Whether it is for commercial registration (CR) or to access dozens of other services offered on Sijilat and other government portals, having your eKey handy will make life much easier and more efficient for you. 

For those with no prior exposure to eKeys, this article will provide you with a quick glimpse into everything you need to know about eKeys in Bahrain. 

What is an eKey?

“The eKey is a secure and convenient way to access government services online. This single sign-on system allows you to use one set of credentials for multiple services. Developed by the Information & eGovernment Authority in 2007, the eKey is designed to protect your personal information while making your online interactions with the government easier.”. 

Two types of eKeys

Bahrain currently offers two kinds of eKeys — Standard and Advanced. Each comes with its unique benefits and use-cases. 

Standard eKey

W”The Standard eKey provides basic online access to some government services. You only need to enter your personal number and password once to use it, and creating an account is quick and easy. However, the Standard eKey has limited features due to its simplified verification process. It doesn’t require biometric data like fingerprints and offers access to a smaller number of government services compared to the Advanced eKey.”.

How to apply

1. Visit the official eKey portal: www.ekey.bh Click on “Create my eKey.” On the next page, select “Register Now for a Standard eKey”. Enter your personal number, date of birth, block number, and smart card expiry date. If you’re unsure about your block number, you can confirm it on the Bahraini Municipal Map. After submitting your details, you’ll receive an authentication code on your registered mobile number. For verification, you can either call the National Contact Center at 80008001 or visit your nearest service center. Once verified, you can log in to your eKey account and start using it!

Advanced eKey

“To ensure the highest level of security, registering for the Advanced eKey requires an in-person application. This is because the Advanced eKey grants access to all eServices, including highly confidential ones.” 

How to apply

You have to produce your smart card and biometrics at the time of registration. For this, you need to visit your nearest eGovernment eService Center. The process usually doesn’t take more than 10 minutes.

The information you’ll require providing include:

• Your smart card 
• Personal information such as name, date of birth, and such.
• A valid mobile number.
• Your fingerprints..