UAE Residents Now Eligible for Golden Visas Across All GCC Countries

In a historic shift toward regional integration, residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can now apply for golden and premium residency programs across all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations — including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait. This marks a transformative era for the Gulf, which is evolving from short-term employment contracts to a long-term investment and innovation hub.

These new residency pathways — lasting between five and ten years — are renewable and, in many cases, do not require local sponsorship. The move positions the GCC as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking economic stability and lifestyle opportunities.

UAE: Leading the Way in Long-Term Residency
Since launching its Golden Visa program in 2019, the UAE has become the model for long-term residency in the Gulf. The visa provides a 10-year renewable stay for investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, and exceptional talents. Holders enjoy 100% business ownership and the right to sponsor family members.

Eligibility criteria include:

• Investing or buying property worth AED 2 million or more.
  
• Holding AED 2 million in public funds or UAE-registered businesses.
  
• Owning a company generating at least AED 1 million in annual revenue.
  
• Earning a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 as a skilled professional.
  

Tens of thousands of expatriates have already benefited, finding a long-term sense of belonging and economic security in the Emirates.

Saudi Arabia: Redefining Residency Through Investment
Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency (Iqama) program represents a bold break from the traditional Kafala system. It offers both renewable annual and permanent residency, empowering foreign professionals to live and work without a sponsor.

Eligibility includes:

• Purchasing property worth SAR 4 million ($1.07 million).
  
• Investing SAR 7 million ($1.87 million) in a local business while generating jobs.
  
• Paying an annual fee of SAR 100,000 ($26,600) for renewable residency.
  

The program has been hailed as a cornerstone of Vision 2030, encouraging high-value investors to contribute directly to Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation.

Qatar: Residency Through Real Estate Investment
Qatar now offers residency through property ownership, linking its Residence by Investment program directly to real estate.

• A $200,000 investment qualifies for temporary, renewable residency.
  
• A $1 million investment allows permanent residency eligibility.
  

Applicants must be over 21, maintain a clean record, and pass medical checks. Successful investors can live, work, and sponsor family members, with processing times averaging four to six weeks.

Bahrain and Oman: Expanding Long-Term Residency Options
Bahrain’s Golden Residency Visa grants a 10-year renewable stay for investors, professionals, and retirees. Eligibility includes owning BHD 200,000 ($530,000) in property or earning BHD 2,000 monthly. Retirees with an income above BHD 4,000 ($10,600) can also apply.

Oman’s Golden Visa, part of its Vision 2040 economic reform plan, offers 5- and 10-year options. Investors must commit OMR 200,000 ($520,000) in property, bonds, or business ventures. Holders can include their families and enjoy privileges like fast-track airport services and property ownership beyond tourist zones.

A New Era for Gulf Mobility and Investment
The expansion of long-term residency schemes across the GCC signals a major policy transformation — shifting from short-term expatriate employment to sustainable economic partnership. According to global research institutions, these programs foster innovation, diversify revenue sources, and enhance competitiveness in an evolving global economy.

For UAE residents, this regional alignment opens up unprecedented opportunities — from owning property in Doha and launching a business in Riyadh, to retiring in Muscat under secure, long-term conditions. The GCC’s unified vision is clear: to create a borderless Gulf economy driven by innovation, investment, and inclusivity.