How UAE Residents Can Now Get Golden Visas Across the GCC

UAE Golden Visa GCC countries programs are reshaping residency opportunities for UAE residents looking to establish a long-term base across the Gulf. Following the UAE’s pioneering Golden Visa scheme, all GCC members—from Saudi Arabia to Oman—now offer investor or premium residency programs that enable living, working, and investing without local sponsorship, usually for 5 to 10 years with renewals.

The UAE’s Golden Visa program, the region’s benchmark, offers 5- or 10-year visas to investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals with benefits like sponsor-free family residency and freedom to own and work in businesses. Typical eligibility includes property ownership worth Dh2 million+, investment in public funds or companies, business revenue criteria, or skilled professional income thresholds.

Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency provides either annual renewable or permanent visas with property or business investment requirements and broad ownership and employment rights, marking a departure from traditional sponsorship models.

Qatar bases residency on real estate investment, with $200,000 granting temporary residency and $1 million eligibility for permanent status. Bahrain offers a cost-effective 10-year renewed visa for investors, workers, retirees, and talents with flexible income requirements. Oman’s program under Vision 2040 offers 10-year golden visas and more accessible 5-year options with property or income criteria.

These programs represent a strategic shift as GCC nations compete to attract global investors and talents, fostering stable, diversified economies and stronger international ties.