Long-Term Residency in the GCC: Opportunities Across the Gulf

Historically recognized for residency frameworks primarily tied to employment contracts of limited duration, the nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are now strategically reshaping their residency paradigms. This significant shift aims to proactively attract long-term investors, visionary entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, and esteemed retirees. This regional trend underscores a unified strategic ambition focused on robust economic diversification, effective talent retention, and sustainable long-term growth.

Here is a comparative overview of the long-term residency options currently available across key GCC countries in 2025:

1. United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Golden Visa

• Visa Duration: Offers both 5-year and 10-year options, with the significant benefit of automatic renewal upon meeting the stipulated criteria.

• Key Eligibility Categories:

  • Property investors with a minimum investment of AED 2 million.

  • Ambitious entrepreneurs and innovative startup founders.

  • Highly skilled professionals earning AED 30,000 per month or more.

  • Outstanding students and accomplished researchers demonstrating exceptional merit.

  • Retirees meeting specific financial thresholds (minimum AED 1 million in property or a consistent monthly income of AED 20,000).

• Key Advantages:

  • Entitlement to 100% business ownership in designated sectors.

  • The ability to sponsor family members and essential domestic staff under their visa.

  • No requirement for a local sponsor, granting greater autonomy.

  • No mandatory minimum stay duration within the UAE to maintain the validity of the visa.

2. Saudi Arabia – Premium Residency (Equivalent to a Green Card)

• Visa Duration: Offers two distinct options: an Unlimited (Permanent Residency) permit and a 1-Year Renewable (Temporary Residency) permit.

• Eligibility Criteria:

  • Requires a minimum investment of SAR 800,000 (approximately USD 213,000) or is available to high-value professionals in specialized fields.

  • Applicants must possess a clean criminal record and demonstrate medical fitness.

• Significant Benefits:

  • The right to reside in Saudi Arabia without the need for a local sponsor (Kafeel).

  • The ability to own property and register vehicles under their name.

  • The privilege of sponsoring family members to reside in the Kingdom.

  • The freedom to work or establish and operate a business without requiring a Saudi partner in most sectors.

• Specialized Tracks: Saudi Arabia also offers dedicated tracks for skilled professionals, strategic investors, experienced entrepreneurs, and high-ranking executives.

3. Qatar – Permanent Residency & Investor Residency

• Permanent Residency:

  • Offered on a selective basis to long-term residents who meet stringent criteria, typically requiring a minimum of 20 years of continuous residency and a demonstrable significant contribution to the development of Qatar.

• Investor Residency:

  • Available through a real estate investment of QAR 730,000 (approximately USD 200,000) or more.

  • Also granted to individuals who own a business or a significant stake in a company operating within Qatar.

• Key Benefits:

  • The ability to sponsor immediate family members.

  • Access to certain public services, including healthcare and education.

  • A renewable long-term visa (note that it is not a lifetime permanent residency).

4. Oman – Investor Residency Programme (IRP)

• Visa Duration: Offers two primary tiers: a 5-Year Residency (Tier 2) and a more extended 10-Year Residency (Tier 1).

• Eligibility Criteria:

  • Requires a qualifying real estate investment or the establishment/ownership of a company with a capital ranging from OMR 250,000 to OMR 500,000 or more, depending on the tier.

  • Also accessible to senior-level executives holding long-term employment contracts with reputable companies in Oman.

• Significant Advantages:

  • No requirement for a local sponsor, providing greater operational freedom.

  • The ability to sponsor immediate family members.

  • The right to own property within designated investment zones.

5. Bahrain – Golden Residency Visa

• Visa Duration: A renewable 10-year visa, offering long-term security.

• Eligibility Requirements:

  • Open to property owners with a minimum investment of BHD 200,000 (approximately USD 530,000).

  • Also available to retirees who can demonstrate a consistent monthly income of BHD 4,000 or more.

  • Granted to highly skilled professionals with a substantial record of long-term service within Bahrain.

• Key Benefits:

  • The fundamental right to live and work in Bahrain without requiring employer sponsorship.

  • The ability to sponsor immediate family members.

  • Multiple entry privileges and the allowance for extended stays outside the Kingdom.

Final Thoughts

The GCC region is actively redefining its long-term residency frameworks as a strategic imperative to bolster knowledge-based economies, attract significant private investment, and facilitate the immigration of highly skilled talent. These increasingly attractive residency programs offer enhanced stability, greater security, and significant commercial freedom, collectively positioning the Gulf as a compelling destination not only for business ventures but also for establishing a sustainable long-term life.

At MENA Consultancy, we provide comprehensive support to individuals and families seeking to navigate the intricate legal, financial, and procedural aspects of securing long-term residency across the diverse landscape of the GCC. Contact us today to explore the optimal residency option tailored to your unique goals and aspirations within this dynamic and evolving region.