A close look at GCC countries’ strategies and global opportunities beyond the Middle East
For millions of expatriates living and working in the Gulf region, long-term residency comes with limitations. Despite sometimes decades creating roots in a country they call home, expats in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman have no clear pathway to citizenship. This lack of permanency, understandably, creates concerns about long-term security, global mobility, and future planning for families.
The challenge of citizenship in the Gulf
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have historically maintained strict policies on naturalisation. On rare occasions, some countries, namely the UAE and Saudi Arabia, have introduced selective citizenship programs for highly skilled professionals, investors, and individuals with exceptional talents. Still, these often are due to particular distinctive factors. Most expats, however, have no legal path to citizenship, regardless of their tenure in the region.
The lack of permanent residency options requires many expats to renew their visas periodically, often linking their status to employment. However, as these countries increasingly acknowledge expats’ contributions to their social and economic landscape, there is a move to introduce and explore residency by investment programs. These initiatives offer long-term residency granting residency rights through substantial investments in real estate, business, or government funds.
United Arab Emirates: The gold standard in residency programs
Leading this trend is the United Arab Emirates. Over the years, the UAE has continuously reinforced its position as the leading destination for expatriates, renowned for its luxury, tax-friendly financial opportunities, and business-friendly environment. With nearly 90% of its population being foreign-born, the country remains one of the most sought-after places for residency.
The Golden Visa is at the forefront of the UAE’s residency initiatives, and has reshaped long-term residency opportunities across the Gulf. This program allows high-net-worth individuals to bypass traditional sponsorship requirements by investing AED 2 million (approximately USD $545,000) in real estate, a sector that continues to thrive. In return, investors gain 10 years of residency, along with benefits such as family sponsorship and the ability to sponsor additional visas, making it one of the most attractive residency options in the region.
While residency programs have emerged across the wider GCC region, none have matched the flexibility and appeal of the UAE’s 10-year Golden Visa. With its broad eligibility criteria, ranging from high-salaried executives and entrepreneurs to real estate investors and specialised professionals the UAE continues to lead the region in long-term residency solutions.
Saudi Arabia: Expanding residency opportunities under Vision 2030
As part of its ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia has introduced multiple residency pathways aimed at attracting global talent and investors. While its Premium Residency Program was first launched in 2019, the country has recently expanded its offerings to include investment-based residency, aligning with established Golden Visa models seen in Europe.
A standout option is the Real Estate Ownership Residency, which allows expatriates to secure legal residency in Saudi Arabia through property investment. To qualify, individuals must purchase real estate valued at SAR 4 million (approximately USD $1.67 million). Unlike traditional residency permits, this program ties residency status directly to property ownership, giving expats the flexibility to live, work, and conduct business in the kingdom while holding onto their investment. When the property is sold, the residency status ceases, offering a dynamic and adaptable option for international investors.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia has launched a Premium Residency Visa, offering five different pathways, including an investment-based route. To qualify, investors must contribute SAR 7 million towards an approved investment in the country, further expanding opportunities for high-net-worth individuals.
Qatar: A strategic destination for investors and expats
Qatar has implemented a self-sponsored Golden Visa-style residency program, offering Temporary and Permanent Residency solutions to attract foreign talent and capital. This initiative grants investors and expatriates the ability to secure residency through real estate investment while benefiting from Qatar’s world-class healthcare, education system, and financial sector.
To obtain Temporary Residency, investors must make a minimum real estate investment of QAR 728,000 (approximately USD $200,000). Those seeking Permanent Residency can qualify with an investment of QAR 3,650,000 (approximately USD $1 million). The program grants non-Qatari nationals the right to purchase, lease, and sell property, offering financial and lifestyle benefits to investors looking to establish themselves in one of the region’s most prosperous economies.
Bahrain and Oman: Transforming the business landscape
Bahrain has also introduced its Permanent Residency Permit, designed to attract foreign investors and strengthen its economic development. The program mirrors Qatar’s residency structure, allowing individuals to qualify through investments in real estate, business ventures, or government bonds. This initiative enhances the ease of doing business for expatriates, allowing them to operate within Bahrain’s growing financial and commercial ecosystem.
Oman recently launched its Investment Residency Program to attract foreign capital and stimulate economic growth. This program allows investors to gain residency through investments in businesses, real estate, or government bonds. As with other investment-based residency programs, applicants must meet minimum investment thresholds and demonstrate financial stability to qualify.
Taking on a global perspective
While GCC countries are introducing permanent residency options for foreign expats, these initiatives do not provide a clear legal path to citizenship. For those seeking long-term security and a stronger nationality, Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs offer a compelling alternative—providing stability, financial benefits, and expanded global mobility, including visa-free access to major business hubs globally and the region they call home. Through qualifying investments, CBI programs open doors to greater opportunities in travel, business, and education.
The Caribbean remains a leading destination for CBI, with nations like St. Kitts & Nevis, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Antigua & Barbuda offering streamlined citizenship pathways. Benefits include visa-free travel to over 140 countries including Europe, faster processing times, around 4–6 months, and no residency requirements. The minimum cost to obtain a second passport is USD 200,000.
For those seeking EU residency with a path to citizenship, Portugal and Greece are popular Golden Visa programs, requiring a minimum investment of €250,000 in real estate or government bonds. These programs provide access to high-quality education, healthcare, and extensive business opportunities across the EU.
Making the Right Choice
With various Residency and Citizenship by Investment (RCBI) programs, individuals can gain greater security, mobility, and economic advantages while maintaining their home base in the Middle East. For Gulf expats, securing a second passport or long-term residency offers greater freedom of movement, financial stability, access to world-class education, and long-term security for future generations.
Contact Citizenship Invest today to explore the best investment migration opportunities tailored to your needs.
