How Gulf Golden Visas Work: A Guide for Investors and Entrepreneurs

For many foreign nationals, moving to the Gulf for work has traditionally meant being tied to an employer through a residence permit. In recent years, however, several Gulf countries have introduced long-term residence schemes, often referred to as golden visas, that allow qualified investors, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals to live and work without a local sponsor.

What is a golden visa?

A golden visa is a long-term residence permit that grants holders the right to live, work and study in the issuing country. Unlike standard employment visas, golden visas are not linked to a specific employer or job. This gives holders greater flexibility to change jobs, start a business, or retire in the country, subject to meeting the visa's conditions.

Which Gulf countries offer golden visas?

• United Arab Emirates: The UAE offers a 10-year golden visa to investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, outstanding students and researchers, among others. The scheme was expanded in 2022 to include more categories and simplify requirements.
• Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency programme grants permanent or one-year renewable residency to eligible applicants. The permanent option is available to investors, entrepreneurs and property owners who meet specific financial thresholds.
• Qatar: Qatar introduced a permanent residency scheme for certain expatriates, but it is limited to those who have lived in the country for at least 20 years, are fluent in Arabic, and meet other criteria. A separate investor visa is available for those who purchase property above a certain value.
• Bahrain: Bahrain offers a self-sponsorship visa for property owners, retirees and investors who meet financial requirements. The visa is renewable and allows family sponsorship.
• Oman: Oman's investor residency programme grants renewable residence permits to foreign nationals who invest in property, business or government bonds, with varying lengths of stay.
• Kuwait: Kuwait does not currently offer a golden visa scheme, but it has recently allowed expatriates to obtain self-sponsorship in limited cases, such as for investors and property owners.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility criteria vary by country, but common categories include:

• Investors: Those who make a substantial investment in real estate, a business, or government bonds. Minimum investment amounts are set by each country and may change over time.
• Entrepreneurs: Owners of start-ups or small businesses that meet certain criteria, such as having a minimum capital or being registered with an approved incubator.
• Skilled professionals: Doctors, scientists, engineers, artists and other specialists with recognised qualifications and work experience may qualify under talent schemes.
• Students and researchers: Outstanding students with high academic scores and researchers with published work may be eligible in some countries.

What are the benefits?

Golden visa holders typically enjoy:

• Longer residency periods (5 to 10 years or permanent).
• Freedom to work without a local sponsor.
• Ability to sponsor family members, including spouses and children.
• Easier travel to and from the country.
• Access to certain services, such as education and healthcare, on par with citizens in some cases.

How to apply

The application process usually involves submitting an online application through the relevant government portal, providing supporting documents (passport, proof of investment or qualifications, health insurance, etc.), and paying the applicable fees. Processing times vary, and some countries require a local bank account or a visit to a government service centre for biometrics.

Because requirements and processes change, it is always a good idea to check the latest information from official government sources or consult a licensed immigration advisor before applying.