UAE Residents Can Now Apply for Golden Visas Across GCC Countries (2025 Update)

Something quite interesting happened last week that’s been getting a lot of attention — and for good reason. The GCC countries have decided to open their Golden Visa programmes to UAE residents. Yes, all of them.

This move has already created a buzz among expats who’ve been juggling visa renewals and sponsor paperwork for years. For anyone thinking long-term, this could be a genuine game-changer.

What Actually Happened

Until recently, Golden Visas were mostly tied to your home country — or wherever you worked. But GCC leaders have now agreed to extend Golden Visa eligibility to UAE residents, allowing long-term residency across the Gulf.

It’s a big shift, and one that could make life far easier for people who want more freedom to live, invest, and work within the region.

Let’s Break It Down Country by Country

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

To apply for a Golden Visa in Saudi, UAE residents need to invest SAR 1 million (around AED 995,000) in a local business or keep that amount in a Saudi bank for five years. You’ll also need valid health insurance and a clean record. In return, you get a 10-year residency permit.

🇶🇦 Qatar

Qatar’s rules are a little more relaxed. You can qualify by investing QAR 500,000 (roughly AED 502,000) or purchasing property worth at least QAR 1 million. The visa lasts for five years and is renewable. You’ll need to show proof of UAE residency and pass a background check.

🇧🇭 Bahrain

Bahrain’s requirements start at BHD 100,000 (about AED 1,070,000) in real estate. However, if you hold a university degree and at least three years of professional experience, you might still qualify. Medical insurance is mandatory for all applicants.

🇰🇼 Kuwait

Kuwait has introduced two investment tiers — a five-year visa for KD 50,000 (around AED 600,000) and a ten-year visa for KD 200,000 (about AED 2.4 million). They’ll carefully verify your income stability and background before approval.

🇴🇲 Oman

Oman might just have the most family-friendly option. Their 10-year Golden Visa requires an investment of OMR 100,000 (around AED 959,000) in approved businesses. The best part? You can include your family and household staff under the same application.

How the Process Works

Most countries now handle applications online through their official portals. You’ll need to:

  1. Upload documents and proof of investment.

  2. Complete medical tests and biometrics.

  3. Wait anywhere between 2 to 8 weeks for processing.

It’s smoother than before, and you won’t need to travel back and forth just to submit paperwork.

Why Everyone’s Talking About It

Talking to a few friends who work in finance, it’s clear why this new system has caught on so quickly. People are tired of short-term renewals and sponsor limits. The new Golden Visas mean:

  • Long-term stability without sponsorship headaches.

  • Better access to healthcare, education, and property rights.

  • Freedom to sponsor family members.

  • No more stressful visa runs every few months.

Dr. Lina Al Nuaimi, a migration researcher, believes this change will keep skilled professionals in the Gulf while drawing more investors. “It’s strengthening regional ties,” she said during our chat last week.

Financial consultant Saeed Al Suwaidi agrees. “UAE residents can now apply for Golden Visas across multiple countries — something we’ve never seen before,” he told me.

Your Action Plan

If this opportunity has caught your eye, here’s how to get started:

  1. Choose your preferred country — think about lifestyle, investment options, and family needs.

  2. Prepare your documents — passport, UAE residence visa, and police clearance certificate.

  3. Apply through official e-portals.

  4. Complete your medical and biometric steps.

  5. Wait for approval and collect your new Golden Visa.

The Bigger Picture

This new GCC-wide Golden Visa framework marks a real shift in how mobility works across the region. Whether you’re drawn to Saudi Arabia’s business landscape, Qatar’s cultural energy, or Oman’s family-oriented vibe, there’s now a practical way to make cross-border living happen.

For many UAE residents, this could be the start of a new, more flexible chapter — one where home doesn’t have to mean just one country.

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