Updated: September 4, 2025, 08:03 AM

What is the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council)?

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a group of six Middle Eastern countries—UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman—that joined together in 1981 to work as partners. They cooperate to grow their economies, improve security, and support each other’s development. The GCC helps these countries work closely on trade, travel, and major projects to build a stronger region.

What is a GCC Resident Visa?

A GCC Resident Visa in 2025 is a residency permit issued by one of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman) to foreign nationals, typically for work, business, or family sponsorship. It allows holders to live legally in the issuing country and often enables easier travel or visa access to other GCC states, especially for professionals in approved occupations. The visa is usually valid for 1–3 years and is increasingly managed through digital platforms for streamlined application and renewal.

Why residency in GCC is gaining global attention?

Residency in GCC countries is attracting global interest due to the region’s dynamic growth, strategic reforms, and a welcoming stance toward foreign investors and skilled professionals. With progressive residency policies and economic diversification goals, countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are positioning themselves as global hubs for talent and opportunity.

• Golden Visas offer long-term residency through property investment, entrepreneurship, or professional merit.
• Relaxed entry rules and fast-track visa processes make relocation more accessible than ever.
• High quality of life paired with modern infrastructure and global connectivity.
• Tax advantages and business-friendly regulations appeal to investors and entrepreneurs.
  
• Strong government backing ensures policy stability and long-term security for residents.

List of GCC Countries Offering Residency Options

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE offers some of the most comprehensive residency pathways in the region, including the UAE Golden Visa, which grants long-term residency (5 or 10 years) to investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and outstanding students. Non-investment options include employment-based residency and family sponsorships.

Oman

Oman launched its Investor Visa program (Oman Golden Visa) in 2021 to attract foreign investment and support economic growth. The visa offers 5- and 10-year residency options for investors who meet specific financial criteria, such as investing in real estate or businesses in Oman. It also allows investors and their families to live and work in the country, making Oman a more appealing destination for long-term relocation and business opportunities.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia offers a Premium Residency program that provides long-term or permanent residency to investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals. Launched to support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, Saudi Premium residency allows foreigners to live, work, and own property without the need for a local sponsor. Options include a renewable one-year residency or a permanent residency for a one-time fee, with benefits such as family sponsorship and full access to local service

Qatar

Qatar introduced its Residence Visa for Real Estate Owners in 2021, allowing foreign investors to gain long-term or permanent residency through property purchases. With higher investments, applicants can qualify for permanent residency and enjoy benefits like access to healthcare and education, all without the need for a local sponsor.

Kuwait

Residency in Kuwait is mostly available through employment sponsorships or family reunification. While Kuwait does not currently offer a formal Residency by Investment program, long-term residents in specific professional roles—such as doctors and engineers—can benefit from stable and renewable residency pathways.

Bahrain

Bahrain introduced its Bahrain Golden Visa program in 2022 to attract investors, skilled professionals, and long-term residents. Offering 10-year renewable residency, the program is available to high earners, property owners, retirees, and exceptional talents. It provides key benefits such as family sponsorship, work rights, and freedom from local sponsorship, making it one of the more accessible and flexible residency-by-investment options in the GCC.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) Residency Types

The UAE offers diverse long-term residency options designed for professionals, investors, and creatives. Key residency pathways include:

• Golden Visa (5 or 10 years)
• • Available through investment in real estate (AED 2 million) or business ownership (AED 500,000+ with UAE incubator support).
  • Non-investment eligibility includes individuals with exceptional skills in medicine, science, arts, commerce, and digital media.
• Specialized Residency Programs
  • Abu Dhabi Golden Quay: For superyacht owners (40m+) and executives in the yacht industry.
  • Dubai Creators HQ: Targets digital influencers, podcasters, and visual artists, supported by a $40.8M fund.
• Key Benefits
  • No physical stay requirement.
  • Residency includes immediate family members.
  • Full access to the UAE’s tax-free economy.
  • Golden Visa holders enjoy easier movement across GCC countries.
  • Processing time is typically one month or less.

Read more:

•  Types of Residencies in the Emirate 

Oman Residency Types

Oman offers a mix of investment and non-investment residency options aimed at attracting investors, professionals, and long-term residents:

• Investor Residency Program (5 or 10 years)
• • 5-year visa: Requires a minimum investment of OMR 250,000 in real estate or business. Learn more about Real Estate in Oman  to understand property types, regions, and market trends.
  • 10-year visa: Requires a higher investment and longer-term economic contribution.
  • Residency is renewable and offers a pathway to more stable long-term presence.
• Employment-Based Residency
  • Granted through employer sponsorship.
  • Common among expatriates working in sectors like oil, construction, healthcare, and education.
• Family Residency
  • Residents can sponsor spouses, children, and dependents under specific income and housing criteria.
• Retirement and Long-Term Stay Options
  • Available for expats with clean legal and financial records and long-term presence in Oman.
• Key Benefits
  • Long-term legal stay with fewer renewal hassles.
  • Greater stability and investment confidence.
  • Encourages foreign direct investment and real estate growth.

Interested in where to invest or settle down? Explore the Top Cities And Areas Of Oman For Investment And Living to find the perfect location that matches your lifestyle or business goals

Saudi Arabia Residency Types

Saudi Arabia has introduced a variety of residency options to attract investors, professionals, and global talent as part of its Vision 2030 transformation. The centerpiece is the Premium Residency Program (Saudi Green Card), offering both limited and unlimited residency without the need for a local sponsor.

 The country also provides traditional residency through employment sponsorship and allows expatriates to sponsor family members under certain conditions.

• Premium Residency (Special Privileged Iqama)
• • Unlimited Duration: One-time fee of SAR 800,000 (approx. USD 213,000).
  • 1-Year Renewable Residency: Annual fee of SAR 100,000 (approx. USD 27,000).
  • No sponsor required, and benefits include owning property, running a business, and bringing family.
• Investor Residency
  • Residency granted to foreign business owners or investors with approved commercial projects.
  • Offers enhanced business privileges and long-term stay benefits.
• Employment-Based Residency
  • Common route through employer sponsorship.
  • Residency duration linked to job contract validity.
• Family Residency Sponsorship
  • Available for legal residents with sufficient income to sponsor spouse, children, and dependents.
• Key Benefits
  • Ability to live, work, and own property in Saudi Arabia.
  • No need for a Saudi sponsor for Premium Residency holders.
  • Access to advanced healthcare, education, and financial services.

Qatar Residency Types

Qatar offers various residency pathways tailored for investors, professionals, and long-term expatriates. These programs aim to support national development and attract global talent.

• Permanent Residency Permit
• • Granted to select long-term residents, investors, and individuals with exceptional talents.
  • Offers benefits such as access to healthcare, education, and property ownership rights.
• Investor Residency
  • Available for foreign nationals who invest in Qatari real estate or commercial ventures above a set threshold.
  • Residency is linked to maintaining the qualifying investment.
• Employment-Based Residency
  • Most common route for expatriates, obtained via employer sponsorship.
  • Duration depends on the job contract and sector.
• Family Residency
  • Sponsored by residents who meet income and housing requirements.
  • Covers spouses, children, and in some cases, parents.
• Key Benefits
  • High standard of living and services.
  • Pathways to more permanent residency for eligible individuals.

Kuwait Residency Types

Kuwait offers limited but structured residency options focused on employment and family sponsorship, with no official investment-based residency program currently in place.

• Employment Residency (Article 18)
• • Most common for foreign workers in both public and private sectors.
  • Requires employer sponsorship and valid job offer.
• Domestic Residency (Article 20)
  • Granted to domestic workers under personal sponsorship.
• Family Residency (Article 22)
  • Allows expatriates with legal status to sponsor spouse and children.
  • Income and housing requirements apply.
• Visitor or Temporary Residency
  • Issued for short-term stays such as business visits, tourism, or family purposes.
  • Duration and renewal depend on case-by-case approval.

Key Notes

• Kuwait does not currently offer a Golden Visa or Residency by Investment.
• Residency is generally tied to employment and sponsorship.

Bahrain Residency Types

Bahrain offers several flexible residency routes including employment, investment, and long-term options aimed at attracting skilled professionals and investors.

• Golden Residency Visa (10 years)
• • Designed for investors, retirees, and exceptional talent.
  • Renewable and includes family sponsorship.
    
• Property Owner Residency
  • Available to foreign nationals who own real estate in Bahrain above a certain value.
  • Allows long-term stay with family benefits.
    
• Employment Residency
  • Granted through employer sponsorship.
  • Most widely used route for working expatriates.
    
• Family Residency
  • Legal residents can sponsor spouses, children, and sometimes parents, based on income level.

Key Benefits

• No income tax and a stable financial system.
• Business-friendly environment with growing opportunities for investors.

Curious about daily life in Bahrain? Explore the Top Pros and Cons of Living in Bahrain: Our Guide to help you decide if it’s the right place for you and your family.

General Documents Requirements for Residency in GCC

To apply for residency in GCC countries, applicants typically need:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months.
• Personal Photo: Recent passport-sized photo for ID purposes.
• Proof of Income or Employment: Salary slips or job contract to show financial stability.
• Health Insurance: Mandatory coverage for the duration of stay.
• Copy of Residence Card: Needed for renewals or dependent applications.
• Residency Application Fees: Non-refundable processing fees vary by country.

Getting Residency in GCC Countries – Step-by-Step Process (2025 Guide)

Securing residency in a GCC country involves a clear and structured process. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

• Choose the GCC Country
  Each GCC nation (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait) has its own residency programs, requirements, and benefits. Start by selecting the country that aligns with your lifestyle or investment goals.
  

• Select the Right Residency Path
  Decide whether you’re applying through investment, employment, family sponsorship, or specialized talent. Residency paths vary in cost, duration, and eligibility.
  

• Prepare Required Documents
  Gather essential documents such as a valid passport, photos, proof of income, health insurance, and any specific forms required by the chosen country.
  

• Apply Online or Through a Licensed Agent
  Submit your application via the official government portal or an authorized residency consultant. Some programs may require in-person visits or biometric data.
  

• Wait for Approval and Receive Residency Permit
  Processing times vary but typically take from a few days to a few weeks. Once approved, you’ll receive your residency permit or ID, allowing you to legally reside in the GCC country.

Tips to Improve Your Residency Application Success

Enhancing your chances of a successful residency application in the GCC involves careful planning and attention to detail. Here are key tips:

• Maintain a Clean Legal and Financial Record
  Ensure you have no criminal history and can demonstrate stable income or financial standing. Clean records are often a key eligibility factor.
• Choose the Right Visa Path Based on Your Profile
  Select a residency route that aligns with your qualifications—whether it’s investment, employment, or special talent. Choosing the wrong category can delay or reduce approval chances.
• Work with Government-Licensed Immigration Consultants
  Using trusted and authorized agents can help you navigate requirements, avoid errors, and increase application accuracy and success.

How Migrate World Can Assist You in Getting Residency in GCC Countries?

At Migrate World, we help you get residency in GCC countries through the best path for you—whether by investment, work, or family sponsorship. Our expert team prepares your application correctly, follows all the country rules, and submits it smoothly. With deep knowledge of visa programs in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, we make the process easier, faster, and more successful, giving you clear guidance every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which is the easiest GCC country to get residency in?

The UAE is considered the easiest due to its multiple residency options, including flexible Golden Visa programs and minimal entry barriers.

2. Can I apply for residency in more than one GCC country?

Yes, but each country has its own requirements, and holding multiple GCC residencies may require maintaining separate legal and financial commitments.

3. Is investment the only way to get residency in GCC countries?

No, residency can also be obtained through employment, family sponsorship, or special talent programs, depending on the country.

4. Is it possible to get permanent residency in any GCC country?

Saudi Arabia and Qatar offer limited forms of permanent or long-term residency, though full citizenship remains rare and restricted.

5. Do GCC residency programs include family members?

Yes, most GCC residency options allow applicants to sponsor their spouse and children, provided income and housing requirements are met.

6. How long does it take to process a GCC residency application?

Processing times vary by country and visa type but typically range from a few days to a few weeks, especially for investment-linked or Golden Visa applications.