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Programme guides · UAE Golden Visa · Saudi Arabia Premium Residency

Long-Term Residence in the Middle East: Choosing Between the UAE and Saudi Arabia

Summary

Gulf states have launched several long-term residence programmes. The UAE Golden Visa is the most popular, with 10-year renewable residence; Saudi Premium Residency offers permanent residence in one step and covers parents.

The two compared

UAE Golden Visa Saudi Premium Residency
Main route Property from AED 2,000,000 One-time SAR 800,000, or SAR 4,000,000 property
Status 10-year residence, renewable Permanent or long-term residence
Stay requirement Generally no minimum stay Some categories have residence conditions
Family Spouse and children Spouse, children under 25 and parents

How to choose

  • Residence through property, living in Dubai or Abu Dhabi: the UAE Golden Visa.
  • Permanent residence in one step: Saudi Unlimited Duration residence.
  • Three generations together: Saudi Premium Residency.

Points common to both

Both are residence, not a direct route to citizenship. Tax residency involves more than one country’s rules, so assess it before moving.

FAQ

Can Middle East residence lead to citizenship?

Neither the UAE Golden Visa nor Saudi Premium Residency leads directly to citizenship.

Sources

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