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Guaranteed in your service agreement: if your application is refused, we refund the service fees you have paid in full — or you can switch to another suitable programme at no extra charge.
Middle East
Middle East
Obtain long-term or permanent residence in the Gulf, with no local sponsor. Here we compare the two most popular routes.
Middle East: the routes at a glance
Gulf states have introduced long-term residence programmes that let foreigners live and do business there without depending on an employer or sponsor. The UAE Golden Visa is the most popular, with 10-year renewable residence and generally no minimum stay; Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency offers permanent residence for a one-time fee and can include parents. Both are residence and do not lead directly to citizenship.
Middle East: routes compared
| Programme | Investment / main requirement | Status gained | Typical time | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAE Golden Visa | Property from AED 2,000,000 (entrepreneur and talent routes also available) | 10-year residence, renewable | Depends on processing | Long-term residence through property, living in Dubai or Abu Dhabi |
| Saudi Arabia Premium Residency | One-time SAR 800,000, or a home worth SAR 4,000,000 | Permanent or long-term residence | Depends on processing | Permanent residence in one step, or three generations together |
Information as at September 2026, for reference only; actual requirements are subject to each government’s latest announcements.
How to choose
Which route suits you?
- Residence through propertyThe UAE Golden Visa; mortgaged and off-plan property can count under certain conditions.
- Permanent residence in one stepSaudi Arabia’s Unlimited Duration Premium Residency, for a one-time SAR 800,000.
- Three generations togetherSaudi Arabia’s Premium Residency, covering your spouse, children under 25 and parents.
Middle East
All programmes
UAE long-term residenceUAE Golden VisaObtain 10-year renewable residence through property, business or professional talent — no local sponsor, and your family can live in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.Explore the programmeSaudi long-term and permanent residenceSaudi Arabia Premium ResidencyObtain long-term or permanent residence in Saudi Arabia through a one-time fee, property or investment — no local sponsor, and your parents can be included.Explore the programme
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One guide to investment, talent and business immigration in the US, Canada, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, plus citizenship by investment: requirements, amounts, processing times and how to choose. Leave your email and we’ll send it straight to your inbox.
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FAQ
Do Middle East residence programmes lead to citizenship?
The UAE Golden Visa and Saudi Premium Residency are both residence and do not lead directly to citizenship.
Do I need to live there?
The UAE Golden Visa generally has no minimum stay; some Saudi categories require residence conditions to convert to permanent residence.
Will I pay personal income tax there?
The UAE levies no personal income tax. Tax residency involves the rules of more than one country, and our tax team can help assess your position.
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