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Time of India
18-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Bahrain, UAE, Saudi residency visas compared: Which one offers better value?
Applicants now weigh Bahrain, UAE, and Saudi residency schemes for affordability, flexibility, and family benefits/Representative Image TL;DR: Bahrain 's 10-year Golden Residency is the most cost-effective long-term Gulf residency available in 2025. The UAE 's Golden Visa requires AED 2 million (≈USD 545,000) investment or comes via talent with nomination, with complex renewal criteria. Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency costs SAR 800,000 (~USD 213,000) for permanent residency or SAR 100,000/year (~USD 26,660), with no capital return. Bahrain offers broader eligibility, unrestricted employment, flexible travel, and lower living costs—with minimal fees and online processing. Background & Application Framework Bahrain Launched in 2022 under Bahrain Vision 2030, offering long-term residency to investors, skilled workers, retirees, and exceptional talent. Applicants classified as: Working professionals: 5 years residency with ≥ BHD 2,000/month ( USD 5,300). Retirees: BHD 2,000/month pension if resident, or BHD 4,000/month if abroad. Property owners: Bahraini real estate holdings ≥ BHD 200,000 (~USD 530,000). Exceptional talent: Includes successful entrepreneurs, researchers and scientists who have made significant contributions to their field, artists and creatives recognised for their exceptional works, innovators that are pioneers in technology, science or business, athletes who have achieved notable success in sports and other exceptional talents who have demonstrated extraordinary skills in some other areas. Immediate family: spouse, children, parents are included automatically. UAE Golden Visa introduced in 2019, valid for 5 or 10 years; multiple eligibility categories including investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, outstanding students, creatives. The UAE's Golden Visa is notably diverse in eligibility, targeting more than just investors. The program spans 10+ categories, including: Scientists and researchers endorsed by the Emirates Scientists Council, medical professionals and healthcare specialists, a priority after Covid-19, top-tier professionals in engineering, IT, and AI, creative talents in culture, art, and media recognised by relevant UAE authorities, outstanding students and graduates from the world's top universities and more. Investor route requires AED 2 million (~USD 545,000) in real estate or public funds. Other paths include AED 500,000 ventures or high-salary professionals . Processing time varies by emirate; often subject to extra approval steps; renewal contingent on preserving investment for at least three years. Saudi Arabia Premium Residency ('Green Card') launched in 2019 under Vision 2030. Permanent route: one-time SAR 800,000 (~USD 213,000). Annual option: SAR 100,000/year (~USD 26,660). Target Group: Executives, researchers, healthcare, and scientists Saudi also has a door for exceptional talent in arts, culture and sports. This requires prestigious government awards or recommendation from Ministry of Culture or Sports. Financial Outlay & Entry Thresholds Bahrain Minimum pathway: property ≥ USD 530,000 or income ≥ USD 5,300/month after resident history. Application + visa costs ≈ USD 808 total. UAE AED 2 million investment (~USD 545,000) for residency. Additional processing and renewal costs (e.g., AED 2,800–5,000 initial registration, medical tests, Emirati ID) depending on emirate and family size. Saudi Arabia Permanent residency: USD 213,000 upfront; annual path: USD 26,660/year. Residency Duration & Flexibility Bahrain Visa valid for 10 years and fully renewable. No employer tie: holders can work, switch jobs, or operate businesses freely; work permit optional and processed through LMRA within ~10 days. Travel flexibility: no continuous residency required. UAE 5- or 10-year visas; renewal depends on sustaining required investment . Golden Visa holders can live, work, study, and sponsor family without local sponsor. Travel: no minimum stay requirement, but investment must remain intact for a minimum period . Saudi Permanent Premium Residency: indefinite renewal; annual path: yearly renewals. Residents can work, own property and businesses, travel without sponsor. Family & Employment Rights Bahrain Full freedom to work or conduct business without restrictions. Family members (spouse, children, parents) covered under primary application. No requirement to sponsor each dependent separately. UAE Self-sponsorship allows family residency; visa allows broad access to education, business, banking. Saudi Premium Residency includes family sponsorship and full employment/business ownership rights. Cost of Living: An Expat View Bahrain Cost of living (housing, healthcare, schooling, utilities) is significantly lower than in UAE and Saudi. Rental options are plentiful across areas with differing price points, aided by relatively low demand compared to bigger Gulf hubs . UAE Zero personal and capital gains tax; corporate tax imposed only above AED 375,000/year (~USD 102,000) with 9% rate. Rental and schooling costs in Dubai/Abu Dhabi rank high, one of the most expensive for expatriates . Saudi No personal income tax. VAT is 15%, higher than Bahrain's 10% and UAE's 5% . Overall cost of essentials similar to Bahrain but business and property costs are elevated. Strategic Economic & Policy Alignment Bahrain Golden Residency forms a key part of Vision 2030: target $2.5 billion FDI and 20,000 jobs for nationals annually. Over 10,000 visas issued by end of 2024 across more than 100 nationalities. Elimination of kafala system since 2009 enables flexible employer switching. UAE Policy emphasizes sector diversification, talent acquisition, innovation, and immigration flexibility . Focus also includes creatives, healthcare, education, and strategic infrastructure for a post-oil economy . Saudi Premium Residency supports Vision 2030 as a vehicle for foreign capital, business creation, and job creation for Saudi citizens. Summary: Weighing Value Across the Gulf Each of the Gulf's long-term residency programs presents distinct advantages, shaped by national policies, investment thresholds, and lifestyle factors. Bahrain offers a relatively low entry point through property investment or income proof, combined with minimal fees and straightforward processing. Its flexibility in employment and business operations, alongside a lower overall cost of living, appeals to many professionals, exceptional talents and retirees. UAE's Golden Visa remains attractive for high-net-worth individuals and skilled professionals who value global connectivity, tax efficiency, and access to dynamic business hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi . The program's clear paths for investors, entrepreneurs, and specialised talent continue to make it a preferred choice for those prioritising business scalability and international networking. Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency provides a permanent residency option with a one-time fee, appealing to those seeking long-term security without periodic renewals. The Kingdom's rapid economic diversification and Vision 2030 projects offer significant opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors, particularly in emerging sectors Verdict Ultimately, the best residency program depends on individual priorities, whether that is cost-effectiveness, business potential, sector-specific opportunities, or lifestyle preferences. Bahrain, UAE, and Saudi Arabia each cater to different profiles of investors, professionals, and families. Prospective applicants are advised to assess their financial readiness, professional goals, and regional engagement plans before committing. As the Gulf economies continue to evolve, these residency options will likely keep adapting to attract a diverse pool of global talent and investment.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
08-07-2025
- Business
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
UAE golden visa: Everything you need to know about the benefits and how to apply
A UAE golden visa is one of the most sought-after documents in town. Essentially, it's your ticket to a long-term residency in Abu Dhabi – and it's not as hard to get your hands on as you might think. When it first launched, the visa was given to residents who make outstanding contributions to the country, are highly skilled in certain fields, or work in key industries. But over the course of the past few years, the process has become a lot more open, and you could find yourself being eligible. Read on for your essential guide to the golden visa, how to apply, and a list of all the benefits. What is a UAE golden visa? If you have a UAE golden visa, you have residency for five to 10 years. This residency is not tied to a particular employer and doesn't need to be renewed every two to three years. Result. UAE golden visas enable expats to live, work and study in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor and with 100 percent ownership of their business on the UAE's mainland. Who can apply for the golden visa? Under the changes to the UAE Residence and Entry Scheme over the past few years, more individuals can apply for a golden residence visa than ever. People falling into these categories can apply: investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists and professionals, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes. More information on each category is below: 1. Investors Are you a homeowner in the UAE? Real estate investors can obtain the UAE golden visa for a period of five years if they purchase a property worth at least Dhs2 million. As of January 24, simply having equity in the property is no longer a consideration. Property investors can qualify for the golden visa if the property's value is Dh2 million or more, regardless of whether it's off-plan, completed or mortgaged. There is no minimum down payment requirement for the visa application to go through. 2. Entrepreneurs It is possible for real estate entrepreneurs to apply for and obtain a UAE golden visa for a period of five years once one or more of the following three conditions are fulfilled: An auditor must deem the applicant's project worth no less than Dhs500,000 The entrepreneur must have founded an entrepreneurial project that's of a technical or futuristic nature The applicant has approval for a start-up from an official business incubator. 3. Exceptional talents People with exceptional talents, such as inventors, innovators, and talents in vital fields such as culture, art, sports and digital technology can apply for and obtain a UAE golden visa regardless of their educational qualification, employment status, monthly salary or professional level. The visa requires a recommendation or approval from a federal or local government entity. 4. Scientists Scientists and researchers with high achievements and influence in their field can apply for a golden visa should they receive a recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council. In this category, potential golden visa candidates should have a PhD or a Master's Degree in the areas of engineering, technology, life sciences and natural sciences from the best universities in the world, as well as substantial research achievements. 5. Professionals Professionals or highly-skilled workers with high educational qualifications and professional experience can also apply for the golden visa. This category applies across many disciplines, such as medicine, science and engineering, information technology, business and administration, education, law, culture and social sciences. The application is subject to having an employment contract in the UAE for a least five years in the same position and classification in the first or second occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. The applicant must also hold a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and their salary must be Dhs50,000 (per month) or above. 6. Outstanding students and graduates Outstanding and high achievers in the UAE's secondary school system, as well as outstanding graduates from the UAE's universities, are eligible to apply. This also extends to high achievers graduating from the best 100 universities worldwide. There several stipulations including; academic performance/cumulative grade average, year of graduation and the university classification. Students from top universities worldwide with a GPA of 3.8 and above are eligible to apply for the golden visa. High school students who have obtained an average rate of at least 95 per cent in the high school certificate from public or private schools are also eligible. Those students' families will also be included in the visa. 7. Humanitarian pioneers Humanitarian pioneers are able to apply for the UAE golden visa. Humanitarian pioneers are counted as distinguished members of international or regional charitable organisations, or those who are members of associations of public benefit. Recipients of awards in the humanitarian and charitable sectors are also eligible and recognised volunteers who help with humanitarian, crisis and charitable efforts. 8. Frontline heroes Healthcare staff and any other frontline workers helping in extraordinary circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic may also apply for the UAE golden visa. How do I apply for a UAE golden visa? Do you fall into one of the above categories? Congratulations – you could be on your way to getting a UAE golden visa. Still unsure about how you might fit into these categories? The easiest way to find out if you might be eligible to apply is to use this UAE government eligibility tool. Then, head to the golden services section on the same website to request a nomination. What benefits and perks do I get with the golden visa? It's not just a long-term residency that you'll benefit from with a golden visa. There are a number of benefits and perks that aren't currently available to holders of the standard UAE residency visa. In total, the benefits include: 1. 10 years of peace of mind The Golden Visa is a renewable 10-year residency that lets you live, work and study in the UAE – without the annual renewal hassle. As long as you meet the criteria, you can keep renewing. A standard residency visa requires renewal every two to three years. 2. No sponsor, no problem Unlike regular visas that require an employer or family sponsor, the Golden Visa is entirely self-sponsored. This means more freedom to switch jobs or launch your own venture – without being tied down to one company. The UAE golden visa also permits holders to remain in the country long-term without employment. 3. Travel the world (without losing your visa) Jet-setting often? You can stay outside the UAE for over six months and still keep your residency. Perfect for digital nomads, globe-trotters and anyone with international commitments. 4. Easier family sponsorship Golden Visa holders can sponsor male children up to age 25 (or indefinitely if they're People of Determination), plus spouses and daughters of any age. If something happens to the primary visa holder, dependents still keep their residency status – no interruptions, no worries. Should the main holder of the UAE golden visa pass away during the term of the ten-year visa, their family members are allowed to remain on said UAE golden visa residency until the time of natural conclusion of the visa. 5. Unlimited domestic workers Yes, you read that right. Golden Visa holders can sponsor as many domestic helpers as needed. Whether it's a nanny, driver, or housekeeper, you're not capped by a quota. 6. Six-month multiple-entry visa for applicants Not a resident yet? You can apply for a special six-month multiple-entry visa to visit the UAE and complete your Golden Visa paperwork. It's an ideal way to get your foot in the door before you commit. 7. Skip driving lessons If you're a Golden Visa holder in the UAE and already have a valid driving licence from your home country, you can bypass lessons altogether. Just sign up at a driving institute, pass the theory and road tests and you're good to go. 8. Access to exclusive health insurance plans Freelancers, investors and expats living abroad can now access tailor-made health insurance – like the Golden Visa package from Daman, starting at Dhs2,393 per year with up to Dhs300,000 in coverage. Employees under company sponsorship still get their regular plans. 9. More freedom at work Planning to leave your job while on probation? Normally that would mean a 1-year employment ban – but not for Golden Visa holders. You're exempt under the UAE Labour Law's latest updates, giving you more control over your career moves. How long does the UAE golden visa last and can it be renewed? We think you know by now, but the golden visa lasts for ten years. It can be renewed, permitting the residence holder still meets the original requirements of the visa. Essential guides to living in Abu Dhabi 5 Emirates ID perks you should really be using Our definitive guide to using all the perks 12 brilliant day trips from Abu Dhabi for when you need to escape the city And some of them are free The 27 best things to do indoors this summer in Abu Dhabi It's time for some air-conditioned bliss
