The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries continue to be attractive destinations for global investors, international tourists, talented individuals, and companies looking to increase their footprint in the region by partnering with existing businesses or introducing international brands.
The Governments of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are heavily investing and rolling out incentives geared towards infrastructure, transportation, real estate, healthcare, and amusement projects. UAE, Saudi, and Qatar are currently reforming their visa options to attract and make it easier for expats to take advantage of the different residency programs including the golden, green, premium, and permanent visa options. A key goal of this transformation is to facilitate expat life, employment, investment, lifestyle, and career development. Therefore, this will likely lead to investment in real estate, new business set ups, and increased spending which will boost the economy.
This article takes a closer look at the visa options in Saudi Arabia and the visa options in the UAE including the key benefits and eligibility that Saudi Arabia and Qatar offer.
WHAT ARE THE VISA OPTIONS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES?
The UAE are currently offering Golden Visa and Green Visa as long-term residency visa options. This enables foreigners to live, work, study or invest in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING THE UAE GOLDEN VISA?
The key benefits of the Golden Visa in the UAE include:
- A long term, renewable residence visa that is valid for up to 10 years.
- A self-sponsored visa, so there is no need for an employer to sponsor your UAE residency visa.
- Ability to stay outside the UAE for more than the usual restriction of six months to keep the current residence visa valid.
- Ability to sponsor family members, including spouse and children regardless of their ages.
- Unlimited sponsorship of the number of domestic helpers.
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR A GOLDEN VISA IN THE UAE?
The Golden Visa has different categories and have different requirements a person needs meet to qualify. For example, an applicant that is applying for the Golden visa under the professional category will require:
- Standard visa application documentation.
- Applicants should have a valid employment contract in the UAE.
- A salary of a minimum of AED 30,000.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A UAE GREEN VISA?
The key benefits of the Green Visa in the UAE include:
- A long term, renewable residence visa that is valid for up to 5 years.
- Ability to apply for residence permits for family members, including spouse, children, and first-degree relatives.
- The Green visa permits an applicant to sponsor male children up to 25 years (previously 18 years), with no age limit for unmarried daughters.
- The residency of family members will be the same as that of the original residence visa holder.
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR A GREEN VISA IN THE UAE?
The Green Visa has certain categories and have different requirements. For example, the three categories and their requirements are detailed below:
FREELANCERS/SELF-EMPLOYED
- A freelance/self-employment permit from Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratization (MOHRE).
- Proof of bachelor’s degree or diploma.
- Evidence of annual income from self-employment for the previous two years for an amount not less than AED 360,000 or prove financial solvency throughout their stay in the UAE.
SKILLED EMPLOYEES
- Valid employment contract.
- Holder of a minimum bachelor’s degree.
- A salary of not less than AED 15,000.
INVESTORS OR PARTNERS
- Documentation proof of investment.
- Approval from competent local authority.
WHAT ARE THE VISA OPTIONS AVAILABLE IN SAUDI ARABIA?
Saudi Arabia introduced long-term residency to non-Saudis after fulfilling the requirements under the program named The Premium Residency Card.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A PREMIUM RESIDENCY CARD IN SAUDI ARABIA?
The key benefits of a premium residency card in Saudi Arabia include:
- Receiving premium residency for an unspecified period.
- Ability to issue visitor visa for relatives and recruit domestic worker visas.
- Eligible to lease and own real estate in Saudi Arabia and exclusive to Mecca and Madinah region.
- Ability to work in Saudi Arabia.
- Dedicated privilege lanes at the airport for premium residency holders.
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR A PREMIUM RESIDENCY CARD IN SAUDI ARABIA?
To be eligible for the premium residency card in Saudi Arabia, an applicant must adhere to the following requirements:
- A valid passport.
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Ability to provide a clear criminal record.
- Provide documentation to display a sound financial status.
- Fit health report dated within the last six months.
- If an applicant applies to KSA they must hold an active current residency status.
WHAT ARE THE AVAILABLE VISA OPTIONS IN QATAR?
Qatar has introduced permanent residency to non-Qatari’s. There are certain criteria and requirements that must be met to qualify for the long term residency.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A PERMANENT RESIDENCY CARD IN QATAR?
The key benefits of the permanent residency card in Qatar include:
- Ability to apply for a driving license.
- Permitted to purchase a driving vehicle.
- 100% ownership of real estate, investment, education, and health services businesses without needing a Qatar local sponsor / shareholder.
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR A PERMANENT RESIDENCY CARD IN QATAR?
To be eligible for a permanent residency card in Qatar, the applicant must adhere to the following requirements:
- Residence period of no less than 20 years in the state of Qatar for a non-Qatari born outside Qatar and 10 years for applicants born in Qatar.
- The minimum basic salary requirement for government employees is QR 20,000 and a total salary of QR 30,000 for private sector employees.
- Approved Certificate of Good Conduct and Behavior.
- Good knowledge of the Arabic language.
TAKEAWAY
There are various procedures and requirements that you need to prepare and take into consideration to successfully secure a long-term visa. Creation Business Consultants will help you throughout the entire process. Our team of experts will provide you with options for long-term residency visas in the UAE Saudi Arabia and Qatar. For a free consultation email [email protected] or call UAE +9714 8786240 Saudi Arabia +966 54 511 2494 we look forward to speaking to you soon.
