GCC: New Permanent Residency Schemes

The Daily Tribune, 14 October 2025: GCC countries have introduced comprehensive long-term residency schemes, expanding opportunities for foreign nationals to establish permanent roots in the region.

Under the new frameworks, each GCC nation has established distinct residency pathways. Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency programme offers two options: an annual renewable permit for SAR 100,000 or a permanent residency for SAR 800,000. The scheme enables holders to live and work without requiring a sponsor.

Qatar has implemented a property-based residency programme, granting temporary status for $200,000 investments and permanent residency for $1 million investments. The processing time ranges from four to six weeks, with successful applicants gaining rights to work and sponsor family members.

Bahrain’s Golden Residency Visa provides a 10-year renewable permit for individuals meeting specific criteria, including property ownership valued at BHD 200,000 or a monthly income threshold of BHD 2,000 after five years of residence. Retirees can qualify with a monthly income of BHD 4,000.

Oman has introduced a tiered system through its Investor Residency Program, offering 10-year visas for OMR 500,000 investments and 5-year visas for OMR 250,000 investments. The programme includes provisions for retirees with fixed monthly incomes of OMR 4,000.

Each programme includes specific provisions for property ownership, business operation, and family sponsorship, with varying investment thresholds and eligibility requirements across different GCC states.

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DFSA: Launches Digital Application Platform

DFSA has introduced a new digital platform to accelerate regulatory approvals, responding to an 18% rise in licence applications during the first nine months of 2025.

Key Features of DFSA Connect: automated application processing, streamlined workflow system, online approval tracking, reduced manual procedures and AI-ready infrastructure.

Current Impact: 33% efficiency improvement expected, faster processing times and simplified authorisation process.

The platform handles: financial services authorisations, regulatory approvals, licence applications and compliance documentation.

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Dubai: Launches New Support Package for Local Start-ups

Gulf News, 1 October 2025: Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism has announced new incentives for Emirati-owned start-ups through a partnership between its SME division and Emirates Petroleum Company.

The scheme introduces several cost-reduction measures including: discounted registration and product fees, reduced rates for advertising services, lower rental costs for retail spaces and kiosks, new revenue-sharing arrangements and access to promotional platforms.

Under the agreement, eligible businesses will receive access to premium retail locations and marketing support across the petroleum company’s network. The programme includes co-branded marketing opportunities and preferential rates for payment and logistics services.

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