Gulf state signals an expansion of residence policy

Saudi Arabia is reported to be considering an expansion of its Premium Residency programme to attract ultra-high-net-worth individuals and globally mobile capital, marking a potential shift in how Gulf states position themselves within the global investment migration landscape in 2026.

This development, reported in 01/2026, aligns with Saudi Arabia’s wider Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the economy, increase foreign investment and attract long-term global residents rather than short-term capital flows.

What the latest reports of 01/2026 say

Saudi Arabia is considering widening eligibility for its Premium Residency (sometimes described as the “Gulf green card”) to include:

• Ultra-wealthy individuals, including those with a net worth of around US$30,000,000, according to sources cited by Bloomberg and regional financial media.
• Owners of large luxury yachts and holders of other high-value assets.
• High-achieving students and entrepreneurs in selected cases.

These proposals are reported to be under review and have not been finalised, with the Saudi authorities likely to announce specific regulations later in 2026.

Why this matters

Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency programme was launched in 2019 and allows eligible foreign investors, professionals and highly skilled individuals to live, work and invest in the Kingdom without a local sponsor.

A possible expansion to include ultra-wealthy global residents would signal a shift towards competing more directly with established residency by investment jurisdictions for mobile capital, family offices and globally active executives.

The strategic aims of the expansion

If implemented, an expanded Premium Residency framework could aim to:

• Attract significant foreign capital into the Saudi economy, particularly into real estate, family office formation and strategic investments.
• Encourage long-term residence by wealthy individuals, not merely short-term business or employment stays.
• Enhance Saudi Arabia’s appeal as a global hub for mobile wealth and executive talent across sectors such as finance, technology and innovation.

The context within the Gulf region

Saudi Arabia’s move reflects a wider Gulf trend: governments are refining residence frameworks to compete for mobile capital, skilled talent and long-term residents, not merely short-term business visitors.

• United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE Golden Visa is explicitly positioned as a long-term residence route for investors, entrepreneurs and “talent”, with visa terms typically of 5 or 10 years depending on the category.
• Qatar: Qatar has promoted a more structured wealth-linked residence model, including a lower investment tier (commonly reported at around US$200,000) and a higher tier of around QAR 3,650,000 (approximately US$1,000,000) linked to stronger long-term residence status and benefits.
• Bahrain: Bahrain’s golden residency sets out multiple eligibility routes (including investment and professional routes) as part of a long-term residence offer designed to retain and attract foreign residents.
• Oman: Oman has also built longer-term residence options for investors, with widely reported 5-year and 10-year routes tied to higher-value commitments.

Taken together, these programmes show the Gulf moving towards a more “portfolio-style” residence policy: separate routes for investors, property owners and high-achieving profiles, with clearer long-term status for those meeting the economic criteria.