Bahrain, UAE, Saudi residency visas compared: Which one offers better value?

TL;DR:

• Bahrain ’s 10-year Golden Residency is one of 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.