
Long-term residency has become a key priority across the Gulf, as governments compete to attract founders, investors, and highly skilled professionals. Two programmes now stand out in this shift: Qatar’s newly announced 10-year residency permit and the UAE Golden Visa. While both move away from traditional employer-linked visas, they are built for slightly different audiences and long-term goals.
Breaking down eligibility, rights, and flexibility shows where each programme fits into long-term settlement plans.