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Qatar’s 10-year residency and UAE Golden Visa offer long-term options for entrepreneurs, investors, work, investment/Representative Iamge
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.
Qatar’s 10-Year Residency Permit
Qatar’s 10-year residency permit was announced during Web Summit Qatar 2026 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, signalling a strategic push to anchor global talent in the country for the long term. The programme expands Qatar’s existing Mustaqel (Independent) Visa framework and is positioned as a residency pathway for people who actively contribute to the modern economy.Unlike conventional work visas, this permit is designed for individuals who bring innovation, investment, or senior leadership value rather than filling standard employment roles.
The programme targets a specific group of high-impact professionals:
- Entrepreneurs and startup founders, particularly those leading tech-driven or high-growth companies endorsed by recognised entities such as Qatar Science & Technology Park or the Qatar Fintech Hub
- Senior executives and corporate leaders, including CEOs, CFOs, and CTOs, subject to salary and experience thresholds
- Chairman or CEO roles require a minimum monthly salary of QAR 50,000
- Other executive director roles require QAR 80,000
- Investors, venture capital specialists, and global business talent with proven experience
While detailed eligibility rules and application steps are still being finalised, official statements make it clear that selection will focus on economic impact rather than volume.
The defining element of Qatar’s permit is self-sponsorship. Residency is no longer tied to a single employer, removing a long-standing limitation in the region. Permit holders can sponsor spouses and children, gain long-term residential stability, and own property in designated areas such as The Pearl and Lusail.Under initiatives like Start from Qatar, authorities have indicated that company formation, banking, and residency processes may be streamlined, sometimes within days for approved candidates.
The programme is currently in its rollout phase. Based on previous long-term residency frameworks, applications are expected to be processed through:
- Ministry of Interior platforms
- Qatar Development Bank and Start from Qatar initiatives
- Government-approved accelerators, incubators, or investment bodies
The UAE Golden Visa, introduced in 2019, is a more established and wide-ranging programme. It offers five or ten-year renewable residency without employer sponsorship and is open to a broader range of profiles.
Applicants may qualify through multiple pathways, including:
- Property investment of at least AED 2 million
- Investment in innovative ventures starting from AED 500,000
- Specialised skills in priority sectors such as science, healthcare, technology, and education
- Graduation from top-ranked global universities
Golden Visa holders can sponsor spouses, children of any age, and domestic helpers.
Family members retain residency even if the primary holder passes away, a feature often cited as a major advantage.
The visa allows holders to live, work, and invest freely in the UAE, own businesses in eligible sectors, and change employment without affecting residency status. Its flexibility makes it appealing to professionals who want career mobility alongside long-term stability.
How to apply
- Go to the ICP website or download the ICP mobile app.
- Complete the application form with your personal details.
- Upload all required documents.
- Pay the application fees.
- Submit your application for verification by the relevant UAE authorities.
Which is Better for the long term?
The answer depends on purpose rather than prestige.
- Qatar’s 10-year residency is best suited for founders, senior executives, and investors seeking deep integration into a growing innovation ecosystem with strong state backing and long-term certainty.
- The UAE Golden Visa offers broader eligibility, greater career flexibility, and a proven framework for professionals, investors, and families looking for established infrastructure and multiple economic sectors.
Both programmes reflect a regional shift from short-term labour models to long-term talent retention. The real choice lies in whether one’s priorities align more with Qatar’s targeted, founder-focused approach or the UAE’s wide-spectrum residency ecosystem.
