EU residency-by-investment: Best Golden Visas for expats leaving the Gulf
For expats planning their next move after being in the Gulf States, we look at three EU residency-by-investment solutions that can be achieved with minimal or zero annual stay requirements.
Sarah Young ● Apr 4, 2025
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The Gulf offers unparalleled economic opportunities to build up business connections and wealth on a short- and long-term temporary basis. For global expats exploring their next step after the Gulf and who wish to protect this wealth, securing European residency-by-investment can be the perfect solution to long-term security and enhanced global mobility without the need to relocate.
For those planning a physical move to Europe in the future, residency can also offer access to world-class healthcare and education.
While the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar offer attractive residency options, these do not lead to citizenship or permanent security.
Residency-by-investment programmes in Portugal, Greece and Malta provide access to the EU, visa-free Schengen travel and, in some cases, a path to citizenship. Residence can be secured and maintained with minimal or no annual stay requirements.
The Portugal Golden Visa, Greece Golden Visa and Malta Permanent Residence Programme are particularly attractive options.
Portugal Golden Visa
Introduced in 2012, the Portugal Golden Visa, designed for non-EU citizens, allows investors to secure temporary residency and has a low minimum stay requirement. After five years, holders can apply for Portuguese citizenship, which in turn means the ability to live, work and study anywhere in the EU. With Portugal’s new NHR 2.0 tax incentives, it remains a top choice for wealthy individuals and business owners who are planning a future relocation to the country.
- Investment options: Requires a minimum investment of €500,000 in a qualifying investment fund.
- Stay requirement: 35 days over a five-year residency period, averaging out to seven days per year.
- Citizenship eligibility: After five years, it’s the only EU residency-by-investment programme offering a path to citizenship and an EU passport without the need to live in-country.
- Popular with: American, Chinese, British, Brazilian, Indian, Turkish and South African nationals, all looking for future EU optionality, flexibility and freedom of movement.
Greece Golden Visa
Launched in 2013, the Greece Golden Visa is currently one of the most affordable residency-by-investment programmes in Europe. Investors can qualify with a real estate purchase starting at €250,000.
- Investment options: Real estate (minimum €250,000 in qualifying real estate projects).
- Stay requirement: None. Residency is granted without the need for physical presence.
- Schengen access: Visa-free travel within Europe’s Schengen Area.
- Family benefits: Residency can be extended to spouses, children under 21 years old, and parents of the main applicant and spouse.
- Path to citizenship: Nationality is achievable for those looking to live full-time in country for a minimum of seven consecutive years.
Malta Permanent Residence Programme
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme, launched in 2015 as the Malta Residency and Visa Programme, is a strong choice for those seeking a secure EU base with zero annual minimum stay requirements. Malta’s residency programme does not lead to citizenship, but it offers permanent residency from day one. Malta also offers a separate citizenship programme, which is the only EU route to citizenship through investment.
- Physical address requirement: Minimum property purchase of €375,000, or a minimum property lease of €14,000 per annum for a minimum of five years.
- Government contributions: A total non-refundable investment of €80,000 - €110,000, plus €10,000 per dependent, plus a €2,000 charitable donation to a Maltese registered NGO.
- Stay requirement: No ongoing annual requirement.
- Schengen access: Visa-free travel for up to 90 days per 180 days.
- Wealth requirement: Must be able to demonstrate a minimum net wealth of €500,000, with €150,000 held in financial assets.
If you’re preparing to leave the UAE, Qatar or Saudi Arabia, securing EU residency well in advance of your move is recommended. EU programmes can take anything from 12 months to three years to secure the first residency card. There’s a lot to think about and it's important to do your financial planning before you leave to avoid unexpected and costly mistakes.
Our expert advisers will be in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Doha from 7 to 13 May and would love to meet with you for an in-person consultation to give you valuable, complimentary advice on how to ensure a smooth transition when you leave the region.