Application Rejected For UAE Golden Visa? 5 Gulf Countries You Can Apply To Instead!

So, you gathered all your documents and still got the “sorry, your application was selected” reply for the UAE Golden Visa. Yeah, that hurts, especially when you’ve been planning your next big chapter here. The rest of the Gulf? They’re stepping up in a big way. All across the region, countries are launching their own long-stay visa options, throwing in attractive benefits for investors, tax-friendly setups, and easier ways in for professionals, business minds, and creatives who want to build something meaningful.

UAE Said No to Your Golden Visa? These 5 Gulf Countries Might Say “Ahlan Wa Sahlan!”

1. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is playing it smart with its Premium Residency Programme, also known as the Kingdom’s version of the Golden Visa. Launched as part of Vision 2030, it targets high-net-worth individuals, investors, researchers, and professionals across industries.

Here’s what stands out:

• No local sponsor needed
• Freedom to live, work, and own businesses
• Visa-free re-entry, property ownership, and exemption from expat levies
• Flexible packages, including a SAR 4,000 annual option or permanent residency

It’s open to executives, cultural changemakers, and innovators. Whether you’re launching your startup in Riyadh or contributing to Saudi Arabia’s culture boom, this visa gives you a solid base.

Apply at: pr.gov.sa

2. Bahrain

Bahrain’s Golden Residency Visa offers 10-year renewable visas for people in five categories: investors, skilled professionals, long-term residents, retirees, and property owners. This isn’t just a stamp in your passport, it’s a genuine lifestyle opportunity.

You get:

• Property ownership rights
• Sponsorship for family
• Unrestricted re-entry
• Low application fee (BHD 5) and issuance fee (BHD 300)

It’s ideal if you’re looking for stability in a relaxed environment with decent business prospects and cultural access. The island’s real estate market is affordable, and there’s a welcoming expat crowd.

Apply online through Bahrain’s eVisa portal.

Also Read: 13 Reasons Why Your UAE Golden Visa Application Could Be Rejected

3. Oman

Oman’s Investor Residence Programme is the Gulf’s secret visa plan, but it’s catching attention fast. If you’re someone who prefers mountains, beaches, and a slower pace, Oman’s your go-to.

There are two tiers:

• 5-year visa with a minimum investment of OMR 250,000
• 10-year visa with OMR 500,000 investment
• Retirees earning over OMR 4,000/month also qualify
• Bonus: Employ 50 Omanis, and you may bypass capital requirements

You must be 21+, hold a clean record, and apply via the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion.

4. Qatar

Qatar’s offering residency through real estate investment, and it’s got two paths:

• Temporary residency with USD 200,000 investment (QAR 728,000)
• Permanent residency with USD 1 million investment

Applicants must be healthy, over 21, and hold a clean background. Permanent residents need to speak basic Arabic, hold a Qatari ID, and pay a USD 824 state fee. While there’s an annual cap on approvals, the benefits, like access to top-tier services and potential citizenship discussions, make this worth exploring.

Applications are open online and through authorised service centres.

5. Egypt

Okay, technically, Egypt isn’t in the Gulf, but it deserves a spot on this list. Its Citizenship by Investment programme is among the most straightforward in the region.

Minimum investment starts at USD 250,000, and you can go for:

• A non-refundable donation
• Real estate purchase
• A business venture
• A refundable bank deposit of USD 750,000 for five years

Perks include visa-free travel to countries like Malaysia, access to African and Middle Eastern trade zones, and potential E-2 Visa access to the US. 

If the UAE closes a door, one of these might be your window. So, here’s your chance to explore new countries and opportunities across the Gulf. 

Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro Azzam Aljuaid from Getty Images, trabantos from Getty Images, Arnold Petersen from Getty Images, Merydolla from Getty Images