New Residency/Visa Rule Changes Across GCC in 2026: What Expats Should Check This Week

In early 2026, GCC countries implemented massive visa reforms, liberalizing long-term residence and travel of expats and creating specific categories. UAE is ahead in terms of Golden Visa extensions and new visit visas as Saudi and Qatar are converging on the same systems. Expats need to check their eligibility in the face of restricted sponsorship policies.  for more news updates, visit our Gulf Independent News page.

UAE Reforms: Golden Visa and New Categories

The Federal Authority of Identity of UAE broadened Golden Visas to include AI experts, e-sports professional, nurses who have at least 15 years experience, and instructors. New visit visas include AI/Entertainment/Event specialists, and maritime tourism that would be sponsored by licensed entities. Sponsors must now provide proof of income (e.g. AED 10,000+/month) to invite family; humanitarian permits cover crisis victim applicants to a maximum of a year.​

Read more: How to Renew a Residence Visa in the Gulf

GCC-Wide Unified Visa Progress

The GCC Grand Tours Visa, which will be introduced in mid-2026, will permit single-visa travel among the UAE, Saudi, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain with a 30-90 days tourist visa. Qatar increased Hayya GCC Visa to stay two months. Expats in one country of the GCC obtain more easy access to the other, but not work/residency.​

Action Steps for Expats

Check ICP app or GDRFA UAE updates; attach passport covers on applications. Check the occupations in Golden Visa through MOFA. Observing Saudi/Qatar portals of integrated visa pilots. Otherwise, the risk of denials is high- act before weekend travel.

Be compliant with dynamic GCC regulations!