UAE launches permanent residency scheme for select expats

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a permanent residency scheme for select expats, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced in a tweet on Tuesday.

"We have launched a permanent residence system 'Gold Card' in the UAE for investors and exceptional competencies in the fields of medicine, engineering, science, and arts. The first batch of permanent residence will be given to 6800 investors whose total investments are Dh100 billion," he said in a tweet.

In another tweet, Sheikh Mohammed said: "The permanent residence 'Gold Card' will be given to distinguished individuals, exceptional talents and anyone who contributes positively to UAE's success story. We want them to be permanent partners with us in our journey. All residents of the UAE are our brothers and part of our big family.”

Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers approved last week the creation of a residency permit scheme for qualified international expatriates, which is expected to support the attraction of leading global entrepreneurs, innovators and investors.

The permanent residency “Golden Card” will be granted to exceptional talents and everyone who positively contributes to the success story of the UAE. We want them to be permanent partners in our journey. Residents are an indispensable part of our country.

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) 21 May 2019

We launched a new “Golden Card” system to grant permanent residency to investors and exceptional doctors, engineers, scientists and artists. The first batch of 6,800 investors with Dh100 billion worth of investments will be granted the “Golden Card.”

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) 21 May 2019