Second Citizenship & Golden Visa Trends: What GCC Investors Are Thinking About Now
- varishamazhar9
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 28
If you're watching the luxury and business scenes in the GCC, you've probably noticed something interesting:
Ultra-wealthy individuals are on the move—and it's not just for sunshine anymore.
1 Millionaires Are Leaving the UK & Heading to the GCC
According to recent data from Henley & Partners, a staggering 16,500 millionaires are expected to leave the UK in 2025, taking with them an estimated $92 billion in Wealth
Guess who's the top magnet? The United Arab Emirates, anticipated to attract around 9,800 of these movers, thanks to its tax-free environment, lifestyle, and strong capital protections.
That means more high-net-worth individuals seeking either:
Long-term residency (Golden Visa)
Second or backup citizenship
2. UAE Golden Visa vs. Global Alternatives
The UAE is easy to understand—it offers 10-year residency through paths such as:
AED 2 million in real estate ($545,000.00) for property investors
AED 2 million in business or fund investments
But what about getting a passport? There’s no direct UAE citizenship-by-investment program. Citizenship still comes through selective nomination—an option only for people with exceptional talent, business impact, or government backing
3. Europe, Caribbean & Beyond: The Bigger Picture
If full citizenship is the goal, here are the top-ranking global options in 2025:
Portugal & Greece Golden Visa → EU residency → citizenship (after ~5–7 years) via real estate or fund investment
Caribbean Programs (e.g., Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis)Citizenship for ~$200–$250,000.00 With minimal stays required — fast and effective
MaltaDirect EU citizenship through sizable investment (~€600 k) over ~3 years — premium and streamlined.
4. What GCC Investors Want
It all comes down to goals:
Goal | Best Option |
UAE residency + tax perks | UAE Golden Visa (10-year residency) |
EU passport + freedom | Portugal/Greece Golden Visa → citizenship |
Fast passport only | Caribbean CBI programs |
Each has unique benefits—tax planning, business expansion ease, travel mobility, or legacy flexibility.
Final Thoughts
The UAE is booming as a destination for business migration, especially for real estate and wealth structuring.
But if you’re hunting for a second passport, you’ll need to look at EU or Caribbean options.
Your choice depends on: How fast you need it, where you want to live, and what level of freedom or mobility matters most.
Before You Commit
Define your goals: residency vs. citizenship?
Consider lifestyle, family, tax, and travel needs.
Consult with a trusted migration advisor—it’s about more than just dollars.
Stay ahead of the curve: Follow @TheSocialGazelle for insider updates on luxury, real estate, business strategy, and now, second citizenship trends across the GCC.
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