GCC expat guide 2026: 6 countries, visas, gratuity, licences

This GCC expat guide gives you a side‑by‑side comparison of visas, family sponsorship, driving licences, traffic fines, end‑of‑service gratuity, Golden Visas, freelance permits, bank accounts, cost of living and public holidays across all six Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

GCC expat guide: key facts at a glance

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a political and economic alliance of six Arab states on the Arabian Peninsula. As of October 2026 the members are Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain. The council coordinates labour‑market policies, a unified traffic‑fines system (launched 2023) and remittance corridors that move billions of dollars each year.

GCC visa types 2026: work, family, freelance, investor and tourist

Each GCC state runs its own visa framework, but the categories are broadly similar. The table below summarises the main visa types available to expatriates as of October 2026.

How to check visa status online in UAE, Saudi, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain

This GCC expat guide explains how to check visa status online in each GCC country.

United Arab Emirates

Visit the ICP Smart Services portal or download the ICP mobile app. Enter your Emirates ID number or Unified Number (UID) and select “Visa Status”. The system shows entry/exit dates, visa type, expiry and any fines. Processing is instant.

Saudi Arabia

Log in to Absher (Ministry of Interior) for Iqama, exit‑re‑entry and visa validity. For work‑permit details use Qiwa (Ministry of Human Resources). Both require a registered Absher account and a one‑time password sent to your Saudi mobile number.

Qatar

Open the MOI Qatar portal or the Metrash2 app. Choose “Visa Enquiry”, enter passport number and QID. The result displays visa type, sponsor, expiry and any pending medical or security checks.

Kuwait

Use the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) website or the MOI e‑services portal. Input your Civil ID number to view work‑permit status, residency expiry and any quota‑related restrictions.

Oman

Access the Royal Oman Police (ROP) e‑visa portal or the Tasheel platform. Enter your visa reference or passport number to see validity, extension options and any medical‑fitness requirements.

Bahrain

Log in to the LMRA portal for work‑permit and Flexi Permit status, or the NPRA site for family‑visa and residency queries. Both require a CPR number and a registered mobile for OTP verification.

What documents are needed for family visa sponsorship in each GCC country?

This GCC expat guide details the documents needed for family visa sponsorship in each GCC country.

United Arab Emirates

• Salary certificate ≥ AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 + housing allowance)
• Tenancy contract registered with Ejari
• Medical fitness certificate for each dependant (approved clinic)
• Emirates ID application (biometrics) for spouse and children
• Attested marriage and birth certificates (UAE embassy legalisation)

Saudi Arabia

• Valid Iqama and minimum SAR 4,000 monthly salary (profession‑dependent)
• Muqeem registration for dependants
• Medical insurance covering dependants (mandatory)
• Attested marriage/birth certificates (Saudi embassy)
• Dependent age limits: sons ≤ 18, daughters unmarried any age

Qatar

• Minimum QAR 7,000 salary (QAR 10,000 if no housing provided)
• Attested marriage and birth certificates (Qatar embassy)
• Medical examination at approved centre
• Qatar ID biometrics appointment for each family member

Kuwait

• Salary ≥ KD 450 (varies by profession)
• PACI Civil ID for sponsor
• Security clearance from MOI
• Proof of housing (rent contract or ownership deed)
• Attested marriage/birth certificates (Kuwait embassy)

Oman

• Monthly salary ≥ OMR 600
• ROP sponsorship application form
• Medical fitness certificate
• Tenancy contract registered via Muwafiq system
• Attested marriage/birth certificates (Oman embassy)

Bahrain

• Salary ≥ BHD 300
• LMRA approval for dependant work permits (if applicable)
• NPRA medical screening
• CPR registration for each dependant
• Attested marriage/birth certificates (Bahrain embassy)

How to convert a home‑country driving licence to a GCC licence in 2026

This GCC expat guide outlines how to convert a home‑country driving licence to a GCC licence in 2026.

United Arab Emirates

Residents from 33 “Golden Chance” countries (including UK, USA, Canada, most EU states) can swap their licence directly at RTA (Dubai) or Dubai Police centres — no tests required. All other nationalities must pass a theory test (available in English/Arabic) and a road test. Fees: AED 200‑AED 600 depending on emirate.

Saudi Arabia

Book an appointment via Absher, complete a medical exam, then take the computer‑based theory test (waived for licence holders from 40+ approved countries). A hazard‑perception test follows. Licence issued for 10 years (Saudi nationals) or 5 years (expatriates). Fee ≈ SAR 200.

Qatar

Apply at the MOI Traffic Department. Non‑exempt countries sit a theory test (English/Arabic). Practical test is not required for most expatriates. Licence validity: 5 years for residents. Fee ≈ QAR 500.

Kuwait

Visit the General Traffic Department. Theory + practical tests are mandatory unless your home country appears on the 2024 exempt list (updated annually). Licence issued for 10 years (Kuwaiti nationals) or 5 years (expats). Fee ≈ KD 30.

Oman

ROP requires a theory test (Arabic or English) and an eye test. Expats receive a 2‑year licence; GCC nationals get 10 years. Fee ≈ OMR 30.

Bahrain

Traffic Directorate conducts a theory test only. International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for 3 months only. Licence issued for 10 years. Fee ≈ BHD 20.

End‑of‑service gratuity rules across the GCC

This GCC expat guide summarises end‑of‑service gratuity rules across the GCC.

Gratuity (end‑of‑service benefit) is a statutory payout when an employment contract ends. Calculations differ slightly but all follow a similar formula: 21 days’ basic salary per year for the first five years, then 30 days per year thereafter. The table below summarises key points as of October 2026.

Golden Visa and long‑term residency programmes

This GCC expat guide covers Golden Visa and long‑term residency programmes in all six GCC states.

All six GCC states now offer long‑term residency (often called Golden Visa) for investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talent and property buyers. Benefits include 10‑year renewable residency, 100% business ownership, family sponsorship and no sponsor requirement. Minimum investment thresholds (2026): UAE AED 2 million property; Saudi SAR 4 million property or SAR 7 million investment; Qatar QAR 3 million property; Kuwait KD 100,000 investment; Oman OMR 250,000 property; Bahrain BHD 200,000 property. Applications are submitted via each country’s dedicated portal (ICP, Absher, MOI Qatar, PAM, ROP, NPRA).

Freelance permits and self‑employment visas

This GCC expat guide describes freelance permits and self‑employment visas across the GCC.

Freelance permits allow professionals to work without a single employer sponsor. The UAE leads with free‑zone permits (e.g., Dubai Media City, twofour54) and the Virtual Work Visa. Saudi Arabia’s new self‑employment visa (launched 2025) targets tech, consulting and creative sectors. Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain each run free‑zone or economic‑board programmes. Typical requirements: professional portfolio, client contracts, health insurance, and a refundable bank guarantee (AED 5,000–20,000). Renewal is annual; some convert to Golden Visa after 3‑5 years.

Opening a bank account as an expatriate

This GCC expat guide explains opening a bank account as an expatriate in the GCC.

Most GCC banks require a valid residence visa, Emirates ID/QID/CPR/Iqama, salary certificate (or proof of income for freelancers), and a minimum opening deposit (AED 3,000–5,000, SAR 2,000, QAR 5,000, KD 100, OMR 200, BHD 200). Digital onboarding is now standard in the UAE (Liv, Mashreq Neo) and Saudi (STC Pay, SNB). Non‑residents can open limited “non‑resident” accounts in UAE and Bahrain with just a passport and proof of address abroad.

Cost of living comparison (monthly, single person, mid‑range)

This GCC expat guide provides a cost of living comparison for a single person in each GCC capital.

Figures are October 2026 averages from Numbeo and local expat forums; actual costs vary by lifestyle.

Public holidays 2026 (fixed + Islamic estimates)

This GCC expat guide lists public holidays 2026 (fixed and Islamic estimates) for each GCC country.

*Islamic dates are provisional (moon‑sighting dependent). Confirm with local authorities closer to the date.

Unified GCC traffic‑fines system

This GCC expat guide explains the unified GCC traffic‑fines system.

Since 2023 the GCC Traffic Safety Committee operates a shared database. A fine issued in one member state appears on the driver’s record across all six. Payment can be made via each country’s MOI/ROP app or the GCC Traffic portal. Common offences (speeding, red‑light, mobile use) carry similar point penalties; 24 points in 12 months triggers licence suspension in all GCC states.

Related: Qatar Labour Law 2026: 7 Expat Rights & Salary Rules | UAE Golden Visa Requirements 2026 | Saudi Arabia Expat Banking Guide

Frequently asked questions