Top Gulf Countries for High-Net-Worth-Individuals in 2025

The Middle East has long been a destination for the world’s wealthy elites, drawn by its tax-friendly regimes, strategic location and booming economies.

But nothing stays the same forever, and the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are currently undergoing a profound regional transformation.

The focus is no longer on oil executives and corporate elites. Countries like the UAE and Jordan are actively rebranding as global hubs for innovation, investment and lifestyle.

From Dubai’s free zones and luxury living to Bahrain’s growing fintech sector or Qatar’s targeted investment incentives, the Gulf is no longer a monolith – each country within the GCC is offering its own version of the good life.

What’s more, they’re prepared to compete hard to attract high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), entrepreneurs and investors who bring not only capital but also ambition and vision.

However, not all GCC states are created equal. Beneath the shared region-wide appeal lies a complex mix of residency routes, business ecosystems, tax implications, and lifestyle factors.

Some jurisdictions offer permanent residency and real estate options, while others focus on high-end investors and corporate structures. For nomad families, the availability of quality education, healthcare, and family visas may tip the scales.

Meanwhile, for individual entrepreneurs, key factors that matter most tend to include access to capital, ease of doing business and regulatory clarity.

Whatever position you find yourself in, the message is clear: Choosing the right country means aligning your goals – financial, personal and strategic – with the ecosystem that can support them.

To help you understand your Middle East options, the Nomad Capitalist team has put together this in-depth guide which breaks down the best Gulf states for investment migration in 2025.

Whether you’re looking for a second base, a primary residence or a tax-efficient structure to support your business and lifestyle – this is where to start.

What are the GCC Countries?

The Gulf Cooperation Council is a regional alliance of six Middle Eastern countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

Founded in 1981, the alliance was built on shared cultural, economic and political interests. These nations have deep historical, religious and trade ties and have used their oil wealth to transform their economies into global powerhouses.

For high-net-worth individuals, the GCC is more than just a bloc. It’s a land of opportunity. 

With low taxes, business-friendly policies and world-class infrastructure, these countries have positioned themselves as top destinations for wealth, investment and luxury living. 

The region is also rapidly evolving, offering a unique mix of tradition and modernity for expats. 

What GCC Countries Have to Offer High-Net-Worth Individuals

First off, every GCC country offers something unique. But, together, they offer a combination of wealth preservation, business opportunities and luxury living. 

This region is largely about low taxes, strong economies and world-class infrastructure.

Let’s start with taxes – the biggest draw. 

Many Gulf nations have zero personal income tax, no capital gains tax and no inheritance tax. That alone makes them attractive to entrepreneurs, investors and family offices looking to protect and grow their wealth. 

When structured correctly, that means keeping far more of what you earn.

Beyond taxes, these countries are built for business. 

The UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are ploughing billions into financial services, tech and tourism, creating massive opportunities for investment and economic growth. Dubai is a global business hub with access to markets across Asia, Europe and Africa. 

Qatar is positioning itself as a major financial centre. Saudi Arabia is transforming with Vision 2030, opening up new industries and investment incentives.

Then there’s lifestyle. 

The GCC is known for safety, stability and all-out luxury. Whether it’s high-end real estate, five-star resorts or exclusive social circles, this is a region designed for those who want the best. 

Add in world-class airports and some appealing residency options, and you’ve got one of the best places on earth for those who value wealth, freedom and opportunity.

Top GCC Countries for the Wealthy

Here are some of the best options when considering immigration, taxes, real estate, business and lifestyle.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE is the undisputed heavyweight when it comes to attracting high-net-worth individuals. 

With zero personal income tax, world-class infrastructure and an unrivalled business environment, it’s a place where wealth thrives. 

Dubai, in particular, has become the go-to city for entrepreneurs, investors and digital nomads. Here, you can enjoy a tax-free lifestyle with access to international markets. 

Its free zones allow 100% foreign ownership, and with corporate tax at 9%, it’s still one of the most tax-efficient places to set up shop. 

If you’re interested in real estate here, a property investment of AED 750,000 (around US$204,000) can help you gain long-term residence.

Of course, the UAE offers a high standard of living with ultra-modern skyscrapers, world-class restaurants and an endless calendar of networking events.

Expats here make up nearly 90% of the population, so settling in is easy. But just as there are other GCC countries, there are also other UAE emirates like Abu Dhabi so don’t focus only on Dubai.

English is widely spoken across the UAE, and there’s a well-established path for international residents to live here. Plus, there are no restrictions on foreign capital movement in the UAE, making it a strong option for wealth preservation.

With its low taxes, high security, top-tier lifestyle and strategic location between Europe, Asia and Africa, the UAE is a country built for success, that rewards those who know how to take advantage of it.

Oman

Oman is an underrated gem for those looking for a stable, tax-friendly, high-quality lifestyle in the Gulf. 

While it doesn’t have the glitz of Dubai or the aggressive economic ambitions of Saudi Arabia, it offers something equally valuable – stability, privacy and a welcoming environment for investors.

For those looking to establish residency, Oman’s Golden Visa is a straightforward option. Invest as little as OMR 250,000 (about US$650,000) in real estate or business, and you’ll secure a five-year visa. 

Double that amount, and you’ll get a decade-long visa with even more flexibility. 

Unlike some other Gulf nations, Oman allows foreign investors to own property outright in designated areas, offering a tangible asset in an appreciating market. 

Alternatively, setting up a business there can grant you residency, and with no minimum share capital in many free zones, there’s a relatively low barrier to entry.

Oman also stands out for no personal income tax, no capital gains tax and no dividend tax. 

While corporate tax is 15%, that’s still lower than most Western nations. And with no exit tax, you can move funds in and out freely.

Oman is safer and quieter than many of its GCC neighbours, and the cost of living is lower than Dubai or Doha. English is widely spoken, and the country has an expat-friendly atmosphere. 

It’s for those who value discretion, opportunity and a hassle-free residency process.

Qatar

This small but powerful Gulf state is a prime destination for high-net-worth individuals looking for tax efficiency, investment opportunities and a luxury lifestyle. 

While it may not be as aggressively marketed as Dubai, Qatar has plenty to offer. 

For investors seeking residency, Qatar offers two straightforward routes: real estate or company formation. 

Buying a property worth at least QAR 730,000 (around US$200,000) gets you a one-year renewable residence permit. 

Meanwhile, investing QAR 3,650,000 (US$1 million) or more in real estate in a designated residential zone can qualify you for permanent residence.

With prime real estate options in Lusail, The Pearl and West Bay, you’re buying into a growing market with strong potential.

If you prefer the business route, Qatar allows 100% foreign ownership in free zones, making it easier to set up and run a company without a local partner. 

The process is relatively quick, and with no minimum investment required, it’s a flexible way to obtain residency while tapping into one of the region’s fastest-growing economies. 

However, Qatar keeps a close eye on business activity. So, if you’re setting up a company purely for residency, you’ll need to ensure it maintains some level of operations.

One of Qatar’s biggest draws is its tax system:

• There’s no personal income tax 
• No capital gains tax or wealth tax 
• Dividend income is also untaxed 
• Corporate tax is a flat 10%. 

Bahrain

Bahrain is one of the Middle East’s best-kept secrets for ease of doing business, a relaxed lifestyle and a low-tax environment. 

Bahrain offers a more understated but equally compelling option for those looking to secure a Gulf base without unnecessary red tape.

The country has no personal income tax, no corporate tax on most businesses and no capital gains tax. 

Setting up a company is a quick and straightforward way to obtain residency, usually taking around six weeks. 

While some sectors require a local partner, consulting, marketing, and holding companies can be fully foreign-owned. You’ll need a physical office, but a simple desk space is enough to satisfy the requirements.

For those looking for a more long-term option, Bahrain’s Golden Visa offers a renewable 10-year residency to investors, retirees and highly skilled professionals.

Investing in property worth at least BHD 200,000 (around US$530,000) also qualifies you. The process is one of the fastest in the region, with approvals typically taking less than two weeks.

Bahrain is more affordable than Dubai or Doha, and offers quality infrastructure, modern amenities and a high standard of living. It has a strong financial sector, a welcoming expat community and a more liberal social environment than many of its neighbours. 

Top Gulf Countries: FAQs

Find the Best GCC Country for You

Choosing the right Middle East country isn’t just about chasing tax incentives. It’s about aligning your lifestyle and business goals with a longer term strategy in the jurisdiction that best supports all three.

Some GCC nations offer quick and straightforward programs while others provide access to fast-growing markets or grant exclusive status that few others can match.

But perhaps the best part about all of this is that you don’t have to limit yourself to just one. Savvy investors diversify their residencies in the same way they diversify their portfolios – building flexibility, long-term security and mobility across multiple jurisdictions.

If you’re ready to establish a strategic base in the GCC region, the Nomad Capitalist team can help you identify your best option and execute it with clarity and confidence.

To start your journey to greater freedom and opportunity, reach out today. 

At Nomad Capitalist, we specialise in helping high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs build custom offshore strategies that combine residency, citizenship and global tax optimisation into one cohesive plan.