The six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council — Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman — sent a combined $131.5 billion in remittances in 2023, according to the World Bank Migration and Development Brief 40. The UAE and Saudi Arabia ranked second and third globally for remittance outflows that year, behind only the United States. Most of that money came from expatriate workers.
In some GCC countries, expats make up more than 85% of the total population. They work in construction, healthcare, hospitality, engineering, and domestic services, and they send a significant share of their earnings home every month. The rules for doing so vary by country, have changed in recent years, and matter in practical terms.
This guide covers what every expat worker in the GCC needs to know about sending money home in 2026 — the required documents, the costs, the transfer channels available, and the regulatory changes affecting each country. All figures in this article come from the World Bank Migration and Development Briefs, the World Bank Remittance Prices Worldwide Q1 2025 Report, and official central bank or government sources where available.
Why the GCC Matters So Much in Global Remittances
Top 5 remittance sending countries in 2023. UAE and Saudi Arabia are GCC members ranked 2nd and 3rd globally.
Source: World Bank Migration and Development Brief 40, 2024.
The GCC’s outsized role in global remittances comes down to two things: wages that are significantly higher than in most workers’ home countries, and a workforce that is predominantly migrant. Approximate expatriate share of total population by GCC country. UAE 88% confirmed by UN data.
Qatar 85-90% per Wikipedia Demographics of Qatar. Other figures are approximate. Sources noted in chart footer.
In the UAE, expatriates make up approximately 88% of the total population, according to UN population data and multiple demographic sources. In Qatar, the figure is 85 to 90% according to Wikipedia’s Demographics of Qatar citing multiple sources including the International Organization for Migration. In Kuwait, around 70% according to Gulf Research Center data.
These are not temporary conditions. They reflect the structural reality of Gulf economies, which depend on imported labor for almost all private sector activity. The top recipients of GCC remittances are India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Egypt, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
According to the World Bank’s 2024 Migration and Development Brief, the UAE contributed $21.6 billion to India in 2023, making it the second-largest source of remittances to India globally after the United States. GCC country remittance outflows. UAE and Saudi Arabia are World Bank verified 2023 figures.
Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman are estimates — no standalone verified public figures available for these four countries. GCC remittance outflows — verified and estimated: Country Outflow Amount Year Source and Status UAE $38.5 billion 2023 World Bank Migration Brief 40, 2024 — VERIFIED Saudi Arabia $38.4 billion 2023 World Bank Migration Brief 40, 2024 — VERIFIED Kuwait ~$21.6 billion est. IOM World Migration Report 2024 — approximate Qatar Estimated ~$12 billion est.
No verified standalone public figure available Oman Estimated ~$4-5 billion est. No verified standalone public figure available Bahrain Estimated ~$3-4 billion est. No verified standalone public figure available GCC Total $131.5 billion 2023 World Bank Migration Brief 40, 2024 — VERIFIED UAE and Saudi Arabia figures are World Bank verified.
Kuwait figure is from IOM. Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain figures are estimates — no standalone verified public figures available for these three countries in World Bank’s publicly released data.
What Documents Do You Need to Send Money from GCC Countries?
Documentation requirements are broadly similar across the GCC but vary by provider and transfer amount. Minimum required for any transfer
-
Valid passport. Required by all providers across all six GCC countries.
-
Residence permit or national ID card. In the UAE, this is your Emirates ID. In Saudi Arabia, your Iqama. In Kuwait, your Civil ID. In Qatar, your QID. In Bahrain, your CPR card. In Oman, your residency card. Required by virtually all licensed exchange houses and banks.
-
Active bank account or salary proof. Many providers, particularly banks, require transfer funds to come from a local account. Some exchange houses accept cash, though cash transfer documentation requirements have tightened under anti-money laundering rules across the GCC. Additional requirements for larger transfers Under anti-money laundering regulations across the GCC, larger transfers trigger enhanced due diligence. In the UAE, the Central Bank of UAE Rulebook requires that all international wire transfers of AED 3,500 or more be accompanied by the full name and account details of both sender and recipient. Most providers apply source-of-funds questions for transfers above certain thresholds, typically the equivalent of $3,000 to $5,000.
-
Employment contract or salary certificate. Often requested for large or first-time transfers to establish source of funds.
-
Purpose of transfer. You will typically be asked to state the purpose — family support, education, savings. This is standard AML compliance across the region. Undocumented workers face significant practical difficulties making formal transfers. Most licensed providers require a valid residence permit. Workers without regular documentation are sometimes pushed toward informal channels, which carry both financial and legal risk.
How Much Does It Cost to Send Money from the GCC?
Remittance costs: GCC benchmarks versus global averages. Saudi Arabia outbound average and GCC-to-South Asia figures are from World Bank Migration Briefs. Global and bank averages from World Bank RPW Q1 2025.
Cost data by benchmark — verified World Bank sources: Benchmark Average Cost (sending $200) Source and Notes Banks globally (average) 14.55% World Bank RPW Issue 53, Q1 2025 — VERIFIED Saudi Arabia outbound average (all corridors) 5.5% World Bank Brief 40 — Saudi Arabia is one of cheapest G20 senders overall GCC to South Asia average 4.3% World Bank Migration Brief 39, Q2 2023 — cost of sending $200 TO South Asia Global average (Q1 2025) 6.49% World Bank RPW Issue 53, Q1 2025 — VERIFIED Digital-only MTOs globally 3.55% World Bank RPW Issue 53, Q1 2025 — VERIFIED UN SDG Target 2030 3.0% UN Sustainable Development Goal 10.c
Note: Saudi Arabia 5.5% is Saudi Arabia’s average outbound remittance cost across all corridors, not a specific corridor figure.
GCC to South Asia 4.3% is the average cost of sending money to the South Asia region. Individual corridor costs vary by provider, amount, and payment method. GCC-to-South Asia corridors are among the cheapest in the world, partly because of the high volume of transfers and resulting competition between providers.
Saudi Arabia is one of the least expensive G20 sending countries overall according to World Bank Brief 40. The corridor you send to matters significantly. GCC-to-Sub-Saharan Africa corridors remain expensive.
The World Bank’s remittance price tracker allows you to check the current average cost for your specific corridor and compare providers.
UAE: Remittance Rules and Transfer Options
The UAE is the world’s second-largest source of remittances according to the World Bank Migration Brief 40, with $38.5 billion sent in 2023. It has the most developed digital transfer infrastructure in the GCC. Regulatory framework All money transfer services in the UAE must be licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE).
The CBUAE operates a licensing system with categories covering currency exchange, remittance services, Wage Protection System salary payments, and digital-only remittance operations. The CBUAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025, which came into effect in September 2025, expanded the regulatory perimeter to include technology platforms that facilitate financial services including remittance apps.
The UAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering governs all money transfers. Under this law, all providers must verify identity, record the purpose of each transfer, screen against sanctions lists, and report suspicious activity.
Transfer channels available in the UAE Exchange houses. The UAE has an extensive network of licensed exchange houses — Al Ansari Exchange, Al Fardan Exchange, UAE Exchange, and many others. These are the most commonly used channel by workers and are typically cheaper than banks.
Banks. All UAE-licensed banks offer international wire transfers. According to World Bank RPW Q1 2025, banks globally average 14.55% in total transfer cost — the most expensive channel tracked.
Digital apps. Wise received its CBUAE licence in October 2025, joining Remitly, e& money, and other providers. Digital apps licensed by the CBUAE offer lower costs for most corridors.
Key rules for UAE expat workers
-
Emirates ID is mandatory for all transfers.
-
Transfers of AED 3,500 or more require full sender and recipient details under CBUAE AML rules, per the CBUAE Rulebook Article 27.
-
No personal income tax in the UAE on employment income and no withholding tax on outbound remittances.
-
The UAE does not legally permit employers to retain passports. Workers whose passports have been retained by employers retain the legal right to access their documents.
Saudi Arabia: Remittance Rules and Transfer Options
Saudi Arabia ranked third globally for remittance outflows in 2023 with $38.4 billion according to the World Bank. Expatriates make up approximately 38% of the total population but a significantly larger share of the private sector workforce. Regulatory framework Money transfer services in Saudi Arabia are regulated by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA).
All exchange companies and banks offering remittance services must be licensed by SAMA. The Saudi Wage Protection System (WPS) requires private sector employers to pay salaries through registered electronic channels, meaning most formal workers receive wages into a verified bank account. The expat levy Saudi Arabia charges employers a monthly levy for each expatriate worker they employ.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources, employers pay SAR 800 per expatriate per month in sectors where expat workers outnumber Saudi nationals. This is an employer-paid levy, not a deduction from the worker’s salary. Workers in licensed industrial facilities have been exempt under extensions running through end-2025.
Transfer costs Saudi Arabia is one of the least expensive G20 sending countries overall, with an average outbound remittance cost of 5.5% according to World Bank Migration Brief 40. This is below the global average of 6.49% (World Bank RPW Q1 2025). Costs on specific corridors vary — use the World Bank price tracker to check your specific route.
Key rules for Saudi Arabia expat workers
-
Iqama (residence permit) is required for all formal financial transactions including remittances.
-
Saudi Arabia has no personal income tax on employment income.
-
In March 2021, Saudi Arabia began allowing migrant workers to leave the country without their sponsor’s permission, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. An exit visa process still applies.
-
The Wage Protection System requires employers to pay salaries through registered channels. Workers whose wages are not paid on time can file a complaint through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
Kuwait: What Changed in 2025 for Expat Workers
Kuwait made significant regulatory changes affecting expatriate workers in 2024 and 2025 that directly affect the practical ability of workers to manage their finances. The exit permit requirement (effective July 1, 2025) Starting July 1, 2025, Kuwait required all expatriate workers in the private sector to obtain an exit permit from their employer before leaving the country. This was introduced through a ministerial circular by First Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al Yousef, implemented by the Public Authority for Manpower.
Workers must obtain employer consent through the Sahel app or the Ashal Manpower Portal before traveling abroad temporarily or permanently. According to Middle East Briefing, this policy aligns Kuwait with practices in Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain under the kafala system. The UAE remains an exception where employers are not legally permitted to obstruct worker mobility.
Family visa salary requirement Since a January 2024 ministerial resolution, expatriates in Kuwait wishing to sponsor family members must earn a minimum monthly salary of KD 800 (approximately $2,615). A July 2024 amendment removed the education qualification previously required while maintaining the salary threshold. New Foreigners Residency Law (Amiri Decree No.
114 of 2024) In November 2024, Kuwait enacted a new Foreigners Residency Law replacing the previous framework. This law regulates entry, residence, employment assignment, and penalties for foreign nationals. Workers who fall out of compliance with salary requirements for dependent visas face enforcement action.
Key rules for Kuwait expat workers
-
Civil ID required for all remittance transactions.
-
Exit permit from employer required before traveling abroad as of July 1, 2025.
-
No personal income tax on employment income.
-
Family visa sponsorship requires minimum monthly salary of KD 800 (~$2,615).
Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman: Key Rules for Expat Workers
Qatar Qatar has approximately 85 to 90% of its population as expatriates, according to Wikipedia Demographics of Qatar citing multiple sources. Qatar undertook significant labor reforms between 2018 and 2022. Law 19 of 2020 removed the five-year qualifying period for changing employers, allowing workers to transfer employment to another employer at any time without needing their existing employer’s consent, according to Qatar labor law documentation.
Qatar introduced a non-contributory minimum wage in 2021 that applies to all workers regardless of nationality. Qatar’s QID is required for all formal financial transactions. Qatar has no personal income tax on employment income.
Bahrain Bahrain has a Flexi Permit system that allows workers to sponsor themselves under certain conditions, giving more mobility than the standard kafala framework. Bahrain’s Central Bank regulates remittance providers. The CPR card is required for formal transfers.
Bahrain has no personal income tax on employment income. Oman Oman introduced new regulations in December 2024 governing conditional transfers of expatriate workers in private sector companies under Royal Decree 53/2023. The rules allow employment transfers subject to conditions designed to support Omanisation.
Oman’s Central Bank regulates money transfer providers. The residency card is required for formal transfers. No personal income tax applies to employment income.
Country Expat % of Population Kafala Status Income Tax Required ID Exit Permit UAE ~88% (UN verified) Reformed. Employers cannot legally retain passports. None Emirates ID + passport No Qatar 85-90% (IOM/Wikipedia) Significant reforms since 2020.
Job transfers employer-consent free. None QID + passport No (largely abolished) Kuwait ~70% (Gulf Research Center) Active. Exit permit from employer required from July 2025.
None Civil ID + passport Yes (from July 1, 2025) Saudi Arabia ~38% (Vision 2030 data) Active. Exit visa required but sponsor permission removed since 2021. None Iqama + passport Yes (exit visa process) Bahrain ~52% (estimate) Partial reform.
Flexi Permit available. None CPR card + passport No Oman ~46% (estimate) Active with conditional transfer rules (Royal Decree 53/2023). None Residency card + passport Varies by employer
Sources: UAE 88% — UN data per Wikipedia.
Qatar 85-90% — Wikipedia Demographics of Qatar citing IOM. Kuwait 70% — Gulf Research Center. Saudi Arabia 38% — approximate from Vision 2030 data.
Bahrain and Oman are estimates. Kafala status: CFR backgrounder, Middle East Briefing, Qatar labor law. Rules change — verify with official government sources.
The Kafala System and What It Means for Your Ability to Send Money
The kafala (sponsorship) system is the legal framework that governs the relationship between migrant workers and their employers across most GCC countries. Under kafala, a worker’s residency status is tied to their employer. This has direct practical implications for sending money home.
The most immediate issue: your ability to maintain valid documentation for formal remittances depends on your employment status remaining in good standing. If an employer cancels your work permit, your residency status becomes irregular and access to licensed financial services is restricted. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, both Bahrain and Qatar claim to have abolished the kafala system, though independent observers note that reforms are unevenly enforced.
Saudi Arabia abolished the requirement for sponsor permission to leave the country in March 2021. Kuwait moved in the opposite direction in 2025, tightening exit controls. For workers in dispute with their employer over unpaid wages, unsafe conditions, or contract violations, accessing financial services and sending money home can become harder precisely when it matters most.
Most GCC countries have labor dispute mechanisms: Saudi Arabia through the Ministry of Human Resources, the UAE through the Ministry of Human Resources, Qatar through the Ministry of Labour. Practical protection: Keep your residency documents, employment contract, and recent wage slips in a secure location separate from your workplace. Do not keep critical documents at your employer’s premises.
How to Choose the Cheapest Way to Send Money from the GCC
The cost difference between transfer channels in the GCC is significant. Banks globally average 14.55% in total cost according to World Bank Q1 2025 data. Exchange houses and digital platforms are substantially cheaper.
Check the mid-market rate before you send. Go to Google and search for your currency pair — for example, AED to INR. The number Google shows is the real rate.
Compare it to what your transfer provider is offering. The gap is the exchange rate margin they are keeping. The World Bank’s remittance price tracker shows costs for major providers on your specific corridor.
Use licensed exchange houses or digital platforms rather than banks. Exchange houses like Al Ansari, Al Fardan, and UAE Exchange are typically cheaper than banks for the same corridor. Digital apps, where licensed and available, are often cheaper still.
Send larger amounts less frequently. Flat transfer fees hurt more on small amounts. Consolidating smaller weekly transfers into one monthly transfer reduces the number of times fixed fees are applied.
Only use licensed providers. All legitimate remittance providers in the GCC are licensed by the relevant central bank. In the UAE, check CBUAE licensing.
In Saudi Arabia, check SAMA. Using unlicensed operators, including informal channels, carries financial risk — no recourse if money is lost — and potential legal risk. PureFi for supported corridors.
PureFi uses the mid-market exchange rate with a 0.5% flat fee, covers 50+ countries, and pays 6% APY on held balances. For workers sending to major corridors, it offers transparent pricing with no exchange rate margin. See supported countries at getpurefi.com/currencies.
Frequently Asked Questions About GCC Remittances
How much do the GCC countries send in remittances each year? According to the World Bank Migration and Development Brief 40, GCC-wide remittance outflows totaled $131.5 billion in 2023. The UAE and Saudi Arabia ranked second and third globally with $38.5 billion and $38.4 billion respectively.
What documents do I need to send money from the UAE? A valid Emirates ID and passport are required for all transfers. Under CBUAE rules, transfers of AED 3,500 or more require full sender and recipient details per CBUAE Rulebook Article 27.
For large first-time transfers, proof of employment or source of funds may be requested. Is there a tax on remittances sent from GCC countries? None of the six GCC countries currently impose a personal income tax on employment income or a tax on outbound remittances from workers.
Saudi Arabia charges employers a monthly levy per expatriate worker, but this is paid by the employer. The UN World Economic Situation and Prospects November 2025 notes GCC countries have considered but not implemented remittance taxes. What changed for expat workers in Kuwait in 2025?
Starting July 1, 2025, Kuwait required all expatriate workers in the private sector to obtain an exit permit from their employer before leaving the country. This was introduced by a ministerial circular from Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister. In November 2024, Kuwait enacted a new Foreigners Residency Law (Amiri Decree No.
114 of 2024) replacing the previous framework. What is the cheapest way to send money from the GCC? Digital transfer platforms and licensed exchange houses are typically cheaper than banks.
Saudi Arabia is one of the lowest-cost G20 sending countries overall at 5.5% average outbound cost per World Bank Brief 40. GCC-to-South Asia corridors average around 4.3% per World Bank Brief 39. The World Bank’s remittance price tracker shows current costs for the top providers on your specific corridor.
What percentage of GCC populations are expats? Expat populations are large across all six GCC countries. The UAE is approximately 88% expat per UN data.
Qatar is approximately 85 to 90% per Wikipedia Demographics of Qatar citing IOM and multiple sources. Kuwait is approximately 70% per Gulf Research Center. Bahrain, Oman, and Saudi Arabia range from approximately 38 to 52%, with Saudi Arabia the lowest due to its larger citizen population.
What is the kafala system and does it affect sending money home? The kafala system ties a migrant worker’s residency status to their employer. If your employer cancels your work permit, your documentation becomes irregular and access to licensed financial services is restricted.
The Council on Foreign Relations provides detailed background. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain have enacted reforms; Kuwait tightened controls in 2025; the UAE has reformed but workers should always keep their own copies of documents.
Understand Your Rights and Your Options
The GCC is one of the most important remittance corridors in the world. $131.5 billion moved out of the region in 2023. Most of it came from workers earning wages that families back home depend on.
The rules for sending that money have changed in recent years. Kuwait tightened exit controls in 2025. Saudi Arabia reformed sponsor permission requirements in 2021.
Qatar’s labor reforms since 2020 gave workers more employment mobility. Knowing your rights — and using licensed, transparent platforms — protects both your money and your ability to keep sending it. PureFi supports international transfers to 50+ countries with mid-market rates, no exchange rate margin, and 6% APY on your balance.
Join the PureFi waitlist at getpurefi.com.
Related Reading
What Is a Remittance? The $905 Billion System Moving Money Worldwide — PureFi Blog The Hidden Fees in International Money Transfers (And How to Stop Paying Them) — PureFi Blog Common Remittance Scams in 2026 — PureFi Blog World Bank Migration and Development Brief 40, 2024 — World Bank World Bank Remittance Prices Worldwide Q1 2025 — World Bank Central Bank of UAE Rulebook — CBUAE What Is the Kafala System? — Council on Foreign Relations Gulf Research Center: GCC Migration Data — GRC / GLMM UN World Economic Situation and Prospects, November 2025 — United Nations DESA Demographics of Qatar — Wikipedia citing IOM and UN — Wikipedia / IOM 2026 PureFi. getpurefi.com. Core figures from World Bank Migration Brief 40 (2024) and World Bank RPW Q1 2025.
Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain outflow figures are estimates. Qatar expat population 85-90% per Wikipedia Demographics of Qatar citing IOM. UAE 88% per UN data.
Rules change frequently — verify current requirements with official government sources. Updated April 2026.
