Golden Visa (Investor)

The UAE Golden Visa for Investors grants a 5-year or 10-year renewable residency to foreign nationals who commit capital of at least AED 2,000,000 (approximately USD 545,000) in the United Arab Emirates. Real estate investors receive a 5-year visa, while public investment (fund/deposit/business) and tax-based investors receive a 10-year visa. The visa is self-sponsored with no local employer or guarantor required, and holders are exempt from the 180-day absence rule that applies to standard residence visas. The program was substantially overhauled in October 2022, expanding eligible categories and simplifying requirements.

Applicants must meet one of the following investment criteria:

• Own real estate in the UAE valued at minimum AED 2,000,000
• Hold a deposit of at least AED 2,000,000 in an accredited UAE investment fund or national bank
• Establish or hold a share in a UAE company with capital of at least AED 2,000,000
• Own or be a partner in an enterprise paying at least AED 250,000 annually in federal taxes

The invested capital must be wholly owned by the investor and must not be a loan. No educational or professional qualifications are required. Multiple properties can be combined to reach the AED 2,000,000 threshold.

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Personal photograph
• Emirates ID (if existing)
• Current residence permit copy (if existing)
• Health insurance document
• Real estate investors: title deed or e-Certificate of Title, DLD valuation certificate confirming AED 2,000,000+ value, bank NOC if mortgaged, developer NOC if off-plan
• Fund/deposit investors: letter from accredited UAE investment fund or national bank confirming AED 2,000,000+ deposit, frozen for a minimum of 2 years
• Business investors: valid commercial/industrial licence, memorandum of association showing AED 2,000,000+ capital, audited financial statements, bank statements
• Tax-based investors: Federal Tax Authority letter confirming AED 250,000+ annual tax payment, trade licence, tax return forms
• Police clearance certificate from home country (issued within 6 months)

The visa is granted for 5 years (real estate) or 10 years (public investment/business/tax) and is renewable if the same investment conditions are maintained. The qualifying investment cannot be withdrawn during the Golden Visa period. Real estate investors in Dubai have their property subject to a Dubai Land Department lien for the duration of residency.

Holders may sponsor their spouse, children (regardless of age, as long as unmarried), parents, and unlimited domestic helpers. Family members receive the same visa validity period as the primary holder. Family sponsorship via the Dubai Land Department costs AED 5,775 per person. If the primary holder passes away, family members may remain in the UAE until the visa expiry date.

The UAE does not levy personal income tax. A 9% corporate tax applies to business profits exceeding AED 375,000, and 5% VAT applies to goods and services. Holders residing 183+ days may apply for a Tax Residency Certificate from the Federal Tax Authority. The UAE has over 140 double taxation agreements.

The process varies by emirate and investment type. For real estate investors in Dubai, the process begins at the Dubai Land Department (DLD) Cube portal or service center, where property documents are submitted and DLD fees paid. For non-real estate investors, applications go through the GDRFA smart services portal or ICP portal. In Abu Dhabi, applications are submitted through the TAMM portal.

Fees via GDRFA Dubai total approximately AED 2,790. Via the DLD (real estate route), total fees are approximately AED 9,985 including medical examination and Emirates ID. DLD renewal fee is AED 9,520. Processing takes 5 business days via GDRFA Dubai or 7–10 business days via DLD.

Upon approval, applicants outside the UAE receive an entry visa and must enter within 60 days, then complete medical fitness testing, biometric registration, and Emirates ID issuance.

• The Golden Visa provides residency but does not automatically authorize the holder to work — a separate labour permit or freelance licence is required for employment
• Properties used for Golden Visa eligibility in Dubai are subject to a DLD lien and cannot be sold without relinquishing the visa
• For joint spousal property ownership under AED 4,000,000, only one spouse qualifies as primary holder; each partner's share must be at least AED 2,000,000
• Bank-financed properties must use loans from specific local UAE banks approved by authorities
• Golden Visa holders are exempt from the 180-day continuous absence rule
• Overstay fees are AED 50 per day after the grace period
• Digital currency investments do not qualify for Golden Visa eligibility
• In Abu Dhabi, mortgaged properties are accepted but the investor's equity must be at least AED 2,000,000
• Golden Visa holders in Dubai receive an Esaad privilege card with discounts across healthcare, education, and hospitality