If you’re looking to invest, build, innovate or contribute specialist expertise, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is prepared to offer you long-term residency stability in return through the Golden visa.
With initiatives such as “We the UAE 2031” vision and Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), the UAE is focusing on building an economy that’s both innovative and knowledge-based. And from what we see on the ground, it is gaining traction. Many firms see Dubai as a global technology powerhouse and, increasingly, a compelling location for regional headquarters.
Against this backdrop, the Golden visa provides interested investors, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals a more secure residency option compared to other two- or three-year visa options. Qualifying individuals may relocate with family and stay in the UAE for a longer period of five or ten years. In this article, we discuss:
- Benefits of the UAE golden visa programme
- Golden visa categories applicable to foreign commercial stakeholders
- Golden visa via property purchase
- Golden visa via entrepreneurship in tech
- Golden visa for specialised talent
- How we can help
- Frequently asked questions
Benefits of the UAE golden visa programme
The Golden visa provides access to the benefits the UAE has to offer, including good infrastructure, strong global connections and a high quality of life. The five- or ten-year, renewable feature gives you a much longer timeframe to settle in comfortably. As you will not need to manage frequent renewals, it may make long-term decisions easier.
The Golden Visa also removes the need for a local sponsor. For business owners and senior professionals, that means your residency is not as tightly linked to one employer relationship. If your role changes, or you run more than one venture, you have more flexibility than you would under a standard work visa.
In our experience assisting foreign individuals with immigration matters, the Golden visa is also well suited for those who travel often. There are applicants who want to use the UAE as a base while spending time overseas for business, and the Golden visa can cater to that well.
In many cases, you can sponsor your spouse and children. You may also bring in domestic staff, depending on the rules and approvals.
Golden visa approvals are issued solely at the discretion of the UAE immigration authorities following review of the applicant’s eligibility and supporting documentation.
Golden visa categories applicable to foreign commercial stakeholders
The following sets out the main Golden visa routes and what you can expect in terms of requirements, timeline, costs and common challenges.
Golden visa via property purchase
This route allows a property investor in the UAE to apply for a 10-year, renewable residence permit where the property purchase value is AED 2 million or more at the time of purchase. It is intended for investors who want a residency option linked to a qualifying real estate holding. Our team can support with eligibility checks and application guidance for properties in freehold areas.
Requirements
For ready properties, you must hold full ownership of one or more properties registered in your name, with a total value of at least AED 2 million. In Dubai, for example, the qualifying value is typically supported by evidence issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
You may need to be in the UAE for key steps such as medical checks, biometrics and finalisation. It is also advisable to seek immigration pre-approval before cancelling an existing employment visa.
If the property is co-owned, for example with your spouse, the authorities may assess your individual share. In many cases, your share may need to meet the AED 2 million threshold on its own, depending on the emirate and the processing authority.
If you’re applying based on an off-plan property, proof of registration – also referred to as an Oqood contract – and signed Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) may be required as part of your application. The eligibility requirements may also include making a down payment of at least 50% of the property’s value (or providing a bank guarantee for the remaining balance) and ensuring the property is at least 50% complete at the time of application.
In terms of documents, you will typically need:
- Passport
- Title deed
- Current residence visa copy (if available)
- Emirates ID (if available)
- Recent photograph
- Certificate of Property Valuation issued by the DLD or relevant emirate land authority (where applicable)
- Proof of property payment (SPA and/or payment confirmation)
Depending on the case, the authorities may also request:
- Developer statement of account, which is common for off-plan properties
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank for mortgaged properties
- Marriage certificate if relying on spouse-related documentation. Arabic translation may be requested
Fees
Government fees may cost around AED 13,500. You may also plan for related costs such as translation and any extra documentation that may be requested during processing.
Timeline information
Processing timelines typically range from 10 to 15 business days, subject to immigration authority review, documentation completeness and security checks.
Potential challenges
For your application to proceed, you will need to check that your property clearly meets the AED 2 million threshold and that it is properly evidenced.
If you jointly own the property, you will need to confirm that your personal share alone satisfies the requirement. For off-plan properties, the process may be more detailed and sometimes less predictable as eligibility depends on payment milestones, construction progress and authority approval.
If you would like more information on whether your property qualifies or guidance on structuring your application correctly, please get in touch with our team.
Golden visa via entrepreneurship in tech
This Golden Visa category is aimed at entrepreneurs behind projects of a technical, future-oriented or disruptive nature, whether the idea originates inside or outside the UAE. The focus is on founders who can contribute to the UAE’s innovation ecosystem, so this route is generally best suited to technology-led or innovation-driven ventures.
Once approved, you can be granted a renewable long-term residence permit. For the entrepreneurship route, a five-year validity is common. In some cases, a longer validity may apply depending on the approving authority and the category your application is processed under.
Requirements
You can qualify through a few different routes. These criteria are derived from guidance issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and other UAE government programmes supporting entrepreneurship. Final eligibility assessment remains subject to authority approval.
One option is where you own or are a partner in a UAE-based business registered with the Ministry of Economy. The business must generate AED 1 million or more.
Another route is where you are backed by a UAE-accredited incubator or government entity. You may also qualify if you have founded a pioneering project that was sold for at least AED 7 million.
In some cases, applicants may qualify where an innovative project is valued at AED 500,000 or more, supported by an approved UAE auditor and endorsement from a recognised UAE incubator or authority.
You’ll generally need approval letters from the relevant emirate authority confirming the project’s technical or future-focused nature, and from an accredited incubator supporting the establishment of your activity.
Fees
Expect government fees of about AED 7,900 for the application. You may also budget for related costs such as auditor support for valuation confirmation and any document preparation requirements.
Timeline information
Because this pathway involves review and endorsement, the timeline can vary depending on how quickly you can secure approvals and whether the authorities request for more information. If you would like an estimate tailored to your case, please reach out to our team.
Potential challenges
You will need to demonstrate a credible innovation case to be endorsed by an accredited business incubator. The paperwork can be comprehensive so you may need to factor in time to prepare and coordinate the documentation.
My UAE company generates more than AED 2 million in annual revenue, does that automatically qualify me for the Golden visa?
No, generating more than AED 2 million in annual revenue can be a positive factor but approval is not based on revenue alone. You still need to qualify under a recognised route and show that your project meets the required “technical or future-oriented” profile for the Golden visa.
Could my free zone company’s net assets exceeding AED 2 million qualify me for the Golden visa?
Net assets exceeding AED 2 million do not automatically grant Golden visa eligibility. What matters is whether you meet one of the recognised eligibility pathways and can support it in the format required by the relevant authority. If you would like clarity on whether your project profile supports eligibility, our team can review the details and guide you through your application.
Golden visa for specialised talent
This route is aimed at senior and specialised professionals, including doctors, engineers, scientists, information technology (IT) specialists and other experienced experts such as managers and directors. If you meet the criteria, you may be granted the ten-year Golden visa.
Requirements
To qualify, you generally need to show a minimum of two years in a senior role with the same employer. Your employer should provide a NOC confirming they support your Golden visa application and state that you have served for at least two years in a qualifying capacity, such as general manager, executive, director or chairman of the board.
You also need to demonstrate that your compensation meets the required level of AED 30,000 per month for two years, and that you have held a managerial visa category for at least two years with the same company.
Depending on the emirate authority and the applicant’s role, the employer may be required to demonstrate an operational presence in the UAE and a minimum workforce threshold. Document-wise, you will need to prepare:
- Passport copy
- Recent photograph
- Emirates ID
- Salary certificate issued by the relevant mainland or free zone authority confirming a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 or above, supported by salary certificate and bank statements as required by the relevant immigration authority
- Proof of at least two years’ employment with your current employer
- Six months of UAE personal bank statements showing salary credits at or above AED 30,000
- Valid labour contract
- Attested university degree, first attested at the UAE embassy in the country of issue and then at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Fees
The government typically requires AED 5,800 for the Golden visa application and AED 1,400 for other requirements. You may also need to budget for related costs such as degree attestation fees and other document preparation expenses.
Timeline information
In our experience, approval can be expected within 10 to 30 business days.
Potential challenges
You may consider completing the full term of your two-year employment visa before applying for the Golden visa. Bear in mind your application needs strong, consistent evidence across salary certificates, bank statements, employment history and properly attested qualifications.
It also comes with ongoing conditions. If your salary falls below AED 30,000 or if your employment contract is cancelled, the Golden visa may be withdrawn.
How we can help
It is worth noting that the Golden visa is not automatic. Applications are reviewed closely by the immigration authorities. As part of the process, the authorities may conduct background and security checks on applicants as part of the residency approval procedure.
Our team in Dubai will start with a thorough profile assessment to understand what you are trying to achieve and what you can evidence clearly. We can then provide guidance on the most suitable route, whether through property, entrepreneurship, or the professional pathway.
Once the route is confirmed, we have the capability to liaise with the authorities and manage your Golden visa submission. If you’d like support with planning your relocation to the UAE, please get in touch with our team.
Frequently asked questions
What are the eligibility criteria for the UAE Golden visa?
The UAE Golden visa is a long-term residence permit available to specific groups of people such as investors, entrepreneurs and highly skilled professionals. As each comes with its own criteria and evidence requirements, eligibility is assessed by the UAE authorities on a case-by-case basis.
If you would like help identifying the most suitable pathway and preparing your documents, please speak to our experts for further guidance.
Does non-real estate capital investment qualify for a UAE Golden visa?
Yes, it can. Capital investment into a UAE company may qualify, provided it meets the applicable threshold (commonly AED 2 million) and is sufficiently substantiated. We would suggest a structured review before proceeding.
Can I get a Golden visa in Dubai without a large investment?
Potentially, yes. Highly skilled professionals meeting specific salary and qualification criteria, as well as entrepreneurs with approved projects, may qualify without injecting AED 2 million. If you would like a clear assessment, please get in touch with us.
Can I get a UAE Golden visa by investing in a specific business sector?
There is no automatic approval simply because you invest in a particular industry. However, applications can be strengthened when the business aligns with the UAE’s strategic priorities such as healthcare and life sciences, renewable energy as well as advanced manufacturing.
Are there any age or nationality restrictions for the UAE Golden visa applications?
No, there is no specific age limit for the Golden visa. The UAE also welcomes applications from a wide range of nationalities.
Are owners of UAE free zone companies benefiting from 0% corporate tax as Qualifying Free Zone Persons eligible for the Golden visa?
As tax status and immigration status are separate matters, benefiting from 0% corporate tax as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) does not automatically confer Golden Visa eligibility. That said, a free zone business owner may qualify if the investment threshold is met or if the entrepreneur criteria apply. Please connect with our team to review your profile.
Am I eligible to work in the UAE under the Golden visa?
Yes. One of the advantages of the Golden Visa is that it is self-sponsored, providing greater flexibility to explore opportunities in the UAE.
However, if you decide to work for a company, your employer will need to get the necessary work authorisation on your behalf. If you will be self-employed or running a business, you will need the appropriate UAE licence or company structure.
What are the alternatives for UAE residence for foreigners other than Golden visa?
If the Golden visa thresholds are not suitable, you have other alternatives to apply to work and stay in the UAE. For example, the Investor visa can support a single shareholder of a company operating in a UAE free zone for up to two years. A standard work visa, sponsored by a UAE employer, also remains the most common route for employees relocating to the UAE. For more details, please view our UAE visa guide.
Can family members be included in the Golden visa application?
Yes. Golden visa holders can sponsor immediate family members, including a spouse and children, subject to immigration criteria. The duration of your family members’ residence will be tied to your own visa validity. If you'll like support coordinating your family visas alongside your application, please get in touch with us.
Can I sponsor domestic support services staff under the Golden visa? Is there a cap?
Yes, Golden visa holders may sponsor domestic workers. Approvals are generally assessed based on income, accommodation standards and compliance requirements. Rather than a fixed cap, eligibility is evaluated case by case. If you are considering hiring domestic staff while in the UAE, our team can guide you through meeting the requirements.
What happens after ten years of Golden visa?
The Golden visa can be extended after ten years. That said, renewal is not automatic. You will need to demonstrate that the qualifying basis is still met. If you would like help planning for renewal and maintaining compliance, please reach out to our team.
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