Updated 27 November 2025
22 October 2025 • The UAE launched a Golden Visa for philanthropists, granted in exchange for a charitable donation • Source
14 October 2025 • Holders of the UAE Golden Visa will gain access to a special package of consular services • Source
9 September 2025 • The UAE has simplified the process of renewing and replacing the Emirates ID • Source
Changes are monitored by Elena Dukach Elena Dukach

UAE Golden Visa

In the United Arab Emirates, the legal term “residence permit” is not used. Instead, investors obtain long–term visas: a 2–year residence visa or a 10–year Golden Visa.

Resident status allows individuals and companies to optimise their taxes and provides a safe haven for the entire family.

UAE Golden Visa

AED 750,000+

Investment

2 options

To choose

2+ months

Obtaining period

2 or 10 years

Visa validity

Investors obtain a UAE residence visa when they purchase property in the country.

A two–year residence visa is issued to property owners whose real estate is worth AED 750,000 or more. A 10–year Golden Visa is granted to foreigners who invest AED 2,000,000 or more in real estate.

An investor may include their family members, a spouse and children, in the application.

Resident status can be renewed. Continuous residence in the UAE is not required: it is sufficient to visit the country from time to time and maintain ownership of the property.

9 benefits of UAE residency by investment

Long‑term relocation to the UAE

A UAE residence visa allows foreigners to live and work in the country for the entire validity period. The status can be renewed multiple times.

Tax optimisation

The UAE does not levy personal income tax or taxes on property, capital gains, inheritance, or gifts.

No obligation to relocate permanently

Investors may live in another country. To maintain resident status, it is sufficient to visit the UAE once every six months.

Business opportunities

The UAE has one of the most innovative and dynamic business environments in the world. Investors receive not only a visa but also the opportunity to bring their business to the global market.

Access to education and healthcare

UAE residents are entitled to schooling and medical services. The country is among the top 20 worldwide for advanced healthcare. The education system is based on US, Canadian, and British standards.

Residence visas for the whole family

Investors may include their spouse and children. They can live, work, and study in the UAE.

Access to international banks

Investors may open bank accounts in the UAE in euros, US dollars, dirhams, and other major currencies. They can store savings and make international payments.

Free Esaad card

The Esaad programme offers discounts of up to 70% on products and services from leading global brands, including shops, clinics, educational centres, travel agencies, and other companies in 92 countries.

Obtaining a UAE driver’s licence

Residents can apply for a UAE driver’s licence and legally drive in the country. In most cases, passing a driving test is required. However, nationals of the US, the UK, Germany, Australia, Türkiye, Spain, India, and several other countries may simply exchange their existing licence without taking an exam.

Eligibility requirements for the UAE Golden Visa

Aged 18 or older
No criminal record
No dangerous medical conditions
Proof of legal and sufficient income

Aged 18 or older
No criminal record
No dangerous medical conditions

Sons aged up to 25
Unmarried daughters of any age

Investment options for obtaining UAE residence permit

Option Property purchase — AED 750,000+
Details

An investor obtains a 2–year residence visa when purchasing completed residential property. A mortgage may be arranged with an accredited bank.

The minimum property value is AED 750,000, or $204,000.

Spouses may purchase property in joint ownership, provided that each owner’s share is at least AED 750,000.

Additional costs

2—4%
Property transfer tax

$22,800+
Additional fees and charges

$220+
Medical examination

$400+
Health insurance

$1,000+
Translation and notary services

Option Property purchase — AED 2,000,000+
Details

A 10–year Golden Visa is granted for purchasing property worth AED 2,000,000, or $545,000.

Eligible options include both residential and commercial properties at any stage of construction.

An investor may purchase several properties, provided that their total value exceeds the minimum investment threshold.

A mortgage is permitted. In this case, the down payment must be at least 20% of the property value.

Additional costs

2–4%
Property transfer tax

$22,800+
Additional fees and charges

$220+
Medical examination

$400+
Health insurance

$1,000+
Translation and notary services

Schedule a meeting

Help with the choice

Passportivity experts will analyse your situation and offer the most suitable solution.

Real estate for obtaining a Dubai Golden Visa

Elegant seafront apartments
UAE, Dubai

$495,000+

Elegant seafront apartments

60—79 m²
1—2
1—2
Futuristic‑style apartments in Business Bay
UAE, Dubai

$310,000+

Futuristic‑style apartments in Business Bay

44—171 m²
1—3
1—3
Stylish apartments on the Dubai Islands
UAE, Dubai

$456,000+

Stylish apartments on the Dubai Islands

58—543 m²
1
1

Key documents to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

  • Passport
  • Property ownership certificate in the UAE
  • Proof of the property value
  • Health insurance for all family members
  • Medical certificate
  • UAE visa application form
  • Photographs
  • Police clearance certificate

How to obtain UAE Golden Visa: step‑by‑step process

1.

Preliminary check

Passportunity’s Compliance Department verifies the investor’s identity and ensures they meet the eligibility requirements for obtaining a UAE residence visa. The procedure is fully confidential and takes one day.

2.

Document preparation

With the support of lawyers, the applicant collects all required documents. The lawyers prepare them for submission, including translation and notarisation.

3.

Property purchase

Passportivity’s Real Estate Department offers the investor suitable property options based on their goals. The lawyers assist with signing the sale and purchase agreement and ensure the transaction is legally sound.

The investor may choose and purchase property remotely.

4.

Application submission

The investor submits the application to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. Before that, the investor and their family members undergo a medical examination and provide biometrics.

5.

Application processing

The authority reviews the investor’s application and conducts a background and security check.

6.

Receiving the residence visa 🔥

Once the application is approved, the residence visa is affixed to the investor’s passport. They also receive a UAE resident ID card.

Why choose us

1

Reliable partner

Passportivity operates in accordance with the residency–visa issuance conditions outlined on the UAE Government’s official website.

2

Deep Expertise

11+ years in investment immigration and financial matters to solve the most complex client challenges.

3

Individual Approach

We develop step-by-step plans, taking into account client requirements, to achieve optimal results.

4

Support at every stage

From the first consultation and even after receiving the desired document, we provide legal support.

5

Additional services

Get a tax number, sign a rental agreement or apostille additional documents — we will fulfill any request.

6

Flexible communication and 24/7 availability

Meet us in person or online, whatever suits you best.

We respond to inquiries within two hours. Your case is handled by a dedicated lawyer who is always in touch.

From idea to residence permit — guided by experts

For over 10 years, we've been helping clients navigate the path to citizenship and residency. Our approach combines in-depth knowledge of international law with a practical understanding of local bureaucratic systems. Every case is handled with a bespoke strategy, refined to the last detail.

Personal meeting

Frequently asked questions

The UAE Golden Visa is available to real estate and business investors, entrepreneurs, researchers, scientists, professionals, and individuals with exceptional talents.

Family members of the main applicant, spouses and children, are also eligible for the visa.

The exact cost of obtaining a UAE residence visa by investment depends on the visa type, the applicant category, and the number of family members included. For real estate investment, investors must spend AED 750,000+ for a 2‑year resident visa or AED 2,000,000+ for a 10‑year visa. Applicants also pay registration and government fees.

The Dubai Golden Visa is a long‑term equivalent of a UAE residence permit. It is issued to investors, entrepreneurs, highly qualified specialists, and individuals with exceptional talents. Holders may live, work, study, run a business, and retire in the UAE without a sponsor.

The visa can be renewed as long as the investor continues to own qualifying property. Golden Visa holders may sponsor their families, who will also obtain UAE residence visas.

The Dubai and UAE Golden Visa is granted to investors, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talents. Investors must spend AED 750,000 or more on property in the UAE.

Yes. A residency visa allows foreigners to live in the UAE. It is issued for 10 years to investors, entrepreneurs, specialists, talented individuals, and their family members. The visa can be renewed.

The fastest route is to apply for a UAE residence visa, a long‑term equivalent of permanent residence, issued for up to 10 years with renewal available.

Golden Visas are issued to investors, entrepreneurs, qualified professionals, and individuals with exceptional talents. Property investors must purchase real estate worth AED 750,000 or more.

In addition to the property cost, an investor pays a registration fee, government fees for issuing the visa and ID card, undergoes a medical examination, obtains insurance, and pays for translation and notary services.

Total additional expenses start at $24,500.

Property owners in the UAE generally earn 5—10% annually, depending on the location, infrastructure, and developer. Seafront properties, for example, in the prestigious Dubai Marina district, usually offer higher yields.

Yes. An investor may purchase several properties. The key requirement is that their combined value exceeds AED 2,000,000.

Yes, but with specific conditions. To qualify for the 10‑year Golden Visa, at least 20% of the property value must be paid upfront.

The mortgage must be issued by an accredited bank.

Common reasons include incorrect or false information in the documents, serious medical conditions, or a criminal record.

A visa may also be refused if the background check reveals that the applicant may pose a threat to national security, public order, or the UAE’s reputation.

Maintaining property ownership is a mandatory requirement for extending the UAE Golden Visa. An investor may sell the property only if they no longer need the resident status.

Residence and Golden Visas can be renewed an unlimited number of times. The renewal application is submitted through the official UAE Government portal 60 days before the current residence permit expires.

The new ID card must be collected from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

Passportivity lawyer Yulia Malloy

Contact us today

We will help you obtain UAE Golden Visa without unnecessary hassle. We minimize risks so you don't waste time and money.

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