Updated 2 June 2026
29 April 2026 • Dubai abolished the minimum real estate investment threshold for a 2-year residence visa • Source
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, there is no legal term “residence permit”. Instead of a residence permit, investors obtain long-term visas: a 2-year residence visa or a 10-year Golden Visa.

UAE resident status allows individuals and legal entities to optimise taxes and create a backup plan for the whole family.

UAE Golden Visa

2+ months

Obtaining period

No residency requirement

At any stage

10-year

Golden Visa validity

0%

Tax on income and real estate

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

A 2-year visa is issued to owners of properties of any value. 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 a residence visa, it is enough to visit the UAE once every 6 months. The Golden Visa has no visit requirements.

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 Purchase of real estate of any value
Details

The investor obtains a 2-year residence visa if they purchase residential properties that are ready to move into.

No minimum investment required. A mortgage from an accredited bank is allowed, but it must not exceed 50% of the property value.

Spouses can buy a property in joint ownership, provided that each owner’s share is AED 400,000, or $109,000.

Additional costs

2—4%
Property transfer tax

$1043+
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

$1043+
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 2 days.

2.

Document preparation

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

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 and their family members submit biometrics at a UAE government services centre and undergo a medical examination. Then, the applicant submits the visa documents with legal assistance.

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’s category, and the number of family members included in the application.

For a 10-year Golden Visa, the minimum investment is AED 2,000,000. A 2-year residence visa can be obtained by purchasing real estate of any value. Applicants also cover visa and registration fees as well as government duties.

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 2,000,000 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. Investors purchase eligible residential or commercial real estate.

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.

The additional expenses start at $2,763.

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, the investor can take out a mortgage, but under certain conditions. To obtain a 10‑year Golden Visa, they need to pay at least 20% of the property value. For a 2‑year visa, at least 50% is required. Only mortgages from accredited banks are permitted.

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 Head of the Investment Department 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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