Golden Visa — ten years of residency, not a passport.
The longest residency status the UAE grants. It is tied to investment or qualification, not to a company — and it does not make you a citizen.
The UAE Golden Visa is valid for ten years and renewable. The most common route is a property investment from AED 2m; there are also routes via entrepreneurship, specialisation and nomination. It does not create citizenship. As of 09/2026.
The Golden Visa is a ten-year, renewable residency status of the United Arab Emirates that requires no corporate sponsor and can include spouse and children.
Updated: 01/09/2026
Routes to a Golden Visa
| Route | Requirement | Validity | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property investment | ownership from AED 2m, several properties combinable | 10 years | The most common route. Completion and title deed decide |
| Entrepreneur | stake in a recognised company, proof of value and substance | 10 years | Nomination by an authority or incubator required |
| Specialists | doctors, scientists, engineers, developers with proof and salary level | 10 years | Recognition of the qualification required |
| Exceptional talent | culture, sport, science — nomination by the competent body | 10 years | No investment required |
| Fund investors | investment in approved funds above a set threshold | 10 years | Confirmation from fund and authority required |
Categories and thresholds are maintained by ICP and GDRFA and can change. As of 09/2026 — we verify the current position before filing.
The property route step by step
Verify ownership
Title deed of at least AED 2m. For off-plan units, completion stage and payment status matter — this is where most applications are filed too early.
Application and nomination
Filed with the competent authority of the emirate, including passport, photo, title deed and, where required, bank confirmation.
Medical and Emirates ID
As with any residence visa: blood test, X-ray, biometrics. The Emirates ID is issued with a ten-year validity.
Bringing the family
Spouse and children can usually be attached to the Golden Visa, often with the same validity. Prepare certified documents with apostille.
What the Golden Visa does better — and what it does not
Independent of the company
Residency does not hang on a licence. Selling or closing your business does not cost you the visa.
Longer absences possible
Several Golden Visa categories are exempt from the 180-day rule. That is the main practical advantage over a company-linked visa.
No passport, no naturalisation
The UAE has no citizenship by investment. Anyone advertising otherwise is selling a story.
No automatic tax exemption
The visa alone does not establish tax residency. Days present, housing and centre of life decide — and your home country assesses independently.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I have to invest?
For the property route, at least AED 2m in ownership. Several properties can usually be combined; title deed and proof of value are decisive.
Does the Golden Visa give me a passport?
No. The UAE does not grant citizenship by investment. The Golden Visa is a ten-year, renewable residency right.
Does the 180-day rule apply here too?
For several Golden Visa categories it does not — one of the main advantages. Because rules differ by category, we verify this per case before filing.
Can I include my spouse and children?
Yes. Spouse and children can usually be held under the same status. Certified marriage and birth certificates with apostille and Arabic translation are required.
Does an off-plan property work?
Sometimes. Completion stage, payment status and the practice of the relevant authority decide. We check that before the purchase, not after.
How long does the application take?
With clean documentation typically two to six weeks. Missing legalisations are the most common cause of delay.
Do I also need a company?
No. The Golden Visa stands on its own. If you trade here you still need a licence for the activity.
Does a Golden Visa fit your plan — or is a company visa enough?
We check category, evidence and sequence before any money moves. 15 minutes, free of charge.