UAE Golden Visa for Investors: What Qualifies in 2026?

01

Who issues the Golden Visa?

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) handles golden residence nationally. In Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) issues it. The UAE Government portal lists investors in public investments or real estate as one of five eligible groups, alongside entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, outstanding students, and humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes (u.ae). This page covers investors only.

02

How long does it last?

Under Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 on Entry and Residence of Foreigners, and as ICP's real-estate investor service states, Golden Residency for investors runs for 10 years (ICP). GDRFA Dubai says the investor permit, for real estate or public investment, is valid for 10 years and can be extended if the same conditions are met (GDRFA Dubai).

A summary table on the u.ae portal shows 5 years for real estate. We follow the decree-law and the issuing authorities, which say 10. Cabinet Resolution 65 of 2022 is the executive regulation under the decree-law; its full official text was not retrieved for this check, so it is named here in plain text only.

03

How the investment works

GDRFA Dubai lists four investor routes. Each needs AED 2 million, except the tax route.

Real estate. Own one or more UAE properties worth at least AED 2 million in total. In Dubai a mortgaged property is acceptable, and all property types count. A share in jointly owned property must itself be worth AED 2 million. The value is shown by a Dubai Land Department certificate or a valuation from a DLD-licensed office. Dubai places a lien on the property so that you keep it for the life of the permit. ICP's federal service asks for a letter from the real estate registration department confirming ownership of property worth at least AED 2 million, and says the property must be fully owned by the investor.

Company stake. Be an investor or partner in a UAE company whose share of the company's assets is worth at least AED 2 million. You need a certified financial report from a UAE-accredited audit firm, a valid trade license, a company bank statement and tax registration with last year's receipts. GDRFA weighs the company's investment, jobs, management and solvency before final approval.

Bank deposit. Hold at least AED 2 million with an accredited UAE bank, or in local bonds or sukuk. The bank must certify the deposit is frozen for at least two years, and Dubai says it cannot be withdrawn during the 10-year permit. Dubai also asks for proof of housing in the emirate.

Tax. Be a partner in one or more UAE businesses, with your own tax contribution of at least AED 250,000 a year, shown by a Federal Tax Authority letter and a trade license.

Keeping it. GDRFA says the property may not be sold, and the deposit may not be refunded, during the 10-year permit. You must also be able to support yourself and your family without government help.

In our view, the property route suits families who would buy in Dubai anyway. The lien means the home is tied up for as long as you want the visa.

04

What does it cost?

ICP charges AED 100 each for application, issuance and smart services on the real-estate entry permit. GDRFA Dubai lists a residence permit fee of AED 1,100, AED 500 if you apply inside the country, plus smaller charges. Dubai's issuance fee rises by AED 100 a year for each year over two. ICP requires valid UAE health insurance and a passport valid for at least six months.

05

Can you live abroad and keep it?

Yes. GDRFA Dubai says Golden Residence holders are exempt from the 180-day rule. The permit lapses only if it expires while you are outside the country. The u.ae portal likewise says holders can stay outside the UAE beyond the usual six months.

06

Which family members can come?

Holders can sponsor family members, including spouses and children, without needing a sponsor themselves (u.ae). The sources we cite don't set age limits for children or rules for parents, so check both with the issuing authority before you apply.

07

What should families from Asia and the Gulf check?

Tax residence. UAE residence does not by itself make you UAE tax resident. Under Cabinet Decision 85 of 2022, you are tax resident if you spend 183 days or more in the UAE in any 12 consecutive months. You also qualify if your usual residence and center of financial and personal interests are there. A third test is 90 days or more if you hold a UAE residence permit and either have a permanent home in the UAE or work or do business there (Cabinet Decision 85/2022, art. 4). Your home country may still tax you unless you leave its tax net under its own rules.

Hong Kong and Singapore families. A Golden Visa doesn't replace status at home. Weigh it alongside Hong Kong's New CIES or Singapore's GIP if you need a second Asian base.

In our view, the UAE is the most flexible investor residence in this region: no minimum stay, and several ways to qualify.

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FAQ