UAE Golden VisaOverview
The Golden Visa was introduced in 2019 and substantially reshaped by the Executive Regulations that came into force in October 2022. It is a self-sponsored residence permit: the holder is not tied to an employer, a free-zone licence or a local sponsor, and the visa remains valid even if the holder spends more than six months outside the country, which would cancel an ordinary UAE residence visa.
For private clients, the most widely used routes are investment-based. The federal portal lists two investor tracks with a minimum capital of AED 2 million: public investment (for example, a deposit in an accredited investment fund or capital in a UAE company) and real estate. The Ministry of Economy confirms that property can be held as one or several units with a combined value of at least AED 2 million, and that bank financing from an approved local lender does not disqualify the purchase. In Dubai, the Land Department processes property-based applications and issues a 10-year visa where the DLD-certified value reaches the threshold, including for off-plan and mortgaged units subject to a bank no-objection letter.
Beyond investors, the programme covers entrepreneurs with an approved innovative project, skilled professionals earning a basic monthly salary of at least AED 30,000, executives, scientists, doctors, creatives, athletes, outstanding students and humanitarian contributors. Each track has its own evidence standard, and some require a nomination or endorsement from a competent authority.
Two recent points deserve attention. In mid-2025, ICP publicly rejected reports of a fee-based 'lifetime' nomination Golden Visa, reiterating that the permit is a 5- or 10-year renewable residence. The federal guidance was most recently refreshed in July 2026; emirate-level authorities continue to adjust practical requirements, especially for financed and off-plan property, so eligibility should always be confirmed against current DLD or ICP rules before a purchase is structured around the visa.
Key benefits
- Self-sponsored residence that is not linked to employment or a local partner
- Validity of 5 or 10 years, renewable while the qualifying criteria continue to be met
- No minimum physical presence; extended absences do not cancel the visa
- Sponsorship of spouse, children and parents, with domestic staff permitted
- Access to UAE banking, schooling, healthcare and company formation on a resident basis
- Family members may remain in the UAE for the remainder of their permits if the principal holder dies
- A personal-tax environment without income tax on individuals
Requirements
- Valid passport with at least six months' validity and a clean security record
- Real estate route: one or more properties with a total value of at least AED 2,000,000, owned individually or with each co-owner's share meeting the threshold
- Financed property: loan from a UAE bank approved by the competent local authority, with a bank no-objection or liability letter
- Public investment route: at least AED 2,000,000 in an accredited investment fund deposit or company capital, or a company paying at least AED 250,000 in annual government revenue
- Investment funds must be owned outright and not borrowed, except where property financing rules expressly permit
- Comprehensive health insurance covering the applicant and sponsored family members
- Medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics in the UAE
- Skilled professionals: UAE employment contract, bachelor's degree, MOHRE skill level 1 or 2 and a basic monthly salary of at least AED 30,000
- Investments must be retained to support renewal; disposal of the qualifying asset can affect status
Investment options
Real estate investor
AED 2,000,000
One or more ready, off-plan or financed residential or commercial units with a combined certified value of at least AED 2 million. In Dubai the DLD route issues a 10-year visa.
Public investment
AED 2,000,000
Deposit in an accredited UAE investment fund or capital invested in a licensed UAE company, or a company contributing at least AED 250,000 a year in government revenue. 10-year visa.
Entrepreneur
Owners of an economically viable or innovative project approved by an accredited business incubator or competent authority in the emirate. Typically a 5-year visa.
Skilled professional
AED 30,000 per month
Employees with a basic monthly salary of at least AED 30,000, a bachelor's degree and MOHRE skill level 1 or 2.
Exceptional talent
Scientists, doctors, executives, creatives, athletes and specialists in priority fields, usually supported by a recommendation from the relevant federal or local authority. 10-year visa.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Eligibility review
We assess which route fits the client's assets, family and long-term plans, and confirm current emirate-level criteria before any capital is committed.
- 2
Structuring the investment
Property is acquired, or a fund deposit or company investment is made, with source-of-funds documentation prepared in parallel.
- 3
Pre-approval or nomination
The application is lodged with ICP, GDRFA or, for Dubai property, the Dubai Land Department, together with title deeds or investment evidence.
- 4
Entry permit
If the applicant is outside the UAE, a long-term entry permit is issued so the remaining formalities can be completed locally.
- 5
Medical and biometrics
The applicant completes the medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics and provides health insurance.
- 6
Visa and Emirates ID issuance
The Golden residence is issued and family members are then sponsored through the same channel.
- 7
Renewal
Before expiry, evidence that the qualifying investment or status is still held is submitted for renewal.
Typical documents
- Passport copy and recent photograph
- Title deed(s) or DLD valuation certificate for property
- Bank no-objection or liability letter for financed property
- Fund deposit certificate, company trade licence or memorandum of association for investment routes
- Evidence of source of funds and wealth
- Health insurance certificate for applicant and dependants
- Marriage and birth certificates, attested and translated, for family members
- Employment contract, salary certificate and attested degree for professional routes
- Recommendation or nomination letter where the category requires one
How Legal Wealth helps
Legal Wealth advises on the Golden Visa as one part of a client's wider wealth and family plan. We confirm the current criteria with the relevant authority before a property or investment is chosen, prepare a coherent source-of-funds file, coordinate with developers, banks and typing centres, and plan renewals and family sponsorship in advance. Our approach is discreet and compliance-first, and we coordinate UAE residence with tax residence, succession and banking considerations in the client's other jurisdictions.
Enquire with Legal WealthFrequently asked questions
Can I combine several properties to reach AED 2 million?
Yes. The Ministry of Economy confirms that one or more properties with a combined value of at least AED 2 million can qualify. For jointly owned property, each owner's share generally needs to meet the threshold on its own.
Does a mortgaged or off-plan property qualify?
Financed property can qualify where the loan is from a UAE bank approved by the local authority, and Dubai accepts off-plan units based on the DLD-certified value. A bank no-objection letter is required. Practical rules differ by emirate, so we verify them before purchase.
Is there a minimum stay requirement?
No. Golden Visa holders are exempt from the rule that cancels ordinary residence visas after six months outside the UAE, provided the visa itself remains valid.
Is there a 'lifetime' Golden Visa?
No. In 2025 ICP stated that there is no lifetime visa obtainable for a one-off fee. The Golden Visa is a 5- or 10-year renewable permit, and talent nominations are made only through competent authorities.
Which family members can I sponsor?
A spouse, children and parents. Sons are generally sponsored up to age 25, unmarried daughters without an age limit, and children with disabilities regardless of age. Domestic workers may also be sponsored.
Does the Golden Visa lead to citizenship?
No. UAE citizenship is granted only by nomination at the government's discretion; the Golden Visa is a residence permit.
Last reviewed: 2026-10. Requirements, fees and timelines change. Information is general, reviewed on the date shown, and is not legal or tax advice.
