Live work and study in the UAE for up to 10 years.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates, most notably Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which together have transformed into global powerhouses of trade, finance, and innovation.
Despite its relatively recent founding, the UAE has become one of the world’s most dynamic business destinations, consistently ranking among the top nations for economic competitiveness, infrastructure, and innovation. The country offers an exceptional environment for entrepreneurship, with investor-friendly regulations, strategic access to global markets, and a high standard of living.
The UAE also stands out for its diverse population — expatriates make up the vast majority of its residents, with Emiratis representing around 12% of the total. This multicultural blend contributes to the UAE’s cosmopolitan atmosphere and forward-thinking global outlook.
Introduced in 2019 and further enhanced in 2022, the UAE Golden Visa programme has become a cornerstone of the country’s long-term residency policy. These updates broadened eligibility, allowing more investors, professionals, and entrepreneurs to qualify for residency under the scheme.
The Golden Visa grants successful applicants the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the UAE, while also providing one of the world’s most advantageous tax environments. Residents benefit from zero personal income tax, no capital gains or inheritance tax, and only a minimal corporate tax rate for businesses.
The programme is particularly appealing to international investors seeking to establish roots in a stable, business-friendly jurisdiction that doubles as a global lifestyle hub.
Among the several pathways to qualification, the Real Estate Investor category remains the most accessible and widely chosen route for obtaining a UAE Golden Visa.
Applicants can qualify by investing in property worth at least USD 545,000 (AED 2 million). The investment may be completed in cash or through a mortgage, and can apply to both off-plan and completed developments.
For off-plan properties, ownership documentation (title deed) is issued once 24% of the property’s value has been paid — typically 20% as a deposit and 4% to the Dubai Land Department. For completed properties, the title deed is granted after full transfer of ownership, whether purchased with cash or financed through a mortgage.
Unlike other UAE immigration visas, which are usually valid for only 2-3 years, the UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year visa.
To meet the eligibility criteria, applicants must:
Be in good health
Have enough funds to make the investment
The UAE Golden Visa grants long-term residency to foreign investors, not citizenship directly.
However, certain Golden Visa holders may be eligible to apply for citizenship if they have provided exceptional services to the country. Citizenship is granted on a case-by-case basis by the UAE government.
The principal investor can include others on the application. Those eligible are:
Spouse
Children up to the age of 25
Parents
Unlimited number of domestic helpers