UAE
Golden Visa Program

UAE Golden Visa Program (Universal)


Overview:
A long-term residence program designed for investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, and their families. It grants a 5 or 10-year renewable residence permit that is not tied to an employer. Holders can remain outside the UAE for over 6 months without losing residency status, sponsor family members and an unlimited number of domestic staff. Family members retain their residence status for the permit's full validity period, even in the event of the main applicant's passing.

Processing Time:
Standard processing through the respective emirate's authority or the Dubai Land Department typically takes 7 to 10 working days.

Pathway to Citizenship:
The Golden Visa does not provide an automatic right to citizenship. Naturalization in the UAE requires extended residency and the fulfillment of other separate conditions.

Eligible Family Members:
Spouse, children of any age, parents, and an unlimited number of domestic staff members.

Key Benefits:
  • Long-term (5 or 10-year), sponsor-free residence permit.
  • Freedom to stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months.
  • Right to live, work, and study in the UAE.
  • Access to local banking, finance, and international schools.
  • Family and domestic staff receive the same residency status.
  • No personal income tax or capital gains tax. Low 5% VAT rate.
Physical Presence Requirement:
Residents can stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months; the visa remains valid.

Qualifying Investment Categories:
Public Investment (10-year visa):
  • Invest a minimum of 2 million AED in an investment fund.
  • OR own a licensed company with a capital of at least 2 million AED.
  • OR provide proof of annual tax payments of at least 250,000 AED.
  • Capital must be fully owned (not loaned) and verified. The investor must obtain health insurance for themselves and their family.
Real Estate (5-year visa):
  • Own one or more properties in the UAE with a total value of at least 2 million AED.
  • Mortgages are permitted if the bank provides proof that at least 2 million AED has been paid. The applicant must be present in the UAE and provide property title deeds and, if applicable, a bank letter. The visa is automatically renewable as long as ownership is maintained.
Entrepreneurs (5-year visa):
  • Own a technological or innovative project valued at a minimum of 500,000 AED, certified by an auditor and approved by the relevant authorities.
  1. Other Categories (10-year visa):
  • Outstanding scientists, doctors, creative professionals, and others may qualify upon approval by the competent authorities.
Visa Terms:
Applicants initially receive a 6-month multiple-entry visa to complete the procedures, followed by the main 5 or 10-year residence permit, which is renewable. The UAE residence permit facilitates travel within the Gulf region and for business purposes but is not equivalent to a Schengen visa.

Taxation:
  • No personal income tax or capital gains tax in the UAE.
  • Corporate tax (9%) applies only to profits exceeding a specific threshold and does not affect most individuals.
  • A 5% Value Added Tax (VAT) is applicable.