UAE Golden Visa: Requirements, Application Process, and Advantages Explained

The UAE Golden Visa allows high-net-worth expats to invest, work in, and relocate to the Emirates while benefiting from its zero-tax system and high living standards. There are several paths to the Golden Visa, and understanding which one is right for you can make a significant difference in your residency process.

In this guide, we’ll break down the crucial information about the UAE Golden Visa by discussing:

• What the UAE Golden Visa is
• How to apply for the visa
• What the benefits of obtaining one are

What Is the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that allows foreign entrepreneurs, talents, and investors to live in the country and contribute to its economic growth. Depending on how the applicant qualifies, obtaining a Golden Visa gives them a renewable residency permit that’s valid for five to 10 years.

The Golden Visa also allows the applicants to relocate their immediate family. Holders can sponsor their partner, children, and parents, which enables them to obtain a residency permit directly tied to the main applicant’s Golden Visa.

Due to Dubai’s prominence, the UAE Golden Visa is also commonly called the Dubai Golden Visa. However, it is crucial to note that the Golden Visa program is a federal initiative, managed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security, and it carries the same weight across all seven emirates.

What Are the UAE Golden Visa Requirements?

There are several paths to obtaining a Golden Visa in the UAE, each with specific qualifying requirements. However, due to the potential economic benefits, four categories are particularly appealing to high-net-worth expats:

1. Investment fund
2. Bank deposit
3. Real estate investments
4. Entrepreneurship

Investment Fund Golden Visa

By placing money in an investment fund, you may be granted a 10-year residency permit without the need for a sponsor. The minimum investment to qualify for a Golden Visa via this path is AED 2 million. To prove your investment, you’ll need to submit one of these two documents:

1. A letter from an investment fund accredited in the UAE confirming your deposit of at least AED 2 million
2. A commercial or industrial license, and a document stating your capital share is AED 2 million or more

You have to fully own the investment to qualify, which means that the capital used to meet the threshold can’t be from a loan. Additionally, you’ll have to provide proof of medical insurance for yourself and any family members that you may be sponsoring. 

Bank Deposit Golden Visa

Likely the most straightforward way to qualify for the UAE Golden Visa is through a direct bank deposit. The bank deposit route is ideal for individuals who prefer low-risk, passive investment options. 

To qualify, all you need to do is place a direct bank deposit of at least AED 2 million in an approved UAE bank. To maintain eligibility, you must keep the funds in the account for a minimum of two years, as early withdrawals could result in visa cancellation.

To apply via this pathway, you must provide an official document from the bank that confirms that the funds are in a locked-in status. This document serves as proof of your investments and is a key requirement for the approval of your Golden Visa.

The UAE Golden Visa obtained via the bank deposit pathway is valid for 10 years and is renewable. 

Real Estate Investment Golden Visa

To qualify for a Golden Visa through real estate investments, you’ll need to purchase one or more properties with a minimum value of AED 2 million. 

You’ll also have to fully own the property, which means it must be located in a freehold zone, a specified area where foreigners can own, lease, and sell land and the real estate on it.

It is possible to purchase the qualifying property through a loan. However, it has to be issued by a local bank that has been pre-approved by a competent local authority. 

Entrepreneurship Golden Visa

High-net-worth expats can also obtain a Golden Visa by starting a project in a sector accredited by the Ministry of Economy & Tourism. To qualify, the project should generate an annual revenue of at least AED 1 million, be approved by an established business incubator, or have the main applicant be the founder of one or more projects sold for a total of AED 7 million.

As the main applicant, you also have to produce a letter from one of the following:

• An auditor in the UAE, stating that the project is worth at least AED 500,000
• Relevant authorities, confirming that the project is a future or technical initiative
• An accredited business incubator in the UAE that will help establish the business

Meeting these conditions grants a five-year Golden Visa that is indefinitely renewable as long as the qualifying conditions are met. 

Other Qualifying Golden Visa Categories

Aside from investment and entrepreneurship, as a foreign citizen, you can also qualify for a 10-year UAE Golden Visa through merit. Qualifying individuals in these categories include:

Category	Qualifying Conditions
Outstanding specialized talents	Qualifying fields include: Computer engineering Software engineering Biotech Artificial intelligence Big data
Doctors and scientists	Doctors need a letter of approval from the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE. Scientists need a letter confirming they’ve been awarded a Medal of Scientific Excellence
Inventors	A letter from the Ministry of Economy stating that their invention has benefited the country’s economy
Athletes	A recommendation letter from a sports council or the General Sports Authority
Executive directors	A letter of experience showing at least five years in the position, a valid work contract, and a salary of at least AED 50,000. They also need a bachelor’s degree equivalent, accredited by the Ministry of Education

Starting in 2025, the Golden Visa program has been expanded to include these five additional categories:

1. Outstanding teachers and educators
2. Content creators
3. Luxury yacht owners in Abu Dhabi
4. E-sports and gaming professionals
5. Professional nurses with more than 15 years of service

The UAE Golden Visa Application Process

After determining whether you qualify for the Golden Visa, here’s what the application process will typically look like:

1. Select your Golden Visa path
2. Gather documentation
3. Submit application
4. Apply for the UAE ID

Select Your Golden Visa Path

Choosing a Golden Visa path is a key first step in the application process. Depending on the type of visa you pursue, you will have to meet different minimum investment thresholds, submit forms and documentation, and demonstrate differing qualifications and recommendations.

The visa’s duration is another factor you must consider when selecting your pathway. Under the UAE Golden Visa, investors and entrepreneurs can qualify for long-term residence, up to 10 years. Real estate investors and public investment/fund investors generally receive 10-year Golden Visas when they meet the minimum thresholds, while certain entrepreneur routes may be granted for five years or 10 years, depending on the project size, approvals, and regulations.

The outstanding talent option doesn’t require capital investments. However, you will have to demonstrate your expertise in the field and obtain a nomination from the relevant authority, which can make this option hard to navigate without adequate guidance.

Gather Documentation

After you’ve selected a visa option, your next step is to gather all the required documentation. To avoid delays, it’s recommended that you prepare the necessary documents ahead of time, especially since obtaining some may take a few days or weeks.

You’ll typically need to include the following documents:

• A valid passport
• A passport-sized photo
• A UAE entry permit if you’re applying from within the country
• Proof of health insurance for you and anyone you’re sponsoring

These documents cover the basis for all applications. However, depending on your chosen path, you’ll also need to submit additional specific documents that confirm you meet the requirements.

Submit Application

You can submit your Golden Visa application through several platforms in the UAE. For instance, in Abu Dhabi, you’d apply through the TAMM website, while in Dubai, you can go through the GDFRA online service. You can use your UAE Pass or corresponding website account to log in.

After logging in, you will need to select your Golden Visa path, complete the application form, and submit all required documentation. Your application will then be reviewed by the relevant authorities and committees, and you can typically expect a response within the next 10 business days.

You can also use the ICP Smart Services Portal to submit your application. The process stays largely the same, but this option also allows you to apply for a 180-day temporary visa to complete any other application steps, such as buying a property.

Apply for the UAE ID

Once you have been approved for your Golden Visa, the last step is to finalize your residency by obtaining an Emirates ID. To obtain one, you’ll need to apply for an Emirates ID card, complete a medical fitness exam, and provide your biometrics.

Once the application process is complete, your residency permit will be electronically stamped into your passport, granting you Golden Visa status. Since your UAE ID validity is directly tied to your Golden Visa, you’ll need to renew it every five to 10 years, depending on your chosen path.

How Much Does a UAE Golden Visa Cost?

The cost of the UAE Golden Visa depends on the type of residency you choose. For instance, both investor routes require a minimum investment of AED 2 million, in addition to several other fees and processing charges.

The costs of obtaining a Golden Visa include:

1. Medical examination: AED 700
2. A 10-year Emirates ID: AED 1,153 
3. Residency permit confirmation: AED 2,856.75
4. Administrative fees: AED 1,155

If you’re securing a Golden Visa through a real estate investment, you’ll also need to account for an AED 4,020 fee with the Dubai Land Department. Additionally, sponsoring family members includes an AED 318.75 fee for opening the file, an AED 5,774.50 processing fee, and an additional AED 100 per sponsored person.

The Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa

Obtaining a UAE Golden Visa gives you several benefits:

1. Access to a zero-tax regime
2. Family sponsorship
3. No physical presence requirement

Access to a Zero-Tax Regime

The zero-tax regime is one of the primary draws for obtaining a UAE visa for high-net-worth individuals seeking to maintain or grow their wealth. Under the regime, you pay 0% on taxes on personal income, properties, capital gains, or inheritance. However, if you own a business that makes more than AED 375,000, you are subject to a 9% corporate tax.

To be able to benefit from the UAE’s tax program, you must become a tax resident. Tax residency is determined based on a combination of factors, including physical presence, legal residence status, and the individual’s personal and economic ties to the UAE. In practice, this includes spending at least 183 days in the UAE in a calendar year, or holding a valid UAE residence visa while spending at least a significant time in the UAE and maintaining a permanent place of residence or employment in the country.

Becoming a UAE tax resident may also enable you to benefit from double taxation agreements. These agreements ensure that residents of more than one jurisdiction are taxed on their income only once. This means that if the UAE has primary taxing rights, you may be eligible to pay 0% tax.

Keep in mind that your home country’s taxation laws can affect how double taxation works. Some countries, such as the United States, have regulations that allow them to tax their citizens regardless of residency, although they do provide methods to alleviate the burden, such as the foreign tax credit.

Family Sponsorship

Once you’ve obtained a Golden Visa, you can sponsor your family members for residency, allowing them to relocate with you to the UAE. To do this, you’ll need to submit copies of their passports, documents showing your relationship, and proof of medical health insurance.

It’s important to note that sponsored family members of a Golden Visa holder are allowed to work in the UAE, provided they obtain the required work permits. In the case of your passing, the sponsored family is allowed to remain in the country for the full duration of your Golden Visa.

The Golden Visa also enables you to sponsor an unlimited number of domestic workers, including housemaids, chefs, and chauffeurs. However, you do have to meet specific income and housing requirements. For instance, an income of AED 15,000 and a two-bedroom accommodation is typically enough to sponsor one domestic worker.

No Physical Presence Requirements

One of the greatest advantages of the Golden Visa is the absence of a physical presence requirement. 

Under standard residency rules, expats must enter the UAE at least once every six months to maintain their status. If a resident remains outside the country for longer than six months, residency is typically invalidated.

Golden Visa holders, however, are exempt from the six-month presence requirement, as they can enter the country at any time as long as their residency is valid. 

Can You Get Citizenship by Investment in the UAE?

Although it allows you to stay, work, and invest in the country, the UAE Golden Visa doesn’t provide a path to citizenship. The only way to obtain UAE citizenship is through long-term residency and naturalization, which requires meeting a specific set of strict criteria, including achieving a certain level of proficiency in Arabic.

In practice, this means that high-net-worth expats can enjoy the low-tax regime, business opportunities, and a high quality of life in the UAE, but won’t receive Emirati passports and are unable to vote.

While Golden Visa holders can be nominated for UAE citizenship after maintaining their visa and spending significant time in the country, the qualification process usually takes years, and a nomination doesn’t guarantee approval.

Because eligibility rules, timelines, and nomination standards can change and are applied on a discretionary basis, careful planning is essential. Working with an experienced consultancy firm can help you understand your long-term options, structure your residency strategy, and navigate the UAE legal and immigration framework. Partner with the experts at Nomad Capitalist to streamline the process.

Make the UAE Golden Visa Process Stress-Free: Partner With Nomad Capitalist

Nomad Capitalist is an advisory firm that has helped over 1,500 high-net-worth individuals move abroad and optimize their tax liabilities. We understand that each individual has specific financial and relocation goals, which is why we tailor our advice to your specific needs.

Our experts will analyze your particular situation and provide you with a personalized Action Plan designed to help you:

• Set up an offshore bank account
• Obtain a second citizenship or residency through investment, naturalization, or descent
• Reduce your global tax obligations

To receive your personalized Action plan, you’ll first need to complete a quick online application to determine if we’re a good fit. After you get approved, we will:

1. Schedule and complete a one-on-one onboarding call to get a thorough understanding of your goals and needs
2. Create and execute a personalized Action Plan aligned with your goals
3. Implement the Plan over a 12-month period and handle all of the administrative work
4. Support you regarding any questions, concerns, and changes that relate to your Action Plan

Find the Golden Visa path that suits your needs, approach the application process efficiently, and get professional guidance every step of the way by partnering with Nomad Capitalist today!