UAE Golden Visa for Investors

Who the property Golden Visa is for

The real-estate route suits buyers who want a long-term UAE base, a tax-efficient home for capital, or the flexibility to live between the UAE and another country without losing residency.

• Property investors buying UAE real estate worth AED 2,000,000 or more
• Buyers using a mortgage, provided the bank confirms AED 2,000,000 has been paid
• Off-plan buyers who have paid the AED 2,000,000 threshold
• Investors who prefer a fund, company-capital or tax-contribution route instead of property

Qualifying investment options

There are several ways to meet the Golden Visa investor threshold; property is the most popular with international buyers.

• Real estate worth AED 2,000,000+ (freehold; single or combined qualifying properties)
• A deposit of AED 2,000,000 in an accredited UAE investment fund
• Ownership of a company with capital of at least AED 2,000,000
• An establishment paying at least AED 250,000 per year in tax

How the property route works

In Dubai, applications for the property Golden Visa are handled by the Dubai Land Department, which can issue the 10-year visa directly against a qualifying title deed. Mortgaged and off-plan purchases are accepted where the required AED 2,000,000 has been paid and the lender confirms this in writing.

The property must be residential and held in the investor's name. Combining more than one property to reach the threshold is generally accepted.

Application process and timeline

Property applicants apply through the Dubai Land Department's Golden Visa service (or the federal ICP channels), submitting the title deed, passport, photo and a property-valuation certificate. Medical screening and Emirates ID enrolment follow. Processing is typically a matter of weeks once documents are complete.

• Obtain a valuation certificate confirming the property is worth AED 2,000,000+
• Apply via Dubai Land Department (Dubai) or ICP/GDRFA channels
• Complete medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID
• Add family members as dependants under your Golden Visa

What the Golden Visa gives you

• A 10-year renewable residence visa with no national sponsor
• No minimum-stay requirement and no 6-month re-entry rule
• The right to live, work and study in the UAE
• Sponsorship of family members and domestic staff
• Access to a jurisdiction with no personal income tax

Tax, costs and things to check

The UAE charges no personal income tax and no capital-gains tax on individuals, though a 4% Dubai Land Department transfer fee and agency, registration and service charges apply on property purchases. Corporate tax (9%) applies to business profits above a threshold but not to an individual's salary or personal investment gains.

Confirm current fees and eligibility on the official Dubai Land Department and UAE Government portals before committing, as thresholds and processing channels are periodically updated.