Wealthy Europeans Are Moving to Dubai: 5 Compelling Reasons Why
December 11, 2025
Mirsatori’s team examines the reasons behind the rush of European HNWIs to Dubai, from low taxes, safety, business opportunities, and more.
UAE Golden Visa
Program Type:
Residence by Investment
Processing Time:
1 month
Citizenship Timeline:
N/A
Permanent Residency Timeline:
N/A
Physical Presence Required:
None
Citizenship Visa-Free Access:
178 countries
Minimum Contribution:
AED500,000
Contribution Options:
Business Investment, Fund Investment, Property Investment
On This Page
Program Overview
UAE Golden Visa
The United Arab Emirates grants golden visas – a long-term residence permit that enables foreign specialists or investors to live, work, or study in the country – to individuals who either invest in the country or who qualify as “outstanding specialized talents.”
The visa is renewable and has a validity of either 5 or 10 years, depending on the qualification type.
The program has no path to permanent residence or citizenship.
UAE Golden Visa
How to Qualify
Investors
To qualify for a UAE Golden Visa as an investor, the applicant must invest
- AED 2 million in real estate; or
- AED 2 million in investment funds.
Entrepreneurs
To qualify for a UAE Golden Visa as an entrepreneur, the applicant must own “an economic project of a technical or future nature based on risk and innovation” valued at no less than AED 500,000, and associated with an accredited incubator in the UAE.
Outstanding Specialized Talents
There are several non-capital-based ways to qualify for the UAE Golden Visa, such as by being an “outstanding specialized talent” in the fields of medicine, science, arts and culture, commerce, academia, sports, and so on.
Learn more above what it takes to be considered an “outstanding specialized talent” on the government’s official website.
Superyacht Owners in Abu Dhabi
Through the Golden Quay initiative, Abu Dhabi offers UAE Golden Visas to superyacht owners and key figures in the maritime industry.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Own a superyacht measuring at least 40 meters in length; or
- Be a CEO, major shareholder, or service provider in the yacht industry.
This program, supported by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and Yas Marina, provides seamless marina access, exclusive benefits, and tailored tourism support.
Influencers in Dubai
Dubai’s Creators HQ initiative offers UAE Golden Visas to digital content creators, including:
- Social media influencers
- Podcasters
- Visual artists
- Animation studios and advertising firms
UAE Golden Visa
Salient Benefits
- Safety and security
- Enhanced education opportunities
- Enhanced business access to large economies
- Short processing time
- Minimal physical presence requirements
- Permits dual/multiple citizenship
- Lower taxes
- Warm climate
UAE Golden Visa
Citizenship Timeline and Requirements
There is no standardised path to citizenship through the UAE Golden Visa program. The only possibility is through allowance of citizenship by discretion through the Nationality Act, which needs to come from the rulers of the United Arab Emirates. Criteria for obtaining UAE citizenship by discretion are not quantitatively defined.
Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.
UAE Golden Visa
Program Authority and Legal Basis
Applications for this program may be directed to General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
Legislation upon which this program is based No. 65/2022 to Federal Decree-Law No. 29/2021 on Foreigners’ Entry and Residency.
UAE Golden Visa
IMI Pros Who Can Help You
UAE Golden Visa
Qualifying Real Estate
As noted in the program qualifications above, an investor can qualify for this program with a local property purchase above the minimum investment threshold. View eligible properties curated by IMI and our real estate partners:
UAE Golden Visa
Recent Stories About This Destination
UAE Introduces Consular Services for Golden Visa Holders
October 15, 2025
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends citizen-level consular services to Golden Visa holders in what officials describe as a globally unprecedented move.
Ajman Golden Visa Investors Drive 69% of Property Valuations After April Reforms
September 30, 2025
April law enabling pooled property investments drove $48.3m in golden visa valuations during August as investors pursue residency.
UAE Golden Visa
Program Statistics
See more statistics on this program and others in the IMI Data Center.