UAE Golden Visa

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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

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UAE Retirement Visa IMI

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

The US$40.8 million Content Creators Support Fund supports the program, which provides assistance with business registration, visa applications, and relocation services.

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 Golden Visa

Program Statistics

See more statistics on this program and others in the IMI Data Center.

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