The UAE Golden Visa: who qualifies and how it works

The Golden Visa gives long-term UAE residence, usually for 10 years, without the need for an employer or company sponsor. It is one of the most sought-after benefits for international families moving to Dubai.

Main routes

• Property investors: property worth at least AED 2 million.
• Investors: capital in a UAE company or approved investments of at least AED 2 million.
• Entrepreneurs: owners of qualifying projects, for example with sufficient annual revenue or a previous successful exit, or approval from an accredited incubator. Criteria vary by emirate.
• Skilled professionals: a basic monthly salary of at least AED 30,000, a bachelor's degree and a qualifying occupation level.
• Exceptional talents: nominated by the relevant UAE authority in fields such as science, culture, sport and technology.
• Outstanding students and graduates: based on academic results.

Why it matters

• Residence that does not depend on an employer or your own company.
• Family members can be sponsored.
• Time outside the UAE does not cancel the visa in the way it can for ordinary residence visas.

Practical tips

• Thresholds and documents change and differ between emirates, so confirm the current criteria before you buy property or restructure an investment for the visa.
• Property bought off-plan and mortgaged property can qualify in some cases, subject to conditions.
• A Golden Visa supports, but does not by itself prove, UAE tax residence. Plan your tax residency certificate separately.

We review your route, prepare the documents and coordinate the process. Contact us to start.

Sources

• UAE Government portal: Golden Visa
• Virtuzone: Golden Visa eligibility (April 2026)

This page gives general information as at the date shown and is not advice for your specific situation. Rules in other countries are summarised for orientation; your home-country position should be confirmed before you act.