UAE Golden Visa
In the United Arab Emirates, there is no legal term “residence permit”. Instead of a residence permit, investors obtain long-term visas: a 2-year residence visa or a 10-year Golden Visa.


UAE resident status allows individuals and legal entities to optimise taxes and create a backup plan for the whole family.
2+ months


Obtaining period



No residency requirement

At any stage
10-year


Golden Visa validity
0%


Tax on income and real estate
Investors obtain a UAE residence visa when they purchase property in the country.
A 2-year visa is issued to owners of properties of any value. A 10-year Golden Visa is granted to foreigners who invest AED 2,000,000 or more in real estate.

An investor may include their family members, a spouse and children, in the application.
Resident status can be renewed. Continuous residence in the UAE is not required: it is sufficient to visit the country from time to time and maintain ownership of the property.
9 benefits of UAE residency by investment
  • Long‑term relocation to the UAE
    A UAE residence visa allows foreigners to live and work in the country for the entire validity period. The status can be renewed multiple times.
  • Tax optimisation
    The UAE does not levy personal income tax or taxes on property, capital gains, inheritance, or gifts.
  • No obligation to relocate permanently

    Investors may live in another country. To maintain a residence visa, it is enough to visit the UAE once every 6 months. The Golden Visa has no visit requirements.
  • Business opportunities
    The UAE has one of the most innovative and dynamic business environments in the world. Investors receive not only a visa but also the opportunity to bring their business to the global market.

  • Banking accessibility
    Individuals living in São Tomé and Príncipe are permitted to establish bank accounts, maintain savings, and execute cross-border financial transactions.


  • Access to education and healthcare
    UAE residents are entitled to schooling and medical services. The country is among the top 20 worldwide for advanced healthcare. The education system is based on US, Canadian, and British standards.

  • Residence visas for the whole family
    Investors may include their spouse and children. They can live, work, and study in the UAE.


  • Access to international banks
    Investors may open bank accounts in the UAE in euros, US dollars, dirhams, and other major currencies. They can store savings and make international payments.

  • Access to international banks
    Investors may open bank accounts in the UAE in euros, US dollars, dirhams, and other major currencies. They can store savings and make international payments.

  • Free Esaad card

    The Esaad programme offers discounts of up to 70% on products and services from leading global brands, including shops, clinics, educational centres, travel agencies, and other companies in 92 countries.
  • Obtaining a UAE driver’s licence
    Residents can apply for a UAE driver’s licence and legally drive in the country. In most cases, passing a driving test is required. However, nationals of the US, the UK, Germany, Australia, Türkiye, Spain, India, and several other countries may simply exchange their existing licence without taking an exam.
Eligibility requirements for the UAE Golden Visa
Investment options for obtaining UAE residence permit
Request


Purchase of real estate of any value











Property purchase — AED 2,000,000+





Details

The investor obtains a 2-year residence visa if they purchase residential properties that are ready to move into.
No minimum investment required. A mortgage from an accredited bank is allowed, but it must not exceed 50% of the property value.
Spouses can buy a property in joint ownership, provided that each owner’s share is AED 400,000, or $109,000.


A 10‑year Golden Visa is granted for purchasing property worth AED 2,000,000, or $545,000.
Eligible options include both residential and commercial properties at any stage of construction.
An investor may purchase several properties, provided that their total value exceeds the minimum investment threshold.
A mortgage is permitted. In this case, the down payment must be at least 20% of the property value.
Additional costs

2—4%
Property transfer tax
$1043+
Additional fees and charges
$220+
Medical examination
$400+
Health insurance
$1,000+
Translation and notary services



2–4%
Property transfer tax
$1043+
Additional fees and charges
$220+
Medical examination
$400+
Health insurance
$1,000+
Translation and notary services
Real estate for obtaining a Dubai Golden Visa
UAE, Dubai
$495,000+
Elegant seafront apartments
60—79 m²
1—2 bed
1—2 bath
UAE, Dubai
$310,000+
Futuristic‑style apartments in Business Bay
44—171 m²
1—3 bed
1—3 bath
UAE, Dubai
$456,000+
Stylish apartments on the Dubai Islands
58—543 m²
1 bed
1 bath

Key documents to apply for a UAE Golden Visa
  • Photograph
  • Citizenship application form
  • Copies of international passports of all applicants
  • Birth certificate
  • Police clearance certificate from the country of citizenship or residence
  • Proof of residential address, such as utility bills or a tenancy agreement
  • Proof of source of income
  • Bank reference letter
  • Medical certificate confirming health status
  • Documents confirming marital status, such as a marriage certificate
How to obtain UAE Golden Visa: step‑by‑step process
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