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Golden Visa Partners

2026 Program Guide

Dubai (UAE) Golden Visa & Residence Permit

The UAE Golden Visa offers 10-year renewable residence through a real estate investment of approximately AED 2 million (approximately USD 545,000). There is no income tax, family members and domestic staff can be included, and there is no path to citizenship.

Last updated: 2026-07-07 · Reviewed by: Burak Ünal

At a glance

Program
Golden Visa (10 years)
Real estate
Approximately AED 2,000,000 (~USD 545,000)
Duration
10 years (renewable)
Tax
No income tax
Citizenship
None
Family
Spouse, children, and domestic staff included

Who is it for?

  • Those wishing to live or do business in an environment with no personal income tax.
  • Investors seeking long-term (10-year), flexible residence without a stay requirement.
  • Those wishing to obtain residence alongside real estate returns.
  • Families wishing to sponsor a spouse, children, parents, and domestic staff.

Investment Routes and Thresholds

The most common route is an approved real estate investment worth approximately AED 2 million (approximately USD 545,000); completed properties or, under certain conditions, off-plan properties are accepted. In addition, the golden visa can also be obtained through public investment, company formation, and exceptional talent/expertise routes. The route is chosen based on your goals and budget.

Tax and Living

There is no personal income tax in the UAE, making the golden visa attractive for tax planning. Since 2023, a 9% corporate tax applies to annual business profits above AED 375,000. Dubai and Abu Dhabi stand out for their security, infrastructure, international schools, and business ecosystem.

Stay Requirement and Renewal

Unlike traditional residence visas, the golden visa remains valid even after extended periods abroad. At the end of the 10 years, it can be renewed provided the qualifying investment (such as real estate) is maintained. The process includes the Emirates ID and a health check.

Settling In After Approval

The UAE Golden Visa is built for people who want a long, stable horizon rather than a quick permit, and its ten-year renewable term reflects that. It tends to suit investors and entrepreneurs building a life or business base in Dubai, as well as families, since a spouse, children, and domestic staff can be sponsored under the same status. The route begins with selecting qualifying real estate, followed by the application, health checks and biometrics, and then the residence itself. Once approved, the practical work of settling in is straightforward, helped by a comparatively light presence requirement that lets holders come and go with flexibility. Preparation is modest but should not be rushed. A valid passport, health insurance, and a clean record are needed, and organising family documents early makes sponsorship smoother. It is worth being clear on scope from the start: this is a long-term residence route rather than a path to citizenship, so plans should be framed around renewal rather than naturalisation. Because property selection and eligibility details carry real weight here, confirming the current requirements with a qualified adviser before purchasing is a prudent move.

Benefits

  • Long-term, renewable 10-year residence.
  • No personal income tax.
  • Living and business opportunities in Dubai and the UAE.
  • Family and domestic staff sponsorship.
  • Strong real estate returns and a low stay requirement.

Requirements

  • Approved real estate worth approximately AED 2 million (or public investment).
  • Valid passport and health insurance.
  • Clean criminal record.

Costs

Real estate investment
~AED 2,000,000
Visa and application fees
Apply separately
Property transaction costs
Vary by purchase

Process

  1. Real estate selection

    Identifying and purchasing suitable real estate.

  2. Application

    Submitting the golden visa application.

  3. Health and biometrics

    Health check and identity procedures.

  4. Residence

    Obtaining the 10-year residence visa and Emirates ID.

FAQ

Does the UAE Golden Visa grant citizenship?
No. The golden visa provides long-term residence; it does not offer a path to UAE citizenship.
Is there income tax in the UAE?
No, there is no personal income tax. However, a 9% corporate tax applies to annual business profits above AED 375,000.
Do I need to stay in the UAE for a certain period?
The golden visa is much more flexible than traditional residence visas and remains valid even after extended periods abroad.
Can I buy the property with a mortgage?
Mortgaged properties may be accepted under certain conditions; however, meeting the qualifying investment threshold and bank approval are required. We verify current rules before applying.
Can I bring my family and domestic staff?
Yes. In addition to a spouse, children, and parents, domestic staff can also be sponsored.
What happens to my visa if I sell the property?
Renewing the golden visa requires maintaining the qualifying investment; if you sell the property and fall below the threshold, you may face issues at renewal.
How long does it take to obtain the visa?
Once the real estate purchase is completed, the golden visa and Emirates ID are generally issued within a few weeks.

Sources

Disclaimer: Golden Visa Partners is an investment and immigration advisory firm; it does not provide legal or attorney services. The investment amounts, timelines and program conditions on this page are for general guidance only and, because regulations change quickly, may be out of date. Before making any decision, we recommend consulting current official sources and obtaining independent legal and financial advice.

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