UAE Residence Visa
Real Estate Investor Visa (Golden Visa)
The UAE Residence Visa by Real Estate Investment offers a 10-year renewable visa to investors who purchase property worth at least AED 2 million. It provides long-term residency, tax advantages, and the right to live, work, and open a business in the UAE.
UAE Residence Visa Benefits
Residency and Family Inclusion
- 10-year residence permit, renewable
- Right to live, work, study
- Spouse, parents, unmarried children under 21 could be sponsored
- Right to establish a business in the UAE without requiring a local sponsor
Travel and Quality of Life
- Attractive tax regime
Ease of Access
- No physical residency requirement
- No language requirement
UAE Residence Visa Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be of good character
- Must have medical insurance
- Must make a qualifying real-estate investment, to be held for the entire duration of the residence permit
UAE Residence Visa Investment Requirements
Investment Conditions
- Purchase one or more properties within the same emirate, with a total minimum value of AED 2 million (approx. USD 550,000), in an approved real estate project
- Possibility of renting out the investment property
UAE Residence Visa process
Processing time 4-6 Months
Due Diligence And Application
- Pre-vetting and due diligence checks
- Visit UAE to submit the application, complete medical checkup and biometric data collection
Approval And Investment
- Purchase qualifying property
UAE Residency
- Issuance of UAE golden visa, freelance work permit, Emirates ID
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UAE Golden Visa for real estate investors?
The UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year residence permit for property investors. This residence-by-investment program is one of the most popular UAE residence visas, allowing investors and their families to obtain long-term residency by purchasing qualifying real estate in the UAE. Unlike other UAE residence visas, it doesn't require a local sponsor or employer.
How long does the UAE Golden Visa last?
The UAE Golden Visa is valid for 10 years. This UAE Residence Visa can be renewed for successive 10-year periods, making it one of the longest-term UAE Residence Visa options available in the region.
Can I renew my UAE Residence Visa?
Yes, this residence visa in UAE is renewable indefinitely. You can renew for successive 10-year periods as long as you maintain the minimum property investment and continue meeting eligibility criteria.
Can I open a UAE bank account with Golden Visa?
Yes, Golden Visa holders can open personal bank accounts in UAE banks. Most major banks accept Golden Visa as sufficient residency proof, though they may require additional documentation like salary certificates or business licenses for higher-tier accounts.
Can my family get UAE Golden Visa too?
Yes, you can sponsor spouse, parents, and unmarried children under 21. Family members receive the same 10-year residence visa benefits after you obtain your Emirates ID. This makes it an attractive option for families seeking long-term UAE residency.
Can common-law partners get UAE Golden Visa sponsorship?
No, UAE doesn't recognize common-law partnerships for visa sponsorship. Only legally married spouses can be sponsored under the UAE Residence Visa (Golden Visa program). Marriage certificates must be attested and legally recognized.
Are same-sex spouses eligible for UAE Golden Visa sponsorship?
No, same-sex marriages aren't recognized for UAE visa sponsorship. The UAE follows traditional marriage definitions for all residence visa categories, including the Golden Visa program.
Can UAE Golden Visa holders work without sponsor?
Yes, Golden Visa holders can work anywhere in UAE without local sponsor. This is a major advantage over regular employment visas. You can work for any company, freelance, or start your own business without requiring Emirati sponsorship.
Can children study in UAE with Golden Visa?
Yes, dependent children can study in UAE schools and universities. They have access to both public and private educational institutions, making this residence visa ideal for families with school-age children.
Can I start a business with UAE Golden Visa?
Yes, you can establish businesses without requiring local partners. Golden Visa holders can own 100% of their mainland businesses in many sectors, or set up companies in free zones with complete foreign ownership.
What tax benefits do UAE Golden Visa holders get?
UAE has no personal income tax, wealth tax, or capital gains tax. Golden Visa holders benefit from the UAE's tax-free environment, making it attractive for high-net-worth individuals and business owners seeking tax optimization.
Do I need to speak Arabic for UAE Golden Visa?
No language requirements exist for UAE Golden Visa. Applications can be processed in English, and no Arabic proficiency tests are required, unlike citizenship programs in other countries.
Do I have to live in UAE with Golden Visa?
No physical residency requirement exists. You can maintain your Golden Visa while living abroad, making it perfect for international investors who want UAE residency benefits without relocating permanently.
How much property investment is required for UAE Golden Visa?
Minimum AED 2 million (approximately USD 550,000) in approved real estate. You can purchase one or multiple properties within the same emirate. Property in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates qualifies for this residence visa of UAE, provided it's in government-approved projects.
How long must I keep the property investment?
You must maintain the investment for the entire visa duration. The property cannot be sold during the 10-year period without affecting your residence status. However, you can rent out the property for income.
Can I rent out my Golden Visa investment property?
Yes, rental income is allowed and encouraged. Many investors use rental yields to offset holding costs while maintaining their residence visa. Dubai properties typically yield 4-7% annually.
What happens if property value decreases during renewal?
Renewal is based on original purchase price, not current market value. If your property was bought for AED 2 million, that value is maintained for visa purposes regardless of market fluctuations, protecting your residence status.
Do I need criminal background check for UAE Golden Visa?
No criminal record certificate is required for Golden Visa applications. This simplifies the process compared to other residence programs, though UAE authorities conduct their own background verification.
Which nationalities cannot get UAE Golden Visa?
North Korean and Sudanese nationals are restricted. Bangladesh and Pakistan nationals may receive 5-year visas instead of 10-year terms. Most other nationalities are eligible for the full Golden Visa benefits.
How to get UAE residence visa through Golden Visa program in 2025?
Process takes 2-4 weeks after property purchase. To get this UAE Residence Visa: 1) Purchase qualifying property worth minimum AED 2 million, 2) Visit UAE to submit application and complete medical examination, 3) Provide biometric data and photographs, 4) Receive Emirates ID and UAE Residence Visa. The entire process can be completed in one UAE visit.