UAE Golden Visa

Table of Contents

  1. What is the eligibility criteria of UAE Golden Visa Program
  2. Process and Timeframe for the UAE Golden Visa
  3. What are the benefits of UAE Golden Visa Program ?
  4. Some information and fun facts about UAE
  5. What are the limitations of the UAE Golden Visa Program ?
  6. FAQs about UAE Golden Visa Program.

Eligibility Criteria for
UAE Golden Visa Program

The UAE Golden Visa caters to a diverse group of beneficiaries, including real estate investors, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals such as specialists, students, and researchers. Below are the key eligibility criteria for obtaining a UAE Golden Visa through real estate investment:

  • Minimum Property Investment: To qualify, an investor must purchase property worth a minimum of AED 2 million (approximately USD 550,000). This substantial investment ensures that applicants are making significant economic contributions to the UAE.
  • Financed Property Options: Investors can also qualify by purchasing property worth a minimum of AED 2 million with a loan from specific local banks. This option provides flexibility for those who prefer to finance their investment through approved financial institutions.
  • Off-Plan Properties: Another eligible option includes purchasing one or more off-plan properties from approved local real estate companies, provided the total investment meets the AED 2 million threshold. This allows investors to participate in new and upcoming real estate projects in the UAE.
  • Investment Holding Period: All investments must be held for a minimum of three years. This requirement ensures long-term commitment to the UAE’s real estate market and helps stabilize the economy by discouraging short-term speculative investments.
  • Inclusive for Families: The main applicant can include their spouse and unmarried children of any age in the Golden Visa application without needing to make additional investments. This provision makes the program particularly attractive for families seeking long-term residency in the UAE.
  • Broad Range of Beneficiaries: Besides real estate investors, the Golden Visa is also available to entrepreneurs and talented individuals in fields such as science, healthcare, and education. This inclusivity aims to attract a wide array of professionals who can contribute to the UAE’s development.
  • Commitment to Economic Growth: By setting substantial investment thresholds and requiring a holding period, the UAE Golden Visa program is designed to attract committed investors who will positively impact the country’s economic growth and development.

These eligibility criteria ensure that the UAE Golden Visa program attracts substantial and committed investments, contributing to the country’s economic stability and growth while providing long-term residency benefits to investors and their families.

Process and Timeframe for the UAE Golden Visa

The process of obtaining a UAE Golden Visa involves several structured steps, ensuring thorough vetting and efficient processing. Here’s a detailed look at the procedure and timeframe:

1. Application Preparation

Applicants must first complete the necessary application forms and gather supporting documents, including proof of investment, personal identification, and other relevant certifications. This step also involves paying the appropriate fees.

2. Initial Due Diligence

Once the application is prepared, initial due diligence checks are conducted. This typically includes background checks to verify the applicant's legal and financial standing. Once these checks are completed and the retainer is paid, the application can be submitted to the UAE government.

3. Submission of Application

The complete application, including all supporting documents, is submitted to the relevant UAE authorities for review. This marks the official start of the residence application process.

4. Initial Approval and Multiple-Entry Visa

Upon fulfilling the initial requirements and pending approval of the application, the applicant receives a six-month multiple-entry visa. This visa allows the applicant to travel to the UAE to complete the remaining steps of the process.

5. Travel to UAE and Medical Check

The applicant must travel to the UAE to apply for an ID card and undergo a mandatory medical check. This step ensures that the applicant meets the health requirements set by the UAE authorities.

6. Final Approval

After the medical check and ID card application, the applicant receives final approval. The residence visa is then issued, providing the applicant and their family members with long-term residency in the UAE.

7. Validity and Renewal

The Golden Residence visa is valid for 10 years and can be renewed thereafter. Unlike other visas, residing outside the UAE does not nullify the Golden Visa, offering flexibility for global mobility.

8. Processing Time

The overall processing time for the residence application typically takes over eight weeks. This period includes the time taken for initial due diligence, document submission, and final approval.

9. Investment Holding Period

Investments must be held for at least three years to maintain eligibility. This ensures that the economic benefits to the UAE are sustained over a significant period.

10. Efficient and Streamlined Process

The UAE government has designed the Golden Visa application process to be efficient and streamlined, minimizing bureaucratic delays and ensuring a smooth experience for applicants.

These steps collectively ensure that the UAE Golden Visa application process is thorough, efficient, and designed to attract committed investors who can contribute to the country’s economic growth while enjoying the benefits of long-term residency.

Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa Program

The UAE Golden Visa offers a range of compelling benefits, making it an attractive choice for foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals. 

These benefits collectively make the UAE Golden Visa an attractive and practical option for those seeking long-term residency in a dynamic and globally connected country.

get in touch now

1. Strategic Geographic Positioning

The UAE’s location serves as a gateway to Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, providing unparalleled access to major global markets and facilitating international business operations.

2. Safe and Secure Environment

The UAE is known for its stable and secure environment, offering residents peace of mind with low crime rates and a strong legal framework that ensures safety.

3. High Quality of Life

Residents enjoy a high standard of living, with access to world-class healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The UAE’s cosmopolitan cities provide a vibrant lifestyle with numerous cultural and recreational activities.

4. Family Inclusion

The Golden Visa allows applicants to include their spouse and unmarried children of any age without requiring additional investment. This makes it an ideal option for families seeking long-term residency.

5. Ease of Doing Business

The UAE ranks among the top 30 countries globally for ease of doing business, thanks to its pro-business regulatory environment, robust infrastructure, and supportive government policies.

6. Favorable Tax Regime

The UAE offers a highly favorable tax environment for investors, with no personal income, capital gains, net worth, or withholding taxes (except for those in the banking and oil sectors). The country also has several double-tax treaties in place, reducing tax burdens for international investors.

7. Real Estate Investment Opportunities

The UAE’s real estate market offers good value, with opportunities for substantial returns on investment. The market is well-regulated and supported by strong demand for residential and commercial properties.

8. Efficient Residence Permit System

The streamlined and efficient residence permit system ensures that the application process is straightforward and timely, minimizing bureaucratic delays and enhancing the overall experience for applicants.

9. International Recognition

As a member state of the United Nations, the Gulf Co-operation Council, and the Arab League, the UAE holds significant international standing, further enhancing its appeal as a residency destination.

Some Info and Fun Facts About UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), with its capital in Abu Dhabi, has a population of approximately 9.89 million people. Currency of UAE is UAE dirham (AED) and Arabic is their official language. The UAE boasts a robust economy with a GDP per capita of around USD 43,000, reflecting its significant wealth and economic development driven by sectors such as oil, tourism, real estate, and finance.

10 fun facts about the UAE:

  1. Tallest Building in the World: The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters (2,717 feet) with 163 floors.
  2. Artificial Islands: The UAE is home to some of the most famous artificial islands, including Palm Jumeirah, which is shaped like a palm tree and can be seen from space.
  3. Zero Income Tax: Residents of the UAE enjoy zero personal income tax, making it a highly attractive destination for expatriates and businesses.
  4. Seven Emirates: The UAE is a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi (the capital), Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain.
  5. Diverse Population: Approximately 80% of the UAE’s population consists of expatriates from around the world, making it a melting pot of cultures and nationalities.
  6. Luxury Cars: The UAE is known for its luxury car culture, with supercars like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Bugattis commonly seen on the streets of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
  7. Traditional and Modern Architecture: The UAE seamlessly blends traditional Arabic architecture with modern design, exemplified by structures like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Burj Al Arab.
  8. Indoor Skiing: Dubai is home to Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort located in the Mall of the Emirates, featuring real snow and five ski runs.
  9. Rich Cultural Heritage: The UAE has a rich cultural heritage. Traditional activities like camel racing, dhow cruise sailing and falconry are still practiced.
  10. Innovative City: Masdar City in Abu Dhabi is one of the world’s most sustainable urban communities, designed to be a hub for clean technology and innovation, aiming for zero waste and zero carbon emissions.

These fun facts highlight the UAE’s unique blend of tradition and modernity, its impressive architectural feats, and its commitment to innovation and cultural preservation.

Limitations of the UAE Golden Visa

While the UAE Golden Visa offers numerous benefits, there are also several limitations and considerations that prospective applicants should be aware of:

  1. High Investment Threshold: The required minimum investment amount is AED 2 million (approximately USD 550,000), which may be prohibitively high for some investors.
  2. Currency Exchange Risks: Investments must be made in UAE dirhams (AED), exposing investors to potential currency exchange risks, especially if their funds are in other currencies.
  3. Economic Dependence on Oil: The UAE’s economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas exports. Although diversification efforts are underway, fluctuations in oil prices can impact the overall economic stability.
  4. Real Estate Market Volatility: The real estate market in the UAE can be volatile, with significant fluctuations in property values. Investors should be aware of potential risks associated with real estate investments.
  5. Holding Period: Investments must be held for at least three years. This requirement locks in capital for a significant period, which may not be suitable for investors seeking shorter-term returns.
  6. Residency vs. Citizenship: The UAE Golden Visa offers long-term residency but does not grant citizenship. Residents do not have the same rights as citizens, such as voting or holding certain public offices.
  7. Cultural and Legal Differences: The UAE has unique cultural and legal norms that may be challenging for some expatriates to adapt to. Local customs and laws are crucial part of the UAE and understanding and respecting the same is critical aspect of maintaining residence.
  8. Healthcare and Education Costs: While the UAE offers high-quality healthcare and education, these services can be expensive. Expats often need comprehensive insurance to cover medical costs and may face high tuition fees for international schools.
  9. Political and Regional Stability: The geopolitical landscape in the Middle East can be complex and regional tensions can impact the UAE. However, investors needs to keep the broader political context in mind.
  10. Climate: The UAE has an extremely hot climate, particularly during the summer months, which can be challenging for new residents to acclimate to and may affect their overall quality of life.

Understanding these limitations is essential for making an informed decision about applying for the UAE Golden Visa. Prospective applicants should weigh these considerations against the benefits to determine if the program aligns with their personal and financial goals.

10 Frequently Asked Questions on
UAE Golden Visa Program

1. What is the UAE Golden Visa ?

The UAE Golden Visa Program allows foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals to obtain long-term residence in the UAE by making a significant economic investment, particularly in real estate.

2. What are the investment options for obtaining UAE Golden Visa?

Applicants can qualify by investing a minimum of AED 2 million (approximately USD 550,000) in property. This includes properties purchased outright, financed through specific local banks, or off-plan properties from approved local real estate companies.

3. How long is the mandatory holding period for investments?

Investments must be held for at least three years to maintain eligibility for the UAE Golden Visa. This ensures a long-term commitment to the UAE’s economy.

4. Can family members be part of the UAE Golden Visa application?

Yes, the main applicant can include their spouse and unmarried children of any age without requiring additional investments, making it an ideal option for families seeking long-term residency.

5. What is the process for applying to the UAE Golden Visa Program?

The process involves completing application forms, undergoing initial due diligence checks, submitting the application with supporting documents, and paying the appropriate fees. After initial approval, the applicant receives a six-month multiple-entry visa to complete the process in the UAE.

6. How long does it take to obtain UAE Golden Visa through this program?

The processing time typically takes over eight weeks from the submission of the complete application and investment documents to final approval and issuance of the residence visa.

7. Are there any tax benefits for residents in the UAE?

Yes, the UAE offers a highly favorable tax environment with no personal income, capital gains, net worth, or withholding taxes (except for certain banking and oil sectors). Additionally, there are several double-tax treaties in place.

8. Can the investment be made in foreign currency?

No, the investment must be made in UAE dirhams (AED), equivalent to the specified USD amount, ensuring compliance with local currency regulations.

9. What happens if I reside outside the UAE for an extended period?

Residing outside the UAE does not nullify the Golden Visa. The visa remains valid even if the holder spends extended periods outside the country, offering flexibility for global mobility.

10. Does the UAE Golden Visa grant citizenship?

No, the UAE Golden Visa provides long-term residency but does not grant citizenship. Residents do not have the same rights as citizens, such as voting or holding certain public offices.

These FAQs provide a comprehensive overview of the UAE Golden Visa Program, addressing common queries and important aspects that prospective applicants should consider.