The ultimate guide to Dubai’s Golden Visa: benefits, requirements and investor options

The Dubai UAE Golden Visa programme has become a game changer for expatriates and investors who want long term residency in Dubai. Whether you’re a seasoned investor who wants to be closer to your assets or you’re looking to build a future in the Emirates, the Golden Visa offers a pathway to security, stability and exceptional lifestyle benefits.

The ten year self sponsor visa available through real estate investment is of particular interest to property buyers. This key incentive has attracted global interest in Dubai’s exciting property market. Unlike other residency permits, the Golden Visa in the UAE allows holders to live, work and study in the country without a local sponsor or employer.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Golden Visa, from eligibility criteria and application steps to the full list of benefits and investor options. Let’s get started.

What is the UAE Golden Visa?

The Dubai UAE Golden Visa is a long term residency visa introduced by the government in 2019. It’s a self sponsor permit, meaning you don’t need a company or individual to sponsor your stay in the city or the greater UAE. Designed to attract and retain exceptional talent and long term investors, the visa offers renewable residency for up to ten years.

The Golden Visa in the UAE is available to a wide range of applicants, including:

• Real estate investors
• Entrepreneurs
• Skilled professionals
• Scientists and researchers
• Outstanding students and graduates

For property buyers and investors, the real estate route has become one of the most popular ways to qualify for this prestigious visa. Importantly, this visa offers foreign nationals the freedom to make Dubai their home, base of operations or long term investment destination, all on their own terms.

Golden Visa benefits for real estate investors

Opting for the Golden Visa by purchasing real estate gives you long term residency and it opens the door to a host of practical and lifestyle advantages. Once approved, the visa grants you a full ten years of residency, which is renewable so long as you continue to meet the qualifying criteria, such as retaining ownership of your property.

Family sponsorship is another Golden Visa benefit. You can sponsor your spouse and children, regardless of their age. This means your entire family can enjoy the same security and access to education and healthcare that you do.

You can also enjoy the freedom to work, live and study in Dubai. Unlike other UAE visas, there’s no need for an employer sponsor. You can live and work freely, run your own business, or study, all without employment restrictions.

Lastly, there’s no minimum stay requirement. You’re not required to reside in the UAE continuously to maintain the visa. This is ideal for investors who want flexibility to travel or to spend extended periods abroad. These benefits make the Golden Visa particularly attractive to global citizens who want to secure a long term base in Dubai while maintaining international mobility.

How to qualify for the Dubai Golden Visa via property

Real estate investment is one of the most straightforward and accessible ways to secure the Golden Visa. Here’s what you need to know about Golden Visa requirements:

Minimum AED 2 million property value: To be eligible, you must purchase a Golden Visa-eligible property worth at least AED 2 million. This can be a single property or multiple units with a combined value meeting the threshold.

Off Plan and ready properties are eligible: Both Off Plan and ready-to-move-in properties qualify, provided the total investment meets the minimum requirement. For Off Plan properties, developers must be approved by the relevant authorities.

You must retain ownership: To keep the visa valid, you must retain ownership of the property. Selling or transferring the property below the required value could result in your Golden Visa being cancelled.

Step by step Golden Visa application process

Applying for this highly desirable visa is a straightforward process with the right guidance. Here’s a step by step guide on how to apply for a Golden Visa for the UAE:

1. Complete your property purchase: Purchase a property ensuring it meets the minimum AED 2 million threshold and is registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
    
2. Prepare your documents: Ensure you have the required documents, including a copy of your passport, the title deed of the purchased property, a passport sized photo and any additional documents, such as bank statements or developer letters for Off Plan purchases.
    
3. Submit your application: Apply through the DLD (often in partnership with the property developer) or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), which is the national immigration authority.
    
4. Undergo medical and biometric checks: Go for a standard medical fitness test and biometric scan (fingerprints and photo).
    
5. Pay visa and Emirates ID fees: Expect to pay approximately AED 10,000 to 15,000, which covers visa processing, medical test and Emirates ID issuance.
    
6. Receive your visa and Emirates ID: Your ten year Golden Visa and Emirates ID will be issued after approval.