The United Arab Emirates Golden Visa is a long term residence permit. South African nationals can qualify through several routes, including a property investment of a set minimum value.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
South African nationals can apply. There is no nationality bar specific to South Africa. Eligibility depends on the route, with the property investor route being the most common path for those without a qualifying job offer or talent nomination.
Applicants must show clear title or a valuation for qualifying property and pass standard security and medical checks. Confirm the current requirements with the official authority or an approved channel before acting.
For the property investor route, an applicant can obtain a ten year Golden Visa by owning one or more properties with a total value of at least AED 2,000,000. Multiple properties can be combined to reach the threshold.
From February 2026 the previous requirement to have paid a minimum upfront share of the property value was removed, and mortgage financed properties from approved banks and off plan properties from approved developers can qualify. Other Golden Visa routes exist for talented individuals, entrepreneurs and certain professionals, each with its own criteria.
The Golden Visa grants long term residence, typically for ten years on the property route, and renews subject to continued eligibility. A useful feature is that there is no minimum stay requirement, so the residence remains valid even with long periods spent outside the country. Confirm current processing times and conditions with the official authority.
The qualifying property is the main commitment and is held as an asset rather than spent. Government application and issuance fees, medical testing and the Emirates ID each carry their own cost, set by the authorities. Professional or agency fees are separate and vary by case. Confirm every current figure with the official authority.
| Item | Indicative amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Property route minimum | AED 2,000,000 | One or more properties combined to reach the total |
| Visa length | Ten years | Property investor route, renewable subject to eligibility |
| Minimum stay | None | Residence remains valid during long absences |
| Government and ID fees | Confirm the current figure with the official authority | Application, medical and Emirates ID set by the authorities |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
Yes. The Golden Visa is open to applicants regardless of nationality, including South African citizens. The property investor route is the most common path. Confirm the current rules with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
The property investor route for a ten year Golden Visa requires owning property worth at least AED 2,000,000 in total, and multiple properties can be combined. From February 2026 the earlier minimum upfront payment rule was removed. Confirm current figures with the official authority.
No. The Golden Visa has no minimum stay requirement, so the residence stays valid even during long periods outside the country. Confirm current conditions with the official authority.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
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