The United Arab Emirates Golden Visa is a long term residence permit for investors and other qualifying applicants. It is issued under the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
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.
The Golden Visa is a renewable long term residence permit, commonly issued for five or ten years, that does not require a national sponsor. It is one of the main initiatives of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, known as the ICP, and in Dubai applications also run through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
Real estate is a common route. At federal level an investor may qualify by owning one or more properties with a total value of at least 2,000,000 dirhams. Reporting in 2026 indicates the earlier requirement to have paid a set share of the value upfront was removed, and that mortgaged and off plan properties can count where the total value meets the threshold and the lending bank issues a no objection letter.
Other routes exist for entrepreneurs, investors in approved funds, skilled professionals and people of outstanding talent, each with its own criteria. Confirm the current figures and conditions with the official authority.
Applicants apply through the ICP or, in Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, submit documents and complete medical and identity steps, then receive the residence visa. Validity is typically five or ten years with renewal. Confirm current processing times with the official authority.
The Golden Visa lets the holder live in the United Arab Emirates without a national sponsor and to sponsor family members, subject to the rules in force. It is a residence permit. The United Arab Emirates does not run an investment route to citizenship, which is granted only in limited cases. Confirm the current position with the official authority.
| Item | Indicative amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate route, federal | 2,000,000 dirhams in property | One or more properties meeting the total value |
| Upfront payment share | No fixed minimum reported in 2026 | Earlier part payment rule reported removed, confirm with the authority |
| Government and service fees | Confirm with the official authority | Set by the ICP and local 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.
It is commonly issued for five or ten years and is renewable. The exact term depends on the category. Confirm with the ICP.
Reporting in 2026 indicates they can where the total property value meets the threshold and the bank issues a no objection letter. Confirm the current rule with the official authority.
No. It is long term residence. Emirati citizenship is granted only in limited circumstances and is separate from this route.
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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