UAE Residency by Investment: Requirements and Costs in 2026

Last updated: March 2026

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What Is UAE Residency by Investment?

The UAE residency by investment programme — widely known as the UAE Golden Visa — is a long-term residency scheme introduced by the United Arab Emirates government in 2019 and significantly expanded in 2022. It allows foreign nationals to obtain renewable residency status valid for either 5 or 10 years, without the need for a national sponsor or employer. The programme is designed to attract high-net-worth investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and their families, offering them a secure foothold in one of the world's most dynamic economic hubs.

Unlike traditional residency visas that require employment in the UAE or sponsorship by a UAE national, the Golden Visa grants holders genuine independence. Visa holders are not required to maintain a minimum physical presence in the country, making it particularly attractive for global citizens who wish to enjoy the benefits of UAE residency — including tax advantages, world-class infrastructure, and strategic location — without relocating permanently.

It is important to note that UAE residency by investment is not the same as UAE citizenship. The UAE does not offer a formal citizenship by investment programme, and naturalisation remains extremely rare and at the sole discretion of the UAE government. If you are seeking a second passport through investment, explore our guide to the best citizenship by investment programmes for suitable alternatives.

UAE Golden Visa Investment Options: Requirements and Costs in 2026

Understanding the full scope of residency in UAE by investment requirements and costs in 2026 begins with examining the available investment routes. The UAE government has structured the Golden Visa around several qualifying categories, each with its own financial threshold and documentation requirements.

1. Real Estate Investment

Real estate remains the most popular route for HNW individuals seeking UAE residency. There are two tiers:

• 10-Year Golden Visa: Requires a minimum real estate investment of AED 2 million (approximately USD 545,000). The property must be fully paid — off-plan or mortgaged properties only qualify if the paid portion meets or exceeds AED 2 million.
• 5-Year Investor Visa: Requires a minimum real estate investment of AED 500,000 (approximately USD 136,000). Properties can be mortgaged through approved UAE banks, provided the minimum equity threshold is met.

Properties must be registered with the relevant emirate's land department (e.g., Dubai Land Department or Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport). Both residential and commercial properties are eligible.

2. Business Investment

Entrepreneurs and business owners can qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa by establishing or owning a business in the UAE with a minimum capital investment of AED 2 million (approximately USD 545,000), confirmed by the relevant authorities. Alternatively, entrepreneurs with a project approved by an accredited UAE business incubator may qualify under the entrepreneur category.

3. Public Investment (Deposits and Funds)

Investors who deposit a minimum of AED 2 million (approximately USD 545,000) in a UAE-accredited investment fund, or who establish a commercial enterprise with paid capital of AED 2 million or more, are eligible for the 10-year Golden Visa under the investor category.

4. Skilled Professionals and Talented Individuals

The 2022 expansion of the Golden Visa introduced residency routes for professionals in priority fields — including doctors, engineers, scientists, lawyers, and IT specialists — earning a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000 (approximately USD 8,200). Outstanding students with a minimum GPA of 3.75 from accredited universities may also qualify.

Government Fees and Professional Costs

Beyond the investment threshold, applicants should budget for the following costs:

• UAE entry permit and status adjustment fees: approximately AED 2,800–4,000 (USD 760–1,090)
• Emirates ID fees: approximately AED 1,000 (USD 272)
• Medical fitness test: approximately AED 700–1,000 (USD 190–272)
• Health insurance (mandatory): from AED 1,500 per year (USD 408)
• Professional consultancy fees: variable; contact Mirabello Consultancy for a personalised fee proposal

Eligibility Criteria for UAE Residency by Investment

Eligibility for the UAE Golden Visa is assessed against the following core requirements:

• Age: Applicants must be 18 years or older (exceptions apply for dependent children).
• Clean criminal record: Applicants must demonstrate a clear criminal background in their country of residence and any other country of significance.
• Health requirements: A UAE medical fitness examination is mandatory and must confirm freedom from infectious diseases including tuberculosis and HIV.
• Valid passport: A passport valid for at least six months from the date of application is required.
• Qualifying investment or professional credentials: Applicants must meet the financial thresholds or professional criteria outlined in their chosen category.
• Health insurance: Comprehensive UAE-recognised health insurance is mandatory for all visa holders.

There are no nationality restrictions on the UAE Golden Visa — citizens of any country may apply, subject to standard security screening processes.

The Application Process: Step by Step

The UAE Golden Visa application process is largely streamlined and digitalised through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in each emirate. Here is a step-by-step overview:

1. Initial consultation and eligibility assessment: Work with an experienced immigration consultant — such as Mirabello Consultancy — to determine the most appropriate category and investment route for your profile.
2. Document preparation: Gather all required documentation, including a valid passport, proof of investment or professional qualifications, source of funds documentation, clean criminal record certificate, and recent photographs.
3. Investment completion: Complete the qualifying investment — whether real estate purchase, business registration, or fund deposit — and obtain the relevant official documentation (e.g., Title Deed from the Dubai Land Department).
4. Application submission: Submit the Golden Visa application through the relevant portal (GDRFA Dubai, Abu Dhabi Digital Authority, or ICP) or through an authorised typing centre.
5. Medical fitness test: Attend a medical examination at an accredited UAE health centre.
6. Emirates ID registration: Provide biometric data for the Emirates ID card.
7. Visa stamping: Receive your residency visa stamped in your passport and await your Emirates ID card.

Mirabello Consultancy manages the entire process on your behalf — from initial due diligence through to final visa issuance — ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience. Book a free consultation to get started.

Processing Timeline

One of the considerable advantages of the UAE Golden Visa is its relatively swift processing timeline compared to other global residency programmes. Once all documents are submitted and the qualifying investment is confirmed, applicants can typically expect the following:

• Entry permit issuance: 3–7 business days
• Medical fitness test results: 1–3 business days
• Emirates ID processing: 5–10 business days
• Visa stamp in passport: 2–5 business days after medical clearance
• Total end-to-end timeline: typically 2–8 weeks from document submission

Complex cases or applications requiring additional document verification may take slightly longer. Our team at Mirabello Consultancy maintains direct relationships with relevant UAE authorities and typing centres to expedite applications wherever possible.

Key Benefits of UAE Residency by Investment

The UAE Golden Visa offers a compelling package of benefits that extends well beyond simple residency rights. For HNW individuals and families, the advantages include:

• 0% personal income tax: The UAE levies no personal income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax — a significant financial advantage for high earners and investors.
• Long-term security: A 10-year renewable visa provides stability and predictability for long-term planning.
• No minimum stay requirement: Unlike many residency programmes globally, the UAE Golden Visa does not require holders to spend a minimum number of days per year in the country.
• Business freedom: Residents can establish and operate businesses across most sectors, including in free zones with 100% foreign ownership.
• World-class infrastructure: Dubai and Abu Dhabi consistently rank among the world's finest cities for healthcare, education, safety, and connectivity.
• Strategic global position: The UAE's geographic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa makes it an exceptional base for international business.
• UAE passport travel: While residency does not confer citizenship, long-term residents benefit from the UAE's visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries if they eventually qualify for UAE citizenship — though this remains exceptional.
• Access to UAE banking and financial services: Residency facilitates access to the UAE's sophisticated banking sector, including private banking and wealth management services.

Family Inclusion Under the UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa is designed with families in mind. The primary applicant's Golden Visa extends to immediate family members, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to relocate or provide a secure base for their household.

Eligible dependants include:

• Spouse: The primary visa holder's husband or wife may be sponsored for the full duration of the Golden Visa period.
• Children: Unmarried sons and daughters of any age (subject to conditions for older dependants) may be included. Sons over 18 who are full-time students may retain dependency status.
• Domestic staff: Household employees including personal assistants, drivers, and housekeepers can be sponsored under the Golden Visa holder's residency.
• Parents: In certain categories, parents of the primary applicant may also be sponsored.

In the event of the visa holder's death, dependants retain the right to remain in the UAE for the duration of the original visa period — a protection that sets the UAE Golden Visa apart from many comparable programmes.

For families considering multiple residency or citizenship options alongside UAE residency, explore our curated guide to the best golden visa investment programmes globally.

Frequently Asked Questions: UAE Residency by Investment

What is the minimum investment for UAE residency by investment?

The minimum investment for UAE residency depends on the chosen route. The 5-year investor visa requires a minimum real estate investment of AED 500,000 (approximately USD 136,000). The 10-year Golden Visa requires a minimum investment of AED 2 million (approximately USD 545,000) in real estate, a business, or an accredited investment fund.

Can I include my family in my UAE Golden Visa application?

Yes. The UAE Golden Visa allows the primary applicant to sponsor their spouse, children, and domestic staff. Dependants receive residency for the same duration as the primary visa holder. In certain categories, parents may also be included.

Do I need to live in the UAE to maintain my Golden Visa?

No. Unlike many residency programmes, the UAE Golden Visa does not impose a minimum annual physical presence requirement. Visa holders can travel freely and maintain their residency status without being required to spend a fixed number of days per year in the UAE.

Does UAE residency by investment lead to citizenship?

Not automatically. The UAE does not operate a formal citizenship by investment programme. UAE naturalisation is at the sole discretion of the government and is extremely rare. UAE residency by investment grants long-term renewable residency — not a passport. If a second passport is your goal, please review our guide to the best citizenship by investment programmes for suitable options.

How long does it take to obtain a UAE Golden Visa?

Once all qualifying documents are submitted and the investment is confirmed, the end-to-end processing time is typically 2–8 weeks. Simple applications with complete documentation are frequently processed within 2–4 weeks.

What documents are required for UAE residency by investment?

Core documents include a valid passport (minimum 6 months' validity), proof of qualifying investment (e.g., Title Deed or business registration certificate), clean criminal record certificate, medical fitness test results, health insurance policy, Emirates ID application, and recent passport photographs. Additional documents may be required depending on the investment category.

Can I work in the UAE on a Golden Visa?

Yes. UAE Golden Visa holders are permitted to work in the UAE, including establishing and operating their own businesses. Unlike employment visas, the Golden Visa is not tied to a specific employer, giving holders full professional flexibility.