Introduction

The UAE Golden Visa is one of the most attractive long-term residency options in the Gulf region. It allows eligible foreigners to live, work, and invest in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor.

Introduced under the UAE’s vision to attract investors, entrepreneurs, and talented professionals, this visa offers 5- and 10-year residence options and has become increasingly popular, especially through property investment.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• Who is eligible for the UAE Golden Visa
• Required documents
• Benefits of the visa
• How to apply through property investment
• Minimum investment requirements
• Whether you can get the visa on leased property

What Is the UAE Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit launched by the UAE government to attract investors, skilled professionals, and outstanding students. It allows foreigners to live, work, study, and own property in the UAE without a local sponsor.

It was first introduced in 2019 and has since been expanded to cover more categories, including real estate investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and highly skilled professionals.

Official details can be found on the UAE Government’s website:
🔗 UAE Government Portal – Golden Visa Overview

Who Is Eligible for the UAE Golden Visa?

Eligibility depends on the category you apply under. Here are the main categories recognized by UAE authorities:

1. Investors in Public Investments or Real Estate

• Property owner(s) with a minimum investment value of AED 2 million.
• Property can be fully paid or mortgaged, provided at least AED 2 million equity is held by the applicant.
• The property must be freehold (not leased) and registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) or other emirate-specific authorities.

Official reference:
🔗 Dubai Land Department – Golden Visa Services

2. Entrepreneurs and Business Owners

• Ownership of a project with a minimum capital of AED 500,000 or approval from an accredited UAE business incubator.

3. Highly Skilled Professionals

• Applicants with degrees in engineering, science, medicine, IT, education, or business.
• Must have an active employment contract in the UAE with a minimum monthly salary of AED 30,000.

4. Outstanding Students and Graduates

• Exceptional university or high school students with high GPAs or international academic recognition.

Required Documents

Below is the standard documentation for the UAE Golden Visa application. Specific emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.) may request additional paperwork.

• Valid passport copy (minimum 6 months validity)
• Passport-size photo (white background)
• Emirates ID and current residence visa (if already in UAE)
• Medical fitness certificate
• Clean criminal record certificate
• Property title deed or investment certificate
• Bank statement or proof of funds
• Health insurance policy
• Marriage or birth certificates (if sponsoring dependents)

Applicants can verify current requirements on:
🔗 UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)

Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa offers a wide range of advantages:

• Long-term residence (5 or 10 years, renewable)
• No local sponsor required
• Freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the UAE
• Family sponsorship (spouse, children, and domestic staff)
• 100% business ownership under UAE laws
• Easier banking, medical, and driver’s licence processes
• Residency maintained even if outside the UAE for over 6 months
• Access to premium healthcare and education facilities

More details:
🔗 Official UAE Government Golden Visa Benefits

UAE Golden Visa Through Property Investment

The real estate investment route is the most popular option for many expatriates.

Minimum Investment Required

To qualify, you must:

• Invest at least AED 2 million (≈ USD 545,000) in one or more freehold properties;
• The property must be ready (completed), not under construction;
• Ownership must be individual (not on lease or timeshare basis).

Mortgaged properties can qualify if you have AED 2 million equity and a bank NOC confirming ownership and payment.

Check with:
🔗 Dubai Land Department Golden Visa Eligibility Page

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Purchase eligible property worth AED 2 million or more.
2. Obtain title deed from Dubai Land Department or equivalent authority.
3. Prepare documents – title deed, passport, bank statements, medical certificate, and insurance.
4. Apply via DLD or ICP portal depending on your emirate.
5. Complete medical check and biometric verification.
6. Pay processing fees (approx. AED 2,800 to AED 3,800).
7. Receive e-Visa and Emirates ID once approved.

Official applications are accepted via:
🔗 ICP Golden Visa Application Portal
🔗 Dubai Now / GDRFA Portal

Can I Get a Golden Visa on a Leased Property?

❌ No, you cannot obtain a Golden Visa through leased property.

The UAE Golden Visa requires ownership, not tenancy. Leasing—even for long terms—does not qualify because you don’t hold legal ownership under the Land Department title deed system.

To qualify, the property must:

• Be in your name on the title deed;
• Be freehold (eligible ownership area for foreigners);
• Meet or exceed AED 2 million valuation threshold.

If you currently lease a property, you’ll need to purchase an eligible freehold property before applying.

Common Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is the Golden Visa permanent?
No, but it is renewable every 5 or 10 years if conditions remain valid.

Q2: Can I include my family?
Yes, you can sponsor your spouse and children (no age limit), and sometimes household staff.

Q3: Do I need to stay continuously in the UAE?
Golden Visa holders can stay abroad for over 6 months without visa cancellation.

Q4: What happens if I sell the property?
You must inform the authorities and may lose eligibility unless you reinvest in another qualifying property.

Q5: How long does the process take?
Usually 2–4 weeks depending on document verification and medical processing.

For official updates:
🔗 Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship and Port Security – Residency Information

Internal Links (Your Website)

• How to open a bank account in the UAE
• UAE business setup for foreigners

These internal links improve SEO and help visitors explore related business and residency services.

Conclusion

The UAE Golden Visa is one of the best long-term residency options for investors, professionals, and families looking to build a future in the UAE. The property investment route—requiring ownership of freehold property worth at least AED 2 million—offers a direct and reliable path to eligibility.

Leased properties, however, do not qualify for this visa. Always apply through official government portals such as u.ae or icp.gov.ae to ensure accuracy and avoid third-party issues.

If you need expert help with UAE business setup or investment guidance, visit Gulf Business Advisor — your trusted partner for UAE residency and business solutions.