10-year Dubai residency visa for property investors

Dubai’s Golden Visa policy offers a valuable opportunity to seek residency in the UAE for ten years. Following a series of modifications, in 2022, the UAE government extended this opportunity to several categories, including property investors, professionals, scientists and more.

Here is a list of categories that qualify for a Golden Visa:

  • Investors: Overseas property investors who purchase homes worth AED 2 million or more or make an equivalent investment in a company registered in the UAE.
  • Entrepreneurs: Those who own a start-up or registered company with an annual revenue of no less than AED 1 million or have founded and sold a company for no less than AED 7 million can apply.
  • Scientists: Scientists and researchers with a PhD or Master's Degree from top global universities who receive a recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council.
  • Professionals: Highly skilled professionals across various disciplines with a basic salary of AED 30,000 per month can apply via the Ministry of Human Resource and Emiratisation.
  • Exceptional talent: This is applicable to people with exceptional talents, such as inventors, innovators, artists, and athletes. However, recommendation or approval from a federal or local government entity is mandatory.
  • Outstanding academic achievements: High achievers from the UAE's education system and the top 100 global universities with a GPA of no less than 3.5 are allowed to apply for the Golden Visa.
  • Humanitarian work: Provided the applicant meets all the set criteria for outstanding contributions made towards humanitarian work, eligibility for a visa is considered. Frontline medical staff and healthcare workers during COVID-19 can also apply for a Golden Visa.

What are the benefits of a Golden Visa?

Individuals with a Golden Visa have the right to live in the UAE for an extended timeline of 10 years without needing to renew their visa every two or three years as Standard Visa holders do. However, along with extended residency rights, Golden Visa holders also get many other benefits, such as:

  • Self-sponsored work and stay: Unlike other visas that are linked to employment or university invites and require sponsorship for the applicant, Golden Visa holders can live, work and study in the UAE without the need for any long-term employment.
  • Sponsor family and domestic help: Golden Visa holders in the UAE can sponsor their family, including spouses and children for the entirety of their visa. They can also have as many domestic helpers as they need to support their lifestyle.
  • Spend time outside the UAE: Unlike standard visas that expire prematurely if the holder spends more than six months outside the country, Golden Visa holders can stay for extended periods outside the UAE.
  • Exclusive health-care facilities: Golden Visa holders and their dependents are also eligible for exclusive health insurance plans that cover claims of up to AED 20,000,000. Applicants need to renew their insurance every year, and claims are subject to policy terms and conditions.
  • Essad privilege card: Last year, the government announced a few more financial benefits to Golden Visa holders by providing significant discounts on a wide range of services, including travel, hospitality, education, healthcare, and more.

    While the Golden Visa offers attractive benefits, applications for property investors are evaluated individually and must receive approval from Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. The program provides an appealing option for those seeking long-term residency in one of the world’s most vibrant cities while benefiting from significant lifestyle and financial advantages.