In 2022, the government approved new conditions for obtaining a Golden Visa in the United Arab Emirates through investment. The minimum investment amount was reduced, restrictions on time spent outside the country were removed, and the opportunity to obtain the visa through both ready and off-plan real estate investments was introduced. The new rules came into force in October.
To obtain a 10-year Golden Visa, you can purchase property in the UAE worth AED 2 million (USD 545,000). Alternatively, you can purchase property worth AED 750,000 (USD 204,000) to obtain a 2-year residence visa.
Requirements for Applying for a 10-Year UAE Residence Permit Through Property Investment
Main Investor
- Over 18 years of age
- Able to verify the legality of income
- No criminal record
- No socially dangerous diseases such as HIV or tuberculosis
Spouse
- Over 18 years of age
- No criminal record
- No socially dangerous diseases
Children
- Unmarried sons under the age of 25
- Unmarried daughters of any age
- Children over 18 must not have any socially dangerous diseases
Dubai Residence Permit Options
Option 1: 10-Year Residence Permit – AED 2,000,000+ (USD 545,000)
You can obtain a 10-year UAE residence visa by purchasing real estate. Investors may purchase properties located in Freehold Zones (areas where foreigners are allowed to buy property). The minimum investment amount is AED 2,000,000 (approximately USD 545,000).
This option is not dependent on family structure. An investor may obtain a mortgage from a UAE bank with a down payment or make a down payment directly to the developer for off-plan properties.
Option 2: 2-Year Residence Permit – AED 750,000+ (USD 204,000)
Investors can obtain a 2-year UAE residence permit by purchasing property in Freehold Zones. If the property is purchased in installments, a down payment is required.
The minimum investment amount for a single investor is AED 750,000 (USD 204,000). If the property ownership is registered jointly between spouses, the minimum investment amount is AED 1,000,000 (USD 272,255).
The investor may include their spouse and children under the age of 18 in the application.
Additional Costs
- Registration fee: USD 21,800+ (AED 160,000)
- Government fees for visa and Emirates ID issuance: USD 1,043 (AED 3,860) per person
- Medical examination: USD 220+ per person
- Health insurance: USD 400+ per person
- Document translation, notarization, and consular legalization: USD 1,000+ per person
Benefits of UAE Residence Permit
Relocation to the UAE or Creating a “Safe Haven”
Investors and their families may relocate to the UAE, one of the wealthiest and most developed countries in the world, or visit the UAE at any time. The government does not require investors or their families to reside in the UAE permanently.
Tax Exemption
Income, capital gains from property investments, rental income, inheritance, and gifts are tax-free in the UAE.
Starting from 2023, the government introduced a 9% corporate tax for companies with profits exceeding AED 375,000.
If you work as an employee in Dubai, you do not pay personal income tax.
Opening a Bank Account in the UAE
An investor holding a residence permit can open bank accounts in UAE banks in US dollars, euros, dirhams, or other currencies. These accounts are suitable for savings and international SWIFT transfers. UAE banks use some of the most advanced banking technologies in the world.
Obtaining a Driver’s License
To drive a car in Dubai or other cities, a UAE driver’s license is required. Generally, passing a driving test is mandatory. However, citizens of certain countries—including the USA, the UK, Germany, Australia, Turkey, Spain, India, and others—can simply exchange their existing licenses.
Access to UAE Healthcare and Education Systems
Foreigners holding a UAE residence visa can receive medical treatment at clinics across the country. The UAE government attracts top doctors from around the world.
Investors’ children can attend schools and universities in the UAE. Dubai offers many international schools where children can receive a fully English-language education alongside students from different nationalities. Growing up in a multicultural environment helps children develop strong global perspectives and future advantages.