What Is the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa introduced to attract foreign investment, entrepreneurship, and exceptional talent. Unlike standard UAE residency visas, it:

• Does not require a local sponsor
• Allows long-term residence (5 or 10 years)
• Is renewable indefinitely
• Remains valid even if the holder resides outside the UAE for extended periods

The program is governed federally by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), with implementation supported by emirate-level authorities such as Dubai GDRFA and Abu Dhabi Residents Office (ADRO).

 

Golden Visa Duration for Investors

The duration depends on the type of investment:

 

1. Five-Year Golden Visa

Typically issued to:

• Real estate investors owning UAE property valued at AED 2 million or more

Key notes:

• Property may be single or multiple units
• Equity value must meet the AED 2 million threshold
• Renewable as long as ownership is maintained

 

2. Ten-Year Golden Visa

Typically issued to:

• Public investment investors
• Business investors
• Partners or shareholders in UAE companies
• Investors meeting tax contribution thresholds

This is the preferred route for HNWIs seeking long-term planning certainty.

 

 

Investor Eligibility Routes (Official – 2025)

An investor may qualify for the Golden Visa through any one of the following  4 officially recognised routes although the most common and straight forward route is via property investment.

 

Golden Visa Options:

1. Public Investments (AED 2 million Threshold)

An investor qualifies if they make one of the following investments:

• Deposit of at least AED 2,000,000 in:
  • A UAE-licensed investment fund, or
  • A national bank operating in the UAE

Conditions:

• Funds must be owned outright (not loan-financed)
• Confirmation letter from the fund or bank is required

 

2. Investment in a UAE-Based Company (Capital ≥ AED 2 million)

Eligibility applies if the investor:

• Establishes a new UAE company with capital of at least AED 2,000,000, or
• Becomes a partner/shareholder in an existing UAE company with shares valued at AED 2,000,000 or more

Conditions:

• Company must be legally registered (mainland or free zone)
• Investment must not be entirely financed through loans
• Trade licence, MOA, and shareholding proof required

3. Tax Contribution Route (AED 250,000 Annually)

Eligibility applies if the investor:

• Owns or partners in a UAE company that pays at least AED 250,000 annually in federal taxes, or
• Holds a share proportional to a tax contribution of AED 250,000 per year

Confirmation from the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is required.

 

4. Real Estate Investment Route (AED 2 Million)

Eligibility applies if the investor:

• Owns one or more UAE properties valued at AED 2,000,000 or more

Conditions:

• Property ownership must be confirmed by the relevant emirate’s land department
• In some emirates, property must not be fully mortgaged
• Proof of housing (ownership or lease) required

 

Approved UAE-Based Companies or Funds – Practical Reality

Important Clarification for HNWIs

There is no publicly published official list of “approved” funds or companies exclusively designated for Golden Visa purposes.

Instead, eligibility is determined by whether the investment entity is:

• Licensed and regulated in the UAE
• Recognised by UAE authorities (banking, securities, or corporate regulators)
• Able to issue official confirmation letters supporting Golden Visa applications

 

Commonly Used UAE-Regulated Institutions (Examples)

These entities are frequently used by investors because they meet regulatory and structural requirements, not because they are “pre-approved lists”:

 

Banks & Asset Managers

• Emirates NBD (Asset Management & Deposits)
• First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
• Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)

 

Investment & Holding Companies

• Dubai Investments PJSC
• Mubadala-related investment structures (case-specific)

Final acceptance is always determined by ICP or emirate authorities, not marketing claims.

 

 

Important notes affecting all programs

• The investor capital must not be entirely loan-financed. Equity component is emphasised.
• Documents must be properly attested and, if not in English/Arabic, translated.
• The rules differ slightly by emirate — property valuations, mortgages, holding periods differ.
• As from 2025, the ICP made clear that digital currency/crypto-investments do not qualify under the Golden Visa program.
• The Golden Visa is not a lifetime visa
• Compliance and maintenance of investment may be required over the visa period (e.g., maintaining the investment value)

 

 

Documentation Requirements (Investor Applications)

Core Documents (All Applicants)

• Valid passport
• Passport-size photographs
• Health insurance valid in the UAE
• Medical test certificate
• Police clearance / good conduct certificate
• Proof of UAE residence (ownership or lease)

 

Investor-Specific Documents

Depending on route:

 

Public Investment / Fund Route

• Bank or fund letter confirming AED 2M deposit
• Proof investment is not loan-financed

 

Business Investment Route

• Trade licence
• Memorandum of Association
• Shareholding certificate
• Audited financials (if applicable)
• Statement confirming capital is not loan-financed

 

Real Estate Route

• Title deed(s)
• Property valuation letter
• Land Department confirmation
• Proof of housing

 

 

Document Attestation Process (Mandatory)

Foreign-issued documents must be legally attested. This is a service performed by 3rd parties called service providers.

 

Step 1: Home Country Attestation

1. Notarisation
2. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (home country)
3. UAE Embassy or Consulate

 

Step 2: UAE Attestation

• Attestation by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFAIC)

 

Step 3: Legal Translation (If required)

• Documents not in Arabic or English must be translated
• Translation stamped by UAE Ministry of Justice

 

The applicant should not worry about the above as these services are included in the application fee / package of the service provider completing the exercise.

 

 

Step-by-Step Application Process

The application process should be conducted by an experience service provider as there are many activities and departments involved for the entire process which could take time. Luck of knowledge of procedural and departmental matters will also have an impact on the application.

 

1. Eligibility Review (often via ICP portal or advisory firm)
2. Submission of Application via ICP Smart Services or emirate authority
3. Security & Medical Checks
4. Visa Approval
5. Emirates ID Issuance
6. Family Sponsorship (Optional)

 

Important Points to Consider:

1. Process

The applicant / the property owner will need to stay in the UAE during the time of visa processing and cannot leave. Therefore, applicants living abroad should organise their travels as;

 

• For 1 Visa Applicant the stay is usually - 7 working days,
• For a Family (spouse and children) the stay is usually - 10 to 12 working days.

 

2. Emirates ID

Owner of the property must have the Emirates ID and then the family members will get it (3 days after the golden visa is issued to the owner of the property). The process requires the buyer to get his / her Emirates ID first and subsequently the family will apply for it and get it.

This means that the family must stay in the UAE for at least 2 weeks in order to have this process completed.

 

3. Property Acquisition

How was the property acquired? Was it paid in full or it carries a loan? Was it off plan? Maybe it was purchased in the past and the buyer has now decided to proceed with the golden visa.

The property may be mortgaged (through approved UAE bank) in some cases, but full or significant ownership is expected. Off-plan properties may be accepted if purchased from approved developers and payments evidence provided.

All these must be discussed with your service providers as changes occur and you may risk your application being accepted.

 

4. Medical & Biometric Testing

During the applicants stay in the UAE the medical and biometric tests will take place. Children <18 years do not need to do them.

 

5. Time Takes for the Issuance of the Visa: 3 – 4 business days

 

6. Paperwork needed:

• Passport copy
• Photo
• For ready property: Title Deed(s) with total value exceeding 2m AED
• For off-plan property: Initial Contract of Sale & Statement of Accounts from the developer

 

7. Paperwork attestation

The applicant or Berkley acting as service providers need to provide certificates attested in the UAE embassy of the country of issuance. Attested marriage and birth certificates I will need to attest them in UAE MOFA and translate into Arabic before starting the applications.

 

8. Insurance

Immigration may request health insurance. Most likely they won’t but regulations change all the time. Basic insurance is ~1,500aed per person in Dubai.

 

 

Key Benefits for High-Net-Worth Individuals

• 5 or 10-year renewable residency
• No local sponsor required
• No minimum stay requirement
• Ability to sponsor spouse, children, and parents
• Long-term estate and succession planning flexibility
• 100% ownership of UAE businesses
• Enjoy low taxation opportunities as an individual and corporate
• Access to world-class banking and financial infrastructure
• Strategic base between Europe, Asia, and Africa
• Stable jurisdiction with investor-friendly regulation

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Is the Golden Visa permanent?
No, but it is renewable indefinitely as long as requirements are met.

Is there a minimum stay requirement?
No. You may live outside the UAE without invalidating the visa.

Does real estate qualify for a 10-year visa?
Typically real estate qualifies for 5 years; public investments qualify for 10 years.

Can investments be financed by loans?
No. The qualifying portion must be owned outright.

Are crypto investments accepted?
No. Crypto investments are not recognised for Golden Visa eligibility.

Is there an official list of approved funds?
No. Eligibility is assessed case-by-case.

Can I combine multiple investments?
In some cases, yes, depending on emirate rules at the time of the application.

Can I sponsor my family?
Yes, including spouse and children. This is common and expected.

Does free-zone ownership qualify?

Yes, subject to proper licensing and documentation.

Are offshore companies accepted?
No. The company must be UAE-registered.

Do documents need attestation?
Yes, all foreign documents must be attested.

Is health insurance mandatory?
Yes, for the applicant and dependents.

How long does processing take?
Depends on the complexity and the visa route chosen. For Golden Visas via investment, it typically takes, whilst stretching it 1 – 2 working weeks. To be comfortable allow 7 working days for 1 Visa of the buyer of the property and another 5 – 7 working days for the family members visa to be issued.

Can the visa be revoked?
Yes, if investment conditions are no longer met.

Is professional advisory recommended?
Strongly recommended for all applications which require multiple actions and local government departments approvals and issuance of certificates. In addition, if the applicant is not staying in the UAE and it is visiting from abroad professional advisory is a must.

 

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Conclusion

For High-Net-Worth Individuals seeking long-term security, global mobility, and strategic positioning, the UAE Golden Visa stands as one of the most compelling residency solutions available today. While the framework is clear, successful execution depends on proper structuring, compliant investments, and meticulous documentation.

For investors approaching the program strategically, the UAE Golden Visa is not merely a residency permit—it is a long-term platform for wealth preservation, business expansion, and global lifestyle flexibility.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Please consult with a professional tax advisor for advice on your specific situation.

At Berkley Limited, we go beyond traditional compliance services—positioning ourselves as strategic partners who empower your business to thrive. Over the years we have helped many of our clients obtain visas for them and their families, usually via the investment route.

 

Licensed by the ADGM (License No. 17269), our seasoned in-house team works seamlessly to provide a complete solution to our clients, from licensing and relocation to continuous support with compliance matters such as accounting, audit and tax. We tailor our approach to meet each client’s unique needs, allowing them to stay compliant while focusing on their core business objectives.

 

Our vision is simple yet profound: to add meaningful value to every task we undertake and to serve not just as a service provider, but as a trusted ally for businesses navigating the complexities of today’s global environment. Rooted in the principles of value, integrity, and trust, Berkley delivers not only compliance—but genuine confidence. Experience the difference of a firm dedicated to your success.

 

 

📩 Get in Touch 📍 Berkley Limited – Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), License No. 17269

🌐 www.berkley.ae ✉️ k.tramountantellis@berkley.ae

📞 +971 58 802 1757 📞+357 99 428 543

 

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Risk & Disclaimer Section 

Important Notice & Disclaimer

This document is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, investment, or other professional advice. The information contained herein is based on legislation, regulations, and practices in force at the time of writing and may be subject to change.

 

Visa applications require a certain sophistication and should be prepared and followed through by regulated service providers. No reliance should be placed on this document as a substitute for obtaining specific professional advice.

 

CYAUSE Audit Services Ltd and Berkley Ltd do not accept any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this publication. Readers are strongly advised to seek independent legal, tax, and regulatory advice before establishing or restructuring any foundation or related entity.

 

Nothing in this document is intended to create, nor shall it be construed as creating, an auditor-client, advisor-client, or fiduciary relationship.