In 2019, the UAE started to grant gold visas and residence permits for investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, professionals and exceptional talents. Getting a golden visa by investment formerly required AED 5 million to 10 million.

In 2022, the government approved new conditions for getting a Golden Visa in the United Arab Emirates by investment, with a reduced investment amount, no restrictions on the duration of stay in other countries and an opportunity to buy off-plan properties and take a mortgage. The new rules came into force in October.

1. Moving to the UAE or creating a “safe haven”
2. Tax optimisation
3. Opening a bank account in the UAE
4. Getting a driver’s license
5. Access to UAE healthcare and educational systems
6. An opportunity to get UAE citizenship

Applications for UAE residence must include completed application forms and should be accompanied by the appropriate fees and supporting documents. Golden Residence visas are valid for either 5 or 10 years and can be renewed thereafter. Residing outside the UAE does not nullify the visa. Investments must be held for at least three years.

Once the initial due diligence checks have been completed and the retainer paid, then the application for UAE residence can be submitted to the government.

Once the requirements have been fulfilled, pending initial approval of the application, the successful applicant receives a six-month multiple-entry visa and travels to the UAE to apply for an ID card and undergo a medical check. Thereafter, full approval is granted and the client receives the residence visa.

1. Minimum investment of AED 1 million (approximately USD 280,000) for investors aged 55 and over (5-year visa),
2. or AED 2 million (approximately USD 550,000) for investors of any age (10-year visa)

The process takes 2+ months.