Investors and entrepreneurs can apply for a five or ten-year residency in the UAE
UAE launched its Golden Visa program, a long term residence visa in 2019. It allows foreign talents to live, work, or study in the UAE without a local sponsor. It is often issued for 5 years to 10 years, and many of these visas are renewable. Visa holders can sponsor their families and enjoy exclusive benefits.
So, how much should you actually invest to qualify?
The minimum investment requirement for the 10-year Investor Golden Visa eligibility is AED 2 million. This threshold can be met through accredited investment funds, real estate, establishing/owning a business or partnering with the same minimum capital.
Investors in public investments
To be eligible for a 10-year visa for investors in public investments, conditions include:
submission of a letter from an accredited UAE investment fund stating that the investor has a deposit of AED 2 million
a valid commercial/industrial license
Memorandum of Association proving that the investor’s capital is not less than AED 2 million
provision of a letter from Federal Tax Authority confirming an annual tax contribution of at least AED 250,000
evidence of capital ownership and medical insurance for yourself and your family
The investment fund option costs AED 7,999 (VAT included).
Real estate investors
To be eligible for a 5-year renewable visa, conditions include:
submission of letter from the respective Emirate’s Land Department confirming that you own one or more properties whose value is not less than AED 2 million
if the property is jointly owned by spouses but worth less than AED 4 million, only one can apply and the other can be sponsored
provided that the property/properties are mortgaged, a bank NOC or a developer statement is required
proof of residence in the UAE
The real estate fund option costs AED 13,399 (VAT included).
You can also explore a 2-year residence visa option upon owning real estate property worth AED 750,000.
Investments may take a number of forms:
Investment fund inside the country
Establishing a company in the UAE
Partnering in an existing or a new company
The total investment must not be less than AED 2 million in all areas mentioned, subject to the condition that investment in sectors other than real estate is not less than 60 per cent of the total investment. Beyond the required AED 2 million investment, applicants should budget for medical testing, Emirates ID issuance, visa fees, and document verification. These administrative costs vary.