In February 2021, the United Arab Emirates made significant changes to the UAE citizenship law. The government will allow qualifying investors and people with special talents to be naturalized, along with their families.
In this article, we’ll answer your questions on how to get UAE citizenship and check out the requirements.
What You Will Find in This Article
Brief Summary: UAE Citizenship by Investment and Talent
UAE citizenship by investment was announced in 2021. It’s a major change to the GCC tradition of never granting citizenship, but only granting residence permits and visas to foreign nationals. Since its introduction, the scheme has been welcomed by many investors and talents who are wondering how to get Dubai citizenship
The United Arab Emirates aims to attract special talents, as well as investors that can contribute to the UAE economy. The UAE cabinet, executive councils, and local courts will be the authorities to nominate eligibility for UAE citizenship.
Vice-President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated that the law has been amended to “aim to attract talents that contribute to their development journey”.
What Is UAE Golden Visa?
UAE Golden Visa, which is also known as Dubai Golden Visa, is a long-term residency visa that allows investors and talented foreigners to live, work, and/or study in the country.
The benefits of Golden Visa UAE include but are not limited to the following:
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- Dubai Golden Visa is a self-sponsored visa since no sponsorship from an employer is required
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- With Golden Visa UAE, you’re able to extend your stay outside the UAE beyond the typical six-month limit in order to maintain the validity of your residence visa
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- You’re able to include your spouse and children, regardless of their ages
Who Is the Golden Visa UAE for?
UAE Golden Visas target various types of individuals who want to get residency in the UAE, including:
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- Investors
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- Entrepreneurs
- Teachers
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- Exceptional talents
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- Scientists and professionals
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- Outstanding students and graduates
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- Humanitarian pioneers
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- Frontline heroes
In the following section, you can find the information regarding the eligibility criteria for Dubai Golden Visa.
Dubai Golden Visa Requirements
- The requirements for the UAE Golden Visa vary according to the type of residency being sought, such as an investor, talent, entrepreneur, etc.
- For investors, the minimum investment required is AED 2 million ( USD 550,000) in the UAE.
- Entrepreneurs need to demonstrate a track record of successful business ventures and a minimum investment of AED 550,000.
- Talented individuals must have a proven track record in their field of expertise, relevant academic qualifications, and endorsements from recognized international organizations.
- Executives, high-skilled professionals, and specialized talents are also eligible for the Golden Visa.
- Applicants must pass background checks and fulfill other general conditions, such as a valid passport and a clean criminal record.
- The criteria may be subject to change over time, as the Golden Visa program is designed to attract exceptional individuals who can contribute to the country’s growth and development.
- The Golden Visa requirements aim to ensure that applicants are well-qualified and bring significant value to the UAE, while promoting diversity and innovation in various fields.
Eligibility for UAE Citizenship by Investment or Talent
UAE long-term residence visa is available under two time-frames: 10-year and 5-year. See the below table for eligible categories for UAE Golden Visas.
| UAE Golden Visa Category | |
| Investors | Public investment Real estate investment |
| Entrepreneurs | Owner of a registered startup Approved idea of a startup Founder of a startup that was sold outside or inside the UAE |
| Exceptional talents | Culture & Art Inventors & Innovators Sports Digital technology |
| Scientists & Professionals | Scientists Chief Executives & Senior Officials Science Professionals Engineering Professionals Health Professionals Education Professionals Business and Administration Professionals Information Technology Professionals Legal, Social, and Cultural Professionals |
| Outstanding Students & Graduates | Best performing secondary school students Best graduates from UAE universities Graduates of the best 100 universities worldwide |
| Humanitarian Pioneers | Renowned members of international and regional organizations and associations of public benefit Recipients of awards in humanitarian fields Volunteers and sponsors of humanitarian efforts |
| Frontline Heroes | Frontline workers that show extraordinary efforts in crises, such as pandemics |
10-Year UAE Residence Visa for Investors
If you’d like to make an application as an investor, you’re ready to make a public investment of at least AED2 million.
Investment Methods
- Purchase real estate with a minimum investment of AED 2,000,000 (approximately $545,000).
- An investor may take a mortgage in a UAE bank with a down payment of 20%.
Additional Costs
Registration fee: $21,800+ (AED 160,000)
State fees for issuing visas and identity cards: $1,043 (AED 3,860) per person
Medical checkup: $220+ per person
Health insurance: $400+ per person
Translation of documents, notarisation, and consular legalisation: $1,000+ per person
Requirements
- You’re required to prove you have sufficient funds for the investment, with no reliance on loans (except UAE bank mortgages with a 20% down payment).
- You must commit to keeping the investment for a minimum of three years.
- Your visa can be extended to include business partners, provided each partner contributes AED 2,000,000.
Family Members
UAE long-term visa can include your spouse and children. You can also extend your visa to one executive director and one advisor. International investors are also eligible to apply for a multiple-entry permit for a six-month period.
2-Year UAE Residence Visa for Investors
Investors may obtain a 2-year UAE residency visa by purchasing real estate in the Freehold Zones.
Investment Methods
Purchase real estate with a minimum investment of AED 750,000 ($204,000).
If ownership is shared between spouses, the minimum investment required is AED 1,000,000 ($272,255).
An investor may take a loan, but a down payment of 50% is required.
Requirements
The investment amount depends on the number of property owners.
The visa can include a spouse and children under the age of 18.
Dubai Golden Visa for Teachers
You can also apply for a Dubai Golden Visa as a foreign teacher if you are an educator in the UAE. This has been a new reality as the Golden Visa for educators began on 15 October 2024.
This option, a golden visa for educators, is a long-term residence visa, and it allows you as a qualified educator, to live and work in Dubai for an extended period of time. Your Golden Visa from Dubai will be valid for 10 years, and you will be able to renew it if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Dubai’s Golden Visa program will be granted to outstanding educators who make contributions to Dubai’s private education sector. So, it is expected that educators demonstrate excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment while shaping the future of Dubai with the help of quality education. This way will open the route to applying for a Golden Visa in Dubai. To be eligible, the teachers will need to prove the improved student outcomes along with their academic progress and graduation certificates with outcomes.
Who Can Apply for Golden Visa for Teachers?
- Principals and Leaders of Private Schools in Dubai
- Managers of Private Early Childhood Centers in Dubai
- Academic heads of higher education institutions in Dubai licensed by the KHDA
- Teachers in private schools and ECCs in Dubai
- Full-time faculty at higher education schools in Dubai licensed by the KHDA
When it comes to the review process for this Golden Visa option, first, it begins with a nomination from your institution where you work as a teacher. If your institution supports your Golden Visa application, then they will initiate the nomination process by using the Knowledge and Human Development Authority system.
Requirements for Golden Visa Dubai in the Education Sector
Here are the criteria to apply:
- You need to show extraordinary academic achievements and innovative contributions to education.
- You are expected to demonstrate success in improving the quality of education at the relevant institutions.
- You will prove that you have a positive impact and are recognized by the wider educational community.
- You will show your contribution to improving student results, including academic progress and the attainment of recognized qualifications
Besides teachers, ECC managers, principals, and academic heads of HEI can also apply for Dubai’s Golden Visa program. Here are the eligibility criteria:
Qualification (Applies to Higher Education Institutions Only): Advanced degree (e.g., PhD, professional doctorate, master’s) or appropriate professional qualification (e.g., CPA, professional fellowships)
DSIB Rating (For Principals Only): Principals must have a track record of raising the school’s grade to good or better during yearly inspections conducted by the Dubai Schools Inspections Bureau. Furthermore, the candidate must have maintained or improved the rating.
Research Contribution (for Higher Education Institutions Only): Most have evidence of research work published in respectable journals, research funds and collaborations, consultative reports, or creative work/exhibitions.
Student Success: Applicants should offer evidence of how they helped improve student outcomes such as academic advancement, graduation rates, and so on.
Leadership Impact and Feedback: Feedback from students, parents, staff, and other stakeholders should demonstrate positive attitudes of the principal’s leadership abilities and the overall school climate.
Recognition and Awards: Golden Visa applicants must have received a distinguished award for one of the following reasons:
- To improve the school’s grade to good or better in the annual inspections by Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau.
- To maintain or significantly improve this rating.
- Grants, Competitions, or Fellowships
Nomination from the Board of Governors: The applicant must receive a nomination from the school’s board of governors, exhibiting excellent leadership and articulating the grounds for the nomination.
Community Work: Must have helped the community through educational projects.
Benefits of the UAE Citizenship by Investment
You might be unaware, but there are many benefits of United Arab Emirates citizenship. We’ve listed some of the main benefits below:
Live, Work, and Study in the UAE
The UAE citizenship gives you and your family the right to live, work, and study in the Emirates.
Family Reunification
As an applicant, you’re allowed to add your spouse and children to the program.
Register Assets without Restrictions
The United Arab Emirates allows you to register your assets without the restrictions that are faced by foreigners and expats.
Open Bank Accounts and Establish Companies in the UAE
As in any country, there is a lot of red tape and bureaucracy for foreigners to open a bank account or start a company in the UAE. This is not the case for UAE citizens, it becomes a straightforward process. You can easily do these when you become a UAE citizen.
Visa-Free Travel With a UAE Passport
A United Arab Emirates passport will get you into these countries, including the European Schengen states, without the need for a visa:
| Albania | Andorra | Antigua and Barbuda | Argentina | Armenia | Austria |
| Barbados | Belarus | Belgium | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Botswana | Brazil |
| Bahamas | Brunei | Colombia | Dominican Republic | Finland | Guatemala |
| Bulgaria | Burkina Faso | Canada | Chad | Chile | China |
| Costa Rica | Croatia | Cyprus | Czech Republic | Denmark | Dominica |
| Ecuador | Egypt | El Salvador | Estonia | Eswatini | Fiji |
| France | Gambia | Georgia | Germany | Greece | Grenada |
| Haiti | Honduras | Hungary | Iceland | Indonesia | Ireland |
| Japan | Jordan | Kazakhstan | South Korea | Kyrgyzstan | Latvia |
| Italy | Lebanon | Malta | Morocco | Philippines | San Marino |
| Liechtenstein | Lithuania | Luxembourg | Macedonia | Malaysia | Mali |
| Mauritius | Mexico | Micronesia | Moldova | Monaco | Montenegro |
| Nauru | Netherlands | New Zealand | Nicaragua | Norway | Panama |
| Poland | Portugal | Romania | Saint Kitts & Nevis | Saint Lucia | Saint Vincent & the Grenadines |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | Serbia | Seychelles | Singapore | Slovakia | Slovenia |
| Solomon Islands | Tunisia | Palestine | Spain | Sudan | Sweden |
| Ukraine | Uruguay | Sweden | Switzerland | Thailand | Tonga |
| Vanuatu | Vatican City | Kosovo | Northern Cyprus |
How To Apply for Golden Visa UAE
Note that the application process for UAE Golden Visas is very straightforward and simple.
Step 1. Get Your Entry Visa to the UAE
If you need a visa to enter the UAE, you can get an entry visa before you submit your official application. Your application will be examined by the authority, and if approved, you will be issued a multiple-entry visa good for six months.
Step 2. Complete Your Investment
Complete your investment before submitting your application with all required supporting documentation.
Step 3. Start Your Application
Once you complete your investment, you can start your application. The application can either be made in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. You can also start your application online through the designated portal.
After you complete this process, you’ll receive a text message and an email regarding the status of your application.
If there required documents are missing from the application, you’ll be given 30 days to provide them; otherwise, your application will be canceled.
In case there are no missing documents in the application, you’ll be notified of the approval and the approved application will be sent by e-mail.
Golden Visa UAE Fees
UAE Golden Visas fees differ depending on the type of service and visa category that you’ve chosen to use.
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- If you’re making your application from the UAE the costs will range from AED2,800 to AED3,800
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- The fee for those who apply from outside of the UAE ranges from AED3,800 to AED4,800.
Golden Visa UAE Validity
Holders of the UAE Golden Visa are free to stay outside the country for as long as necessary without fear of losing their residency. This means you don’t have to live in UAE to maintain your residence permit.
Tax Consequences of UAE Citizenship
One of the main reasons why many expats choose to live in the United Arab Emirates is the country’s tax structure, or rather, the lack of taxes. Employees do not pay income tax, and there is no system for corporation or inheritance taxes, among other things.
The UAE does not impose an income tax. Therefore, as there is no applicable individual tax in the UAE, there is no requirement for an income tax return. The same rules also apply to UAE residents who are independent contractors and self-employed.
More than 130 countries have double tax treaties with the United Arab Emirates. These countries include the following:
| Algeria | Armenia | Austria | Azerbaijan | Belarus |
| Belgium | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Bulgaria | Canada | China |
| Czech Republic | Egypt | Estonia | Finland | France |
| Georgia | Germany | India | Indonesia | Ireland |
| Italy | Kazakhstan | Republic of Korea | Latvia | Lebanon |
| Luxembourg | Malaysia | Malta | Mauritius | Montenegro |
| Morocco | Mozambique | The Netherlands | New Zealand | Pakistan |
| Panama | Philippines | Poland | Portugal | Romania |
| Serbia | Seychelles | Singapore | Spain | Sri Lanka |
| Sudan | Switzerland | Syria | Tajikistan | Thailand |
| Tunisia | Turkey | Turkmenistan | Ukraine | Uzbekistan |
| Venezuela | Vietnam | Yemen |
Inheritance Tax
There is no inheritance tax system. But in the absence of a will, inheritance is handled in accordance with Islamic Shari’a law.
Capital Gains Tax
Unless they are obtained from sales of a corporation that is required to pay income tax or banking tax, capital gains are generally exempt from taxation in the United Arab Emirates.
Dual Citizenship UAE
According to the new citizenship law in the UAE, those who are granted UAE citizenship will be allowed to keep their existing citizenship. Accordingly, the UAE allows for dual citizenship, you just need to check with your country of origin.
Eligibility Conditions for the UAE Citizenship by Investment or Talent
The requirements for each nomination category are listed below:
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- If you’re an investor, you must own a property in the UAE.
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- If you’re a doctor or specialist, you must specialize in a scientific field with significant demand in the UAE, have recognized scientific achievements, and have at least 10 years of practical experience. Also, you must be a member of an organization with a solid reputation in the area of specialization.
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- If you’re a scientist, you must be engaged in research, whether it is at a university, a research facility, or a private company. Also, you must have at least 10 years of relevant experience in the field and must have made contributions. Additionally, you need a letter of recommendation from a UAE-based scientific organization.
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- In you’re an inventor, you must have a patent that has been authorized by the UAE Ministry of Economy (MoE) or another respected international organization, and an inventor must possess one or more of these patents. Additionally, a letter of recommendation from the MoE is required.
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- If you’re an intellectual, you’re required to have made significant contributions to the fields of art and culture and must have received at least one major international honor.
If you’re eligible, you’ll also need to take the UAE oath of allegiance. You’ll also commit to abide by the country’s laws.
Get Golden Visa: Who We Are and How We Can Help You
Get Golden Visa is a full-service investment immigration agency. We provide end-to-end solutions on residence and citizenship by investment programs in numerous countries worldwide.
We have legal professionals, as well as licensed real estate professionals within our team.
We work with clients from all around the world, interested in obtaining Citizenship by Investment or in making real estate investments across many geographies.
Contact us and talk to one of our experienced team members to help you with any and all your questions.
Alternatives to Golden Visa UAE
Many European countries have their respective citizenship or residency programs.
Portugal Golden Visa
The Portuguese Golden Visa program allows you to make a qualifying investment in Portugal, in exchange for a resident permit. The program allows you and your families to live and work in Portugal and travel across Schengen countries without a visa. At the end of five years, you become eligible for citizenship in Portugal.
Spain Golden Visa
The Spain Golden Visa was launched in 2013. In exchange for a qualifying investment in Spain, you and your family get the right to live and work in Spain, and travel visa-free across Schengen countries.
Greece Golden Visa
The Greece Golden Visa program is one of the most popular as well as an affordable one. All EU and non-EU residents can apply for the permanent residency program in Greece and benefit from the living and traveling rights it offers.
Malta Citizenship by Investment
The Maltese citizenship by investment program was renewed in 2021. It is easy to get a European passport through investment in Malta.
Lastly, wherever you apply, make sure to hire personal legal assistance to guide you through the process. Moreover, refer to Get Golden Visa for more valuable information.
Good luck in advance with acquiring your second citizenship.
Turkey Citizenship by Investment
Turkey citizenship by investment program allows investors to invest in a real estate property in Turkey worth above $400,000 and obtain a Turkish passport. It’s one of the quickest citizenship-by-investment schemes in the world and doesn’t involve donations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai Citizenship by Investment
What is the golden visa in UAE?
The UAE government has rolled out an exclusive residency program called the “Golden Visa”, aimed at attracting foreign investors and top-notch talent to the country. This long-term visa allows eligible individuals to reside and work in the UAE for up to a decade, with the added advantage of renewability.
What are UAE Golden Visa requirements?
Golden Visa UAE application requirements differ depending on your profile. If you’re an investor the minimum investment amount for a 5-year residence permit is AED5 million. If you’re under the special talent category, the requirements range from accreditation to certificates.
Can I buy Dubai citizenship?
Buying citizenship directly isn’t possible. However, you can opt to buy property in UAE as an investor which can lead to citizenship. Some professions can also become eligible if they can prove their qualifications. Additionally, you must swear allegiance to the UAE. Having the UAE citizenship leads you to obtain UAE Passport, which sets an important asset. The UAE passport ranking reached 11th globally in 2024. UAE Passport holders get the option to travel to 183 countries through visa-free access.
Who is eligible for a Dubai golden visa?
- Real estate investors
- Entrepreneurs
- Professionals with accredited university degrees
- Investors in government-approved funds or businesses
- Outstanding students and graduates
Real estate investors, professionals with validated university degrees, and other qualified persons can receive a Dubai Golden Visa, which is a long-term resident visa. According to the federal tax office, in order to maintain this visa, you must have appropriate medical and residence insurance.
Some of the applicants will need a valid work contract, approval letter, salary certificate, and master’s degree certified from local or foreign universities.
What are the benefits of a Dubai golden visa?
There are numerous UAE Golden Visa benefits, including long-term residency, family sponsorship, multiple-entry visas, tax benefits, flexible residency, access to world-class amenities, and business and investment opportunities. Different investors can value any UAE Golden Visa benefit as the motivation to apply for this visa type.
What else do I need to know about Dubai Golden Visa for teachers?
You may need medical insurance as well when you are applying for the visa. Your university degree accredited may also be needed.
