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 as a part of the UAE Golden Visa.
The UAE Golden Visa is a long term residency opportunity for investors and special talents. In this article, we’ll answer your questions on how to get UAE citizenship and check out the requirements.
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What You Will Discover in This Article
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- Brief Summary: UAE Golden Visa
- What Is the UAE Golden Visa?
- Benefits Of Having a Golden Visa in Dubai
- Who Is the Golden Visa UAE for?
- Dubai Golden Visa Requirements
- 10-Year UAE Residence Visa for Investors
- 2-Year UAE Residence Visa for Investors
- Dubai Golden Visa for Teachers
- Golden Visa UAE Fees
- How To Apply for the Golden Visa UAE
- Golden Visa UAE Validity
- Tax Consequences of The UAE Citizenship
- Renewal of The UAE Golden Visa
Brief Summary: UAE Golden Visa
- UAE Golden Visa gives investors or special talents the right to live in from 5 to 10 years.
- The United Arab Emirates aims to attract special talents, as well as investors that can contribute to the UAE economy.
- It grants residency for investors, entrepreneurs, teachers, exceptional talents, scientists and professionals, and humanitarian pioneers. Therefore, applicants must be in one of these groups to be eligible.
- The visa process includes getting an entry visa, making your investment, submitting your application with all required supporting documentation. Then, you can see your application status through a text message and e-mail. It generally takes around 3 months.
- The application cost for the UAE Golden Visa is 10,400 AED, including exceptional fees.
- To apply, individuals must show a salary certificate, a minimum of AED 50,000.
- Non-UAE citizens can benefit from long-term residency options, visa-free travel to specific locations, profitable real estate investment options, and family inclusion.
What Is the 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.
Benefits Of Having a Golden Visa in Dubai
The benefits of the Golden Visa UAE include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Dubai Golden Visa is a self-sponsored visa since no sponsorship from an employer is required.
- With the Golden Visa UAE, you’re able to extend your stay outside the UAE beyond the typical six-month limit to maintain the validity of your residence visa.
- You’re able to include your spouse and children, regardless of their ages.
- You do not need a separate work or employment permit to work in the Emirates.
- You can have access to health, education, and other services that the government provides.
- You can benefit from visa-free travel to 133 countries and visa-on-arrival to 47.
- The growing real estate market gives non-UAE individuals an opportunity to access high-value investment options.
- Golden Visa holders do not have to pay income tax. Besides, the country has double taxation agreements with several countries. Therefore, you do not have to pay taxes on the same income.
Who Is the Golden Visa UAE for?
UAE Golden Visas target various types of individuals who want to get residency in the UAE, including:
- Investors
- Entrepreneurs
- Teachers
- Exceptional talents
- Scientists and professionals
- Outstanding students and graduates
- Humanitarian pioneers
- Frontline heroes
In the following section, you can find the information regarding the eligibility criteria for the 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 2 million.
- 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 UAE 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.
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 AED 2 million.
Investment methods include:
- 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 for UAE Long Term Visa
- 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.
Inclusion of Family Members
The 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 six months.
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 the UAE Citizenship 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 option, first, it begins with a nomination from your institution where you work as a teacher. If your institution supports your application, then they will initiate the nomination process by using the Knowledge and Human Development Authority system.
Requirements for Dubai Citizenship 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
Other Applicants
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 Award
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.
Golden Visa UAE Fees
UAE Golden Visas fees differ depending on the type of service and visa category that you’ve chosen to use.
- If you’re making your application from the UAE the costs will range from AED 2,800 to 3,800
- The fee for those who apply from outside of the UAE ranges from AED 3,800 to 4,800.
How To Apply for the Golden Visa UAE
Note that the application process for UAE Golden Visas is straightforward.
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 the 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 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 the UAE to maintain your residence permit.
Tax Consequences of The 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.
As one of the top countries with no income tax, 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.
The UAE Double Tax Treaties
More than 130 countries have double tax treaties with the United Arab Emirates. These countries include the following:
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Algeria |
Armenia |
Austria |
Azerbaijan |
Belarus |
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Belgium |
Bosnia and Herzegovina |
Bulgaria |
Canada |
China |
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Czech Republic |
Egypt |
Estonia |
Finland |
France |
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Georgia |
Germany |
India |
Indonesia |
Ireland |
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Italy |
Kazakhstan |
Republic of Korea |
Latvia |
Lebanon |
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Luxembourg |
Malaysia |
Malta |
Mauritius |
Montenegro |
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Morocco |
Mozambique |
The Netherlands |
New Zealand |
Pakistan |
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Panama |
Philippines |
Poland |
Portugal |
Romania |
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Serbia |
Seychelles |
Singapore |
Spain |
Sri Lanka |
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Sudan |
Switzerland |
Syria |
Tajikistan |
Thailand |
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Tunisia |
Turkey |
Turkmenistan |
Ukraine |
Uzbekistan |
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Venezuela |
Vietnam |
Yemen |
Inheritance Tax
There is no inheritance tax system. But in the absence of a will, inheritance is handled by 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. Thereby the UAE allows for dual citizenship, you just need to check with your country of origin.
Renewal of The UAE Golden Visa
After you get your UAE Golden Visa, it will be valid for 10 years. Then comes the renewal process before your visa expires, at least one or two months earlier. Here is how you can renew your Dubai Golden Visa:
- Submit your renewal application along with all the necessary documents. These are listed below:
- A copy of your passport (valid for at least six months.)
- A copy of your Golden Visa
- Emirates ID
- Health insurance
- Certificate of Medical Fitness
- Records related to investments or businesses (for investors and entrepreneurs).
- Proof of your current employment.
- Pay the renewal fee, which is around AED 5,000 to AED 10,000.
- When your renewal is accepted, make sure to update your UAE ID.
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.
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Alternatives to The UAE Golden Visa
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.
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 The UAE Golden Visa
Can I buy Dubai citizenship?
Buying citizenship directly isn’t possible. However, you can opt to buy property in the 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 a 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.
Does Dubai Golden Visa lead to citizenship?
Dubai Golden Visa does not directly lead you to citizenship. However, if Golden Visa holders provide exceptional service to the country, they can be granted citizenship.
How long can you stay out of Dubai with a Golden Visa?
There are no restrictions, unlike other Golden Visa countries.
Can US citizens get the UAE Golden Visa?
Yes, US citizens can obtain the UAE Golden Visa if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Is the UAE Golden Visa the same as citizenship?
The UAE Golden Visa just offers you a long term residency path. The road to citizenship can be done through decent, naturalization, marriage and exceptional merit.
What is the age limit for Golden Visa in Dubai?
As long as individuals meet certain criteria, there is no age restriction.
Why was your Golden Visa rejected in the UAE?
The rejection can be due to the lack of experience, unstable financial status, inconsistencies among the documents you submitted, or other related things.
Will I get a Golden Visa if I buy a house in Dubai?
Yes, you can get a 10 year residence visa if you buy a property in Dubai which is worth AED 2 million.
