
DUBAI
GOLDEN VISA
The Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that allows talented foreigners to live, work, or study in the UAE and enjoy exclusive benefits. This program is for investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, pioneers in humanitarian fields, and frontline healthcare workers. Learn about the conditions, benefits of the Golden Visa, and the online services for applying for the visa.

Update on Golden Visa for Investors
The UAE's Golden Visa policy for real estate investors has undergone positive changes since 2022.
Previously, to apply for a Golden Visa (10-year long-term residence visa), investors needed to invest between 5 - 10 million Dirhams (AED). However, according to the new law effective from October 2022, the minimum investment amount has been reduced to 2 million Dirhams (AED), equivalent to approximately 545,000 USD.
In addition to the reduced investment level, the new policy also offers several other benefits:
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No limit on time spent abroad: Golden Visa holders can now travel freely between the UAE and other countries without any restrictions on the duration of their stay outside the UAE.
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Purchasing off-plan properties: Under the old policy, investors could only purchase completed properties to apply for a Golden Visa. However, you can now purchase off-plan (under construction) real estate projects as well.
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Mortgage financing for property purchase: Investors are also allowed to take out bank mortgages to finance the 2 million Dirham investment, making property ownership in the UAE more accessible.
Furthermore, the Golden Visa program still offers the option to apply for a 2-year residence visa with a minimum investment of 750,000 Dirhams (AED), equivalent to approximately 204,000 USD.
Overall, the new changes to the Golden Visa policy create more favorable conditions for foreign investors to own property and reside long-term in the UAE.
BENEFITS OF GOLDEN VISA DUBAI
01
Residing in the UAE or Choosing a 'Safe Haven'
The Golden Visa program allows investors and their families to relocate to the UAE, one of the wealthiest and most developed countries in the world. Additionally, investors can freely visit the country at any time.
However, residing in the UAE is not mandatory. Investors holding a residence visa only need to visit the UAE once or twice a year to maintain their residency status.
02
Tax Optimization:
Income, capital gains, inheritance, gifts, and real estate in the UAE are tax-free. However, starting in 2023, a corporate tax rate of 9% will apply to companies with profits of AED 375,000 or more. This tax rate remains lower than in many other countries.
03
Opening a Bank Account in the UAE
With a residence card, investors are permitted to open accounts at UAE banks in USD, EUR, Dirham, or other currencies. These accounts are suitable for savings and conducting international money transfers.
04
Obtaining a Driver's License in the UAE
To drive in the UAE, residents are required to hold a locally issued driver's license. Typically, obtaining a license involves passing theoretical and practical driving tests. However, citizens of certain countries, such as the USA, UK, Germany, Australia, Turkey, Spain, India, and several others, may be able to exchange their existing national driver's licenses for a valid UAE license.
05
Accessing the UAE's Healthcare and Education Systems
Foreigners with a UAE residence card are eligible for treatment at local medical clinics. The UAE is a world-renowned medical tourism hub, with leading specialists in fields such as dentistry, orthopedics, dermatology, and fertility.
The children of investors can enroll in schools and universities in the UAE. The country has numerous high-quality international schools, and higher education programs are predominantly taught in English.
06
Emirates ID Card
Allows the holder to enjoy similar benefits to UAE citizens (excluding the right to vote and run for office).
07
Visa for the Whole Family
The applicant (investor) can sponsor their spouse and children for long-term visas. The investor's parents can also be granted a 1-year visa.
08
Obtain the Esaad Privilege Card
Esaad is Dubai's discount program. Members of the program can receive exclusive offers, bonuses, and discounts of up to 70% at shops, clinics, service companies, and other establishments both within and outside the UAE.
09
Opportunity to Obtain UAE Citizenship
While typically foreigners must reside in the UAE for 30 years to be eligible for naturalization, certain exceptional cases may be granted citizenship in recognition of significant contributions.
The UAE passport allows you visa-free travel to 176 countries, including those in the Schengen area, the UK, and Canada. This is a significant advantage for international travel.

A.
REQUIREMENTS
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Applicant: Over 18 years of age. Able to prove the legal origin of income. No criminal record. Not afflicted with dangerous communicable diseases such as HIV or tuberculosis.
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Applicant's spouse: 18 years of age or older. No criminal record. Not afflicted with socially dangerous communicable diseases.
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Children: Unmarried sons under 25 years of age. Unmarried daughters of any age. Not afflicted with socially dangerous communicable diseases (if the child is over 18 years of age).
B.
FORMS OF INVESTMENT
You can apply for a 10-year UAE residence visa by purchasing real estate.
Investors can buy property in Freehold Zones – these are areas that allow foreigners to own land outright.
The minimum investment amount is AED 2,000,000, equivalent to approximately USD 545,000. This amount is independent of family size. Investors can obtain a mortgage from UAE banks with a 20% down payment.
Estimated Total Costs:
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Property Purchase Price: USD 545,000 and above (AED 2,000,000)
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Registration Fees: USD 21,800 and above (AED 160,000)
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Government Fees for Visa and ID Card: USD 1,043 (AED 3,860) per person
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Medical Examination: USD 220 and above per person
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Health Insurance: USD 400 and above per person
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Document Translation, Notarization, and Consular Legalization: USD 1,000 and above per person
