Residency by Investment in UAE
- Live, work and study in the UAE
- Favourable tax system
- Visa valid for up to 10 years
Minimum Investment Amount
$110,000
Processing Time
2 weeks
Key Residency Benefit
Favourable tax system
Why is UAE a popular investment location?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is comprised of seven emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Even though it is a relatively young country, the UAE has established itself as one of the most attractive business centres in the world. The country is often in the top percentile for economic performance and innovation. It provides excellent business and investment opportunities for its residents and a good quality of life.
The UAE is also a hub for expats. Most of the country’s population is made up of foreigners, with only 12% of the people living in the UAE being Emirati.
About the UAE Residency by Investment programme
The UAE Golden Visa was initially launched in 2019, with changes to the programme being approved by the government in 2022.
These amendments have expanded the opportunities for individuals who previously were not eligible to obtain a UAE residence permit.
As well as other benefits, the UAE Golden Visa grants successful applicants the right to live, work and study in the UAE. Golden Visa holders can also maximise their wealth potential, thanks to a favourable tax system for residents. This includes no income tax and minimal corporate tax.
What are the Benefits of Residency in the UAE?
Live, work and study in the UAE
Visa is valid for up to 10 years
No sponsorship needed
Favourable tax system
Quick and straightforward process
Exclusive health care packages
How to obtain Residency in the UAE
Real Estate
There are several categories that are eligible for the Golden Visa, however the most popular and straight forward is the Real Estate Investor option. Real estate investors can obtain a Golden Visa by purchasing:
- A minimum investment into a property with a minimum value of 545,000 USD / AED 2 Million. This can be a cash purchase or a mortgage, covering both off-plan and completed properties. In the case of an off-plan property, you will not receive the title deed until you have paid 24% of the value (20% deposit and 4% to Dubai Land Department). If it’s a completed property, you will not receive the title deed until successful transfer of ownership, regardless of cash or mortgage.
Holborn’s affiliated entity Archway has a wide selection of projects available to assist potential investors in their investment choices and find the choice that is the best possible fit for them and their families.
Key Benefit of Residency in the UAE
The UAE Golden Visa allows foreign nationals to obtain a long-term residency visa by making a qualifying investment.
As UAE tax residents, investors benefit from a favourable tax system, which includes no capital gains, inheritance or income tax. There is also very little corporate tax to pay.
As a result, Golden Visa holders can maximise their wealth potential by optimising their tax situation without living in the country full time.
Unlike other UAE immigration visas, the applicant can remain outside of the UAE for longer than six months without losing their Golden Visa status.
Frequently asked questions
Unlike other UAE immigration visas, which are usually valid for only 2-3 years, the UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year visa.
To meet the eligibility criteria, applicants must:
- Be in good health
- Have enough funds to make the investment
The UAE Golden Visa grants long-term residency to foreign investors, not citizenship directly.
However, certain Golden Visa holders may be eligible to apply for citizenship if they have provided exceptional services to the country. Citizenship is granted on a case-by-case basis by the UAE government.
The principal investor can include others on the application. Those eligible are:
- Spouse
- Children up to the age of 25
- Parents
- Unlimited number of domestic helpers
Which programme is right for you?
| Citizenship or Residency Programme? | Citizenship or Residency Programme?Residency | ||
| Minimum Investment Amount | Minimum Investment Amount$110,000 | ||
| Minimum Stay Requirement | Minimum Stay RequirementN/A | ||
| Initial Permit Duration | Initial Permit Duration10 years | ||
| Time to Residence | Time to Residence2 weeks | ||
| Time to Citizenship | Time to Citizenship30 years | ||
| Family Inclusion? | Family Inclusion?Spouse, children up to 25, parents & domestic helpers | ||
| Right to Work? | Right to Work?Yes | ||
| Type of Document Received | Type of Document Received?Residency permit | ||
| No. of Visa-Free Countries with Passport? | No. of Visa-Free Countries with Passport?0 | ||