The UAE Golden Visa: A 2025 Guide to Long-Term Residency

The UAE Golden Visa program continues to be a significant draw for individuals seeking long-term residency in a dynamic economic hub. Introduced in 2019, this initiative provides a 10-year renewable visa to investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals, granting them the ability to live, work, and study in the country without a national sponsor. This guide breaks down the updated eligibility criteria for 2025, the benefits, and the important tax considerations for applicants.

Table of Contents

• Golden Visa Pathways for Investors
• Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs
• Key Benefits of the Golden Visa
• Understanding the Tax Situation in 2025
• How to Apply for the Golden Visa
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Golden Visa Pathways for Investors

For those looking to secure residency through capital, the investor track offers two primary routes.

Real Estate Investment

An individual can qualify by purchasing property worth at least AED 2 million. This investment can also be financed through a loan from specific local banks. The property must be retained for at least two years after the visa is granted, and it applies to both ready and off-plan properties from approved developers. For guidance on the UAE business ecosystem, check out our guide on how to start a business in the UAE.

Public Investment

Another path involves committing at least AED 2 million into an accredited local investment fund. Alternatively, an investor can establish a new company in the UAE with capital of AED 2 million or become a partner in a company with a share value of the same amount.

Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs

The UAE actively encourages business innovation through its entrepreneur visa category. Applicants can qualify through one of three distinct criteria:

• Own a project with a minimum capital of AED 500,000 that is approved by a business incubator in the country.
• Be an owner or partner in a small or medium enterprise (SME) that generates annual revenues of at least AED 1 million.
• Be a founder of a previous entrepreneurial project that was sold for a total value of not less than AED 7 million.

The UAE’s thriving startup ecosystem, supported by various government initiatives, has made it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs. To learn more about launching a startup in the UAE, check out our article on Entrepreneurship in Dubai.

Key Benefits of the Golden Visa

Holding a Golden Visa provides a range of advantages that go beyond standard residency:

• Long-Term Stability: The visa is valid for 10 years and is renewable, offering security for individuals and their families.
• No Sponsor Required: Visa holders have the freedom to live and work in the UAE without needing an employer or national sponsor.
• Family Sponsorship: Holders can sponsor their spouses, children (with no age limit for unmarried daughters and sons up to 25), and parents.
• Business Ownership: The visa facilitates 100% ownership of businesses on the UAE mainland, a significant benefit for entrepreneurs.
• Extended Time Abroad: Unlike other visas, Golden Visa holders can remain outside the UAE for more than six months without their residency being nullified.

The UAE continues to introduce benefits to attract more applicants, solidifying its reputation as a desirable destination for skilled professionals and wealthy investors. You can read about other residency programs by visiting our UAE Residency Guide.

Understanding the Tax Situation in 2025

While the UAE is known for its favorable tax environment, it is important for Golden Visa holders to understand the current regulations.

• 0% Personal Income Tax: Individuals are not taxed on their salaries, capital gains, or inheritance.
• Corporate Tax: For those who own or operate a business, a federal corporate tax is in effect. This involves a 9% tax on business profits that exceed AED 375,000 annually.
• Applicability: This tax applies to mainland companies and certain free zone entities that do not meet the criteria for "Qualifying Income." Learn more in our detailed guide on Corporate and VAT Tax Services.

How to Apply for the Golden Visa

The application process is streamlined through official online portals, but it requires careful preparation of documents and adherence to specific steps.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Gather Documents

First, ensure you meet the criteria for your chosen category. Then, collect all necessary documents.

• General Documents: All applicants need a valid passport (with at least six months' validity), a recent passport-sized photograph with a white background, and valid UAE health insurance. As of recent updates, you must also submit a copy of your passport's outer cover page.
• Category-Specific Documents: You will also need documents specific to your application type. For example:
  • Investors: Property title deed or proof of an AED 2 million investment.
  • Professionals: An attested degree and a valid employment contract showing the required minimum salary.
  • Entrepreneurs: An approval letter from an accredited business incubator or proof of your project's value.

Important Note: Any documents issued outside the UAE must be legally translated into Arabic and attested by both your home country's authorities and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Step 2: Submit the Application

You can submit your application through the official government channels. The primary portals are the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) website or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for applications in Dubai. If you are applying from outside the UAE, you must first apply for an entry permit and then complete the Golden Visa process after you arrive.

For smoother processing and expert guidance, you may also consider professional legal services in the UAE.

Step 3: Complete Medical and Biometric Checks

All applicants aged 18 and over must complete a medical fitness test at an approved health center in the UAE. In some cases, you may also be required to schedule an appointment to provide your fingerprints and other biometric data if it is not already on file.

Step 4: Final Approval and Visa Issuance

After your application receives pre-approval, you must cancel your existing UAE residency visa (if you have one) before the Golden Visa can be issued. Once the cancellation is complete, the authorities will issue and stamp the new 10-year visa in your passport. Your new Emirates ID card will be delivered shortly after.

Golden Visa FAQs

Q1: Can I get a Golden Visa with a mortgaged property?

A: Yes. You can qualify by investing in a property worth at least AED 2 million, even if it is mortgaged, provided the loan is through an approved local bank.

Q2: What is the minimum property value required for a Golden Visa?

A: The property must be valued at AED 2 million or more, whether ready or off-plan, and must be retained for at least two years.

Q3: Does holding a Golden Visa automatically make me a UAE tax resident?

A: No. Residency and tax residency are separate. The Golden Visa alone does not grant tax residency.

Q4: How can I become a UAE tax resident with a Golden Visa?

A: To be considered a tax resident, you must stay in the UAE for at least 183 days in a 12-month period and apply for a Tax Residency Certificate.

Q5: Do I still need a work permit if I have a Golden Visa?

A: Yes. The Golden Visa provides long-term residency but not work authorization. Your employer must still issue a labor card through MOHRE or an ID card if you are employed in a free zone.

For more in-depth information on visa processing times and requirements, see our Visa Processing in the UAE Guide.