The UAE Golden Visa gives you 10-year residency, no annual renewal, and full family inclusion. A property purchase of AED 2,000,000 or more qualifies you. Here is exactly how it works.
The UAE Golden Visa was introduced in 2019 and expanded significantly in 2022. It is now one of the most compelling residency-by-investment programs in the world — not because of what it promises on paper, but because of what it delivers in practice.
Holders live, work, and study in the UAE for 10 years without needing an employer sponsor, a local partner, or annual renewals. The visa covers the primary applicant, their spouse, children of any age (including adult children), and household staff. It does not require you to be in the UAE for a minimum number of days per year.
## The Property Route to the Golden Visa
To qualify through property investment: - The property must be located in the UAE - The purchase price must be AED 2,000,000 or more - The property must be owned outright, or your equity in a mortgaged property must equal AED 2,000,000 or more
Off-plan properties: An Oqood (preliminary registration) for an off-plan property priced at AED 2,000,000 or more qualifies for the Golden Visa during construction. You do not need to wait for handover.
Multiple properties: You can aggregate properties to reach the AED 2M threshold. Combined valuation must be verified through a RERA-certified valuation report.
## The Application Process
Required documents: - Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity) - Title deed or Oqood certificate - Valuation report (for mortgaged or aggregated properties) - UAE health insurance (can be arranged locally) - Medical fitness certificate (arranged in UAE)
Processing time: Typically 2–4 weeks from document submission. Total government fees: approximately AED 4,000–6,000 for the primary applicant, plus AED 2,000–3,000 per dependent.
## Golden Visa vs Investor Visa (2-Year)
The 2-year investor visa is available for property purchases of AED 750,000 or more. The 10-year Golden Visa costs slightly more and requires the higher AED 2M threshold, but provides dramatically more security and flexibility.
For anyone buying at the AED 2M+ level anyway, the marginal cost of getting the Golden Visa instead of the 2-year visa is minimal. It should be the default choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Golden Visa cover my spouse and children?
Yes. The Golden Visa covers a spouse, children of any age (including adults not yet married), and domestic helpers.
Can I get a Golden Visa if I buy off-plan?
Yes, provided the purchase price is AED 2,000,000 or more. The Oqood document serves as the qualifying title deed during construction.
Do I need to live in the UAE to maintain the Golden Visa?
No. Unlike standard UAE visa categories, the Golden Visa does not lapse if you are outside the UAE for extended periods.
Can I work in the UAE on a Golden Visa?
Yes. Golden Visa holders can work for any UAE employer, operate their own business, or be self-employed without an additional work permit.
Speak with an Elita Homes advisor today.