UAE

Golden Visa, Residency by Investment

A long-term Gulf residency pathway for investors, entrepreneurs and families seeking a global business base, flexible presence rules and a tax-efficient platform.

A Gulf residency programme built around flexibility and access.

The UAE operates a government-regulated Golden Visa programme. Eligible applicants may qualify for a long-term, renewable residence permit through a prescribed investment or qualification route, subject to government review and all applicable requirements.

GCA Advisory helps clients understand the programme, compare routes, prepare strategically and coordinate the professional process from initial assessment through application.

UAE at a glance

Key programme points for an initial discussion. Government fees, DLD/ICP charges and other costs are additional.

01

AED 2,000,000

Real estate route, one or more qualifying properties totalling at least AED 2 million, evidenced by an official valuation.

02

AED 2,000,000

Public investment route, an approved investment fund, UAE-incorporated company equity, or a qualifying bank deposit, subject to approved terms.

03

10-YEAR RESIDENCY

Most investment-route Golden Visas are issued for 10 years and are renewable, without the need for a local sponsor or employer.

04

FAMILY OPTIONS

Eligible spouses, children and, in most cases, parents of the applicant may be sponsored under the Golden Visa rules.

Two principal investment routes

We help you understand the capital commitment, qualifying structures, family inclusion and documentation before you choose a route.

01

Real Estate Investment

Ownership of one or more UAE properties with a combined value of at least AED 2,000,000, evidenced by an official Land Department valuation. Multiple properties can be combined to reach the threshold, and mortgaged or off-plan property may qualify once the certified value and applicable conditions are met.

02

Public Investment / Business Route

A minimum of AED 2,000,000 deployed into an approved investment fund, paid-up capital in a UAE-incorporated company, or a qualifying bank deposit on approved terms. A separate pathway exists for certain investor and entrepreneur categories based on an annual tax contribution of at least AED 250,000, subject to eligibility.

Why clients explore the UAE

01

Tax-efficient base

UAE residents benefit from 0% personal income tax on salaries and wages, and no inheritance or capital gains tax on most assets, subject to the applicable rules and your own tax-residency position.

02

Global business hub

A strategic base between Europe, Asia and Africa, with a mature financial centre, strong infrastructure and a large international business community.

03

Family planning

Eligible family members can be sponsored under the Golden Visa rules, allowing families to plan around a coordinated, long-term strategy.

04

Flexible presence

Unlike standard UAE visas, the Golden Visa has no minimum stay requirement — holders may remain outside the UAE for extended periods without the residency becoming invalid.

How the process works

A structured process designed to keep the application clear, coordinated and professionally managed.

01

Strategy call

We review your objectives, family profile, source-of-funds position and wider mobility goals.

02

Route selection

We explain the available investment and qualification pathways and the cost structure relevant to your circumstances.

03

Document preparation

We coordinate the required information and work with the authorised professionals involved in the application.

04

Submission & review

The application is submitted through the required authorised channels (DLD, ICP or GDRFA, as applicable) and undergoes government review.

05

Approval & residence permit

Following a successful decision, the required investment is completed and the Golden Visa residence permit is issued under the programme rules.

A notable strategic consideration: tax residency

Holding a UAE Golden Visa is not the same as becoming a UAE tax resident. A separate Tax Residency Certificate generally requires meeting the UAE’s own presence and documentation requirements, commonly including spending a minimum number of days physically in the UAE within a 12-month period.

Important: Your tax position in your home country depends on that country’s own rules, not on holding a UAE visa. We recommend independent tax advice alongside your mobility strategy.

Why work with GCA Advisory?

We position the UAE programme within the bigger picture. Instead of treating residency as a standalone transaction, we assess how it fits your mobility, family, investment and long-term planning objectives.

Private strategy-led consultation
Programme and route comparison
Family-structure assessment
Document and professional coordination
Clear explanation of fees, stages and requirements
Confidential client communication

Frequently asked questions

What is the UAE Golden Visa?

It is a government-regulated long-term residency programme under which eligible applicants may obtain a renewable UAE residence permit through a qualifying investment or other approved criteria, subject to government review and approval.

What is the minimum investment for the real estate route?

The current threshold is AED 2,000,000 in qualifying UAE real estate, which can be a single property or a combined portfolio, subject to official valuation and applicable rules.

Can my family be included?

Eligible spouses, children and, in most cases, parents of the applicant may be sponsored under the Golden Visa rules. Exact definitions and additional costs depend on the family structure.

Is there a minimum stay requirement to keep the visa?

No. The Golden Visa itself has no minimum stay requirement. Note this is separate from UAE tax residency, which has its own presence requirements.

Does the Golden Visa automatically make me a UAE tax resident?

No. The Golden Visa is a residence permit. UAE tax residency is a separate status with its own requirements, commonly including minimum physical presence, and does not follow automatically from holding the visa.

Is the UAE right for your global strategy?

Start with a private assessment. We’ll review your objectives and explain the programme pathways relevant to your circumstances.

Important notice: GCA Advisory provides advisory and coordination services. Residency, immigration, tax and investment outcomes are subject to the laws, regulations, eligibility criteria, due diligence and decisions of the relevant UAE authorities, and to the laws of your home country. Programme thresholds, fees and procedures have changed in recent years and may change again. Information on this page is for general information only and should be independently verified before making an investment or application decision.