Golden Residence Permit (Investor)
United Arab Emirates
Last updated: December 19, 2025
5 years (renewable)
$82
2-6 weeks
High
About this Visa
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term investor residence permit designed to attract foreign investors seeking 5-10 year renewable residency. Available through four investment pathways: company ownership (AED 2 million+), real estate (AED 2 million+), bank deposits (AED 2 million+), or tax payments (AED 250,000+ annually). The visa offers 100% business ownership in most mainland sectors, family sponsorship rights (spouse, children of any age, parents), zero personal income tax, and multiple-entry privileges with no mandatory exit requirement. Unlike standard employment visas, residency is independent of employment, allowing visa holders to change jobs or operate businesses freely. Critical for Bangladeshi nationals: A special pilot nomination-based scheme launched August 2025 offers lifetime residency for only AED 100,000 (no property or trade license required) for professionals and entrepreneurs. Standard Golden Visa applies to all nationalities with no restrictions. The work/tourist visa ban affecting Bangladesh applies only to employment and tourist visas, NOT to investor residence visas. Processing typically takes 2-6 weeks. Medical fitness test (blood work, chest X-ray, physical exam) is mandatory. Recent 2025 updates removed the labour card requirement for investor visa holders, simplifying the residency process. The visa does not lead to citizenship but provides indefinite renewable residency.
Key Benefits
- 100% business ownership in most mainland sectors
- Family sponsorship - spouse, children (no age cap), parents, domestic helpers
- Zero personal income tax on worldwide income
- No local sponsor required
- Healthcare access and comprehensive insurance options
- Multiple-entry permit with no 180-day exit requirement
- Flexible employment - can work for own business or other companies with work permit
- Indefinite renewal options
- Easier access to banking, loans, mortgages
- Can reside in any of the 7 UAE emirates
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- No age restrictions
- No education requirement
- No language requirement
- No minimum experience required (but business investors should demonstrate track record)
- Medical fitness test mandatory - must pass screening for TB, HIV, Hepatitis B/C
- Clean criminal background required - no criminal record
- Must be able to financially support self and all sponsored family members
- Business must meet Ministry of Economy standards and financial performance criteria (for company investors)
- Property must maintain minimum AED 2M value or be replaced with equivalent/higher value (for real estate investors)
- All nationalities eligible - no nationality restrictions (official UAE policy)
Financial Requirement
Minimum AED 2 million investment via one of four pathways: (1) Company ownership/public investment in registered business, (2) Real estate property acquisition, (3) Bank deposit in UAE local bank (frozen for 2+ years), or (4) AED 250,000+ annual tax payments. Proof of financial self-sufficiency and ability to support sponsored family members required.
Documents
- PassportCopy of valid passport (notarized)
- PhotographPersonal photograph (white background, 3x4 cm, government standards)
- Medical CertificateMedical fitness certificate from DHA-approved center including blood tests (HIV, Hepatitis B/C, TB), chest X-ray, and physical exam
- Police ClearanceCertificate of no criminal record from home country and UAE Good Conduct certificate
- Health InsuranceValid health insurance covering minimum 1 year
- Housing ProofProof of housing in UAE (rental contract or property ownership)
- Business DocumentsFor company investors: audited financial report from accredited firm, valid trade license with partner appendix, bank statements, tax registration with receipts
- Property DocumentsFor real estate investors: property ownership certificate, Dubai Land Department status statement, property valuation certificate
- Bank ProofFor deposit investors: bank certificate proving AED 2M+ deposit frozen for 2+ years
- Tax DocumentationFor tax-route investors: Federal Tax Authority letter confirming AED 250,000+ annual payments
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.