What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a 10-year residency status granted to major investors, with automatic renewal as long as eligibility criteria are maintained.
Key Benefits of the Golden Visa:
Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining the Visa
Option 1: Real Estate Investment
One or multiple properties with a total market value of at least AED 2 000 000.
- Ownership must be registered with the DLD/DMT;
- Partial mortgage is allowed, provided the unencumbered share is ≥ AED 2 000 000;
- Off-plan properties are eligible if fully paid to the developer.
Option 2: Bank Deposit / Investment Fund
Irrevocable deposit in banks or approved UAE funds amounting to at least AED 2 000 000.
- Capital lock-in period of at least 2 years;
- Deposit must not be pledged as collateral for other obligations (except a credit line secured by the deposit).
Features
Option 1: Real Estate Sale
The transfer of ownership is registered with the Land Department. The immigration system automatically requests confirmation of the new eligibility criteria or initiates visa cancellation.
Every 10 years, upon visa renewal, the following documents are required:
- A recent Real Estate Unit Value Certificate (for property investments);
- A Bank Letter of Continuity confirming the validity of the deposit (for deposit investments).
Option 2: Pledged Deposit and Credit Cards
Funds under the deposit option are effectively “frozen” for 2 years — the bank issues an Irrevocable Hold certificate for the ICP.
Most banks offer a secured credit card with a limit of up to 90% of the deposit amount. To maintain visa status, the following conditions must be met:
- Keep the deposit untouched until the end of the lock-in period;
- Make timely payments on the credit card balance;
- Do not use the pledged deposit to repay debts.
If early withdrawal of funds is required, the Golden Visa must be canceled in advance and the bank notified. After cancellation, the hold will be released and funds will become available.
General Application Procedure for Both Options
Important note: The Golden Visa application can only be completed while the applicant is physically present in the UAE.
Leaving the country during the application process is not permitted. If the applicant leaves before completion, the procedure will be canceled and must be restarted, including payment of all applicable fees and related expenses.
How Can Smart Advisors Group Help?
Frequently Asked Questions
Property owners with real estate worth AED 2 million or more, investors with an AED 2 million deposit or fund investment, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals with a basic salary of at least AED 30,000 a month, scientists, doctors, outstanding students and other talented people nominated by the authorities.
Yes. Since 2026 the decisive factor is the property's value of at least AED 2 million. Mortgaged property requires a bank NOC, and off-plan units must be certified by the land department.
Yes. You can sponsor your spouse, children and domestic workers, and parents under simplified conditions. Family members receive visas for the same period.
Yes. Unlike regular residence visas, the Golden Visa stays valid however long you are abroad.
Yes. You must be in the country until the process is complete. If you leave, the application is cancelled and must be restarted with new fees.
Pre-approval takes 5–7 business days and the entry permit about 5–10 days. With medical and biometrics, the whole process usually takes 2–4 weeks.
Our service fees depend on urgency of the case. Government fees, property valuation or the bank letter, medical tests and insurance depend on the category and are added separately.
