Dubai Golden Visa 2026: Dubai Investor Visa & Residence Permit

What is the Dubai Golden Visa?

The Dubai Golden Visa (Golden Visa) is a program by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that provides a residence permit for 5 or 10 years. It is also known as the UAE Golden Visa, UAE Residence Visa, and Dubai Investor Visa. Stay informed about the benefits and latest developments of the Dubai Golden Visa.

  • Renewable 10-year residence permit
  • Minimum real estate investment of 2 million AED (approximately $545,000)
  • Family members included, no sponsor required
  • No residency obligation in the UAE
  • Full access to education and healthcare services
  • Right to work and establish a business
  • Tax advantages (no personal income and capital gains tax)
  • Processing time only 2 months

Dubai Golden Visa Consulting

Lawyer, Real Estate & Consulting Partners

Experience the Dubai Golden Visa application process in a reliable, transparent, and results-oriented manner! You can manage your application end-to-end with Dubai consultancy.

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Dubai Golden Visa Consulting

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Dubai Golden Visa Requirements

The Dubai Golden Visa provides a long-term residence permit of 5 or 10 years to foreign nationals who meet certain investment, talent, and qualification conditions. As of 2026, the general application requirements are as follows:

Dubai Golden Visa Family Members

The investor’s spouse, unmarried sons under the age of 25, and unmarried daughters without any age limit can be included in the program. In addition, children of any age with physical or mental disabilities can also be covered by the visa. Depending on the nature of the application, investors can also apply for an unlimited number of residence permits for domestic staff such as nannies, maids, and drivers. These employees must be over 18 years of age and not pregnant.

Dubai Golden Visa Real Estate Investment

Towers by Paramount

Damac District

Couture by Cavalli

Chelsea Residences

Riverside

Application Process

How to Get a Dubai Golden Visa?

You can simplify the Dubai Golden Visa application process with professional support through our partners. By choosing the most suitable lawyer and consultant for you, you can plan the process either online or via face-to-face meetings. A large part of the applications can be completed without going to Dubai; however, it is necessary to visit the UAE at least once for health checks and biometric procedures. The whole process is completed in an average of 2 months.

Due Diligence and Review

Our partners identify potential risks by analyzing your documents and background. This preliminary assessment reduces the possibility of the application being rejected and increases your chances of getting a visa. Due diligence is conducted by a certified Anti-Money Laundering Officer in accordance with the principle of confidentiality.

Preparation of Documents and Obtaining a 6-Month Multiple-Entry Visa

Our partner lawyers prepare the documents required for the application completely. These documents are notarized, translated by sworn translators, and approved by the relevant consulate. Afterwards, you are allocated a 6-month multiple-entry visa so that you can inspect the properties on site and complete your health checks.

Real Estate Purchasing Process

It is also possible to make real estate investments without going to Dubai. Our real estate consultants present projects suitable for your goals and budget. The purchasing process is carried out with the assistance of our partner lawyers, and the title deed is officially registered.

Medical Examination and Health Certificate

Together with your family, you undergo a health check at authorized clinics in Dubai. During this process, screenings for infectious diseases are carried out, and a fluorography (chest X-ray) is taken. The health fitness certificate is one of the mandatory documents for your application to be completed.

Biometric Procedures and Visa Application

You must submit your biometric data during your application to the Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFAD). Your application is subject to a due diligence process to determine that it does not pose a threat to national security and public order. Procedures are completed within 7 days. If additional documents or explanations are requested, a period of typically 30 days is granted.

Receipt of Dubai Residence Card

After your application is approved, your residence cards (Emirates ID) are delivered by authorized institutions in Dubai. The UAE residence visa is stamped into passports. As long as the investment continues, the residence card can be automatically renewed every 10 years.

Who Can Apply for Dubai Golden Visa?

The Dubai Golden Visa program provides significant conveniences for international talents who want to live, work, or study in the UAE by offering the right to long-term residency. Special conditions and documents are required for each category. The main groups that can benefit from the program as of 2026 are as follows:

Those who buy real estate worth at least 2 million AED, or whose construction is 50% completed, or those who invest the same amount in a government-approved investment fund can apply for a 10-year residence permit. Alternatively, business owners who pay at least 250,000 AED in annual taxes can also benefit from this right.

Entrepreneurs who own a technical or innovative startup established in the UAE with a value of at least 500,000 AED can apply. The startup must be approved by an auditor, the relevant emirate authority, and a business incubator. A 5-year residence permit is usually granted; it can be extended if conditions continue.

High school students with a general GPA of at least 95% can obtain a 5-year residence permit with the approval of the Ministry of Education. Those who graduate from universities in the top 100 of world rankings or those who graduate with a high GPA from accredited universities in the UAE can apply for a 10-year visa.

Individuals holding a PhD degree in artificial intelligence, engineering, healthcare, and other strategic fields can apply for a 10-year residence permit provided they document their academic contributions. An employment contract and experience provide an advantage but are not an absolute requirement.

Individuals teaching in the UAE who are nominated by education authorities (such as KHDA) and who have made social contributions can exceptionally obtain a residence permit. This right is not open to all teachers and requires special evaluation.

Artists, writers, designers, and individuals engaged in cultural production can obtain a 10-year residence permit through the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. It is expected to present a national or international award, publication, exhibition, or achievement certificate.

Individuals working in strategic technology fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science can apply. A valid employment contract with a salary of at least 30,000 AED is generally required for application. The criticality of the field and the profile of the employer are also taken into consideration.

Individuals over 55 years of age can obtain a 5-year residence permit by meeting one of the conditions of owning a property worth at least 1 million AED, savings of the same amount, or a monthly income of 15,000 AED.

Doctors who hold a valid medical license in the UAE and have at least 5 years of experience can apply for a residence permit. A basic salary of at least 30,000 AED per month, a valid employment contract, and academic qualification documents are required. Doctors who meet the conditions are granted a 10-year residence permit.

Dubai Golden Visa Investment Options

Within the scope of the Dubai Investor Visa, applicants who want to obtain a 10-year residence permit through investment can choose one of the following investment options:

🏢Real Estate Investment: One or more completed properties with a value of at least 2 million AED (approximately $545,000) must be purchased. The property must be registered in the applicant’s name, and the investment must belong entirely to them (it must not be mortgaged or purchased only with limited credit support). The real estate must be approved by the Dubai Land Department. Within this scope, a 10-year residence permit is granted to the applicant.

💼Public Investment (Fund or Company Capital): A commercial or industrial company with a capital of at least 2 million AED can be established, or a minimum of 2 million AED can be invested in an accredited investment fund in the UAE. In addition, with a document to be obtained from the Federal Tax Authority, the applicant must prove that they pay at least 250,000 AED in tax per year.

🚀Entrepreneurship Investment: You must own a start-up established in the UAE, of a technical or forward-looking nature. The value of the venture must be at least 500,000 AED and the project must be approved by an auditor, the relevant emirate authority, and a business incubator. Within this scope, a 5-year residence permit is granted; it can be extended as long as the conditions continue.

💳Passive Investment or Bank Deposit (Limited in some emirates): In some cases, a bank deposit of 2 million AED or fixed-income investment instruments can also be evaluated within the scope of the program. The eligibility of this option may vary depending on the emirate you apply to and your personal profile.

Residence Permit by Buying a House in Dubai

Residence Permit through Real Estate Investment in Dubai

It is possible to obtain a residence permit (residence visa) by purchasing real estate in Dubai. Investors making real estate investments can purchase properties from completed properties or projects whose construction is at least 50% completed. These properties must be located in freehold zones where property rights are granted exclusively to foreigners and must be purchased with full ownership (freehold).

Real Estate Investment: One or more completed properties with a value of at least 2 million AED (approximately $545,000) must be purchased. The property must be registered in the applicant’s name, and the investment must belong entirely to them (it must not be mortgaged or purchased only with limited credit support). The real estate must be approved by the Dubai Land Department. Within this scope, a 10-year residence permit is granted to the applicant.

Vize Türü
2 Yıllık Oturum Vizesi
5 Yıllık Emeklilik Vizesi
10 Yıllık Golden Visa

Minimum Investment

750.000 AED



2 million AED or specific income/savings

2 million AED

Property Status

Completed or 50% completed

Completed, unencumbered (mortgage-free)

Completed, 50% paid if mortgaged

For Whom

Investors

Retirees over 55 years of age

Investors

Our Expert Partners

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Dildora Dosmuratova

DAMAC Bussines Development Manager

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Dubai Golden Visa Changes

The Dubai Golden Visa has been regularly updated since 2019 and its scope has been progressively expanded. Originally a program targeting only investors, it has evolved over time to include professionals specialized in fields such as science, art, technology, healthcare, and education. These changes are an important part of the UAE’s strategy to attract global talent to the country.

2019: The UAE launched the UAE Golden Visa program, providing 5 or 10-year renewable residence permits for investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and individuals with exceptional talents.

2020: Special categories were introduced for healthcare workers and frontline professional groups during the COVID-19 period. The same year, high-achieving high school and university students began to be granted 5 to 10-year residence permits.

2022: The minimum investment amount for real estate investors was set at 2 million AED. In addition, the opportunity to invest in off-plan projects was provided.

2023: Application processes were simplified for artists, writers, designers, and creative industry workers. With the approval of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, 10-year residence permits began to be granted to these individuals.

2024: Special application rights were granted to professionals in strategic fields such as artificial intelligence, big data, cybersecurity, and engineering. 10-year residence permits were directly granted to those working in these fields.

2025 (May): New categories were added to the program: healthcare, education, digital content creation, e-sports, and luxury yacht ownership. Additionally, special application paths were created for teachers, nurses, and certain social professional groups.

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Costs, Expenses

Dubai Golden Visa Prices

The cost of the Dubai Golden Visa ranges between approximately $587,500 and $597,500 for an average family of four.

  • Investment Amount (Real Estate): $545,000
  • Visa and ID Application Fee (entire family): $4,700
  • Health Insurance (entire family): $2,000
  • Translation and Notary Expenses: $4,000
  • Registration Fee (after real estate purchase): $21,800
  • Lawyer & Consultancy Fees: $10,000 – $20,000
  • Dubai 10-Year Golden Visa Price: $587,500 – $597,500

These costs may vary depending on the number of people in the family, the emirate where the purchased property is located, and the scope of the preferred consultancy service. Contact us for detailed fee information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a UAE freehold area?

Freehold areas are specially designated zones where foreigners can purchase real estate with 100% ownership rights. In these areas, the title deed is issued entirely in the buyer's name, granting indefinite ownership rights.

What are the main freehold areas in Dubai?

There are many freehold areas in Dubai where foreign investors can buy property with 100% ownership. Prominent areas include Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), Dubai Hills Estate, Arabian Ranches, Meydan, Al Barsha South, DAMAC Hills, Bluewaters Island, and Dubai Silicon Oasis (selected areas). These areas offer high demand, modern infrastructure, transportation, and social amenities in terms of living and investment.

Are there other freehold areas across the UAE?

There are freehold areas open to foreigners in other emirates outside of Dubai as well. While prominent areas in Abu Dhabi include Yas Island, Al Raha Beach, and Saadiyat Island; Sharjah features Tilal City and Aljada; Ras Al Khaimah features Al Marjan Island, and Ajman features Al Zorah as the main freehold areas where foreigners can acquire property. Each emirate may have different regulations regarding property rights and application requirements.

What is freehold ownership?

Freehold Ownership means that foreigners completely and indefinitely acquire the title deed of a property in certain areas of Dubai. The buyer can sell, rent, or bequeath the property and has full disposition rights. This right is only valid in freehold zones.

What are the required documents for the Dubai Golden Visa?

Required documents for the 10-year Golden Visa application may vary depending on the application category (e.g., investor, professional, student, etc.). However, the basic documents for those applying through real estate investment are: Valid passport, biometric photograph, health insurance and health check report, title deed (property valued at at least 2 million AED), payment receipts or mortgage documents, marriage and birth certificates (for family applications) with notarized translations. All documents must be in English or Arabic. Additional documents may be requested depending on the applicant's situation. Geçerli pasaport Biyometrik fotoğraf Sağlık sigortası ve sağlık kontrol raporu Tapu belgesi (en az 2 milyon AED değerinde gayrimenkul) Ödeme dekontları veya ipotek belgeleri Evlilik ve doğum belgeleri (aile başvurularında) Noter onaylı tercümeler (gerekli ise) Tüm belgeler İngilizce veya Arapça olmalıdır. Başvuru sahibinin durumuna göre ek belgeler talep edilebilir.

What is the minimum salary for the Dubai Golden Visa?

As of 2026, skilled professionals applying for the Dubai Golden Visa are required to receive a basic monthly salary of at least 30,000 AED. Accommodations, transportation, or other side benefits are not included in this amount.

How is health insurance obtained for the Dubai Golden Visa?

A one-year health insurance approved by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) must be obtained from insurance companies operating in Dubai. The insurance must cover hospital services, emergencies, and basic health expenses.

How is the health check performed?

Blood tests and chest X-rays are performed at authorized health centers. This check, which screens for infectious diseases, is mandatory before application, and results are generally announced within 1-2 days.

Which countries can be visited with a Dubai residence permit?

Countries that can be visited visa-free with a UAE residence permit include: Georgia, Albania, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Nepal, Maldives, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, and Mauritius. A Dubai residence permit does not grant visa-free entry to European and Schengen countries.

How is a Dubai residence permit obtained?

A residence permit in Dubai can be obtained through ways such as working, setting up a company, freelance work, or real estate investment. Among these options, obtaining a residence permit by purchasing a home is a profitable path both because it offers long-term advantages and provides investment opportunities.

Buying and renting out a property in Dubai: Rental and tax system

The average annual net rental yield varies between 6% and 10%. This rate may vary depending on the location, condition, and rental period of the property. There is no personal income tax in Dubai. Therefore, you do not pay any tax on the income you generate from the property you rent out. Our partner real estate and property management companies rent out the property in your name, handle rent collection, and manage maintenance and administrative processes. Thanks to this, you can continue to earn passive income even if you are away from your home.