VIEN

UAE residency by investment

Introduction

The UAE residency by investment programme by Prosperous Living Investment (PLI) supports investors in obtaining a 10-year Golden Visa in the United Arab Emirates — long-term residence rights without the need for an employer sponsor.
Real estate investment from 2 million AED (~US$545,000), bank deposit, or business investment, including spouse and children in the same application. The visa is renewable indefinitely with no requirement for permanent residence. No personal income, capital gains, or inheritance tax.
Introduction to UAE residency by investment

Programme Overview

Investment level

Real estate from 2 million AED (~US$545,000), 2 million AED bank deposit, or business investment from 2 million AED. Investors aged 55 and over: real estate from 1 million AED (5-year visa).

Processing time

From a few weeks to a few months after completing the investment and submitting the full application. This is the fastest process among global Golden Visa programmes.

Benefits

10-year residence visa, renewable indefinitely — live, work, study, and do business in the UAE without a sponsor.

Residence requirement

No requirement for permanent residence in the UAE. Absence from the UAE does not affect the validity of the Golden Visa.

Family

Includes spouse, unmarried sons under 25, and unmarried daughters (no age limit). Parents can be sponsored via a separate visa.

Citizenship

The Golden Visa does not lead directly to UAE citizenship. UAE citizenship requires a separate and more stringent process.

Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa

Independent residence
The Golden Visa grants 10-year long-term residence rights without the need for an employer, sponsor, or any form of restriction. The investor has full control over their residency path.
Live and work
Golden Visa residents are permitted to live, work, study, and do business in any of the UAE emirates. Access to world-class infrastructure, healthcare, and education systems.
Freedom to conduct business
Investors are permitted to establish, own, and operate businesses in the UAE. Open bank accounts, manage assets, and conduct international transactions without limits.
Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa
No income tax
The UAE has no personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or gift tax. A 9% corporate tax only applies when profits exceed 375,000 AED per year.
Profitable real estate
The Dubai and Abu Dhabi real estate markets offer rental yields of 6% to 8% per year in key areas. Investors have the right to own, rent, and transfer property freely in freehold areas.
Strategic location
The UAE is located at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa — a global trade and financial hub. English is the primary language of business, with over 200 nationalities living together.

Residency by investment pathway

Real estate investment

Real estate investment

Purchase one or more properties in a freehold area with a total minimum value of 2 million AED (~US$545,000). Completed or off-plan properties from approved developers are eligible. Mortgaged properties are also accepted if the market value meets the minimum threshold. This is the most popular method, accounting for over 60% of Golden Visa applications. Investors aged 55 and over only require 1 million AED (5-year visa).
Bank deposit

Bank deposit

Minimum deposit of 2 million AED in a UAE bank in the form of a fixed deposit, Sukuk bonds, or investment bonds. The deposit must be maintained for the duration of the visa validity. Suitable for investors who do not wish to manage property, prioritising liquidity and capital safety.
Business Investment

Business Investment

Invest in or own shares in a business in the UAE with a minimum value of 2 million AED, confirmed by an audited financial report. Includes businesses in free zones and the mainland. Suitable for entrepreneurs looking to expand business operations in the Middle East.

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Programme requirements

Lawful source of funds

Prove the legal origin of all investment capital. For real estate, provide a title deed from the Land Department (DLD/DARI). For businesses, provide an audited financial report.

Investment level

Real estate minimum 2 million AED (or 1 million AED for investors aged 55 and over). Bank deposit minimum 2 million AED. Business minimum 2 million AED in share value.

Health insurance

The investor and all dependents must have valid health insurance in the UAE. Insurance is mandatory according to federal regulations.

Residence in the UAE

Must have proof of residence in the UAE (owned or rented property). If investing in real estate, this requirement is met. If using a bank deposit or business investment, a tenancy contract must be provided.

Education and language

No requirement for English proficiency, academic qualifications, business experience, or maximum age limit (except for the 5-year visa which requires being 55 or older). Applicable to all nationalities.

Background

No criminal record. Must pass a medical examination. Not subject to a UAE entry ban. Must pass the security clearance (due diligence) process of the UAE government.

Implementation process

Obtain a UAE Golden Visa for the whole family with the team of experts at Prosperous Living Investment.

Consultation and selection

PLI specialists assess financial conditions, residency goals, and family size. We provide advice on the most suitable investment route: real estate, bank deposit, or business. PLI connects you with reputable real estate and banking partners in the UAE. Duration: 1–2 weeks.

Complete the investment

The investor completes the real estate purchase (registered with DLD), bank deposit, or business investment. PLI assists with legal due diligence, contract signing, and fund transfers. Duration: 2–4 weeks.

Preparation and submission of application

PLI prepares the application file, including the title deed, proof of funds, health insurance, and supporting documents. The Golden Visa application is submitted to the GDRFA or the relevant service centre. Duration: 1–2 weeks.

Approval and entry visa issuance

Following verification, the investor receives a 6-month multi-entry visa. You must travel to the UAE for a medical check, biometric scanning, and to register for an Emirates ID. Duration: 2–4 weeks.

Receive the 10-year Golden Visa

After completing the medical check and biometrics, the investor and their family receive the 10-year Golden Visa. The visa is automatically renewed if investment conditions are maintained. Family sponsorship (spouse, children, parents) is available immediately after receiving the visa.
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Effectiveness

There is no one-size-fits-all here. Prosperous Living builds a personal strategy for each file based on financial capacity, business experience and family goals. That strategic approach makes the best use of time and resources and improves the chance of success.

Transparency

Prosperous Living advises within the law, works to a clear process and keeps up with the latest policy from each host government. Every pathway, cost and risk is explained in detail from the outset, so clients can make their investment decision with complete peace of mind.

Professionalism

The Prosperous Living advisory team works to a standard process, coordinating closely between immigration specialists, legal experts and partners worldwide. From assessment and documentation to post-arrival support, every step is methodical and joined up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are common questions from clients regarding the UAE residency by investment programme. If you require more detailed advice, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

AED 2,000,000 (approx. US$545,000) in real estate, bank deposits, or business investment to receive a 10-year visa. Investors aged 55 and over only require AED 1,000,000 in real estate to receive a 5-year visa. Additionally, a 2-year residence visa (not a Golden Visa) can be obtained with real estate from AED 750,000. Programme conditions are as announced by theUAE Government.

From a few weeks to a few months after completing the investment and submitting all documents. The UAE has the fastest processing time among global Golden Visa programmes. Most of the time is spent selecting and finalising the investment, rather than waiting for approval.

The Golden Visa includes a spouse, unmarried sons under 25, and unmarried daughters (no age limit). Parents are not included in the Golden Visa application but can be sponsored via a separate visa if the investor meets income and housing requirements.

There is no requirement for frequent residency. The Golden Visa allows investors to be absent from the UAE without affecting the visa's validity — a major difference compared to standard residence visas (which are cancelled if absent for more than 6 months).

Yes. Investors can combine the value of multiple properties to reach the AED 2,000,000 threshold, provided all are registered in the investor's name. Mortgaged properties are also accepted if the market value meets the minimum requirement.

The Golden Visa does not lead directly to UAE citizenship. UAE citizenship requires a separate and more stringent process, through government nomination for investors, professionals, or individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the UAE.

The UAE has no personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or gift tax. A 9% corporate tax only applies when profits exceed AED 375,000 per year (approx. US$102,000). There are over 100 double taxation avoidance agreements. The AED is pegged to the USD.

Yes. Off-plan real estate purchased from approved developers in freehold areas is eligible for the Golden Visa, provided the total value reaches at least AED 2,000,000. This is a popular option as off-plan prices are often lower than completed properties.